Free Human Interaction by Cheyenne Meadows

"But…"
    He shrugged. "PI here. It pays to have friends in high places."
    "Oh." A nagging question neatly filed away jumped to my attention. "What is the round rubber thingy covering the drain in a urinal?" I tapped my chin, looking up at them. "Why can't you just pee in the toilet?"
    They snorted, turned their backs, and strode off without a word.

CHAPTER 7
     
    I pushed my way through the masses of women once more, clinging carefully to my purse, lest a pickpocket spring up and snatch it away. The bouncer must have recognized me as he'd just rolled his eyes when I had appeared at the door earlier. I couldn't fathom why he had reacted in such a manner, since I'd kept my promise last time and didn't touch anything. In fact, I probably should have been commended as one of the best behaved females in the entire room.
    Hoping the tiny table stood empty, I headed toward the far wall. If my luck failed, I might just have to give it up for the night instead of elbowing through the crowd once more. Someone above must have been looking over me as the table appeared in my line of vision, empty and compelling. Grateful, I plopped down in the seat, lightly dropping my purse on the table. My jeans and pink blouse appeared plain and uptight compared to the tiny skirts and low cut shirts favored by other women visiting.
    Why was I even here? I'd posed that question to myself a dozen times on the drive in. Surely I had more than enough information from my little adventure to adequately write out my human interaction paper. Could it be something else that drew me back? The scenery perhaps? Though a little nervous and concerned about a repeat attempt, I'd just had to return. Banish the bad memories once and for all.
    The lights dimmed as the music thumped loudly announcing another dancer. A familiar dark head with wide shoulders and six pack abs stepped out. His leopard print loincloth left little to the imagination. Deltoids and nicely conditioned biceps popped out with his dance movements. Thigh muscles sprang taut with each swing or step.
    My eyes watched of their own volition. Despite his bulk, he moved with sheer masculine grace. Enticing, yes, but with a twist of elegance thrown in. His talent definitely drew women to the club like a fresh kill in the Savannah lured hungry predators for miles, all interested in their portion of the prize.
    I pulled my attention from the stage and focused on the hordes of women around the room, most of whom stood a few feet in front of him, waving money. Their faces brightened with excitement as he stepped near, their hands dipping into his thong to deposit a tip.
    I sighed. Maybe this was what drew me back. I needed to see Meat and Ducky again, to make sure they were doing well, which made little sense. They had been alive and well when I'd left them at the library forty-eight hours ago. The thunderstorm had passed without any serious damage to Clearwater City. No injuries had been reported. If I knew without a doubt they were just fine, then I landed back at square one.
    Alex sidled up to my table, grinning down at me. "Meat got your tongue?"
    I stared mutely up at him. Last time I had visited, he'd personally handed me the bottle of water I now realized contained some variety of date rape drug. Granted, he could be completely innocent in the matter, just delivering what he was told. Then again, maybe not. My neck hairs didn't stand up, no subtle warning signs sparked inside my brain. Yet, I just couldn't be positive whom to blame for the whole mess.
    Tilting his head, Alex paused. His grin faded. Doing a quick scan of the room, he quickly sat down in the chair opposite me. "Listen, I heard about what happened…"
    I watched his face, not uttering a word.
    He released a weary sigh and picked at the small round tray he carried drinks on. "I swear I didn't know. If I did, I would have beaten the guy to a pulp."
    Those blue eyes peered into mine, sincere and apologetic. My tough shell cracked. "Thank