The Next Evening
The rumble of the waves crashing against the shore fills my ears as I take a sip of my ice-cold beer.
Zeke leans back in his chair, gazing out at the moonlit ocean.
Skyler and Aidan also sip on their beers, enjoying the calm moment before the storm we all know is on its way.
After yesterday's meeting, we agreed to meet up today in an attempt to get to know each other. The co-leaders of our fragile little alliance—the Snakes, the Brixtons, and my team… I guess you could call Aria, Josef, Florian and I the Unknowns. Because we all have secrets. Double lives, if you will. Although I'm guessing my business is about to become front and center of the conversation.
"So, what's your line of work, Dimitri?" Zeke asks, turning his attention to me. I knew this question was coming. It was only a matter of time.
I can’t help but smile, because I don’t know if they’re prepared for my answer.
“I mean, other than the obvious? You must have a front for another business, at least. Laundromat? Convenience store?" Aidan asks, his nose slightly upturned.
I hesitate for a moment, swirling the beer around in my glass. Do I trust these men enough to reveal the truth? Or do I stick to my usual vague response?
Ah, what the hell. We're plotting to take down the most dangerous man on the island chain. I think it's time for some honesty between allies.
"I run an exclusive club downtown. We caterto a...particular clientele with specific desires. A club where we make people’s darkest dreams come true."
Zeke's eyebrows shoot up, but he doesn't interrupt.
Skyler almost chokes on his drink. "Wha—we have one of those here?"
Zeke’s eyes fly to meet mine. “You mean…” The rest of his words escape him.
Aidan looks at me with a blank stare, his brow furrowed.
"Yes, several actually. A collection of sex clubs. Our flagship is here, and we have outposts on every island. I'm looking at expanding to the mainland soon."
"Oh, so it's thriving then?" Zeke leans in, intrigued.
I smile and shrug. "Sex is an evergreen business. It doesn't matter if there's a recession, war, famine, general societal anxiety... people are doing it, people want to do it. They can't get enough. And in uncertain times when they're cutting back, well... they want more from clubs like mine."
Skyler whistles. “Really…”
"It started out many years ago as an underground spot for people looking to live out their deepest, darkest fantasies. No judgement, no shame. Just a safe place to indulge. Over time, word spread among certain circles. Now… well let's just say business is booming."
I take another swig of beer, letting that sink in.
Skyler leans forward, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "So what do you do there, exactly? Other than the obvious."
I chuckle. "Our services are broad. We've got private rooms for every taste. Costumes, props, you name it. We also have themed events, live entertainment. It's a full sensory experience."
Aidan shakes his head in disbelief. "And that actually pays the bills? There's enough people into that stuff here to keep multiple clubs running?"
"You'd be surprised," I reply with a smirk. "Let's just say, an island paradise like this, it brings out people's wild side. And we're there to facilitate it. And there's a mixture, too… people who live here and have made it part of their lifestyle, and visitors who like to let their hair down while they're on vacation."
The guysall look at each other, a mix of shock and intrigue on their faces. This conversation has taken an interesting turn, but I don't mind indulging their curiosity.
In our line of work, we take our thrills where we can find them.
I take a long pull from my beer, savoring their rapt attention. There's an art to spinning a good yarn, and I've had plenty of practice over the years.
"Like I said, we offer a judgment-free environment. Client privacy is paramount. We screen all our staff thoroughly and they're discreet as can be." I pause for effect, letting the anticipation build. I take a sip of my drink, the ice clinking in the glass. "Have you been to a club like this before?"
Aidan shakes his head. "Well, no..."