CHAPTER NINETEEN

"Wow, you look great," smiled Red.

"Red, I'm wearing shorts and a simple top," she smiled. "You're being very kind."

"I'm being honest. You look great. All of you. You've done something different to your hair, and your nails are a different color."

"You noticed?"

"I notice everything about you, Shelby. Thank you for my note. I've got it saved in my bedside table."

"That's very sweet," she said, touching her hand to her heart.

"I feel the same way. The dinners, conversation, all of it has been wonderful." He took her hand, and they started down the path toward the cafeteria. "I was wondering if we could talk about our relationship."

"Oh. Yes. I mean, sure."

"Shelby, whatever is happening in that pretty little head of yours, make it stop. I want to ask that we be exclusive. Just you and me." She stared at him, shaking her head with a smile.

"You surprise me every time. I thought you were going to say something very different. I have no intentions of dating anyone other than you, Red. Although, it might get harder when all this is settled and I move back to my place."

"Well, it could get difficult, or you could stay here," he said, shrugging his shoulders.

"What do you mean? Live here? I don't think I could afford whatever the rent is on that cottage. Plus, eventually, I'm going to need to find a new job. Your legal team is pretty spectacular and negotiated a one-year severance package for me. Especially after Amber died, the company didn't want any more negative publicity."

"Then you have some time to think about it," he said, squeezing her hand. "You could work here or at one of the businesses here. Or, you could start your own dating site."

Shelby laughed, shaking her head.

"I'm not sure that's my forte, but I'll give it some thought. As for you and me, I'm happy to be exclusive."

"Good," he said, turning to face her on the path. His hands framed her face, and he moved closer to her. "I've been wanting to do this."

His mouth covered hers, nibbling at first, then fully tasting her flesh. Shelby let out a seductive moan as he pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist. She gripped his shoulders, slowly allowing her arms to relax around him.

Red pulled back, seeing the glassy look in her eyes. He kissed the tip of her nose, happy to see that look.

"You're very good at that," she smiled.

"So are you. Come on, let's get some food," he grinned.

While they ate, the team told Shelby about their new friend, Clint, and what he'd been through. She couldn't help but be pleased that they didn't get another victim. Later that evening, they were planning on finding the address he'd given them.

"The site is still up and active," said Code. "We don't want to shut it down unless we absolutely have to. It's our way of finding them, eventually."

"I just hate that others are having to go through this. What about the bar? Riley's?" she asked.

"You're onto something there," said Nine. "Right now, we've got a few of our female counterparts at the bar. Code was able to tap in and find out who was meeting up where tonight. We think the woman is meeting someone at Riley's. If she is, we'll find her."

"Was someone helping her at the bar?" asked Shelby.

"We think so. We're not sure how, but Hazel, Piper, and Ani took over for a few people tonight." Code got a message on his phone, looking down and grinning.

"Seems we were right. Hazel said the regular bartender was more than willing to spill the beans. A woman gives him three hundred dollars every time she comes in. He looks the other way, makes sure the drinks keep coming, and everyone leaves happy."

"Everyone except the poor man or woman who gets drugged and robbed," frowned Shelby.

"The police are questioning him now. So far, they don't know much of anything. With any luck, one of their people will walk through the doors tonight."

"What can I get you?" asked Ani. She looked at the woman, her blouse revealing an ample set of purchased breasts. She wore skintight jeans, high heels, and the brightest red lipstick she'd ever seen.

"Where is Kurt?" asked the woman.

"Don't know. I'm the bartender. What do you want?"

"Martini. Dry."

"Coming right up," said Ani. It had been years since she'd bartended for anyone. A martini wasn't difficult, but it had to be decent, or the woman would suspect something.

"Here you go."

"Thanks," she said, looking around the room.

"You waiting on someone?" asked Ani.

"Oh, yeah. A blind date. You know how that goes." Ani just stared at her, not saying anything.

"Actually, I don't. I never had a blind date. Married my brother's best friend."

"Lucky you," smiled the woman. "He must not make a lot of money if you have to work here. That's not for me."

"I do alright, and so does my husband. I work here because I like it, and I need the money," shrugged Ani.

"How'd you like to make a few hundred extra tonight?" Ani stared at the woman, unsure of where she was going with this.

"I don't know. What do I have to do?"

"Just keep the drinks flowing. Don't do anything to them. I don't want anyone freaking out. I just need them a little tipsy."

"You're not doing anything weird with them, are you?"

"No, no," the woman laughed. "Listen, between us girls, I like sex. Sometimes, these blind dates need a little help to get moving. You know what I mean?"

"I know what you mean, but usually, alcohol doesn't help that along. It makes it worse."

"True, but I don't go overboard. I just need them relaxed."

"Yeah. Okay, yeah. Sure. Why not," smiled Ani.

"Great!" she smiled. Turning toward the light of the open door, she recognized the man walking through. "Here he is. Wish me luck."

"Sure thing. Good luck," smirked Ani. Ani immediately tapped comms to let them know that their victim had arrived. He was a nice-looking man, small frame, but handsome. He was way overdressed for Riley's, and the woman immediately noticed.

The bosomy blonde walked with him to a table, setting her drink down in front of him. She folded her arms on the table and leaned forward, pressing her breasts upwards as one button popped. Ani could see the poor bastard swallow, trying not to look directly at the woman.

"Is that the target?" asked Hazel. She had on a racer-back tank top, her sleeve of tattoos making her lean, muscular arms look badass. Previously, she'd shaved the underside of her hair but had since let it grow. Now, the long reddish-blonde tresses were colorful and vibrant.

"That's her and the poor schmuck who thinks he's going to get lucky," frowned Ani. "Where's Piper?"

"Getting ready to take their order. She's going to spill something on the woman." They heard a loud crash and a woman cussing. "And there it is."

Ani and Hazel laughed, watching as the woman excused herself, and Piper leaned over to the man, speaking softly.

"Listen to me, that woman is about to drug you and take you back to her apartment where I'm sure you'll have mind-blowing sex and then pass out. When she's sure it's safe, she'll steal your credit cards, cash, identity, everything. Just a suggestion, but get the fuck out of here."

"H-how did you know that?" he asked.

"Dude, are you staying or leaving?" He looked at Piper, then over her shoulder at the two women at the bar.

"Are they with you?"

"Yes. We're going to stop this woman from doing this to any other men or women."

"Yeah. Yeah, okay. I'm leaving," he said. "Geez, I hate online dating."

Piper wiped up the spilled glass of water, waiting for the woman to return to the table. She could hear the clicking of the heels and turned, standing to her full height of almost six feet.

"Where is he? Where did he go?" she demanded.

"He went somewhere safe."

"I don't know what you mean," she said, trying to move around Piper. Hazel and Ani stepped around the bar, walking toward the two women.

"Oh, I think you know what I mean. How many of these poor unsuspecting, bastards have you robbed? Does that boob trick always work for you? I'm just curious."

"Wh-what are you talking about? Move. Get out of my way!" she screamed. Other patrons turned to stare at the women. Ani raised her hand, waving to someone at the door.

"Time to go for a little ride, sweetie," said Ani. "My good friends here have a lot of questions for you."

The woman turned to see two large men walking toward her. For a brief moment, you could see that she was going to use all of her assets to lure them in. Instead, she was met with looks of disgust and a vice-like grip on her upper arm.

"Let's go, Jezebel. We've got a few questions for you."