Chapter 14

As she revealed these details, Arianna glanced at me from time to time, but I kept my expression neutral, neither shocked nor interested in the sexual preferences of the other residents here.Each companion in turn, diverted his or her attention temporarily to me with a simple nod of polite acknowledgement.Only Eman offered a revealing and tantalizing peak at her personal life, her speech peppered with a zesty, tangoed accent."I am a child prodigy," she professed, "I began with the piano, but my music teacher seduced me.Of course, I fell in love with sex and now I make love like a tigress in heat."She ended with a guttural roll of her tongue and the sensuous purr of that wild tiger.

Smiling, I continued to survey the room, pairing each companion with his or her employer, just for reference.Another young woman, with a tray of little sandwiches in her hands, came out of the kitchen and paused behind the fascinating quartet of Shalimar, Isis, Dreama and Eman.She didn't share the others good looks, in fact, had more of a full-figured shape, her hair and eyes a plain brown.Always the proper hostess, Arianna made sure to introduce us."And this is Faun.She's what we call a companion-in-training, new to our little group."

I simply nodded at Faun who just blinked back. Then I addressed Arianna."Well, you certainly have a good representation of race, identity and culture here, a man or woman for every taste."

"The management strives to offer a variety of companions to suit the tenants' needs."With the swish of her flowing hem, Arianna started for the bar, a nook decorated in sleek chrome and icy white Lucite.Glass shelves held a variety of liquor bottles in all sizes and colors while crystal cocktail glasses sparkled in the recessed lighting."May I fix you something to drink, Cadye?"

I shook my head."No, sorry, I'm still on duty.Can we talk in a more private area?I won't take up too much of your time."

"Of course."Arianna molded her lips in a candid smile."If you don't mind we can talk in the bedroom."Or what had been the scene of the crime.But Arianna had been quick to strip away the detritus of murder and replaced it with the soft, baby-blue linen accouterments of serenity and peace.She took a seat on the bed."Now what can I do for you, Cadye?"

Taking a casual stance, I leaned against the dresser and consulted my notes."Last evening Officer Sebring took several things from the nightstand drawers, among them 'implements of sexual enhancement.'His words not mine."Glancing up, I formed a half-smile.

Arianna laughed sweetly and rose from the bed."That's a polite way of putting it!Gavin enjoyed his 'implements of sexual enhancement' from time to time."

"I suppose you want them back."

"Actually, they belonged to Gavin."Arianna batted her long lashes, her eyes of polished amber beneath satin lids."They're really not mine, but you can claim them if you like."

I never missed a beat."I'll think about it, Arianna.Now I'd like to know if Mr. McAllister entertained other sexual partners here."

For the first time the companion's lovely expression slipped a notch."To tell you the truth, I really don't know.There were times when Gavin gave me the night off, and I would leave the apartment to attend a show, a movie, or meet friends for drinks. I have to admit that I enjoyed my free time as much as my time spent with Gavin; but when I returned later on in the evening, I always found him alone, usually asleep."She shrugged her slim shoulders."Of course, he could have easily entertained visitors without my knowledge.He certainly didn't tell me what he did with his time in my absence."

Nodding, I scrolled to the information I wanted and held out my visual pad."Please take a look at this notation in Mr. McAllister's personal planner.Perhaps you can help identify who or what he means."

Coming over to face me, Arianna accepted the notebook I handed her and carefully considered the information.Then, glancing up, she shook her head."Sorry, but these initials mean nothing to me.Of course, Gavin often went down below-I mean to Terre Cite on business, or so I assumed.Oh, but wait a minute!"She suddenly brightened with a thought. "I remember him mentioning that he met with some associates at a nightclub along the Sunset Strip.These associates from out of town wanted to experience a certain form of entertainment."

I helped spur Arianna's memory."Could it have been strip tease dancing or some other provocative routines?"

Arianna glanced at the ceiling."Gavin alluded to the kind of raunchy stage shows offered at these clubs, but went no further than that.I suppose he wanted to spare my sensibilities, but I certainly don't offend that easily."

She offered an adroit smile. "I just never took a great deal of interest in the way he entertained business associates, especially if it involved the provocative display of women nude or semi-nude.Oh, I'm not prudish in the least, but as a woman, I find that kind of entertainment rather-silly.Although, I assume that the women who perform in these clubs find some sort of enjoyment or fulfillment from it."

Now I had to smile."They have to be exhibitionists at heart, I think.Thank you, Arianna.That bit of information might prove more helpful than you think."

"I certainly hope so."As Arianna returned my display, she slipped her arm around mine and then tugged me close so that our hips touched."Now, you must join us, at least for hors d'oeuvres.I made tea sandwiches and blini wraps, and we have petit fours, too."

The thought of real food again definitely aroused my interest and appetite. "I'd love to, Arianna.Thank you."

A sudden, loud commotion from the next room interrupted our little tête-à-tête. We quickly approached the living area and found Morrison standing near the first group of women, his face mottled with anger and indignation.Isis had melted into Dreama's arms, her slender shoulders rising and falling with her sobs. Eman spoke up as she stood on a nearby table, her long index finger pointed accusingly at the drone."He did it!He slapped Isis, the bastardo!"

"What's going on here?"After releasing me, Arianna strode indignantly up to Morrison with the sway of her gown's silky folds.

Morrison huffed and puffed as the taller woman looked down at him."You know as well as I do that employee fraternization is strictly off limits!"

Arianna crossed her arms."I don't remember reading such in the bylaws."

"Well, it's there.Too much fraternization promotes dissent and incites revolt."

As I joined the duo, my gaze continued to focus on the smarmy manager."Morris-can I call you Morris?No one is doing anything illegal here.Look around you!Does this look like a den of iniquity, filled with counter-revolutionaries?"

"Well-no," Morrison blustered.

"It looks to me that everyone here is enjoying a nice, relaxing get-together before they have to go back to work.You can understand the need for a little relaxation now and again, can't you, Morris?"

"Sure, of course--"

"Then you should leave and allow everyone to enjoy what little time they have left."As I spoke, I took firm, decisive steps forward, causing the drone to do a shuffle in retreat."And if you're a good boy, Arianna might give you a special treat for your generous allowance."

Morrison donned a florid smile."Oh, all right. Something a little extra would be nice."He needn't mention what everyone in the building already knew, that the insipid manager gladly accepted kickbacks in exchange for his silence about certain activities that occurred with salacious frequency, no particular floor of the twelve-story tower immune to the comings and goings of its randy residents.

Arianna went to the bedroom and returned moments later."Here you go," she murmured upon returning and handed the manager a fifty dollar bill."Let's forget all about what goes on here, shall we?"

"Yes, yes-of course." He slipped the bill into his coat pocket, his gaze already brimming with what his bonus would buy, not much, but enough to satisfy him for now.Then, spinning around, he ambled as fast as he could towards the entrance.

As soon as he left, the group whistled and clapped, their appreciative gazes aimed collectively at me and their hostess.Isis, who had recovered from her blow, added a couple of thank-yous for our efforts.

"I appreciate what you've done, Cadye," Arianna offered, her smile warm and gracious."In fact, I owe you one."

"No you don't," I countered."You already gave me what I need in the way of information.But you probably shouldn't have fed Morrison's greed."

Arianna let out a little sigh."It's what we have to do around here to survive.We take some, we lose some.Besides, it was Gavin's money from his rainy day stash."

I absently twirled the ends of my hair, a habit I indulged in every once in awhile while I engaged my thought processes. The snippy drone might turn out to be a problem I'd much rather not have to deal with. "Well, let's hope it keeps Morris' trap shut for awhile.Maybe I'll have a little talk with him before I leave."Now my gaze swept around the room in search of more interesting fare."You mentioned the possibility of wraps and cakes earlier.Does the offer still stand?"

Smiling once more, Arianna swept her hand towards the bar."Right this way, detective."