h the scent of whiskey and expensive cologne. Laughter and the clinking of glasses filled t

out throaty murmurs of approval, while

usso, w

ad just called my name, though I

e said smoothly. "I must confess, you look

lost cause. He appeared to be in his mid-thirties, tall and

then shook his head. "That sounds st

laughing heartily. "Who says you can't bu

, and I had to admit

e I'm done with what I'm doing, I mi

very investigation had to start somewhere. And

wave of revulsion rolled over me. Strippers swayed against drunk, glassy-eyed men. Cocaine line

I saw

tled me from the start. The man

chair had always been his. A crystal glass of Scotch rested in his hand, his f

ward him. If he was surprised, he didn't show it. His eyes tracked my approach wit

g seat," I said, my

ing a slow sip, then sets the

ver me, assessing. "Funny.

sides. "Who the hell

is lips. "You already know t

ay he says it sends a

e question leaves my l

rward, resting his forearms on the table. The air betwee

oice smooth as silk, "wha

s. He's taunting

le, steadying myself. "I'd

his eyes. He picks up his drink again, taking

we'll see how