Bate Read online

  She’d dressed for the part, the girls had insisted. She had high heeled thigh high boots on in black leather, black tight jeans and a bustier in red and black. Her hair short spiky was bleached white. It was in stark contrast to her tanned skin and outfit. She’d worn little in the way of makeup, she didn’t like it full on. Some eye liner, mascara and a bit of lippy it was about her limit. She’d come because her staff were important to her and she wanted to fit in with them. She was new to this town, so was the business, it was important to mix with the locals and get to know people. This was a first step in that direction.

  Ena checked out the crowd. It was busy but under control. Plenty of security ensuring that people enjoyed themselves but didn’t get out of hand. It was a good mix. So was the music. Mainly up beat with a few oldies thrown in. It kept people on the dance floor, which meant that they would be thirsty and drank more. They would have a good time and again, drink more. Win win, as long, as it remained good natured and there was the rub, it often, with too much alcohol, led to much more and if not careful, the cops and closure. It was a delicate balancing act. Ena could appreciate the co-ordinated good business model being exploited to its fullest.

  Carol and Jace came back from the bar with two drinks each. One for each of them. Kirsty was her other employee and Jace her friend. The four of them sat and drank for a bit. The music making it difficult to communicate. Small talk about the town and people the main conversation. “So what do you think of our town?” Jace asked her. “I like it. I think we will do well here.” Ena told her. “You have two great staff in these gals.” Jace told her smiling and jostling her friends. “Yep, they’ve been a big help in setting things up. It feels good that the last of the security went in before we opened this week. I would have delayed otherwise. No risk is worth it.” Jace nodded along with the others. “What made you come here?” Ena felt sadness immediately. “My Dad. He knew some people here from a long time ago and wanted to bring his work. He did most of it before he died. It seemed right to still come.” Kirsty reached out and squeezed her hand. “He’d be proud of the shop Ena.” She nodded. Yes, he would.

  The design of the shop had been hers. She wanted the highest-grade security walls, they could take a head on blast, had defensive armoury and isolating viewing rooms, with a top level delivery security, with nothing local or tagged. She wanted her people safe. Her time in the military had given her a good sense of self preservation, her father, the rest. She always carried a weapon. It had saved her life on more than one occasion. Her thoughts were interrupted by a brawl breaking out three tables over. Collage kids. Too much to drink. “Jace, move back towards Kirsty, that’s getting nasty,” she told her indicating with her head the direction of the disturbance. Kirsty moved over. It was moving their way. Fast. Bar security was moving in but the fighters were getting too close, they were going to be blocked in their booth. Ena knew she had to get out or they would become trapped and caught up in the fight. The lead protagonist backed into her as she exited the booth he tried to swing at her. On instinct, she unclipped her gun and raised it to his head. “Stand down or lose it.” She told him firmly and loudly. The guy realised the gun was at his head and cooled off. Ena looked at the other guys, “you need to leave, don’t care who started it or what it’s over, your leaving.” She told them.

  The guys in front of her backed away and went back to their table grabbing their stuff in a real hurry, by that time security had arrived both at their table and at her side. “This one belongs to you,” she told the three big guys who had closed in around her pointing at the bozo who’d taken a swing at her. She stepped back and lifted the gun, putting the safety on , holding it up and slowly securing it away in her back holster. Ena retook her seat and kept an eye on the fighter as he was led away by two of the security. “You guys all ok?” she asked her girls. They all nodded. “Fire arms are not allowed in the club.” The last big security guy told her. Ena looked up at the huge male who was now standing at the end of their booth. “Hand it over or leave. Now.” Ena looked at the male. He was impressive. Big and clearly used to getting his own way. She guessed she was supposed to be intimidated only she wasn’t. “Won’t be handing it over.” She told him calmly. “Hay, they started it and it would have reached us before you did,” Jace called out to him. “Its fine, I think I’ve exhausted my club time for one day.” She told her girls rising from her seat. “I’ll see you all tomorrow, Jace, nice to meet you.” Turning she realised that big and deadly was standing in her way. “If I’m leaving you need to move.” She told him with more than a bit of annoyance in her voice. He held his ground for several seconds then moved to one side allowing her to leave.

  Ena walked through the club and exited outside. The air was cool and crisp. Well, that had to be the quickest visit to a club she’d ever had. The fresh air better than the club. Flagging down a cab it pulled up at the curb. She jumped in and closed the door behind her and told him to drive, he took off from the curb and turned the first corner, Ena leaned forward to tell the driver where she was headed. Experience told her, you never gave out your destination where you got in. You never knew who was listening.

  Blane had followed his men to the fight and stood and watched the woman take charge. Her voice, British with those clipped tones, it reminded him of his youth and time in the old country. She was cool and clearly used to being in charge of men and could handle a gun with extreme confidence. She’d defused the situation quickly and then stood back calmly. It was impressive. In some ways, it was a shame he’d had to have her leave. Being armed was a breach of their code. He needed to remind his staff that all customers needed to be checked for weapons, although, he was unsure where she’d hid that one in that outfit. Blane smiled. He liked the curves no doubt about that. When she’d told him to move, he’d been close to grabbing her and ripping off those trousers and taking her there and then in just those boots. He’d followed her outside and hid discretely as the cab arrived in hope of finding out where she lived but she was good. She’d given him nothing. Game on. He said with a wider smile and headed back into the club. He hadn’t played for some time.

  Blane had slept for nearly seven hours. He was a powerful vamp that no longer needed full day sleep. It was useful in his business where most stocking and deliveries took place during day light hours. After showering and dressing he headed down to his office. He lived over the club. The whole top floor had been kitted out for his personal use. He had three en suite bedrooms, large open plan kitchen and lounge and half bath with shower, toilet and sink for visiting guests who weren’t staying. His cleaner came in at five pm after her team had cleaned the club. Blane noted the sounds of empty bottles and refills going on, of people coming and going, of chatting and cleaning equipment being used, the normal background noise for this time of day and entered his office taking his seat and switching on the computer. He had work to do.

  Picking up the phone he called the bar. “Tom, coffee please,” “right boss coming up.” Blane replaced the receiver and watched his emails loading. The one he was looking for caught his eye. It was from Luce their IT specialist. Tom came in with his coffee and put it down. “Thanks Tom,” “No problem,” and headed back out the door. Blane clicked on the email and downloaded the attached folder. It took a minute to load. He clicked to open it and wasn’t surprised to see all the information Luce could find on the new gun shop. It was comprehensive. Not only did it have its owners but also information regarding the company and who ran it, their affiliates, suppliers and their history, their earnings and company net worth. Blane whistled. It was big business. It was also cross referenced to House Arturo staff and two flagged up. Arturo and Alex. The owner had had dealings with both of them starting 50 years ago, in England and moving to the states some years back. Nothing in the last 3 years. The owners work was specialised as well as general stock items. Made guns and supplied personalised ammo as well as stocking the usual good stuff. All legit as far as they could see.

 
Blane picked up the phone and made the call to Arturo’s secretary. It was answered quickly. “House Arturo how may I be of service?” “Hay Liv, Blane, can you put me through to Arturo please.” “Yes My Lord one moment.” “Blane?” “My Lord I have that information for you on the new gun supplier. You know him. I’m sending it to you now.” Blane waited for Arturo to catch up. “I do know him and well. We will make a visit. They do not open at the weekend so it will have to be Monday evening. Be at the house for 8.30pm. The shop closes at 9pm so that should work well.” “Yes sir.” Blane put down the phone. This would be interesting. Now, if he could find that woman he could satisfy another curiosity, in that his cock had been raging hard all night long.

  It had been an uneventful weekend. Ena had done the usual things and gone thought her routine. She’d stocked up the house, done some personal shopping and washing, cooked a few items for lunch next week and completed some paperwork. She had a cleaner so didn’t have to bother with that and worked in her work room on her new projects. Sunday night always had her eager for the week to start. She hated having no demands on her time. It bored her and that, tended to be dangerous. She’d start looking for something to peek her interest. Normally something dangerous, out of the country and deadly.

  It was near closing when Ena watched the security camera’s surrounding her premises. They were state of the art. No outside wiring. Not easy to get to and hunting heat seekers with night vision. It was state of the art. Way beyond the normal gun shop security but Ena wanted it and she got want she wanted. It was nearly closing time. It had been a steady day. Some special orders and several off the rack. The local gang hadn’t been impressed that their order would not be processed. Not legit, no deal. She told them. They’d made a few threats that she had subdued with a little extra fire power. They’d gone quietly. For now. She had enough black books stuff going on she didn’t need any more. It had been a good week so far and their promotion had yet to go out. Ena was pleased. She switched to watching the internal screens. Everything looked good. Last customer had completed his trial and gone back to the counter. His order being rung up. Carol took his ID and scanned it into their system, Ena checked it with her extra special resources and it came back ok. She gave the go ahead and Carol took his credit card and swiped it, it cleared. Carol gave him the receipt and told him 5 days. The guy left a happy man. Ena sat back in her chair, nicely done. The girls were working out well.

  The outside camera picked up movement of several cars moving towards her shop. She pressed the internal warning button and locked down all the viewing rooms. “Carol, we have company, exactly as we practiced ok.” Ena told her over the coms. Carol looked directly at the camera and gave her a nod. As Carol turned back to the door, the buzzer went off. Ena watched as Carol, used the intercom. “Gentleman, I’m sorry but we only allow one person at a time inside the reception area, two at most if together.” She told them. Ena could see on the camera’s a discussion going on before the intercom was used again. “We request our party be let in we have personal protection in this party.” Carol waited for Ena to make a decision. “Kristy, move to the front of the salon please in support of Carol and take an auto mag with you.” “Ok Carol, buzz them in. Keep aware.” Carol reached under the desk and clearly had her hand on her Glock as she buzzed and opened the door, six large men stepped inside. Ena watched the screens as the men looked around and surprise hit their faces. Ena smiled.

  Everyone who came into the shop for the first time gave the same expression. There were large comfy smoking chairs and coffee tables with fresh flowers and potpourri. A coffee machine with coffee options and a cold chilled fridge that housed snacks and drinks to one side. In the centre of the facing wall to the front door was a full wall of glass that gave a complete view of the salon beyond. That was the shop. On every surface, of the room beyond, every conceivable weapon and some special made items were on display. A half desk sat in the middle of the glass on the salon side with Carol sitting at the desk facing them, on the customer side was another half desk butted up to the glass and two cosy chairs facing it. There was a banker slide in both desks that connected them through the glass. It was a comfy interview environment with a high level of security and clearly made with the better customer in mind.

  “How may I help you?” Carol asked as she pressed the locking system on the entry door after the six men came in. They all turned slightly on hearing it lock behind them. The large man in the front came forward and stood behind the chairs by the desk. “We’d like to speak with Mr W J.” He told her. Ena stared at the group of men on her screen. That was her dads sign name professionally. That meant they knew him and were here for a reason. She scanned the group and noticed the guy from the club at the back. “I’m sorry,” Carol told them, “that is not possible.” The front guy came nearer to the glass. He looked it over and then asked again. “You will inform Mr W J that we are here and require his audience.”

  Ena heard the words and felt the compulsion. Vamps. Ena watched Carol. She’d moved a twitch and held her gaze. “I’m sorry maybe I’m not being clear, that is not possible.” Ena smiled. Good girl. She’d learnt well. Ena watched the front man turn around to the others when Carols response wasn’t what they were expecting. “May I help you with anything else?” She asked them.

  Blane took in the women in front on him behind the glass. It was the nicest gun reception area he’d ever been in. It reminded him of the up-market cigar shops in England or the high society men’s clubs. But this didn’t alienate the ladies it was just feminine enough not to upset a male’s need for dominance. The women in front of him though were a different matter, one clearly had her hand on a gun under the desk she was sitting at and the other in full battle mode behind her. They both looked professional and confident. With the weapons behind them, it was no surprise and they clearly could control themselves from a level of compulsion. Someone knew what they were doing here.

  Ena thought it was time to make an entrance. These weren’t gang banger’s and had come looking for her father. Getting up from her desk she opened her office door and walked down the small corridor that housed the toilets and staff areas and opened the electronic doors to the main salon with her hand print. She would be seen through the security glass in the customer’s reception room coming in. She kept to business suits during the day. It was practical and felt like the uniform she missed. As Ena walked in she kept eye contact with the group of men. She approached Kirsty and laid a hand on her shoulder, then stepped forward to do the same with Carol. The doors in the salon and reception to her left led to the two trial rooms that they used for weapons on the range by potential customers.

  “Thank you ladies, I can take it from here.” Kristy nodded at her and turned. Carol got up and faced the men. “Good evening.” She told them and walked back the way Ena came. She picked up Kirsty on her way who had dis-armed and they both vacated the room. Security locking the door behind them. Ena took her seat at the desk. “Now,” she looked past the muscle and looked at the guy from last night and realised that he was not the main man here. His body language told her he was with the other guy. She looked to his left and realised who was. Without taking her eyes of him she continued, “perhaps you would care to take a seat and introductions can be made.” She indicated with her hand the two chairs at the opposite desk.

  Ena watched as the two men at the back came forward and took the seats opposite her. “You have good instincts.” The leader of this group told her sitting down. Ena grinned then turned to his colleague, “yes I do.” Club man looked uncomfortable. That was interesting. Ena turned back to the main man. “I’m afraid Mr W J passed away some six months ago.” She told them while giving nothing further away. The lead guy nodded to club man who then spoke up. “We had an altercation the other night before you came in the other night, an underage male with a weapon he says he got from here.” This wasn’t Ena first rodeo and she wasn’t intimidated easily. “Do you have the weapon?” She watched cal
mly as club man placed it on the desk. Ena pressed a button and the bankers slide came open on his side. “Please place the weapon in the open compartment.”

  Blane couldn’t believe his luck. The woman from the other night was the woman in charge of this shop. He realised he wasn’t too surprised. She could handle herself after all. If he thought she looked good in the club, he was rock solid at seeing her now. She oozed sexuality and control. Just being around the guns was the icing on the cake for him. He wanted that badly.

  She watched the vamp place the gun in the compartment and closed the slide and rolled it to her side and opened it. Putting on gloves, she took out the gun and placed it on the desk. She turned it until she found the number. It was where she would expect it. She loaded the number in to her computer and waited for it to churn out the info she needed. “Why did you put on gloves?” Asked one of the men at the back of the group. Ena frowned and looked up. “Do I look stupid to you?”