“Let’s not waste any more time,” Keegan ordered.
Rose turned toward the corner house. Only a brass sign next to the opulent entrance door gave away the fact that the residential property housed a business.
Executive Services, the sign said.
She’d always hated neon signs. Besides, her business didn’t rely on foot traffic but on word of mouth. And the more exclusive each of her brothels appeared, the higher the fees she could charge.
The intercom crackled. “Yes,” a female voice inquired.
“Rose Haverford.”
Instantly a buzz sounded. Rose pressed against the door, opening it. Next to her, Keegan entered. She cast a quick glance over her shoulder, making sure Blake followed. At the same time, she counted: Keegan had brought six or seven thugs. Two stayed with the vans. One of them remained outside of the door as it snapped shut. The others followed her up the five steps into the large foyer.
The place had once been a hotel and had retained its Victorian charm. A crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, and beyond it a grand staircase lead to the upper floors. To the right, a small bar and lounge invited patrons in for a drink. Several women and men sat on the comfortable sofas while soft music dripped from the speakers above. They only briefly glanced at the newcomers, then returned their attention to their companions.
To the left of the lobby, there were two doors, one marked Private, the other Cloakroom.
Rose raised her head as she perceived a movement from the stairs. A beautiful Asian woman swept down the stairs in an elegant business suit that accentuated her delicate features.
“You neglected to mention that there were vampires here. What are you trying to play at?” Keegan hissed under his breath, grabbing Rose’s elbow at the same time and squeezing it painfully.
She narrowed her eyes when she looked at him. “You didn’t think I would leave the protection of the flash drive to a human, did you?” She jerked her arm from his hold. “And don’t get all bent out of shape, she’s the only vampire on the premises.”
“I’m Vera,” the Asian beauty announced as she stopped in front of them. “I’m honored that you grace us with a visit, Miss Haverford.”
Rose nodded. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to give you any notice. But circumstances—”
Keegan cut her off with an impatient hand movement. “No more pleasantries. Let’s get to it.”
Vera raised an eyebrow. “A very eager gentleman you brought us. Maybe I should bring down a selection of girls?”
Rose smiled inwardly. She’d met the manager of her San Francisco operation only a couple of times, but she’d always known she was smart. Despite the fact that she’d been alerted by Rose’s text message, she didn’t let on that she knew that this wasn’t a friendly visit.
“I have girls to suit every taste: Asian, Caucasian, African American, blondes, redheads. You name it.”
Rose sighed. “Alas, my . . . associates and I are not here for pleasure. If you would please lead us to the executive office so I may retrieve an item I deposited for safekeeping.”
Vera’s face instantly changed. “Oh, but of course. Follow me.”
She turned and walked to the stairs.
As they followed in silence, Rose reacquainted herself with the layout of the place. The house had only three floors. One large suite on the top floor had been converted into the executive office, from which the manager of the establishment conducted business, and where she entertained private clients if she chose to do so.
The room Vera led them into was larger than Rose remembered. It easily would have fit a dining table for twenty. Instead, it was furnished with a large desk containing a single computer, a comfortable sitting area in front of a fireplace, and a four poster bed with gauzy fabric hanging from its wooden beams meant to hide whatever happened there from time to time.
The one thing Rose noticed immediately was that the room was stifling hot.
“Apologies about the heat in here,” Vera said quickly. “I’ve already opened a window, but unfortunately we’ve had problems with the thermostat and haven’t been able to fix it yet.”
Rose noticed how one of Keegan’s men tugged on his shirt collar, opening a button or two, clearly uncomfortable in the hot room.
“No worries,” Rose replied and walked toward the desk.
Keegan clamped his hand over her forearm.
“I’m getting it already, no need to be so unpleasant,” she hissed.
“We’ll do it together, shall we?” Keegan’s mistrust was clearly visible in his eyes.