Chapter Two
Inside the club it was already heaving, a mixture of genders and a diversity of ages. Like most gay clubs, Fuel had its fair share of straight patrons, but residing in the city's gay district made it a popular haunt for the city's large gay, bisexual and transgender population. The atmosphere was notably friendly and electric; a heady mixture of chatter, laughter and music filled the air as Charlie and Watson slowly made their way through the main entrance. Predictably, they made a beeline straight towards the club's primary focal point - the bar - with both officers taking the opportunity to survey their surroundings.
Built over two storeys, Fuel was unrecognisable; a far cry from resembling the shabby warehouse it had been in a former life just two years earlier. Inside was a minimal yet warm and inviting interior that reflected the modern tastes of its mostly young and trendy clientele. Tastefully decked out with a large bar and dance area on the ground floor, there was a small but intimate seating area in the far corner. Upstairs was a far cosier affair. With a slightly smaller bar and a large seating area, around a dozen comfy leather sofas and coffee tables were scattered around the room. It also featured four pool tables and was a favoured area for anyone with two left feet or whose idea of a perfect night out didn't involve making a fool of themselves trying to strut their stuff around the dance floor. Trendy artwork and mirrors littered the upper floor, which was accessed by a rather grand wide staircase, and loud music was pumped over both floors. On that particular evening, the house DJ was pumping out the latest chart sounds, which pleased Charlie immensely because she had an intense dislike for house music; a by product of living with a teenager!
Charlie and Watson were patiently waiting their turn at the bar. A parched Watson was working desperately to try and catch the eye of any one of the four bar staff on duty. But so far to no avail. Charlie smiled inwardly as she watched Watson become increasingly flustered the longer they were waiting. Watson wasn't the most patient person in the world at the best of times, which ironically wasn't the most desirable trait for an officer of the law.
Tearing her eyes away from Watson, Charlie took the opportunity to glance around the bar. She noted a somewhat rowdy hens party to her left, who seemed harmlessly enamoured by two hunky young gay men, who were clearly flattered by all the attention. Charlie continued to watch as the group of six or seven inebriated and excited women ushered the lads out onto the dance floor. There were squeals of delight from the women as "Work" by The Saturdays began to fill the room. Charlie couldn't help but smile herself; it was currently one of her favourite songs. She watched as the slightly worse for wear hen started twirling around, dancing as if she didn't have a care in the world. Charlie closed her eyes, momentarily losing herself in the music…
"And it's up to you how far we take this.
Yes it's up to you so take the lead.
And it's up to you so tell me what I gotta sign.
Waiting at the finish line baby.
Ready.
Set.
Go.
Pick up the pace and step on it!
Rip up the place if you want it!
Work!
Work!
You know you gotta work!
Work!
I got the goods and I want you.
Put your boots on baby get to work!
Work!
You know you gotta work!
Work!"
Whilst Charlie remained lost in the lyrics, elsewhere, a gleeful Watson was elated to finally get some service at the bar. About time too, she thought.
"Hi, sorry to keep you waiting. I'm afraid it's a mad house in here tonight. So, what can I get you?"
A young woman, dressed in a tight fitting black shirt that perfectly accentuated her curves, without displaying too much cleavage, smiled pleasantly as she proceeded to quickly wipe down the bar area in front of her. She was in her early twenties, with shoulder length straight dark-brown-almost black hair and a smile that was almost as striking as her dark chocolate brown eyes.
Wow, you're a real cutie, Watson thought to herself as she returned the smile. Almost makes nearly dying of thirst worth the wait. I told Charlie this place was guaranteed wall-to-wall eye candy.
"What'll it be Buckton?" Watson called out to Charlie, straining to make herself heard over the loud music.
Charlie, who was still lost in the music, was completely unaware that two pairs of eyes were staring at her, including a set of dark brown eyes that belonged to an extremely attractive girl behind the bar. If Charlie didn't know better, she was certain those gorgeous brown eyes were staring rather intently towards her. Watson shook her head and stared at a seemingly vacant Charlie.
"Earth to Charlie, come in Charlie." Watson's voice quickly brought her back to reality. "What do you fancy…?"
"Er… er…" was all Charlie could manage as she came landing back down to earth with an almighty bang. Finding herself staring right back into those unfamiliar eyes, try as she might, she just couldn't seem to tear herself away from them. She was losing herself in deep dark pools that seemed to penetrate right to her very soul. It was a losing battle; Charlie had always been a sucker for eyes and this girl had the most amazing eyes she had ever seen. They oozed warmth and she found them utterly captivating and inviting.
Well hello there… those eyes… and that smile. Oh no, you are so not going there, Charlie! It's too soon. You're still nursing a broken heart, remember. But oh my goodness… I could so easily… no…no… look away Charlie, look away! You're here to work… not eye up cute girls.
"… to drink, Charlie. What do you fancy to drink?" repeated a rather bemused Watson. She hadn't failed to notice that the pretty bartender seemed to be eyeing up her colleague rather appreciatively - nor the effect her gaze seemed to be having on her partner.
"Er, just a diet coke, thanks," was all a flushed Charlie could muster, as she felt the familiar feeling of heat coursing through her body, eventually rising up to her cheeks.
"Oh for heavens sake Charlie! Since when did you become a senior citizen?! We're out clubbing on a Saturday night, so live a little woman!" Georgie sighed at her friend's obvious discomfort. She turned her attention back to the female bartender and smiled. "I'm afraid you'll have to excuse my friend here, she doesn't get out very often!"
The bartender chuckled and cast Watson a polite and friendly smile. "No problem," she laughed. "So what'll it be?"
"Two beers and a couple of vodka shots, please." Georgie replied, once again straining to raise her voice above the loud music.
"Coming up," the younger woman flashed another smile before setting about fulfilling their drinks order. The bar was heaving and there was a never-ending flow of parched customers all waiting desperately to be served.
"Georgie, have you forgotten that we're supposed to be here on a job!" Charlie hissed under her breath, "so we need to keep a clear head."
Yes, a clear head Charlie. And that means not getting distracted by pretty brunettes with alluring come to bed eyes…
Watson rolled her eyes at Charlie. "Gee Charlie, how could I possibly forget," she replied, a bit too loudly for Charlie's liking. "But we're supposed to be trying to blend in - not stick out like a couple of tee total nuns who've just escaped from a convent!"
"As if YOU could ever pass for tee total – or a nun!" Charlie laughed, feeling slightly more relaxed thanks to her colleague's effectual good-natured humour.
"What exactly are you trying to say?" Watson asked, in mock horror. "It's YOU that corrupts ME! I mean, we've only been here for what, fifteen minutes or so and you've already got your eye on some hot tottie. That's some going, even for you Buckton!"
"What?"
"Oh come on Charlie. There's no need to be shy. I saw the way you were checking out that cute girl behind the bar." Georgie teased, a wicked grin plastered across her face.
Watson's amusement failed to rub off on Charlie. "Don't be ridiculous, Georgie. I don't know what you're talking about."
"No, of course not."
"I wasn't checking anyone out. I told you, I'm…" Charlie protested, before Watson cut her off.
"Yeah, yeah, I know, I know. But just because you've taken a vow of celibacy doesn't mean you're incapable of noticing hot women. And besides, she is extremely cute. If I wasn't already happily spoken for I certainly wouldn't say no."
"Excuse me? Who said anything about a vow of celibacy?"
"Well, it has been three months Charlie since…"
"And your point being exactly?" Charlie butted in bluntly.
"I'm not trying to make a point. I just think it's about time you got back into the saddle, if you know what I mean," Georgie said, casting Charlie a concerned smile.
Charlie sighed. "I know you mean well Georgie, seriously I do. But I'm fine as I am thank you very much. I've got Ruby and I've got my work and…"
"Actually, now you mention it, that is my point. You're all work and no play. And Charlie, if you don't mind me saying so, you're far too fine to sit at home gathering dust on a shelf. So I think I should maybe try and get her number for you…"
"Georgie, don't you dare! I'm quite capable of getting someone's number… if I wanted to, that is!" Charlie snapped, just as the woman in question returned with their drinks.
"There you go ladies," the brunette smiled, noticing that the air between the two women suddenly seemed somewhat strained.
"Thanks," Watson said quickly, handing over the money. "And have one for yourself too."
"Thank you, that's very kind. I hope you both have a great night", she added with a friendly smile, casting Charlie another lingering glance, which again, didn't go unnoticed by Watson, before she moved on to serve another waiting customer.
"Yeah, real capable," Watson muttered to herself under her breath. Call it cops intuition, call it female intuition, either way, she had a funny feeling that tonight was going to be very interesting. In more ways than one.
