Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine, and no profit is made from these stories. (But I do have fun writing them: )
Mike adjusted his costume, waiting to go on.Not that there was much of a costume to adjust. It consisted of a large black hat, black mask, black boots, and a floor-length black coat covering only a gold G-string – which he hoped would soon be stuffed with bills.
Hell of a way to supplement my income, he thought.
It had begun innocently enough, on an old girlfriend's dare, and it was supposed to be a one-night-only deal. But Mike had made a lot of money – enough to pay the month's utility bill. Not to mention that it satisfied the exhibitionist in him. So he decided to continue dancing a few nights a week, when not on shift.
No one knew, not even Lennie. He hated lying to his partner about his life outside the precinct, but it simply had to be that way. It would be career suicide for anyone on the force to find out – why, he could literally see the headline on the front page of the Banner.
NYPD DETECTIVE MOONLIGHTS AS MALE STRIPPER.
Miner Joe's music ended. Out on the stage, Jerry the emcee's voice boomed.
"…and I'd like to remind everyone at this point to please keep off the stage. Otherwise, we cannot bring out any more dancers. Thank you."
Rambunctious crowd, Mike thought. This would be one of those nights; sometimes he wished he had a few police barricades to hold the ladies back.
"MORE DANCERS!" a voice shrieked. There was something very familiar about that voice; but no, it couldn't be…
"Now, the Tool Box would like to bring out one of its most popular dancers," Jerry the emcee said, obviously ignoring the outburst. "Two hands clapping together make a very nice sound for…The Incredible Zorro!"
The flamenco music had begun. Mike grabbed his plastic sword, beginning his suggestive dance onto the stage.
Once he was out there, his blood immediately ran cold.
Sitting at front row center, flanked by what Mike assumed were friends, was Lieutenant Anita Van Buren.
finis