Chapter 9: Scandalous

At the strip club, Terry and Fiona are questioning one of the dancers. Senator Bryce had been seen handing something to the dancer, Storm, on multiple occasions, raising suspicions about just what he was up to. Bribes? A relationship? Or something worse, maybe?

Terry's POV

I couldn't help but notice Storm's attire. She wore a red bra, denim shorts and bright red boots. Of course, she also had the pink make-up we saw her wearing on the CCTV. "We've seen that you often get visited by Senator Bryce...and he gives you something. What's going on between you and him?" I asked her, getting to the point. "Bryce? Oh, yeah...the guy in the shit suit. Such a prick...I just wanna kick him in the balls." Storm smirked. "What does he give you? He comes every night at the same time...why?" Fiona asked the next question.

"He gives me money...cos Bryce has been doing some bad shit. All the girls know. He meets me, I take the hush money, share it out between the girls. Rinse and repeat. It puts food on the table...so I ain't bothered.". "What has he done?" I asked. Storm leaned in closer to us...and looked either side of her. "It's pretty fucking bad, actually. He's been involved in trafficking...both drugs AND girls! We found out when he told one of the dancers how he just sold 5 girls for 50 grand. Big mistake...now he's paying to shut us up!" Storm whispered to us.

Trafficking drugs is one thing...but trafficking girls is utterly disgusting! I could feel my fists clenching...filling up with rage. "The fucking bastard! Don't worry...we're gonna nail him! And fast!" Fiona was also getting angry. "Trouble is...we don't have any evidence for you guys." Storm told us. "But...you can testify in court! If everybody knows...surely if all the dancers testify..." I began...but Storm shot that idea down. "Sorry, honey. I dunno if you've realised...but we're strippers. Ain't exactly the cream of society, are we? No...you're gonna have to get hard evidence to take this guy down.".

Storm had a point...the justice system didn't take all sources seriously...unfortunately. "Thanks...you've been a great help. We gotta get back to the office and write this down. Coming, Terry?" Fiona got up and looked at me. "You go...I'll be out, shortly." I told her. I wanted to talk to Storm for a little bit. "OK...see you in a bit, then." Fiona left the room. "You have more questions?" Storm looked at me, confused. "No...I just want to...talk. I really want to say...you're doing a tough job. I know it's not easy for you in this line of work...Believe me, I've come across cases of violence, rape and murders of private dancers...and every single time, I've thought that we just don't do enough to help you." I told her.

"We dance for men...It's got it's risks and it's rewards. And to put food on the table...it has to be done." Storm told me, sullenly, her ears drooping. "I understand that...But...you've got power over those men. You can make them empty their wallets in seconds...which is more than any mall can do. If anyone disrespects you...call me. I'll come and give them a knuckle sandwich. Here's my card..." I handed her my card, holding my number and my office at CCPD HQ. Storm smiled. "Thanks, honey. You're a good man...and that's rare, these days." she told me. That warmed my heart.

I left the strip club shortly after, meeting Fiona outside. "Where you been, Terry?" she asked me, understandably confused. "Just...talking to Storm. They're all lovely girls, really. All of them are trying to make a living...and I respect that." I told her. "That's nice of you, Terry. By the way...is 'Cuffed Dreams' your favourite, by any chance?" Fiona asked me, teasing. "The uniform is a nice touch...and she seems very friendly. Too friendly...but her heart's in the right place." I said, chuckling. What I wouldn't give to see Fiona wearing that outfit...meow!

Fiona's POV

After filing a report about what Storm told us, it was already getting really late. Almost midnight, to be more accurate...and Amy would be expecting me. I felt like I was being treated like a kid, sometimes. Then again, I AM staying in HER apartment...and I'm old enough to have one of my own. Shame all the places in this town weren't exactly cheap. Rent started at $800 a month...for a basic apartment. Jeez...the economy sure has been fucked up, right?

Tonight woke me up, though...it made me realise that we weren't just fighting Saturday morning TV bad guys. Criminals were more vicious...more money-hungry...and they weren't afraid to slit a few throats to get what they wanted. Part of me couldn't believe that Bryce was involved in trafficking...especially trafficking young girls! The other part of me assumed that he was dirty, cos he was a politician...they're all the same. Up to their necks in shit, but they still keep paddling. I just wanna go over to Bryce and put his balls in a vice...whilst punching them! My fists were clenched as I arrived at Amy's...and I needed to calm down.

Thankfully, Amy was already asleep. I guess she got bored of waiting for me to come home and just hit the hay. I would do the same, honestly. Oh well...I suppose I can have a peaceful night, then. I sneaked through the apartment, heading for my bedroom (AKA, the spare room)...trying to be as quiet as I possibly could. At last, i made it, softly closing the door behind me...and laying on my bed. I was still feeling pretty pissed off, though...maybe some music will calm me down? Yeah...good idea, actually.

I turned on my phone and went straight to my music app...where I saved all my favourite stuff. Looking down the list...nothing really stood out. I sighed, deeply and just clicked on 'Random', hoping to be surprised, I guess. In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins...not a bad choice. I put in my earphones and put my hands on my chest, chilling out. The lyrics soon got going and I was almost tempted to sing along...ALMOST. I wasn't much of a singer...more of a listener.

And then my chilling was interrupted...by a phone call. Terry's name, accompanied by a pink love heart emoji appeared on my phone screen. He's calling me! YES! I started getting really giddy...so giddy that I almost forgot to answer the call. "Hi, Terry! What's up?" I played it cool...I didn't want to show him how giddy I was. "Hey, Fiona. I couldn't sleep...and I wanted to see if you got home OK?" he responded with a question. "Uh...yeah, I did. Don't worry...no one's gonna mug me or anything like that! You worry too much...but I appreciate the thought." I giggled.

"That's good to hear. Say...I was thinking...would you...like to hang out, again? Maybe...after work, tomorrow? If you're not busy, I mean." Terry asked...which I had been dying to hear all day. "Sounds fun. I'll meet you outside HQ, after work. And you can pick a place to go, this time..." I told him...which was kind of a challenge. He had no idea where anything was...but I knew he'd try to find somewhere if it came to it. After all...he's a nice guy. "Of course. See you, then. Goodnight, Fiona." he told me. "Night, Terry." I said, hanging up. I just fell back onto the bed, feeling pleased with myself.

End Of Chapter 9