Authors notes: thanks for all the follows, let's hope I'm up to it. I found myself running over this story in my head, embellishing etc for a few weeks. I didn't actually think anyone would want to read it but I'm glad you do. It has given me a little bit of stage fright though so apologies.
To the lovely guest who reviewed thank you, who knew having a story reviewed would end up feeling like taking some solicitous substance? And to the reviewer who had concerns over plagiarism I can assure you that it wasn't my intention (having not read it before however having researched it, I found it on AO3 and I suggest all read it) , however there will be similarities as there are few ways to get to a lapdance session; in my defence however this is a thinly veiled PWP, the fic by harper_m is infinity more in depth and simply... better written. I really don't have any better excuse than that.
Chapter 2.
What hit Maura initially was that her new workplace wasn't at all what she was expecting. When she'd volunteered to be an 'inside man' on this case, she'd assumed it would involve working in an environment, at least behind the scenes, akin to a college bar. Dirty, hot and profanity laden. To her utmost surprise she found the entire environment closer to that of a luxury hotel. For an underground club the quality was of the highest standard. Entrees, not starters; Châteaux Margaux vintage not Reisling. Were the situation slightly skewed she'd have been more than satisfied to dine and socialise here. And the same quality continued in the staff quarters, the kitchen calm and dedicated, the bar staff attentive if slightly aloof. Whether this self important air some of her colleagues carried was due to her being 'the new girl' she was unsure. However it quickly became obvious that her knowledge of fine wine would carry her in good stead. However the likelihood of gleaning any worthwhile information from her colleagues was ultimately minimal as they seemed more haughty than most of her high profile friends.
As she surveyed her locale she began to notice that the impeccably dressed ladies, who she had been delicately informed were 'companions', rarely drifted from the side of the men with whom they were confederated, leaving only as far as they were directed or to the bathroom to freshen up. Occasionally they would with their partner, move into a side room or between the distinct areas within the club.
The club, a large, mood lit, open room was divided into several areas of interest. The predominant space was arranged akin to a casino, with several blackjack, poker, roulette and craps tables laid out for any number of players. Each had a host, again, an attractive female however unlike in a typical casino the floor was missing a pit boss. No show of muscle was needed here. You didn't steal from the house. Simple.
Other areas included a capacious, well furnished area for lounging and drinking, a formal dining area with orchid laden tables, and a small area for dancing with soft, colour changing lighting.
Maura found herself cleaning the bar. She had long since congratulated herself on choice of outfit: a charcoal grey, cold shoulder pantsuit suited the role perfectly. No uniform here, strictly dark, casual-leaning-formals. The lapel identified her as staff, which was a small fresh fuchsia pinned to her breast. The flowers changed weekly, she was informed during her brief induction. Her attention however constantly flicked to the door, she had expected Jane some time ago. Internally she turmoiled over images of her being beaten, caught out as being a cop before even making it inside the club.
"You must be the new girl." A slight southern lilt brought Maura from her reverie. As she brought her attention to her addresser, a woman she hadn't noticed previously, she felt an instant warmth towards her for being the first friendly voice she'd encountered all evening.
"Yes, is it that obvious?" She ventured at shyness, part of the role she'd set herself: shy yet competent.
"That's ok. We're all new at some point I guess." A genuine smile crept across the woman's face. She was radiant; in her mid 30's, cascading red hair like a 40's film starlet, she accentuated her pale skin with a beautiful red lip stain. Maura was in awe. "I've been here for some time now, so long in fact it feels like forever." Maura doubted she had any trouble attracting suitors. "How're you holding up? Everyone being nice to you?" She was taken aback by the woman's generosity. Maybe it was her position, working with the police that had hardened Maura's opinion of women who worked in this particular area, however she found herself instantly gratified at such a simple gesture. She smiled back genuinely, as the woman lit a cigarette, laws being as there were within the club, such an act wasn't admonished. Maura mentally restrained herself back from chastising the woman's behaviour when she realised her expression had given her away. "Oh don't worry sweetheart, only the paying clientele get to smoke, and generally it's large cigars. These are purely herbal. They add to the aesthetic, don't ya think?" She had to admit with a large fur shrug wrapped around her shoulders and the dark green knee length dress, the 'cigarette' definitely cemented the look of a move starlet.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to be so presumptuous.." She attempted. "or judging." She added.
"We all judge everyone sugar, it's part of being human. Whether we act on that judgement is what makes us a person, surely?" She said this with a wry smile, before pushing herself up from the bar and away towards, preaumably, a patron.
Maura stood stunned. This case was going to be more eye opening than she had expected.