A/N: Real, real short one to keep things moving. My Postgrad kicked back in after a short break and boy are the assignments coming thick and fast. I'll do my best to at least keep things ticking over.
As she sat waiting to be introduced to the owner, she took stock of her surroundings. And more acutely the ridiculously dangerous and precarious position she'd put not only herself, but her best friend. She was a well known homicide detective, no expensive outfit or change of hairstyle was going to hide her face to such an extent. And surely a woman's presence, particularly as a guest would raise a few eyebrows and draw even more attention to herself?
She couldn't explain why she'd forced herself into the undercover role except the protective instinct she felt towards her best friend. Maura would slip into her own role with ease, undoubtedly. Despite her shy nature, Maura naturally knew how to get into a character when the need arose. So why had she thrown herself into the deep end, offering herself up to act as a back-to-town-after-a-decade-away business woman, with a large bank account and more than a slight predilection for illegal gambling? Why was she now sat on a plush leather chaise, in a gently lit waiting area surrounded by, no doubt, expensive wallpaper waiting for someone to take her by the arm and with a genuine smile walk her into the vipers nest?
Because, for better or worse knowing Maura was safe, physically being able to see it with her own eyes was worth far more than he'd own safety.
A door to her left opened and she was, as expected, met by a warm smile and a voluptuous chest. Clearly this was how things were done here. "Please, come this way." She was beckoned through the door into a smaller, office space with a large polished oak table and an expensive and imposing seat on the far side. Her own chair was similarly expensive but not intended to strike fear.
The woman who'd invited her through had disappeared through another door leaving Jane alone. Presumably this is when she had to talk money and prove she could afford to play. Discretion wasn't an option, but then neither was the inability to pay your debts.
As soon as she had the thought, the door she assumed the busy young lady had left by opened and a large, well manicured gentleman entered, his expensively tailored suit making an impression even on Jane who knew little on the subject. Maura was teaching her well.
He smiled, ingenuously. She knew that look, had seen it on many of the 'gentleman' frequenting her interview room. A look that indicated he misinterpreted her gender for weakness. The ridiculously expensive outfit Maura had kindly forced on Jane had not swayed his opinion as he didn't even offer a hand to shake as he took the seat across from her.
"Miss Masiello, welcome to our establishment, apologies for making you wait, I had some... business to attend to. I am Mr Barron, I own this gentleman's club. I wonder how we can help you?" The emphasis on the word "you" put Jane in mind that from experience there were two ways of dealing with a man like this: damsel in distress or all business bitch. So only one option realistically then.