Chapter nine
Two days later…
Joey let out a deep sigh, tucking both her hands into the pockets of her black cargo pants. She stifled a yawn and glanced across at Bec, who looked as bored as Joey felt. It was ten o'clock on a bright and balmy Monday morning and she had far better things to do than haul her backside out of bed on her day off to attend what was, at least from her point of view, a stupid and pointless staff meeting.
Both girls were perched rather precariously against the edge of a large wooden desk. Despite its size, the office was currently over run with staff, most of whom looked equally baffled and bewildered to be there.
Besides Joey and Becca, also in attendance was Billy, a twenty-four year old college graduate who, thanks to his model good looks, was extremely popular with not only the gay guys but with the straight female patrons too; and Jen, a cute down to earth surfer-type chick in her early twenties – both of whom were the club's main bartenders, alongside Joey and Becca. Then there was Steve, a heavyset burly thirty-something who was head of security; Fuel's assistant manager, Angie, in her late twenties, who was a bit of a blonde airhead (at least according to Bec!); and a handful of other employees.
People were quietly talking between themselves, generally catching up and sharing juicy bits of office gossip. But the air was rife with an uneasiness that didn't go unnoticed by Joey or Bec.
"God, I feel like a naughty school girl waiting to be reprimanded by the head teacher!" Becca whispered into Joey's ear.
"Yeah, me too," laughed Joey. "I don't know what could be so important that I had to haul my arse out of bed. I mean, it's my day off and I've got better things to be doing with my time."
"Aww poor baby," Bec said, playfully ruffling Joey's hair. "So, any idea what this meeting is about oh wise one?"
"Nope. Angie's being as evasive as ever. But I'm guessing it's got to be something pretty important for Simone to call us all in like this," Joey mused, stretching her arms and yawning.
"I see someone's tired this morning," noted Bec, curiously.
"Yeah, I'm absolutely shattered. I think I could happily sleep for a week!" Joey said with a smile.
"Now that you mention it, because I didn't like to say, but you've got some serious baggage going on underneath those baby browns!"
"Hey, watch it!" Joey said, lightly punching her friend on the arm.
"So tell me Miss Collins; what exactly have you been doing to feel so worn out – or should I say, who have you been doing?" Bec enquired with a cheeky smile.
"Excuse me?" Joey went bright red and suddenly felt rather hot and flustered.
Unfortunately for Joey, her blushing was like a red rag to a bull when it came to Becca.
"Aha! I knew it. You got laid, didn't you, Jo?"
"What?!"
"Oh come on, Jo. You've been pretty evasive ever since Saturday night. If I didn't know any better and if I was a betting woman I'd say you got laid..."
"Shut up Bec," whispered Joey, before turning a deep shade of crimson.
"Oh my god, you did, didn't you! You got laid! Who was it? Was it anyone I know?' rambled Becca. "Oh my god, it was that gorgeous brunette you were practically lusting all over the other night, wasn't it?"
Luckily for Joey, she was saved from answering Becca's barrage of awkward questions, when the door to the office swung open suddenly and Simone, the club's owner walked in. As she did so, the room went eerily silent. All eyes became firmly fixed on the tall attractive raven-haired woman. All except Joey and Becca. Their attention was taken by the appearance of two women - both of whom Bec and Joey instantly recognized - who followed closely behind their boss, along with a man decked out in dark blue police overalls.
"Shit!" verbalized a shocked Joey. Whilst Bec could only sit there, her mouth wide open in stunned silence.
Senior Constable Charlie Buckton and Constable Georgina Watson entered the room. Like her male counterpart, Watson wore the familiar blues of an officer of the law, but Charlie was dressed casually in civvies; rocking the casual but drop dead gorgeous look, in jeans, a white ribbed t-shirt vest, brown high heeled boots and a green combat style jacket. Her long brown hair was cascading down her back and over her shoulders and - to top it all off – she sported some rather sexy Aviator style shades.
Oh my god. This is not happening. Please tell me this is not happening. She's… she's a cop?! She never mentioned anything about being a cop the other night. Of course she wouldn't, idiot. It's not as if you did much talking…
Joey swallowed hard. Not for the first time, she began to replay their intimate encounter over in her mind.
Flashback… 35 hours ago
"I'm really sorry about Kristen. She has a tendency to…"
Joey immediately silenced Charlie, capturing her lips before the older woman had a chance to finish her sentence. Joey felt Charlie respond instantly, opening her mouth and granting Joey permission to enter with her tongue. There was no time for pleasantries; it was a searing kiss, propelled by lust and desire and a general want and need for each other.
Back to present day….
Simone's dulcet tones immediately brought a very reluctant Joey back to reality. At thirty-two, elegantly dressed in a figure-hugging grey Chanel trouser suit, Simone Gregory was the club's very wealthy but somewhat aloof owner. The proprietor of several other popular and successful establishments littered throughout the city, it was rare that she put in an appearance.
"Ladies and gentlemen, first let me say how much I appreciate you all coming in for this unscheduled meeting. Especially since I know some of you aren't even rostered on to work today, and I know it's somewhat short notice."
Joey and Becca exchanged knowing glances. It was unusual for Simone to be so pleasant. Joey could only summize that it was primarily down to the police presence. But it wasn't long before it was back down to business
"Anyway, enough of the pleasantries... I'd like to introduce Constable Rosetta and Constable Watson. And this (she said casting an appreciative glance at Charlie) is Senior Constable Buckton. I trust you will give these lovely officers your full attention. And on that note, boys and girls, I'm going to leave you in their more than capable hands."
Turning round, Simone shook hands with all three officers. "If you need me for anything else," she said, looking directly at Charlie, "you have my number. So please don't hesitate to call. In the meantime, Angie will be able to assist you in whatever way you deem necessary for your investigation. "
As Joey watched Simone exit the room, her eyes caught sight of Charlie who was watching her rather intently. The moment their eyes met, Charlie smiled at Joey rather sheepishly, as images of their steamy encounter began to invade her mind.
Flashback...
"I don't even know your name," said Charlie, huskily.
"I think we've both been a bit too preoccupied for such pleasantries," chuckled Joey.
Charlie blushed, then swallowed hard as she felt Joey's right hand slowly wander down her taut stomach, brushing lightly up and down her thigh, whilst their bodies continued to move together in perfect unison. She could feel her heart beating faster and faster as Joey's hands furthered their exploration of her body. Charlie trembled when she felt a hand gently trail its way down between her breasts. Her mind was screaming from the contact, her body reeling as Joey continued to tease her.
"It's Joey, by the way. And it's a pleasure to meet you… a real pleasure," the younger woman purred as she continued her increasingly pleasurable assault.
Back to present day...
"Charlie? Senior? Charlie, are you okay?"
"Huh?"
"I said are you okay? You're looking a bit flustered" said Watson, leaning towards her with a sly grin.
Charlie looked over at Watson. The cheeky smile that was plastered across her colleagues face was a dead giveaway.
"I'm warning you Georgie," said Charlie, the sweet smile on her face contrasting wildly with the stern tone in her voice. "Behave or else I'll have you on desk duty for the next six months."
"Don't worry Senior, I'll be as good as gold," Watson grinned broadly.
"Right then, I think it's time we got this show on the road," said Charlie, with an air of authority.
Turning away from Watson, Charlie removed her shades and moved forward to address the small crowd in front of her.
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen. My name is Senior Constable Charlie Buckton..."
TBC