Chapter 3

Sachin hired a Convertible and drove to Frank Holland's office.
His office was on the third floor of a five storey building. It looked shabby and damp. A faded pale yellow sign board hung at the entrance which said: Holland's Drive.

Sachin looked up quizzically at the sign board. Sighing, he pushed open the door. A young girl looked up at him from the desk. 'Yes? How may I help you?' she asked with a smile.
'I am Sachin. I am here to see Mr Holland. I had an appointment.' said Sachin.
'Ah! Frank is waiting for you. Go right in' said the girl.
'And I am Sandra by the way' she said winking at him.
Sachin gave a small smile and entered Frank's room.
'Ah Sachin! Pleasure to see you!' said Frank enthusiastically.
'Hello! Hope I am not late' said Sachin.
'Not at all young man! And you drive quite well too!' said Frank.
'Thanks! So what job have you got for me?' asked Sachin.
'Would a Chauffer's job interest you?' asked Frank
Sachin frowned.
' A chauffer? I am sorry Mr Holland but not really.' said Sachin.
'Ah I knew you would refuse. But hear me out before you make your decision. Your duty will be of eight hours. You get to drive a Limousine. Sameer's wife needs a Chauffer. You know Sameer right? The owner of the Torque Club? The owner of the mansion you keep gawping at' said Frank.
Sachin's eyes widened in surprise.
'The pay is going to be handsome one I assure you' said Frank.
'But I -' began Sachin.
'It's going to be only for few months. I am not forcing you Sachin. But I need to know your decision by tomorrow.' said Frank.
'I will think about it Frank. I will call you tomorrow' said Sachin.

O-o-o-o

After Sachin's departure, Sandra came inside with a usual black coffee for Frank.
'How did it go Frank? Do you think he will accept the job?' asked Sandra.
'He seemed a bit unconvinced. But he has to accept it. I won't leave him any choice.' said Frank.
'I have all information about him. He was a CID officer. He was proved guilty of murder and was sentenced for the same. He never accepted the crime though. I assume he is on run. Do you think it's safe to hire him?' asked Sandra.
'No one knows him here Sandra. In fact I would say he is the best person for the job' said Frank.
'He agreed?' Sandra enquired.
'I haven't told him. I can't trust him yet. So I've decided to wait for a little while' said Frank.
'Good thinking. By the way, this came up last night.' said Sandra handing him a card.
'What's that?' asked Frank.
'It's an invitation. Torque Club is celebrating its silver jubilee' said Sandra.

O-o-o-o

As Sachin left Frank Holland's office, he got a call from Kavin.
'Get your best suit ready mate. We are going for a rocking party tonight' said Kavin

O-o-o-o

The Torque Club was the most exclusive night club in Wicksteed.
It had over a thousand members which consisted of an assortment of motor car thieves, businessmen, high class prostitutes, confidence tricksters, Socialites, drug traffickers and alike. Over them all, Sameer reined the supreme.
The entrance was heavily guarded and one required a special pass to enter the club. The club comprised of a huge ornate room with a surrounding balcony. Only those favoured by Sam went to the balcony. It was like an observatory deck which gave a 360 degree view of the club below, the pool and the grand restaurant. He would be often spotted at the balcony, his hands on the rail looking down at the dancers and the diners, his eyes alight with speculation.
The Torque Club was an embodiment of sensuality and passion. Today was a grand day for the people of Wicksteed.
The Torque Club had completed silver jubilee and the entire town of Wicksteed was invited to join in the celebrations. The rich as well as the poor. Free food and drinks were going to be served to everyone.

O-o-o-o

As evening crept in, Kavin and Sachin got ready and drove to the Torque club in Kavin's car.
A huge crowd had already assembled. It looked as though there was some festival. Everyone was looking their best. The doors were fully open welcoming everyone. The armed guards were nowhere to be seen.
'Wow!' whispered Sachin in an awed voice looking around him.
A magnificent artificial waterfall stood at the entrance. It looked beautiful with the colourful lights.
His anticipation heightened as they descended down the staircase. The deep red, black and brown colour combinations of the sophisticated interior enhanced the subtle eroticism of the intimate booth-style marble tables, which are surrounded by velvet walls.
His gaze fell on the glass door next to him. A grove of trees surrounded an artificial lagoon.
The restaurant was no less lavish.
Original works of art by Picasso, Renoir, Cezanne, and Van Gogh adorned the walls.
Tryst beckoned, seduced, intrigued and kept its promises.
Young crowd had already taken the dance floor. Sachin could see dancing bodies tangled together through the strobe lights. The blaring bass was literally making the floor shake. They saw small fountains overflowing with drinks: one bubbling with sparkling champagne, another with red wine, some spewing foaming golden beer or amber-coloured rum.
They sat down in one of the comfy chairs watching the dancing women.
One was a blond girl in a black lace dress. It was made of silk entwined into delicate spider webs like pattern. Soon, she disappeared among the swirling couples. Another slender figure wore a hip hugging skirt and a glittering brasserie designed to cup and cover her breasts. Her blue eye-shadow and bright lipstick made her look more like a prostitute.
'Enjoying aren't you?' asked Kavin smiling mischievously
'Very much. It's grand. Doesn't feel like I am in a small town!' said Sachin.
They had drinks and starters.
'Where are the club owners?' asked Sachin.
'They will come of course. Patience mate' said Kavin.
Sachin smiled.
Finally he would get to see Sameer and his wife today. He didn't know why but they fascinated him. He felt he could watch them for his entire life.

Some time later, Sachin got a call. He excused himself and went out of the club to answer it.
He let out an exasperated sigh as it was a wrong number. As he about to go inside, a Rolls Royce stopped barely few feet away from him.
Everything else fell away as he saw long; lean, beautiful legs make their way out of the car.
She wore a shimmering red strapless dress and stilettos.
Her straight hair fell on either side of her shoulders. Sameer stepped down and put his hand around her waist. He too was dressed nicely, in grey pinstriped pants, a black shirt with an open collar and scarf tied around his neck.
But Sachin had eyes only for her. She was looking hot.
The air around him grew hotter as they moved towards him.

She glanced at him. His heart missed a beat as the coal black orbs met the brown ones. Her features were so familiar to his wife. Deep, expressive eyes, fuller lips...
He inhaled her perfume as she passed him.
He extended his hand expecting that she would take it, expecting to know her name.
But much to his dismay, nothing of that sort happened.
She walked away with Sameer into the Torque Club.
Sachin had an adrenaline rush. She was strikingly similar to his dead wife. At least her face was. He was not sure about the personality.
'She is a firecracker this one, all pent-up with passion and ferocity. She'd be more than a handful in bed' thought Sachin.
Unbidden, an image flashed through his mind of those legs naked. No better still, wrapped around his waist.
'What the hell was he thinking? Where did all the desperation come from?' wondered Sachin.
Shaking his head, he walked back to the club entrance.
He was lost in his thoughts when suddenly he bumped into someone.
'I am sorry! I -' said Sachin and then he looked up to see the smiling face of Frank Holland.
'Nice to see you Sachin' said Frank.
Sachin felt Frank's eyes upon him. It was as if he could scan his brain and mind.
'So what have you decided? About my job proposal?' asked Frank.
Sachin was surprised at his sudden question. Was it possible that Frank had witnessed the scene which took place a few minutes ago? Looking it Frank, Sachin had an eerie strange feeling that Frank could read minds. Was Frank aware of the dirty thoughts which had crept into Sachin's mind a few minutes ago?
'Stop it Sachin! You have gone crazy! Stop over reacting! 'thought Sachin.
Finally Sachin cleared his throat. His decision had already been made.
'Yes Frank. I am ready to accept the job' said Sachin.
'I knew it! You have to join in next week' said Frank his eyes twinkling.
'Frank, what is her name?' asked Sachin.
Frank Holland flashed him a smile and said, 'her name is Purvi'

A/N - How was the chapter?
I have rated this story 'T' for language and certain scenes.
Further chapters may have higher rating. Of course you will be warned in advance!
Do review!