Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. And that fact is sad since I would not have let it get cancelled.
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Chapter 6
Ben Talbot entered Dusk to Dawn at 8:30 that evening, pausing not far inside the entrance to assess the club. He liked the look of the classy place and finding an empty table off to the side in the moderately filled room, he took a seat. After ordering a whiskey neat, he leaned back in the chair to further observe the establishment and to wait for Beth to arrive.
As he waited, he reviewed what his research of the club had revealed. Dusk to Dawn was a jazz/blues club owned by a Kira Starling. Live music was available many nights and there were never any problems that resulted in the police being called in. It made all the lists as one of the upscale "in spots" for Los Angeles night life. While jazz was not one of Ben's preferred music choices, he had to admit that this quintet on stage had a very nice sound.
With his shrewd eye for people he immediately pegged the older man sitting at the end of the bar as the man in charge. He could see how the man not only kept an eye on the crowd but also protected the darkened hallway that must lead back to the private offices. His search had revealed that a man named Eli Wolfe was the club manager. Ben settled back to watch and enjoy the music.
Thirty minutes later his quarry arrived. Beth strode into the club wearing a little black dress and an air of confidence that showed she was not a first time visitor. She headed immediately to the bar where she greeted Eli warmly. A quick signal to the bartender produced a glass of wine, showing Ben that Beth's tastes were known here. His curiosity increased when St. John entered and joined the pair at the bar.
Mild irritation rose up in Talbot as he watched St. John possessively wrap his arms around Beth's waist from behind. He observed how Beth half-turned in his embrace and smiled up warmly at the private investigator. She lifted her face for a quick, welcoming kiss. The fact that he knew he had no right to any feelings of jealousy did not stop Ben from wanting to break up the cozy scene. Instead he took another sip of his whiskey and tried to look at things objectively.
There were too many unanswered questions about Mick St. John and Ben planned to learn as much as he could before his mysterious caller contacted him again. The strange list in his desk had to be linked to the puzzling photos he had received of Mick St. John walking away after being struck by a car. This all seemed to revolve around the private investigator and Talbot wanted some answers.
A few moments later a stunning redhead in a shimmering gold dress emerged from the dark doorway and joined the trio at the bar. Ben watched her hug both Beth and St. John before going behind the bar to get a drink for the PI.
"What the hell is he drinking?" Ben muttered to himself as the woman handed St. John a tall, opaque glass. There was no cocktail that Ben was familiar with that was served in a glass like that.
He knew the woman was Kira Starling although the photo on her driver's license did not do her justice. He had searched Ms Starling's name and had learned the basics and not much more. Her driver's license and club liquor license were public record and her vehicle registration revealed that she drove a Jaguar, which meant that business must be very good. He observed as Kira escorted Beth and the PI back to a table that was marked "private" and then returned to the bar. Five minutes later a younger version of the manager came from the hallway and spoke quickly to Kira. She listened, nodded and then looked directly at Ben. Caught staring, Talbot quickly switched his gaze to the stage but he could see the woman approaching him from the corner of his eye. He tried not to look surprised as she slid gracefully into a chair next to him.
"ADA Talbot, what a pleasant surprise to find you in my club," Kira said warmly.
Ben found himself pinned by a pair of lovely green eyes and hesitated a moment before answering.
"You know who I am?" he enquired, slightly surprised.
A low husky laugh rippled out of Kira and she leaned towards him. He felt the force of her personality hit him.
"Of course I do, I watch the news. Also my dear friend Beth Turner has just recently started working for you," she told him. "She has nothing but wonderful things to say about you by the way," she added with a conspiratorial wink. Gesturing back to the table the couple sat at, she continued. "Did you see she is here tonight?"
Ben could see both Beth and St. John were watching them. He nodded to Beth, who smiled back tentatively while her companion just stared at him with a neutral expression.
"I did notice Beth when she arrived," he acknowledged and turned his attention back to Kira. Again he was struck by how lovely she was and a pleasant tingle ran down his spine when she smiled at him. "I overheard her mention this club and I was intrigued. You have a very nice place here."
"Thank you. Do you like jazz and blues then Mr. Talbot?" Kira asked.
"A bit, this group is very good," Ben replied self-consciously. "And please call me Ben." He held out a hand to her.
"I'm Kira," she responded and slipped her cool fingers into his, shaking his hand. "I am very pleased you like my club. I hope this is just the first of many visits." Movement from across the room caught her attention and she quickly withdrew her fingers from his. "Excuse me please, I have things to attend to," she said and rose to her feet. "It was very nice to meet you Ben."
"It was a pleasure Kira, I am sure that I will be back," Ben answered and watched her walk away. Now there was a woman he would not mind knowing more about he reflected. Watching her cross back to the bar, she was met and was swept up in the embrace of a man in an expensive suit. As the man kissed Kira possessively, Ben felt a jolt of surprise, not for the very public display of affection but because he recognized the man kissing the club owner. Josef Kostan, the subject of his lunchtime discussion with Beth was making it very clear that he had a relationship with Kira Starling. Now Ben was confronted with two of the pieces of a puzzle that were on a list locked in his desk and he searched his memory to see if Kira Starling was also on the paper. At this moment he could not remember.
Kostan released Kira and then looked over at Talbot, his gaze locking on the ADA. Caught staring once again, Ben wasn't able to break away from the other man's gaze. A sly, half-smile appeared on Josef's face and he winked and nodded to Ben before turning his attention back to Kira. With a possessive arm around her shoulders he guided her back to the table where Beth and St. John waited.
Ben picked up his glass and took a quick swallow of his remaining whiskey. He wondered how long he needed to wait before his departure did not look like he was running away. Shifting in his seat, Ben tried to concentrate on the quintet and planned to leave as soon as they took a break.
At the other table, Josef looked at Mick and Beth with raised eyebrows as he sat down.
"What brings Talbot here tonight?" he asked.
"He must have overheard me making plans to meet Mick here," Beth said worriedly. "Ben invited me out to lunch today and tried to pump me for information about your connection to the Monaghans," she reported.
"Me? He thinks I sprang Emma?" Josef said in surprise but couldn't hide the pleased gleam in his eye. "Whatever made our esteemed ADA think I had anything to do with that?"
"Simone works for you and you were in court. Basically he believes you funded the operation," Beth replied.
"I guess I should be flattered and that guy has no idea how close he actually is," Josef chuckled.
"Doesn't that worry you?" Beth asked. "I tried to deflect him but now he shows up here….I may not have done a good enough job."
"Beth did point out that going after you with no proof would be detrimental to his career," Mick said proudly. Beth had filled him in when they had sat down at the table.
"Good for Blondie," Josef approved.
"He will be watching you Josef," Kira warned, not liking the threat the ADA could prove to be.
Josef smiled at her concern and patted her hand.
"Don't fret my girl, we have our own little spy in the office, don't we Beth?" Josef grinned and winked at Beth. He released her hand and draped one arm around Kira's shoulders.
"Of course," Beth readily agreed.
A flash of concern crossed Mick's face as he sat up straighter.
"Let's slow down here a moment," he interjected quickly. "I'm all for Beth keeping her eyes and ears open but if you intend for her to actively spy on Talbot I am not sure I like that idea." He covered one of her hands protectively with one of his. "I do not want her making Talbot suspicious of her. The man is not one of my fans and I don't want him giving Beth a difficult time at work." His protective nature flared up and he looked over at Talbot's table with narrowed eyes.
"I can handle Ben," Beth informed Mick.
"I think it isn't the handling that has Mick worried. I think he doesn't like the interest Ben has in you," Kira grinned. "After all, he is here tonight because he knew you would be here, not because of Josef."
"Even more reason for Beth to be careful. Talbot is all ready more interested in her than I like," Mick grumbled. Beth started to protest but Josef interrupted.
"I am not suggesting that Beth go all "James Bond" on the ADA. What she did at lunch is perfect. Eyes and ears open is just what we need. Sort of an early warning system," Josef said smoothing Mick's ruffled feathers. He smiled at Beth. "What you did today was perfect Beth, thank you."
"Ben took me by surprise today but from now on I will be prepared," she responded. She noticed that the band had taken a break and that Ben appeared to be getting ready to leave. "I think I will see if I can learn anything now that he has shown us he's interested by coming here," Beth added and got to her feet before Mick could protest. He started to get to his feet and follow but Kira touched his arm in caution.
"Mick, let her go. Let's see what she can learn. Don't worry; I think she knows what she is doing. Let her clear the air a bit," Kira advised.
With a sigh Mick sat back down and watched Beth approach Ben's table. He hoped she knew what she was doing, he didn't trust the ADA.
End chapter.
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