I do not own Criminal Minds. My thanks to my sister for being my beta reader. I welcome any and all reviews.
Chapter #43
Ashley pulled her jeans down over her motorcycle boots. She was relieved that her shift was finally over. All she wanted to do was to soak in a hot bath and go to bed.
The club had showers for the girls which she was most grateful. She washed the slime off of her body before leaving. Throwing a towel inside her red duffel bag which already had her costumes, make up and such inside. She brushed her wet hair and pulled it through an old baseball cap. She had already taken out her contacts and was now wearing her glasses. She closed her bag and threw it over her shoulder.
The club was still going as Ashley walked out of the dressing room. She kept her head down, avoided the customers which were busy with the girls on stage. She smiled at Darcy who waited for her at the bar where she walked up to him.
"You still didn't have to wait for me." He nodded his head.
"I know, but I wanted to make sure that you make it home ok." He answered, taking her duffel bag away from her. He set it down beside him and handed her a black leather purse with a front flap and a long strap where she can wear across her body.
"It's to replace your purse," he said.
She smiled, "Thank you, but you had done so much already."
He nodded, "I know, but you need this," he said, tapping his right index finger against the bag. Ashley raised her eyebrows up as she peered inside.
The bag was big enough to fit one of her notebooks. But when she saw the bag of gummy bears as well disposable heating pads for her bad hip, she smiled even more.
"Oh Darcy, thank you," she said, pulling out the bag of candy. She looked inside again where she saw something was poking inside the lining of her purse. She glanced at Darcy where he nodded.
"Let's hope that you don't have to use it, but it is better safe than sorry." Ashley knew that Darcy had something hidden inside, just in case Julian came along. He picked up her bag, setting it on his shoulder.
"Look, why don't you come over, sleep in my guest bedroom and we can have French toast in the morning. I am sure that things will be a lot clearer once you get some rest. You can leave your car at my garage and I will give you a ride home. I really want to look at that contract." Ashley smiled, so far, this was the best offer she had all day.
They walked out with his bodyguards behind him.
"Actually, I was thinking, maybe get one them to drive your car back to the apartment and you ride in the limo with me, you are in no shape in driving it."
She shook her head no, silently admitting that he was right. There was no way in hell that she was going to leave it there, where it can easily be stolen.
She started threading her car key out of her key chain as they all walked out. She didn't realize of how stuffy that club was until a cool breeze felt so welcoming as they walked outside.
Ashley stopped for a second, closing her eyes, enjoying that breeze. She opened her eyes, seeing Darcy as he bows his head forward, looking past her shoulder.
She turned around to see Reid standing outside of his car, holding roses and a small teddy bear. They both stopped and looked at each other.
Without saying a word to each other, Darcy nodded at her, telling to go ahead, he will wait for her.