Sin City Uniform 01 - All Fired Up (4 page)

“Did you get that?”

Vicki nodded. “That’s the new place between Hooters and the Tropicana, right?”

“Yeah, Showstoppers. I heard the food’s pretty good.”

“According to that call, it sounds like the hookers are even better.”

They picked up a trot to get there within a reasonable amount of time. Typically, they would have let a cruiser handle anything off the Strip, but it was a busy Saturday night and Darren and the other officers were probably still dealing with the guys they’d hauled off earlier. Run-ins with prostitutes were one of the more common issues that he and his partner faced on a nightly basis. The lure of big money and a steady stream of willing customers had women—and men—traveling from all over the country to make some quick cash. What they never took into consideration was the danger and potential for disease.

They arrived at the large restaurant and bar a little out of breath. The new establishment sported a burlesque theme and they entered through the lounge door. As soon as they appeared, a man dressed in a nineteen thirties suit, complete with a top hat, approached them.

“I’ve been waiting almost twenty minutes. Where’ve you guys been?”

He had herded them into a corner but still had to keep his voice at a raised level. The pounding show tune music was difficult to hear over.

Shawn leaned in. “We apologize. There’s been a lot of activity out there tonight.”

The man put a hand to his forehead and nodded. “I’m sorry, I understand. It’s been unusually out of control here as well.”

“What have you got?”

“Two women came in together tonight and sat at the bar. One of them I swear I recognize from when we first opened. That time we didn’t trespass her, but asked her to leave. Tonight, they ordered a couple drinks, but really nursed them for a while. I’d gone in the back to get some ice for the bartender and when I came back out, one of them was sitting with a guy out in the dining area. The other one”—he indicated with a jerk of his head—“is still over there drinking and eyeing the place.”

The calls about the working girls were difficult in their own unique way. Without prior knowledge, such as a previous arrest, they couldn’t just march up to a woman and accuse her of being a hooker. Sometimes, an officer’s presence alone would encourage a prostitute to leave or to panic and give them a reason to talk to her.

“Okay. Vicki, you wanna stay here and keep an eye on her while I have Mr…?”

“Delacorte. But you can call me Owen.”

“Owen. Can you take me to the dining room? Don’t point anyone out, describe her to me as we head over there, then walk with me past her table.”

He nodded and led Shawn from the dark lounge area, past the kitchen and into the dining room. They entered a large open space with high ceilings and a plethora of wild and colorful decorations—most of them involving feathers and velvet. There were actual life-sized figures of voluptuous women in outlandish outfits that would have made Mae West weep with envy. The statue-like pieces were reminiscent of something that could be seen at a Disneyland attraction. The room was brightly lit and the show tunes that had been the soundtrack to the bar carried over into the restaurant.

The place was packed. He followed the manager as they weaved in and out of the patron-filled tables. He almost choked.

Trent.

And he was with a man. Somehow, he couldn’t picture the masculine Trent out on a date in a burlesque-themed eatery.

Date? Shit.

Inexplicably, he got angry. Irritated. He reflexively pressed his lips together which only succeeded in breaking his cut open again.

“Dammit.” He muttered to himself, swiping some blood from it.

Trent glanced up, his mouth falling open a bit. Shawn wasn’t able to tear his eyes away quick enough.

Guess I’m slow at everything with this guy.

Mentally kicking himself, he refocused his attention on what he was actually supposed to be doing. Owen leaned into him right as Shawn spotted the young woman.

“That’s her.”

Shawn gave him a curt nod and purposely looked at a point ahead of him. She was known to them, so he needed to figure out a way to get her out of the main dining area.

Fortunately, Owen guided him to the hall leading to the restrooms that were located on the other side of the dining area.

“Well?”

The manager stared at him expectantly.

“Yeah, we’ve arrested her before. Let me radio my partner and find out what the situation is back in the bar. Keep an eye on our girl out there and alert me if it seems like she might make a run for it.”

Owen scurried back to the dining area and Shawn contacted Vicki. Once he’d confirmed that the other woman was still at the bar, they determined they would each collar their suspect and meet up in the back, behind the restaurant. Shawn alerted dispatch so that they could send a cruiser over as soon as possible if they needed a transport.

Right as he clicked off, he raised his head. He sucked in a breath at the sight of Trent ambling down the hall toward him.

Be cool.

Trent stopped in front of him, so very close. So tempting.

“What happened to your lip?”

Shawn was about to answer, but snapped his jaw shut instead.

The fuck?

Chuckling, he managed to answer. “Uh, tussle on the Strip.” He furrowed his brow, perplexed. “So you came back here just to ask me that?”

“You should be more careful.”

“Sure, I’ll keep that in mind. I
am
a cop. Shit happens.”

Trent scowled at him, crossing his arms in a defiant gesture as he did. “
Exactly
.”

Shawn had to admit he was completely lost. Trent was hot and sexy, but that didn’t mean he might not be one card shy of a full house. Shawn’s radio crackled, offering him a respite from having to come up with something to say immediately.

“Are you out back?”

“We have a situation. There’s smoke pouring from the kitchen area. I’ve called it in, but we’ve gotta get these people outta here now.”

Fire.

The restaurant was unbelievably packed and Trent knew they would have to move fast, especially with all the fluffy decorations the place had plastered all over. He’d been fairly stunned when Walt had insisted on coming to the eatery.

Shawn turned to him, about to speak, but Trent interrupted him.

“I heard. I’ll help you clear everyone out.”

Not responding, Shawn took off for the dining area and Trent followed. He was relieved to see that the smoke wasn’t yet visible from the curtained area that led to the bar. It would be easier to get the patrons outside quickly and easily if there wasn’t a panic.

He noted Shawn whipping his head around, obviously in search of someone. Trent was at his side.

“Who’re you looking for?”

“I need the manager to shut off this damned music, but he’s disappeared. It’s so loud I won’t be heard over it if I make a general announcement.”

Trent nodded. “See if you can get one of the staff to do something about that while I go to the tables closest to the drapes. I’ll get those people out first. Maybe the rest will take the hint.”

“Good plan.”

Right then, a theme-dressed man walked past. Shawn grabbed the arm of the server.

“I need to evacuate the restaurant. Can you shut off this music so I can make an announcement?”

The young man’s eyes went wide. “Why? What’s wrong?”

“It’s just a precaution. There’s nothing to worry about. Could you look into that for me? Hurry.”

The kid nodded, clearly not convinced that he shouldn’t worry. Before he could stop himself, Trent lightly grasped Shawn’s elbow.

“Come help me with these tables in the meantime. There’s still a chance we can get everyone to move out before you even have to make an announcement.”

He tried not to notice how Shawn had tensed slightly when he’d touched his arm.

Shawn nodded but had an odd look on his face.

“Don’t you want to let your date know first? I can always get started over here while you do that.”

Trent regarded Shawn, watching as his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down a couple of times, a hint of nervousness evident.

“He’s not my date. Let’s get moving.”

Shawn turned his back on him and approached one of the tables closest to the lounge entrance. Trent couldn’t help but be impressed at how calm he was, careful to keep his voice low as he ushered a young couple from their chairs toward the front.

Trent tore his gaze away and went about encouraging additional patrons to vacate the restaurant. After a few groups of people left, there was a distinct murmur that could be heard amongst the restaurant goers. He was in the process of speaking to three elderly couples about safely exiting when he felt a grip on his arm. He glanced up to see Walt.

“What’s going on? Were you just gonna leave me there?”

“Wait for me outside, Walt.”

Trent moved toward the next table, the occupants already gathering their things as he did so. The message to leave seemed to have swept the room. His arm was grabbed again.

This time, Trent whirled around in frustration. He’d already suspected that Walt had been drinking before he’d arrived at Showstoppers, but his behavior indicated that it was more likely than not that he had.

“Not now. Go outside.”

Trent tried to turn away again, but Walt stepped in front of him.

“Who’s that cop, huh? I saw the way you guys gawked at each other, you acting like you were caught where you shouldn’t be. He your boyfriend? I know how you’ve got a thing for policemen.”

“I said not
now. Leave.”

His words had been gritted out through his teeth, heat rising to his face in barely controlled fury. Walt’s own anger shone back at him, but he finally stomped off.

Lee was right. What was I thinking?

People moved hurriedly toward the propped open doors in a calm manner, and Trent was relieved that the evacuation was proceeding well. Both he and Shawn were mid-way through the dining room, herding more and more patrons out of the restaurant. A loud bang preceded a whoosh of flames. Smoke burst through the drapes as large tongues of fire rapidly consumed the velvet curtains. Screams rang out, tables and chairs toppled over and people pushed one another aside to scramble for the entrance. Trent attempted to calm those around him, but already the garish decorations around them were lit up by the searing blaze.

It was time to leave.

Trent caught sight of Shawn desperately trying to stem the panic. Instead, he was shoved against a wall by a group of men as they rushed past him. Shawn winced as if he was in pain. Already amped up from his altercation with Walt and the adrenaline of the situation, seeing Shawn get manhandled set something off in him. Without thinking, he rushed over.

When he reached his side, he was aggravated to see Shawn rubbing his shoulder and grimacing as if he’d really been hurt. His eyes seemed to light up when he saw Trent.

“I think we’ve done as much as we can do. Let’s get you out of here.”

Shawn frowned. “You mean, let’s both get out of here.”

As if in confirmation, Trent coughed, smoke beginning to fill the room uncomfortably.

“I need to verify that all the staff has vacated and that there aren’t any patrons in the restrooms.”

“I’ve got this. I’m on duty, you’re not. Anyone still left behind would most likely listen to me since I’m in uniform.”

Shawn choked out his last words, the smoke building at too rapid of a rate. Sirens sounded and Trent knew help had arrived. Shawn fell into a coughing fit and Trent made a split second decision. He grabbed hold of Shawn’s right wrist, yanked it up while ducking his head under Shawn’s arm. He pulled it back down then reached through Shawn’s legs, transferring the man’s wrist to his other hand. Tightening his hold, he hoisted Shawn up on his shoulder in a perfect fireman’s carry and rushed to the front, the doors finally clear.

He’d expected a struggle, but he imagined he’d probably caught Shawn by surprise.

Depositing him on the sidewalk away from the restaurant, he straightened up to see Shawn’s enraged glare. Lee trotted past them and punched Trent in the arm as he went by. He was already in complete gear with his mask and helmet, so was unable to deliver what would likely have been some sort of sarcastic remark.

Trent cleared his throat, more confused by his own behavior than even Shawn probably was.

“We should move back further.”

Shawn still appeared to be seething. “As I was
saying
, I’m on duty. I got shit to do.”

With that, he marched off, seeming to pointedly ignore the bemused looks and stares of his fellow officers there helping with crowd and traffic control. Trent couldn’t deny his own discomfort at what a display his actions had undoubtedly made, so he could only imagine how Shawn felt. The last thing he’d wanted to do was embarrass him, to do damage to his masculinity by inferring Shawn needed constant rescuing.

Shit.

A knee-jerk reaction. That was all it had been. However, Shawn was probably only focusing on the jerk part of it. He ducked his head, suddenly anxious to get away from the scene, away from any possible comments from anyone. There wasn’t anything he could do to help, and he’d likely only be in the way. It also appeared that Walt had taken off. Carefully avoiding any eye contact and not giving in to the temptation to seek out Shawn’s whereabouts, he headed down the street to the garage where he’d left his truck. He needed to go home and get his head on straight, figure out his next move. Lee had been right about another thing. He wanted Shawn more than he’d wanted anyone since Paul. He still wasn’t convinced he could handle it, should chance it, but if nothing else—he should apologize to him.

Since there was a strong likelihood that Shawn would never want to have anything to do with him again, it was possible the whole thing would work itself out. Maybe he wouldn’t have to stress over it. The guy was probably so pissed off at him that all hope was lost for them to ever be together anyway.

There was a tightening in his gut as he realized he did want it to work out after all. That he not only wanted Shawn Everly badly, but wanted more than just a hook up.