Read Online An Act of Deceit: Book 2 of the Sarah Woods Mysteries by Jennifer L. Jennings - Free Book Online

boyfriend.”
         “Oh, I’m not expecting anyone. The seat’s all yours. I’m here solo looking for a bartending job.” I wasn’t sure why I’d just explained myself to a total stranger. What did it matter? I was there for one reason: to get whatever information I could from Tiffany.
         “I see. Well, lucky for me then.” He cocked his head as he spoke which seemed to suggest I should be grateful that a stud like him would talk to someone like me. At that moment he no longer seemed quite so handsome. Be it my imagination or insecurity, I had a sense he was just amusing himself with me while waiting for someone better to come along. As a result, I ignored whatever it was he said next and turned back toward the stage. Besides, the last time I let a guy buy me a drink he ended up dead.
         When I turned back around a few minutes later, he was gone.
     
* * *
        
         A few hours passed, and I could barely keep myself upright any longer. Not so much because I was drunk. It was just way past my bedtime: almost midnight. My legs had grown numb, remaining stationary for far too long.
         The club had to be closing soon. I asked Zach if he knew the dancers, but he’d only been working there a few weeks and couldn’t tell me much.
         When the music finally stopped and the lights came on, I found my mind utterly devoid of any clever ideas for getting to Tiffany. Within ten minutes, the place was nearly empty. Zach set the bar tab in front of me. I cringed to think how much it would be. Fortunately, Carter would reimburse me. Four twenty dollar bills later, I stood up, put on my jacket, and waved good-bye to Zach.
         I made my way toward the exit as slowly as I dared. Where was the dancers’ changing room?  Had Tiffany already left? I paused near the exit doors, pretending to look for something inside my purse. The look on the bouncer’s face told me I’d overstayed my welcome.
         I stepped outside and inhaled sharply. I snugged my collar around my neck as the cold air struck my face. Where had I parked my car? I scanned the whole parking lot to no avail. I fished in my purse for the keys, figuring I’d press the lock button to flash the lights.
         After a moment, I came to a grim realization: the keys were gone and so was my vehicle.
    Panic began to set in. I pawed frantically through my purse a second time. No keys. Had I left them on the bar?
         I ran back toward the building. The door was locked. I banged and banged until someone showed. A stocky guy with a tattoo on his neck opened the door a crack. He looked quite annoyed.
         “Please,” I gasped, nearly out of breath, “I think I left my car keys on the bar. I need to get back in.”
         “Sorry. Club’s closed,” he said, dismissing me with a wave of his hand.
         “But I can’t get home without my keys?”
         “Not my problem.”
         “Give me a break, will ya? Could you at least go check for me? I’ll wait out here in the freezing cold.” I wrapped my arms around my chest and tucked my chin for emphasis. I thought he was going to ignore me when the door swung wide. He stepped aside to let me in.
         “Thank you very much,” I said, maneuvering around his bulky frame. I headed straight for Zach, who was cleaning up behind the bar. “Excuse me, Zach,” I said, still out of breath. “Did you find a set of keys?”
         “Sorry, I didn’t. Did you check the ladies room?”
         “I haven’t, but I’m going to right now.” I remembered that I’d visited the restroom after my second margarita.
         I opened the door, stepped inside, and turned on the light. I immediately jumped back and let out an involuntary scream. A man was standing directly in front of me with his back against the wall. A blonde woman knelt before him, her face buried in his crotch.
         “Holy shit,” I gasped, stumbling backwards and slipping