Into the Dark

[caela]

Closed for CgRaven and myself...

The voice of Austin Sinclair filled the bar where she worked, smooth and rich as whiskey. It sliced through the dim, smoky lounge to sink into those listening and create an, almost palpable, background for those caught up in their own conversations. Among certain circles, hers was a well known name but in the city as a whole she lived a quiet, anonymous, life. Those that did know her however knew her well and many of the men in the bar came because they knew she'd be singing.

Austin herself was as lovely as her voice. Tall and lithe she left her as blonde hair to tumble to her waist in a riot of curls and her luminous skin seemed to almost shimmer in the lights of the stage she stood on. Jade green eyes seemed to draw in every man they rested on while giving only the smallest hint of who this vision before them was and more than one pair of eyes watched her lush lips forming the words that seemed to move through their bodies. Her own body was hugged by a black, backless, silk gown with a neckline that managed to plunge down between her full breasts without revealing anything but the barest swell of them and moving on to cling to gently rounded hips and a firm ass before falling to swirl around her ankles.

Austin herself was a mystery to most of the men who ardently came to watch her each night. A few of them knew that she could be enticed to go home with them though she did so for her own reasons and not usually why they thought. One thought he had bought her with a diamond bracelet...while another thought she'd slept with him merely because she wanted to. The enticements needed, and the resulting sex, were as wildly varied as the men whose beds she went to.

All any of them truly knew was that she never stayed. She would go to their places but she'd never taken a man to hers and she never slept in their apartments. No matter how late (or early as the case may be) it was she always left for the warmth and safety of her own bed. Her home was her sanctuary and none of her "audience" had ever seen it, or even knew where it was.

It was a policy she didn't plan to change soon. Little did she know that this night there was someone in the audience who might be able to make her change that policy.

 

[cgraven]

The world of nightclubs, and entertainers, has always been associated with the darker elements of society. From Prohibition with its Speak Easys, Bathtub Gin and chorus girls. Las Vegas had Bugsy Segal, The Rat Pack of Sinatra, Martian, Davis, and Lorry and the Hollywood wheelers and dealers. In more, recent times, the bloody path of rappers vying for street credit has only reinforced the image. In this world of clubs, and singers there has always been “Bad Boys” the movers and shakers of the gritty under belly of the entertainment industry where Headliner acts first get their start.

This was the world of Sam Dugan. Dugan was a man that people wanted as a friend, for his enemies had a disconcerting habit of turning up missing. The cops had a grudging respect for him, some whispered it was more that he had a fix in. Sam Dugan was a throw back to an earlier time, always impeccably dressed. There was a dark excitement about him, as if he where living on the edge, a dark allure that was hard to explain.

He sat there in a corner booth the blue gray smoke curling around him. He watched her work the room her voice smooth and rich as whiskey, that black evening gown so sensually seductive, accentuating her figure, that seemed to promise paradise if a man was lucky enough to take her home. She was stunning, her shimmering golden mane tumbling to her waist so wild and free. Those jade green eyes a man could become lost in. Austin Sinclair that was the reason he was here tonight, to see if what he had heard was correct. He turned to the redheaded waitress;


“Get Miss Sinclair what every she wants to drink with my complements.”

 

[caela]

“Get Miss Sinclair what every she wants to drink with my complements.”

The waitress, Sandra, couldn't help but to chuckle softly at the newcomers offer. Even if she herself hadn't recognized that he was new to the club that simple request would have told her so but she felt it only right to explain the amusement she'd recieved at this mans expense.

"It's a kind offer Sir but you might as well know that you won't be paying for much. Miss Sinclair only drinks water when she'd performing and leaves shortly after her sets are done for the evening."


Almost as if on cue with Sandra's words Austin's voice trailed off in the final notes of a ballad she'd been singing, "Thank you for coming out tonight," she said from the stage a lingering smile curving just the corners of her lips. "I look forward to seeing you all again on friday."

With that simple expression of gratitude she turned from the stage. Her steps light and graceful, making her seem to almost glide across the floor as she stepped out into the crowd. She could have gone out the back but she made it a point to go out through the tables and stop and speak with those that regularly came to hear her sing.

Her path tonight would take her right past the strangers table.

 

[cgraven]

"It's a kind offer Sir but you might as well know that you won't be paying for much. Miss Sinclair only drinks water when she'd performing and leaves shortly after her sets are done for the evening."

So this young beauty liked to be in control. Dugan smiled to himself such a seductive illusion. He fixed the young redhead with an unblinking gaze. His voice controlled but the edge in it was enough to sober the brash young waitress.

“ If Miss Sinclair’s choice is water be it bottled or tap than that’s her choice and her right to refuse the offer.”

"Thank you for coming out tonight,"

That rich sultry voice dripping with sensuality brought Sam’s attention back to the dimly lit stage and the young golden haired beauty. Dugan earlier suspicions that she liked to be in chare was confirmed by the taunting little smile that bowed her lips, the air of confidence as she descended the stage to make her grand exit through the crowned little lounge. Like a queen she would grace an adoring fan every now and then with a smile, and a word guaranteed to keep them coming back.

Austin Sinclair had made it perhaps a quarter of the way across the room when the little redhead waitress, Sandra caught her arm and whispered Dugan’s offer of a drink and his accretion that he did not care if it where water he was buying. Most men would have been watching the exchange between the two women but Sam Dugan was not most men. He had made an offer now it was up to Miss Austin Sinclair to except or reject it.

To those in the business it was well known a word from Sam Dugan could make or break you. Oh, there where rumors about who he was connected and that could be just as dangerous to know him as to offend him.

 

[caela]

A look of surprise crossed Austin's face when Sandra gripped her arm and it was quickly followed by something less than pleasant but not quite threatening. It was a look that made the waitress release her quickly though it was clear that Sandra was more frightened of patron whose bidding she was doing than she was of the clubs star singer.

Austin listened quietly and though she recognized the name "Dugan" her face didn't give the faintest flicker of recognition. She could hear the near panic in Sandra's voice however and had to admit she was intrigued by someone that could do that to Sandra. She herself found the girl annoying but with Sandra's good looks most of the men were willing to fall at the waitress' feet once Austin herself was gone.

Holding the other woman's gaze she shook her head gently and waved her off making it clear she would take care of the offer herself. Crossing through the rest of the room she took her time making it to Dugan's table. She was holding court and nothing would rush her...not even a man with his reputation. Austin had learned, the hard way, that many reputations were merely talk and until there was hard proof either way she would treat Dugan as she treated any other man.

Like a supplicant or a commodity.

At last she did reach his table and the look she gave him was neither arrogant nor over happy. She didn't gush and fawn on him like many would have but she didn't try to intimidate and loom over him either. Instead she allowed her curiosity to show through her carefully controlled exterior as she brazenly took a seat at his table. Instantly she felt the tension in the air rise and crackle around them. It was unprecedented for her deign to sit with a club patron and she knew, without looking away from him, that all the eyes in the club were now watching them.

"You gave Sandra quite the fright you know," she said as an opening. She didn't bother with introductions, they each knew who the other was even though they hadn't met before. "And my water here is free so it's nothing to offer to buy it for me Mr. Dugan."

 

[cgraven]

C’est la grand Dame was the thought that came to Dugan’s mind as he watched Austin holding court. The way with just a look, she placed the young redhead in her place.

At last she did reach his table and the look she gave him was neither arrogant nor over happy.

There was a quiet self-confidence to the stunning young blonde as if the world was her oyster. Every action made it quite clear that she had allowed her curiosity to show through her carefully controlled exterior as she brazenly took a seat at his table. Dugan found the charged atmosphere of the room almost as refreshing as the cool confidence of Miss Sinclair.

"You gave Sandra quite the fright you know, and my water here is free so it's nothing to offer to buy it for me Mr. Dugan."

“Miss Sinclair the offer to buy you a drink was made before I knew you only drank water.”

There was a leisurely grace to this man who had more the appearance of your favorite uncle than what rumors held about him. His eyes where steely gray, his ginger hair clipped close to his head. He was balding and made no attempts to hide the fact.

“Would you like your water neat or on the rocks Austin?”

Sandra was discreetly standing to the side waiting for Austin to put the stranger in his place and to save what pride she could after the encounter with them both.

 

[caela]

“Would you like your water neat or on the rocks Austin?”

Austin shot the young waitress a scathing look. It was clear the girl had taken the strange situation and overstepped her bounds. There wasn't a waiter or waitress in the club that didn't know that Austin didn't like being referred to by her first name unless she gave the other person permission. By the same token however she didn't use a person's first name until she was invited to either. She considered it an intimacy and not one she shared lightly. It was rather old fashioned of her but it was an eccentricity that she rather enjoyed and had no desire to change.

She watched as the waitresses cheeks flushed a dark red before she took her gaze from the girl with a look that clearly dismissed her. Let her go play among the men who so adored her fragile good looks. Not being a lover of female flesh herself she wasn't charmed as the men were and, knowing how fragile her grip on her small "court" truly was, she didn't appreciate the girl setting herself up as competition.

Glancing through the club she caught the eye of one of the waiters and made a small motion, bringing him quickly to their table.

"What can I get for you Miss Sinclair? Mr. Dugan?"

"My water please Mr. Johnson, over ice tonight I think," she said a warm smile curving her lips as the waiter was solicitous and polite drawing a response in kind from her. "And whatever Mr. Dugan would like as well, I think Mr. St. James would be more than happy to comp. the expenses that such an honored guest might incur this evening."

The waiter, Bobby to everyone but Austin, simply smiled and nodded slightly. They'd already been told that whatever Mr. Dugan ordered would be "on-the-house".

"Of course Miss Sinclair. And for you Mr. Dugan?"

Getting Dugan's order the waiter promptly left to weave through the crowd. He always provided excellent service and Austin had actually taken to tipping him even though her drinks were free. She'd also requested that he be scheduled to work on the nights she sang to ensure she got the service she was looking for during her breaks.

"I appreciate the offer Mr. Dugan but as you can see, you won't be paying for anything tonight. Now if you'd be so kind, I must admit to a curiosity as to why you had to scare Sandra into bringing me the offer of a drink?"

 

[cgraven]

Austin dismissed the young redhead with a perfunctory glance that was so eloquent in its efficient silence. Yet Sam Dugan caught the distain this stunning young blonde had for the fragile little redhead’s competition. Despite all outward appearance Mss Austin Sinclair realized just how tenuous her command of her court was.

"My water please Mr. Johnson, over ice tonight I think and whatever Mr. Dugan would like as well, I think Mr. St. James would be more than happy to comp. the expenses that such an honored guest might incur this evening."

"Of course Miss Sinclair. And for you Mr. Dugan?"

Cool, aloof, the chaste queen, the image so carefully crafted to project total control. The waiter bowing in difference to her, the offer to buy him a drink on Mr. St. James tab. She had gall if nothing else.

“B&B neat.”

Dugan did not address the waiter by name, nor did he look up when ordering. The man was a servant, his job was to see to the clientele’s needs. He did not talk down to the young man either. Sam Dugan turned his attention to the Ice Princess that sat across from him.

“ I enjoyed your singing Miss Sinclair but am rather surprised that your agent has not booked you into a better club.”

The Chez Paris was not a dive, nor was it an upscale club but it was a place that the owner would cater to Austin to keep her there where she could be in control. In an upscale club she would not enjoy the same benefit and a dive was out of the question, that would mean going back, to the leering eyes and grabbing hands.

Miss Sinclair your water , Mr. Dugan your B&B

Sam simply placed a rather healthy tip on the tray with only the slightest nod of acknowledgement to the waiter. Where Austin worked for her appearance of control Dugan exercised it with a simple sure knowledge.

 

[caela]

“ I enjoyed your singing Miss Sinclair but am rather surprised that your agent has not booked you into a better club.”

His comment made a small smile curve Austin's lips and without a word she held a out toward the room inviting him to truly look around him. In the smokey lounge were the same men that usually frequented the upscale clubs. On other nights this bar was usually filled with middle to upper-middle america but when she sang a better class of clientèle emerged. Granted being booked into a better club would widen her circle among the powerful men that already surrounded her but that circle was ever widening and here it was at a pace she could help contain. At a word from her these men brought, or abandoned, their friends.

Still she worked her magic here because her agent was not as good as his reputation had claimed, and it was through that mistake that she'd learned not to trust to a man's reputation until he'd proven it.

"My contract will be up in six months Mr. Dugan and then my agent will be looking for new clients."

It was a simple statement of fact. She knew she brought in a lot of money for her agent even in the middle of the road clubs he could book her into but she needed more. Still she'd bided her time and would fulfill her contract with him for two reasons. 1) She didn't want to earn her own reputation as a prima donna who made a habit of breaking contracts and 2) the time she'd spent at the Paris had been good to her allowing her to slowly expand her sphere of influence and truly enthrall those that came to see her not just enamor them for a short time.

Miss Sinclair your water , Mr. Dugan your B&B

"Thank you Mr. Johnson," she said politely and smiled when the young mans eyes flashed his appreciation of her manners. He might be a servant but she tried to treat those around her like people first.

"So Mr. Dugan, you never did tell me why you were so willing to frighten Sandra into coming and making your offer for you."

 

[cgraven]

"So Mr. Dugan, you never did tell me why you were so willing to frighten Sandra into coming and making your offer for you."

“What ever do you mean Miss Sinclair? I did not threaten the young lady but simply reminded her it was not her place to tell me that you would not accept my offer.”

Dugan spoke frankly, in an open pleasant manner, his eyes holding Austin’s as he spoke.

“The more pertinent question might be why I made the offer as we both know your drinks would be comped.”

Dugan sipped his B&B his steel gray eyes holding her sea green eyes in their unblinking gaze. For some it might appear that he was staring, but a closer look would reveal that he was studying the young woman across from him, evaluating her. The expression on his face was passive and gave no hint as to what conclusion he may have arrived at.

“The simple reality is that I have bought your contract Miss Sinclair and wanted to see if you lived up to your reputation.”

 

[caela]

“The simple reality is that I have bought your contract Miss Sinclair and wanted to see if you lived up to your reputation.”

For the first time that evening her carefully controlled facade showed a crack as true surprise showed on her face. Why would this man have bought her contract? There was only six months left on it and while she was looking forward to those six months being up she wasn't entirely certain she liked this stranger having bought it. Who knew what he had planned for her.

Quickly her face went neutral, the surprise smoothing away into a nearly blank expression that hid the inner turmoil now roiling through her mind.

"Did you now Mr. Dugan? And why would you have bought my contract before coming to see if it was worth the purchase. If I hadn't lived up to my reputation you would have made a bad investment indeed.

What is it you want from me Mr. Dugan?"

 

[cgraven]

For the first time Sam Dugan saw that crack in Austin Sinclair well practiced cool façade. Most would have missed it, it so quickly passed with just the slightest hint on that angelic face. Nevertheless, he had caught it, after all in his business it paid to be able to detect the slightest human weakness, indecision, or flaw of character. Like wise Dugan’s face remained an unreadable mask.

"Did you now Mr. Dugan? And why would you have bought my contract before coming to see if it was worth the purchase. If I hadn't lived up to my reputation you would have made a bad investment indeed.”

Dugan’s reputation was that he made no Bad Investments and that he always got a return on his money……….one way…………..or another.

” What is it you want from me Mr. Dugan?"

“To make me lots of money Miss Sinclair”

Sam leisurely sipped his B&B his eyes coolly evaluating the blonde bombshell. He did so enjoy these first meeting the mental games that always went on as each party evaluated the other.

“Oh course that means that you make lots of money as well Miss Sinclair.”

The cards where on the table and for the moment he knew he held the upper hand, that Austin’s shaky hold on her surroundings had been shaken and that Dugan now held her bound to him by contract.

“By the way you do live up to your reputation Miss Sinclair. We need to discuss your future say over dinner this evening?”

Dugan knew that she had little choice as he could book her into any lounge, club or dive he chose for the next six months. This might be the only chance for her to have some input into her fate.

 

[caela]

“By the way you do live up to your reputation Miss Sinclair. We need to discuss your future say over dinner this evening?”

Austin nodded her head in acknowledgment of the compliment but said nothing. She knew she lived up to her reputation but it was the offer of dinner that had her sipping at her water and thinking as quickly as she could. He had her pinned into a corner, for the moment, but that was no reason to let him see that she was annoyed by his sudden revelation.

"Dinner it is then Mr. Dugan. I'll be interested to hear what sort of plans you have for my career over the next few months."

The barest hint of a smile curved her lips as she said it, implying that dinner would be a pleasure and not an obligation. What didn't show on her face was her own mental recitation of her contract and the small sub clause that only went into effect if her original agent sold it. She'd thought it unlikely to happen but Austin was a cautious woman and had had her lawyer add in the loophole to protect herself.

If her contract was sold she had six months of veto power into where she was booked. It was meant as a cushion to give herself and the new agent time to know and trust each other...and to keep any new agent from ruining her too badly. She wondered if her old agent had bothered to point out that little clause to Mr. Dugan and found herself doubting it.

 

[cgraven]

At the mention of dinner, Dugan again saw that just barely perceptible wrinkle in the young blonde’s cool public persona.

"Dinner it is then Mr. Dugan. I'll be interested to hear what sort of plans you have for my career over the next few months."

The barest hint of a smile curved her lips, a more self assured manner returned as if once again Austin Sinclair felt she knew some little piece of information that he did not.

“Shall we go then or do you wish to change Miss Sinclair?”

Sam Dugan wondered just how much of his reputation she was aware of. The look on her face said she viewed the invitation as more pleasure then obligation. Sam of course knew about her contract and all the small print, addendums, and clauses that where meant to protect her. He had a card he would play if necessary one that this high spirited Miss had over looked in her carefully crafted contract.

 

[caela]

“Shall we go then or do you wish to change Miss Sinclair?”

His question caught her off guard once more though this time there was nothing to show it. He'd seemed to know everything there was up until now and she wondered if someone had told him that she came to her gigs dressed as she was going to go on that night. She didn't have a change of clothes with her and she didn't take patrons home so her only option was to go dressed as she was. Still there were few enough places open at this hour and in most of them she wouldn't be entirely out of place.

"As I am will suffice Mr. Dugan. This is how I came to the club tonight and once I am home I prefer to stay there for the evening. Just where did you have in mind? I can have one of the waiters call a cab for us."

 

[cgraven]

"As I am will suffice Mr. Dugan. This is how I came to the club tonight and once I am home I prefer to stay there for the evening. Just where did you have in mind? I can have one of the waiters call a cab for us."

“That will not be necessary Miss Sinclair I have my car.”

He slowly stood and offered the young blonde his arm. The hushed mummer that ran through the club was unmistakable. The mutterings from her and there told that some had lost wagers as to weather Austin would go with Dugan. Needless to say all eyes where on the couple.

Do you think Austin knows who he is……………….she really living on the edge………….They say he would kill you as soon as look at you.

The comments where ill advised and an icy look from Dugan to a rather portly gentlemen brought and end to them. So much so the silence was almost oppressive.
The car was an understatement; limousine was more like it complete with chauffer who held the door open as Dugan ushered Austin into the plush luxury of the car.

What are you in the mood for Miss Sinclair, French, Italian, or perhaps oriental?”

 

[caela]

Austin watched Dugan stand and offer his arm and she smoothly rose as well to accept. Her decision to join him for dinner was made, she wouldn't back down on it now. She could feel the tension in the air around them and she heard the comments but she kept her gaze turned forward as if she heard nothing though she was also aware of the cold look that Dugan shot the man who had spoken.

Outside she wasn't surprised to see that his "car" was more than a normal car and was in fact a limousine. Quietly she let herself be ushered into it and settled back in the soft leather seats. It really was very comfortable and the sort of luxury she hoped to one day be able to afford for herself.

What are you in the mood for Miss Sinclair, French, Italian, or perhaps oriental?

"Italian please," she said without having to think about it. It had been a long night, and looked to become even longer, and italian was her favorite comfort food. Not that she'd admit that to anyone, to all outward appearances she simply enjoyed pasta and there was nothing remotely eager or yearning as she said it, just a statement of fact.

 

[cgraven]

"Italian please,"

Dugan picked up the phone and buzzed the chauffer.

“Miss Sinclair desires Italian.”

Dugan casually replaced the handset and turned his attentions to Austin as the car pulled out into traffic.

“Miss Sinclair you have marketable talent, we both know that. What surprises me is that you prefer to work Lounges like the Chez Paris instead of the top flight clubs……Why”

 

[caela]

Austin didn't bother hiding her amusement when Dugan simply called his driver and told him she wanted Italian. She found his casual acceptance of such a luxury highly entertaining along with the simple fact that his tastes must be very well known to his driver for him not to even bother mentioning a restaurant in connection with his statement. She didn't laugh but her lips quirked slightly and her eyes were colored with a merriment she didn't bother controlling.

“Miss Sinclair you have marketable talent, we both know that. What surprises me is that you prefer to work Lounges like the Chez Paris instead of the top flight clubs……Why”

His question sobered her and for the first time she looked at him seriously and honestly. For a long moment she said nothing before simply shrugging and spreading her hands wide in a simple gesture of exasperation and acceptance.

"Who said I didn't aspire to the top flight clubs? The truth is Mr. Dugan that my former agent didn't have, or wouldn't use, the contacts to book me into those clubs properly. I've quietly continued to sing in the best clubs he could book me in and still managed to slowly grow a quiet following culled from among those that would frequent the clubs you speak of.

Many of my fans initially came to the Paris, "slumming" but are now regulars. The owner is well aware of the draw I give him and I have to admit to liking the small touches of control that gives me there. Still my contract is only good for six more months; six months I intended to use to continue to grow my base following before searching for a new agent who could indeed book me into the top flight clubs.

So my question is Mr. Dugan, do I continue with my original plan or shall I start making plans to accelerate it now that you've bought my contract?"

 

[cgraven]

"Who said I didn't aspire to the top flight clubs?........................... So my question is Mr. Dugan, do I continue with my original plan or shall I start making plans to accelerate it now that you've bought my contract?"

Dugan listen attentively to Austin as she spoke frankly about her aspirations and the disappointment her former agent had been and how she had taken what control she could of the situation. When she at last finished he sate there a moment or two before answering.

“What you say about attracting the clientele of the upscale clubs to the Chez Paris is true. But the question is who benefits? The owner of Chez Paris he wins drawing in a better clientele and their money all for giving you a few fee frills. The clientele win they payless get more and some the pleasure of your company. The only one who loses is you Miss Sinclair for the shaker and movers do not see or hear you and they don’t come to Chez Paris.”

The car droned on into the night as they talked when it did come to a stop the restraint that awaited them was anything but classy. It was in a run down neighborhood and appeared a bit shabby.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover Miss Sinclair.”

Dugan offered her his arm and they made their way into the dimly lit café. The interior was charming and spotless and the staff attrentive.

“ What do you feel like Miss Sinclair?”

 

[caela]

Austin listened for all of three seconds as Dugan started to talk about the fact that the only one losing in her situation was her. He was preaching to the choir, she already knew that she wouldn't get where she wanted to go singing in clubs like the Paris. She'd thought through all of this. She also knew that if she earned herself a reputation for breaking contracts that the more upscale agents wouldn't touch her with a ten foot pole which was why she'd intended to finish out hers and then search for a new agent.

Once she realized he was only going to lecture about what she already knew she simply settled into her seat with an interested look on her face and tuned him out. Safely ensconced in her own thoughts she took the time to wonder who this strange man across from her was. She knew his reputation but she was having a hard time making the reputation fit with the man before her. He just didn't seem the type...which in her experience meant he was probably worse.

At last the car stopped and she looked out into a neighborhood that she would normally have never walked through, alone, at night. The small restaurant looked like a dive but Austin could see that the windows shone and were well tended. When Dugan told her not to judge a book by it's cover she wanted to swat at him and had to wonder if he was being deliberately annoying or if he seriously thought her that shallow.

If it had been a better neighborhood, and she hadn't been just a bit lost, she might have left him at that point but she was hungry and she was here so she followed him inside. As she'd expected from the windows the place was cheery and well kept and the staff seemed friendly, even at this late hour, as they led them to a small table.

“ What do you feel like Miss Sinclair?”

Ignoring the fact that Dugan had asked her the question she smiled warmly up at the waiter and addressed her order to him, "Lasagna, garlic bread and a large iced tea please. And a side salad to start if you have them thank you."

She watched as the waiter took Dugan's order and at last turned her full attention back on this strange man across from her. She stared at him speculatively for a moment before finally just bluntly asking what was on her mind, "Are you always so deliberately patronizing Mr. Dugan or do I just bring it out in you?"

 

[cgraven]

"Lasagna, garlic bread and a large iced tea please. And a side salad to start if you have them thank you."

“Fettuccine and Mussels and a ½ liter of the house red.”

She stared at him speculatively for a moment before finally just bluntly asking what was on her mind,

"Are you always so deliberately patronizing Mr. Dugan or do I just bring it out in you?"

“Oh I think it is that you just bring it out Miss Sinclair.”

Though Dugan’s face remained passive unreadable the twinkle in his eye and the way he dabbed his lips after sipping his water made it clear that he was teasing her.

“Tell me Miss Sinclair are you always so blunt with your dates?”

What ever her response was it had to wait as the waiter arrived with the wine and set a glass before each of them. When he went to pour Dugan made a slight gesture with his hand indicating that he would pour the wine when he was ready.

“Wine Miss Sinclair?”

 

[caela]

“Tell me Miss Sinclair are you always so blunt with your dates?”

Dates? His question surprised her but she didn't let it show on her face and before she could answer the waiter returned with their drinks. She found it mildly annoying to have a wine glass set before her when she had ordered tea for herself - and the two didn't mix well - but she said nothing, after all the waiter was simply doing his job.

“Wine Miss Sinclair?”

"No thank you Mr. Dugan," she said with a slight shake of her head. " As for your earlier question the answer is no; I'm not usually so blunt with dates. I am however usually this blunt with agent and other work associates and a working dinner is hardly a date."

He might have been teasing her but she was in earnest. The idea of this being a date had never entered her mind. One wasn't practically blackmailed into going on dates, one was asked. There was also no obligation in a date and, though he hadn't said anything outright, she felt a high sense of it here.

"So what are your plans for me Mr. Dugan. Something a little more specific than making you, and myself, a lot of money this time please."

 

[cgraven]

"No thank you Mr. Dugan," she said with a slight shake of her head. " As for your earlier question the answer is no; I'm not usually so blunt with dates. I am however usually this blunt with agent and other work associates and a working dinner is hardly a date."

“Very well as you seem bound and determined to make this purely business you are booked into the MGM Grand in Vegas starting next week.”

Dugan casually sipped his wine before continuing.

“That is of course the main room as the featured act for the next three weeks. Where it goes from there is simply a matter of your talent.”

Dugan finished his wine and pushed away from the table. My driver will take you where you want to go after dinner and as you view the evening as purely business I bid you good night.”

Dugan turned on his heel and made his way to the door where he paused to settle his account with the waiter.

 

[caela]

My driver will take you where you want to go after dinner and as you view the evening as purely business I bid you good night.

Everything he said startled her and she couldn't keep the shock of it from her face. He'd booked her into a Vegas hotel?! She was torn between elation and anger. Elation at the great gig and anger that he'd had the gall to start booking her in places without so much as speaking to her about it. Elation won out however and a smile started to curve her lips. Before she could thank him for the booking however he had risen and headed for the door.

She watched him settle his account and almost called him back. She even opened her mouth to do so but quickly clamped it shut. If he wanted a date and not a business meeting he could ask for one instead of ambushing her...still it wouldn't do to get on his bad side either.

Finally she simply rose and sauntered up behind him, touching his shoulder lightly to get his attention but it was an impersonal touch and nothing more.

"Mr. Dugan, I wasn't trying to make you angry but it was you who asked me to dinner to discuss my contract and the ramifications of your being my new agent. Don't let my bluntness stop you from enjoying your dinner, if one of us leaves it should be me."