ON:
For Marcus, the excitement and challenge of the Concert had given way to the daily routine of running an upscale Lounge and Restaurant. With the success of his last engagement he had been able to negotiate a long term contract with an agent from the Federation and RICKS was now featuring the singer “Raven” four nights a week. To make room for the expected business Marcus enlarged and remodeled the Blue room, making it a two story open affair just as the forward lounge was. The lights were just a bit brighter, the atmosphere more inviting than the dark Blue room.
Standing toward the back he watched the Saturday night crowd fill the room as Raven performed not only on the stage but worked out in the crowd as well. And they loved it.
A figure caught his attention across the room. A woman dressed in a long flowing off the shoulder white gown. The fabric so thin one could almost see thru it if the light caught it jus right. She spotted Marcus and excused her self from her escort, a tall younger man that looked slightly out of place.
Weaving her way between the tables she came up to him. “Marcus dear… I have to tell you…. I just adore what you’ve done with the place.”
“Veronica… beautiful as always.” he leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Where is Mathew?”
Mathew Harringer, CEO of Dexter Enterprises and his wife Veronica had been regulars of Ricks before Marcus had disappeared. It the weeks since his reappearance this was the first time he had seen Veronica.
Veronica turned a little nervous. Avoiding his question she grabbed his arm and smiled. “I’ve heard so much about your new car! Why everyone in the design studio..why it was all they could talk about last week. You will show it to me won’t you?”
Marcus understood the unspoken message. “Of course, its right out side, come on, I’ll even take you for a little spin.”
**
As they drove down Phoenix Boulevard he waited for Veronica to explain her “situation”. but after several blocks she seemed content to just watch the passing buildings. He turned off onto River Park Road and now the Covington River passed on her side of the car.
“It’s so beautiful.” she sighed.
“The river, yes… I love it at night.”
“The river? Yes the river, but I was speaking of your car silly.”
“Veronica. Where is Mathew? You never came into Ricks without him before.”
She nervously pulled a handkerchief form a clutch and dabbed her eyes. “The truth is Marcus… I don’t know! I’m just worried sick you see.”
“How long has he been missing?”
She looked out the window. “Five days now.”
“You haven’t heard from him in five days! Have you notified the authorities?”
‘No…No you see…Mathew expressly forbid me to. He said ..Veronica, I may have to work a few days so if you don’t hear from me… don’t worry. And don’t call the Authorities for god sake. You see he knows I get ….”
“A little hysterical?”
She nodded. “Well I try not to!”
“And you’d like me to find him for you.”
“Oh Marcus .. Would you? I know you’re so busy and all and I don’t want to be any bother.”
He looked over and gently touched her arm. ‘It’s no trouble Veronica.” Turning to go back to RICKS he continued. “You still have access to all the business don’t you?”
“Well of course. Not that I understand any of it. I leave that to my lawyers.”
“Good. I’ll come by tomorrow and you’ll give me authorization to nose around.”
Veronica seemed to settle just a bit. “Thank you” she whispered.
“Out of curiosity, who was that gentleman you came in with?”
“Oh him? Just a paid escort. I mean Marcus… I can’t show up alone …now can I?
**
As the pair climbed out of the car and walked across the sidewalk back to RICKS a shadow across the street took note and keyed his com unit.
“Severn here. Tell the boss we have a problem.”
Off:
Marcus Dinn
Owner of RICKS and Oz
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
Veronica Harringer
Wife of Mathew Harringer,
CEO of Dexter Industries.
