100 Ways to Solve a Murder-Chapter 207: Puzzle Skin X

The Loop

Levi continued casually forward, heading to where Tanner had disappeared into. However, he was blocked by the bouncer at the door. "VIP Members only," the dark-haired man said, not at all intimidated with the two’s height. He was built like a rock after all. And was used to dealing with a drunk entitled piece of shits on a nightly basis.

The Irishman narrowed his eyes at him, knowing it wouldn’t be a great idea to force himself forward. He pulled a fake MPD badge "MPD we are currently performing an investigation" he stated confidently, panting under his breath. Causing Marco’s eyes to widen in surprise, when did he get that fake badge? He couldn’t help but wonder.

Levi took a step forward, but the bouncer blocked him yet again, unfazed by the badge.

"You do realize you are breaking the section 89(2) Police Act 1996 Obstructing a Police Officer and could be charged with a maximum penalty of one month’s imprisonment and/or a level 3 fine" Levi stated expecting the man to cower over the legalities. But the brunet simply stared at him.

"I can call for the police myself, sir, Impersonating an officer is 6 months imprisonment." the bouncer shot back, fishing his mobile threatening to call the Bobbies on them if they insist. He wouldn’t want that of course, he was merely bluffing, the club was breaking a few laws like turning a blind eye for the few young folks below 21 years old. And the fact that they are over their maximum number of allowed people inside.

Levi’s eyes widened briefly, impressed but slightly annoyed. Nevertheless impressed.

"How were you able to tell?" he asked.

....

Mike had dealt with several douchebags and assholes over his years of working as a bouncer in different establishments. And if he was honest he might even consider himself a masochist with how used to he was to dealing with not only verbal abuse but sometimes even physical assaults.

Drunk entitled piece of shits every single night. Some of them, just earlier, was a kid with his group of overgrown toddlers barely out of nappies had shouted profanities his way for breaking up a fight with another customer when said customer was easily whooping his ass. Something he doesn’t understand considering he just saved his ass.

Some days he would face customers so dumb, and intoxicated that would even attempt to challenge him into a fight; men that want nothing but to impress their girl or their bros. He’d do his best not to lose it of course. For he reckoned if he did, well, the last time he did was almost a year ago and that resulted in a guy staying in the hospital for two weeks, and also resulted in losing his job.

And with the recession currently happening, he honestly can’t lose a job right now.

People shouting had never really been an issue with Mike, anger even, he was immune to it. Never took it to heart, some customers are just too drunk to realize what they were doing and come to a point they would come back the next night to just apologise. However what he didn’t like was being touched or pushed around, and he had learnt enough restraint to wait for it. The security cameras on his post he considered his best friend. For as long as he acted as he was supposed to within the written standard operating procedure. Well, he can very much clap a guy or two in the face as long as they start it. Of course, he wouldn’t admit he’d hit them harder than he would ordinarily.

But this guy he was currently facing was different, Mike realized. First, he wasn’t pissed drunk like the rest of the assholes present was. He didn’t even seem to have been in contact with any sort of alcohol that evening. Second, he looked too posh for someone walking in a close to rundown Club. He seemed more to belong in some exclusive gentlemen’s club somewhere in the posher side of London.

His blond hair was slicked, and he reckoned only a tornado could mess it up. Third, was the suit he was wearing, he learned to recognize luxury brands after working a year in Ritz before as security. Where people generally wore the kinds of suits he’d have to work for half a year to just be able to afford.

But not only that, said Gentleman in front of him had the audacity to claim he was a member of the Police. Highly unlikely, he looked more like some model, or possibly a lawyer or an accountant. Someone that worked in a cool office, with proper heating in winter days and little to no leg work at all.

He didn’t look like the kind of guy that would be caught doing manual labour if he had a say in it, in short, the bloke seemed like a spoiled rich dude with old money in his pockets. Definitely not anything close to a constable, in Mike’s opinion.

The blond narrowed his eyes at him, "How were you able to tell?" he asked him, causing Mike to hold the urge to roll his eyes. Maybe his act would pass to most people, he does look convincing, more so he seemed like the kind of bloke who thinks on their feet. And intelligence and quickness, more so his undeniable charm would be able to win most people over.

"That suit you’re wearing I reckon cost more than three grand. No constable wouldn’t be able to afford that" Mike said confidently. Hoping the man would leave with his even taller friend standing behind, preferably soon. There was something about them he didn’t feel quite comfortable with. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Like an underlying danger beneath the surface, he senses.

Levi cracked into a grin looking back at the bouncer before him, he was mildly impressed. Surprised even, most people folded when he spoke, he was eloquent after all. Quick on his feet and well versed on characters he chooses to play. But there was the man not at all intimidated by him and had enough wit over his bulky shoulders, more so he was able to retort in the same manner he did, using legalities. Although not as eloquent as he did. But still impressive in his opinion.

Marco watched the whole exchange, then his eyes shifted to look behind the bouncer, when the door behind him suddenly swung open for a moment when a staff walked out carrying glasses. It took only 2 seconds tops when he had a clear view of what’s behind the door, small stages in tables with women dancing scantily clothed on top and his cheeks subconsciously reddened.

’Strippers!’ His mind screamed and he tried to turn away but his eyes glued on one of the women inside. She had dark brown hair, her body shone in both glitter and sweat. Her bosom almost completely pouring out of her see through outfit.

His attention got distracted by one of the bouncer’s suddenly appearing to his right, and Marco turned back to his friend, wanting to inform him they should take their leave or they may get more than they bargained for. He could see the evident grin remained on Levi’s chiselled face. "Very well," the Irishman started, pulling out a business card from his breast pocket and handing it to the man. Mike furrowed his brows at him in both surprise and confusion but took it nevertheless just to quickly get over with.

"Levi Jackson, I own a Detective Agency in Eastbourne." he introduced, then gestured to his friend behind him. "Dr Marco Evans, friend, business partner," he added, and Marco gave the man a curt nod. He smoothened his suit jacket, "When you decide to quit this job you clearly hate drop by and we’ll talk about employment" the blond said. Then turned his back and walking away, leaving a confused bouncer and Marco exchanging looks at each other before the bearded man followed behind him seconds after.

"What was that Levi?" Marco asked, catching up the slicked blond. "I clearly offered him a job, Marco," he answered, walking out of the club with the same confident swagger. He headed towards their vehicle parked outside, Marco following closely behind as he unlocked the car doors and hopped on.

Marco groaned, "If you didn’t notice Levi we don’t have funding to hire an employee. We could barely pay our rent." the bearded man reasoned, mentally computing their budget. If only he took more of his so-called ’boring cases’ they could keep their heads above water.

Levi simply shrugged, "We’ll make it work." he said, too confident for his friend’s liking.

"What’s about Tanner?" Marco asked, back to the real business in hand. "It’s fine." the blond said, "Are we letting him go?" the bearded man asked.

Levi scoffed, "Don’t be ridiculous, Marco. I have an informant inside."

Marco paused, surprised. "What?-- Who?" he stammered. "The sexy brunette who’s breasts you were eyeing like you were still in need of breastfeeding." the Irishman stated, causing Marco to turn beet red. He didn’t realize he noticed. Did he stare that long? Probably did.

"Is she a prostitute?" Marco muttered embarrassed to be so judgemental, he reckon not all of strippers have sex for money. "They’re called professionals, Marco. And she needs money for her doctorate." the blond replied, starting the car.

Marco shot him a shocked look, and the blond rolled his eyes. "don’t be so shocked, even MENSA have a number of prostitutes." he said, causing Marco’s jaw to drop.

"They do." the blond added, looking ahead. "Also, I employed eyes not only in his flat but also to his usual stomping grounds. They’ll let me know when he shows up." the blond said, starting the car and driving towards the Agency.

"How do you feel about Chinese?" the blond asked casually, as he turned to a corner. They hadn’t had dinner and they were both famished.

"I want some orange chicken" the bearded man replied.