‘Because phones and emails are traceable. Jaz, we have spots where we go to pick up info all around the city. We can’t just pick up a phone and call people. This is serious stuff.’
‘Oh, right. Well I can pick it up, no worries.’
He let out a deep breath and it tickled her ear. ‘Jaz, this info is kept at one of our main pick-up points and you’d have to dress the part to go there and I’d be worried about your safety.’
‘Come on, Ryan. Don’t you think I can look after myself? Did I not lay you out on your arse? Why are you being so cautious about this? I can do it.’
Ryan’s jaw was flinching, hesitant. ‘Jaz. The info is at a well-known whorehouse. I’d need you to dress up…’ He left the sentence hanging open as he glanced away.
‘Dress up? Oh. Like a hooker?’ Now Jaz got it. ‘I see.’ She shrugged. ‘Well, I’m sure I could manage that part. I have a nice little black dress I could wear. Who do I need to see?’
Ryan glanced over her shoulder to check they weren’t being listened to. ‘The Madam who runs the place. Her name is Sasha. Look, are you sure you want to do this?’
Jaz nodded, but her racing heart was uncertain.
‘Okay. If you’re sure. Meet me at nine out the front of Ramblers before it opens and I’ll go over it with you. It’s just a simple pick-up. Just remember to come looking…the part. Can you get away?’
‘Yep. Anna will be my alibi. But I’ll have to tell her something convincing, like I’m sneaking off to the club to see you.’ Ryan smiled and Jaz’s heart raced even more. ‘At least it’s kind of true.’
‘That’s a good idea.’ His face gave nothing away.
‘Hey, Ryan, wanna have a tour through the new section? Derik can take us through,’ said Taylor as he walked over.
Jaz turned around to see Anna standing by Taylor’s side, her eyes questioning and glancing to Ryan. She knew that look from Anna. She was trying to read into the situation, and no doubt reading far too much. Then Jaz realised she was standing only a foot from Ryan, but it would work well for her alibi tonight.
‘Sure, sounds like a plan,’ he told Taylor as he walked off leaving Anna and Jaz to take up the rear.
‘Hey, you! Were you having a little romantic powwow before?’ whispered Anna as she grabbed Jaz’s arm.
‘Um, well he wants me to come see him at the club tonight,’ said Jaz laying the foundations for their plans. But Jaz couldn’t help feeling that there was something there, a little spark, that was more than just work.
‘Oh my God. You have to go. Oh I wish I was you.’
‘So you don’t mind if I use you as my alibi?’
‘That’s what friends are for. BUT I want all the juicy details when you get back.’
Jaz felt the sickening wave of deceit that came from lying to her friend. She didn’t enjoy it one bit.
‘So did Taylor help you any?’ asked Jaz, hoping to change the subject.
‘Oh, yeah. All my shots are now hitting the target…but I just won’t say where.’ And it was as easy as that. Off Anna went, into depth about Taylor and his ‘coolness’.
Jaz followed behind Ryan and Taylor, trying to figure out how tonight would go. Nervous as she was, she couldn’t help but feel excited about meeting up with Ryan. Why was that?
Chapter 21
Jaz pulled out her clothes from her overnight bag and got changed in Anna’s bathroom. She hid her raunchy dress under a little black jacket and carried a dangerously high pair of heels she’d borrowed from the back of her mum’s walk-in-robe. They were sure to cramp her calves.
‘Anna, can you do my make-up please?’ she asked.
A veil of strawberry blonde hair appeared around the corner. ‘Really? You wanna go really glam?’ she said walking into the bathroom. ‘Ryan is totally worth it, and being older you want to look older.’ Jaz nodded because she couldn’t think of an answer to that. ‘You look fabulous. Your hair up in that high ponytail is very sexy with those massive hoop earrings. How do you want the make-up?’
‘Can you do dark and sexy? Put it all on.’
Anna smiled and went to work. Ten minutes later, after putting on thick mascara, Anna stepped away and they admired her handiwork in the mirror.
‘I am a legend. You look so hot, Jaz.’
Anna stated the truth. Jaz turned her head, amazed with the transformation. ‘Wow. It doesn’t even look like me.’
‘You better get going or you’ll miss your taxi. Now if you kiss you must tell me. Got it?’ Anna pulled her into a hug.
‘Thanks Anna. See you later.’