Third Half (15 page)

             
In a way, she hoped he did feel the same about the girl.  She
liked Maria and could see how loyal she was to him.  Now her loyalty
was going to be put to the test.

             
"We better get started.  I have a job interview.  First, there are
a few things I may need."  She looked closely at the girl.  "I believe
you may be close to my size.  Well, maybe a little shorter, but . . ."
She smiled before going on with her plans.  "A shorter skirt may be
just the right image to get this job."   

I
  

             
Liane wasted no time as she walked into the empty nightclub,
heading straight for the office where she knew she'd find Ricardo.
Maria had warned her he often took a brief siesta before they opened
the club for business. And today, she hoped, would be no exception. 
She wanted to catch him totally off-guard.

             
She noticed several bartenders' appreciative glances as they
stocked the shelves with liquor for the upcoming evening business. 
Her reflection, as she passed the mirror behind the bar, reminded her
of the woman Ricardo had been with the night before.

 
             
Her slender curves seemed voluminous when wearing the
too-tight outfit.  And the low cut bodice made her feel like she was on
display.  She tugged at the hem of the bright orange sheath, hoping to
hide a bit more of her thighs. 

             
Before her courage escaped her, she knocked on the door and
waited.  She could hear faint grumbling coming from the man inside;
then suddenly the door was thrust open wide. 

             
Ricardo stood naked to the waist, his hands on his hips, as if
ready to scold whoever had interrupted his nap. 

             
"Ah . . ."  His angry look turned to a smile as his eyes scanned
her from head to toe, stopping a moment to dwell on her heaving breasts beneath the low-cut bodice of the skimpy orange dress.  "What
have we here?"

             
"I . . .I was told you may need a singer," she replied simply. 
Not waiting for an invitation she passed him and went into the room. 
"So here I am!"

             
"I see.  But what makes you think I want to hire you?"

             
She turned to face him, giving him her sexiest grin.  "I can
give the audience what they want."  Her voice was purposely husky.

             
He slowly let the door close and came to stand before her.  So
close she could feel the warmth emanating from his solid male frame.
"I am sure you could do just that.  Only, we need a singer."

             
"That's what I meant," she said quickly, coyly brushing her
blonde hair away from her face. "I wouldn't want anyone to get the
wrong impression."

             
"Sing something for me,"  Ricardo ordered, then walked
toward his desk.

             
Liane went to the shelf covered wall and briefly scanned the
large CD collection, thankful to find one containing some familiar
show tunes.  "May I?"  She glanced over her shoulder as she opened
the cabinet that hid the expensive stereo equipment.

             
"Certainly, make yourself at home,"  Ricardo said sarcastically
as he leaned against his desk.  "Good choice,"  he said as he heard the
room fill with music.  "Our customers enjoy your American Broadway
songs."

             
Liane sang the song with enthusiasm, knowing this audition
may be the most important she had ever entertained.  When she was
through, Ricardo nodded with a crooked smile, before applauding her.

             
"I have to admit, I did not think you could really sing.  Now,
tell me . . ."  He again allowed his dark eyes to boldly examine her,
then narrow slightly.  "What brings you here?"

             
"Here?"  She turned to remove the record.  "What do you
mean?"

             
"I mean . . ."  He came closer and turned her to face him. "A
lovely American girl in Lima looking for a job?
–
Why?"  He kept his
hands on her shoulders.

             
She shrugged, allowing her gaze to rise from the curly dark
hairs on his broad chest, upward to his strong chin, sensuous lips
curling into a smile, stopping to gaze into his ever-darkening eyes. 
             
"I came down here with a friend, and we had a disagreement. 
Now I have to find a way to earn enough money to get back home."

             
His nearly coal black eyes lit as he smiled sardonically,
lowering his strong hands to gently stroke her arms.  "I could think of
a few, more profitable ways."

             
"I prefer using my voice!"  Her eyes flashed emerald green as
she darted him an angry look, stepping immediately out of his grasp. 
"Not my body!"

             
"I see.  Then do you not think you may get in trouble for . . .I
believe in your country they call it
false advertising?"

             
"I thought the dress would help me get the job.  I can easily
wear something more modest."  She had to hold back a smile as she
thought of the nun's habit.

             
"No, that will not be necessary."  He laughed and turned to
walk over to where his white shirt was hung over the back of his desk
chair.  "I think our audience will like you just the way you are."

             
"Then I got the job?"  She pretended excitement, knowing it
wasn't the job she was really after.

             
"Yes, you can start tonight, but I only want to see if they like
you.  I will make no guarantees."  He slipped into his shirt.  "You
have to be very good to work our weekend shows.  And besides . . ." 
His smile faded.  "We might already have someone booked."

             
"I understand."  She glanced around the room as though
looking for something.

             
"Can I help you with something else?"

             
"I . . .I wondered if I could have an advance . . .I know it's a lot
to ask,"  she quickly added.  "But you see I really need it.  Or I can't
afford dinner tonight."

             
"Since that is where I was about to go, why not be my guest?" 
He offered.  "I prefer having a lovely companion with me."

             
"Thank you."  She smiled up into his face, wondering how
she'd manage to keep up the facade through an entire meal.  She had
known many men like Ricardo, and it was always difficult hiding her
contempt.  Harder still, was pretending to enjoy their company.

             
"If we leave now, we will be back in time for you to do your
first show,"  he said.

             
"Ricardo," she began, carefully choosing her words.  "You
said I'd have to be very good to work the weekend.  And you sort-of
implied that you might have someone else booked.  Does that mean
there's a chance I may be needed then too?"

             
"There is some doubt about his showing up for the show."

             
"You did say you liked my singing."

             
"But it is not what I like.  It is what the customers like.  If you
can please the audience enough, and if Spence Jackson does not show
up to do his act, you will do the show."

             
"The audience must like this Spence . . ."

             
"Jackson."

             
"Yes, Spence Jackson.  They must like him very much for you
to keep booking him, when you don't even know if he'll be here or
not."

             
"Ha! He is only a third rate singer anyway.  It is the owner who
likes him."

             
"Oh.  Who is the owner?"

             
Ricardo's smile faded as he looked down at her through
narrowing eyes.  "You ask too many questions.  Besides, he prefers
remaining anonymous."

             
"Sorry, it's just my inquisitive nature."  She shrugged with
unconcern.  "All I hope is that he'll like me enough to want me to stay
for awhile.  Plane fare doesn't come cheap.  I'll need steady work."

             
"Do not worry . . .By the way, you never told me your name." 
He guided her out into the warm outdoors.  "It helps to know who I
have just hired."

             
"Ah . . .Mary Catherine," she replied, knowing she had not
told him her name on her previous visit.  Besides, if he hadn't realized
by now, she doubted he would.

             
"Let me see . . .Tell me, Mary Catherine, do you have a stage
name?  I think sometimes it is best to have a name that is more . . .ah .
. .catchy.  It helps people to remember you.  Mary Catherine seems too
. . .How shall I put it?"  He shrugged.  "Prim"

 
             
"No, I never entertained before," she lied.

             
"Something shorter.  Or, perhaps a nickname."

             
"Kitty, could be short for Catherine," she said with a smile,
knowing her sister had always hated that name.  Suddenly she
laughed.  "How about Kitty Katt, spelled with K's."

             
"I like that,"  he replied as she suspected he would.  "That is
what we will call you . . .Kitty Katt.  A little feline who we took in
from the street."  His smile was almost drooling as he looked down at
her again.

             
She forced a smile to her own lips, reminding herself to
beware of her companion.  She was going to have her work cut out for
her.  Now she'd have to add protecting her virtues, to her list of
finding her brother and clearing herself of a murder wrap.

             
Liane thought of her upcoming debut as Kitty Katt, wondering
who she would have to be next?  Would she ever be Liane Spencer
again?  With that thought, her smile faded.

I

             
"It looks like you'll be singing tonight,"  Ricardo said when
Liane stopped by his office Friday afternoon hoping to find her
brother there preparing for his show.  But after hearing Ricardo's
words, she knew Jack hadn't shown up for his scheduled appearance.

             
"What happened to the man who was supposed to be here?" 
she asked, trying not to sound too inquisitive.  Many times during the
past days she had tried to query Ricardo.  He seemed to become
suspicious every time she mentioned Spence Jackson's name.

             
"He has not arrived, and I doubt that he will!"  Ricardo smiled,
openly pleased with the turn of events.  "I much prefer seeing you on
the stage."  He leaned down and gave her a kiss.  "I am sure we will
be booking you for many more shows."

             
She forced herself to remain still, not pulling away, as his lips
brushed against hers.  It was the first time he had attempted any
intimacy between them, and considering his reputation, she was
surprised. 

             
Seeing the way his eyes darkened as he looked at her now, was
making her uncomfortable.  "I'm glad your customers like me,"  she
said, quickly hoping to get his mind onto something else.

             
"You please them,"  he said.  "You please us all.  I am sure
you will continue to do so."  His words were deep with meaning,
adding to her nervousness.