The Pink Spinda

The Pink Spinda
Chapter Five

Engrossed in the tale her favourite author expertly wove in his latest novel, the beautiful Lorelei Silph reclined comfortably in her seat, simply enjoying the quiet of the room. It had been quite a stressful afternoon the other day.

As the heiress of the Silph Company she rarely found the time for personal enjoyment, spending the vast majority of her days sat in meetings with various different clients and shareholders. Her father often had her follow him on many of his business excursions to properly acquaint herself with his numerous high-powered friends or to observe his skills in the confusing and crowded business world.

The very reason she was currently away from home in Hoenn. Her father was undertaking a dangerous financial move that could very well break their Company. Hoenn wasn’t like the joint unions of Kanto and Johto - Hoenn was an independent country with unique people. Their usual approach didn’t seem to have quite the same impact on Hoenn as it did back home.

And the Stone headed Devon Corporation was a liable power in itself. The warmer lands of Hoenn easily dwarfed both Kanto and Johto together in both population and landmass. The takeover of Devon wouldn’t be easy and the strain on her father was starting to show even at such an early stage.

As the inventor as the Pokeball - perhaps the most important invention of the current age - Silph Co had entirely underestimated Devon Corp. The resolve of the business completely owed to the confidence the president, Mr Stone, had in both his company and the people of Hoenn, not only in his son.

Lorelei shook her head as she turned a page; perhaps Hoenn was bigger than the Kanto-Johto union but it was far more depraved. Corrupted to a point she couldn’t believe. And Devon was the forerunner in prostitution - the most lucrative business around.

Of course Silph Co also bought and sold people from the underworld for prostitution, but she‘d never met any of those poor souls. If there were money to be made neither her father nor the Devon head had any qualms about their dealings. Certainly, her own father had no misgivings about spending the night with a stranger.

Slamming the book shut Lorelei quickly rose to her feat as the door to the room moved open. Expecting her father she composed herself in a professional manner, book held tightly between her hands and smile in place.

“Ohh, Lori!” She drooped as instead of her father another girl entered. “Guess what daddy just bought me!”

The whiney, shrill voice of her sister grated on her nerves as Lorelei crossed her arms. “Anni, now’s really not the time.”

An extremely fake pout covered the younger woman’s face as she looked up to her older sister. “Don’t you wanna guess what daddy got me?”

“You’re nineteen years old, Anni. You shouldn’t be playing such childish games.”

The violet haired girl stuck her tongue out. Swiftly she held forth a stuffed Clefable toy. “It’s a Clefable! Daddy says I’m not allowed a real Pokemon so he got me this instead,” Anni giggled excitedly, squeezing and hugging the pink toy. She pointed out a small crown the Pokemon appeared to be wearing, “she’s got a crown see? They only made five of these ever and daddy got me one!”

Dropping unceremoniously back into her chair Lorelei sighed irritably. The eldest of six sisters to numerous women found Lorelei as the heiress of Silph. She lived in the public eye, prim and proper whilst her sisters ran around collecting boyfriends and credit cards as hobbies. They were spoiled whereas Lorelei herself was educated.

The teenager (third oldest of the group) crushed the Pokemon toy to her chest, rocking it back and forth happily, blissfully unaware of how ridiculous she was.

Lorelei hitched her skirt up as she settled back down with her book. “I have scarcely fifteen minutes before another meeting,” she said shortly.

“So, what?” Anni replied with a shrug.

“I’d like you to leave. Now.”

Several long moments of silence followed her request before Anni scuffed up to her chair and rested her cheek on the arm. “What’cha reading?”

Lowering her head Lorelei replied through her teeth; “nothing.”

“Yesss, you are,” Anni cooed, “you hid it when I came in,” she sneered. “Is it something you don’t want daddy seeing?”

Lorelei scowled at her sister’s expression. “It’s a perfectly tasteful book.”

“Ohh, really? Well… “

Lorelei suddenly shrieked as her sister swiftly reached for the book. Anni expertly kept the book from her elder sister’s desperate grasp as she read a random passage aloud. A moment later and with a piercing laugh she relinquished the book.

“Lori! You’re so sad!” she giggled haughtily as her sister hid the book brimming with erotic tales down the side of the chair. Turning suddenly serious Anni addressed her stuffed toy, “Lori needs a boyfriend right, Mr Fuzzkins?” She rocked the doll to-and-fro to imitate a nod from the now apparently male Clefable.

With a red face Lorelei planted her hand on her sister’s face and pushed her back. “Anni, time to leave now,” she hissed.

The younger girl got to her feet. “Don’t worry I won’t tell daddy,” she said with sadistic a wink but added; “If you’re nice to me~”

Seething with anger and embarrassment Lorelei contemplated throwing the book at her sister’s retreating back before her father passed Anni in the doorway. The tall man ruffled his daughter’s hair as she passed him by before coming further into the room. He sat opposite his eldest.

“Do you think Anni is enjoying her trip here?” he asked by way of conversation, looking after the girl. Turning back If he noticed his daughter’s flushed face he never mentioned it aloud. “That doll was on auction for a considerable amount.”

“She seems to enjoy it,” Lorelei forced out, trying to keep back any anger from her father and promote her usual air of professionalism.

Silph reclined in his equally comfy chair. “You seem agitated, Cookie. I think for today we shall relax.” Though it was suggested it was an order. Lorelei nodded as he continued, “you may skip the meeting. It’s just a group of friends meeting up,” he chuckled richly. Why was beyond her.

“Thank you, father.”

The man held up an elegant finger to stop her from rising. “However, I would like you to explore the city. Discreetly mind. The media have found us but I trust you will keep a low profile. Who knows what wonders you may find,” he laughed again.

Ever suspicious of her father but ever wanting to please him, Lorelei finally rose from her chair leaving with her book quickly. Opting to take the stairs she climbed to her floor. Of course the hotel they were staying in was a Silph building and, as her father often said, the first of many.

Slateport was a beautiful city and Hoenn a wonderful country. A Silph presence could only make her feel more homely in a place she already loved, but her childhood friend, Steven Stone, was also in the very same city. Possibly fretting over the same situation and a similarly worrisome father.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

Wallace almost smiled as he sat watching his lover perform a perfect impression of Bill’s panicked organisational antics unintentionally.

With his doctor’s permission he’d left hospital and returned to the Pink Spinda as soon as was physically possible under the guarantee he not take on any clients for at least three days. Something Steven was all too happy to oblige despite Wallace’s own misgivings on the subject. As far as he were concerned he’d already cost the club an impossible amount and didn’t want to trouble them farther.

But with those three days he could possibly scour the city for any signs of his missing friend. So for that, he was thankful. For now, though, he would enjoy watching the young Stone rush around after him. It didn’t have to last long but it was nice that the grey haired man was so worried about his wellbeing he had even considered visiting the pharmacy with the weird shopkeeper.

He laughed lightly as Steven held up two newspapers for him to see then switched them with another two and another two. Pointing at one caused the man to swiftly bring it over with a glass of water he seemed to have magically conjured out of thin air.

Both Steven and Glacia had been flitting around him like worried parents, questioning the slightest cough or awkward movement. He had been immensely embarrassed when Glacia had crafted him a makeshift throne of cushions and offered a shoulder massage. As politely as possible he’d declined her offer; maybe Steven would give him one later.

What worried him was what he were going to tell his colleagues. How could he explain his absence when he didn’t even understand it himself? So many things had happened at once and he didn’t remember a thing, especially during his drugged stupor.

Trusting his partner at least ensured he had mentioned Erika under an odd light, but that hardly helped his growing nervousness. He looked up suddenly when he heard his lover stop his fussing.

Steven looked down at him, professional face in place. “We’ll have to explain this to the others,” he spoke, echoing Wallace’s own thoughts aloud.

He nodded knowingly.

“Do you think you’re up to it?”

“… yes,” Wallace replied, suddenly tired. He lowered his head to his glass as his lover knelt down in front of him.

“I’ll call everyone in early so we have plenty of time to discuss it. There’s absolutely no pressure,” he said reassuringly. ”None of us understand the situation fully but perhaps between us we can come to some conclusion.”

“Thank you, Steven. I appreciate it and I’m sure Erika does too. We have to find her.”

Steven held back his comment about it not being Wallace’s fault. It would hardly be the thing his lover would want to hear in this situation - clearly Wallace did blame himself. But beside that there was something else his lover wasn’t telling him, that much was obvious. Whether it involved Erika, however, or something completely different was beyond him.

Shifting forward on his feet Steven crouched in front of the man and carefully brought their lips together in a comforting kiss. It lasted only briefly as he pulled back slowly.

“If there’s anything on your mind don’t be hesitant in telling me,” he said soothingly. Wallace smiled at him sincerely.

Steven may have good intentions at heart but his sheer position of power within the company prevented Wallace from telling the man many small details that happened during his working times. He knew Steven’s father would be coming down hard on his son as to the disappearance of one of their very best employees. Added on top of that was his own absence from clients and Will’s sudden illness - Steven must have been taking a lot of punishment from his father.

Something Wallace both detested yet revered in the man he loved.

With a stumbling grace that demonstrated Steven’s lack of sleep the man got to his feet and moved over to his desk. Sinking back down into the cushions he watched as his lover called over his intercom.

Glacia, ever at her post ready and willing, quickly answered him. “Steven?”

“Glacia, I’d like you to inform all employees to come in two hours early at my request. We’ll discuss why when everyone has arrived.”

“Of course, Steven,” Glacia replied and quickly cut the connection to get to work. She had a lot of people to call.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

Beyond her father’s suspicious motives, Lorelei enjoyed her walk along the busy streets of Slateport during the summer rush. It was beyond even Saffron in population and attracted tourists from all across the country; a powerhouse of Hoenn. However, although it was a beautiful city it would never take the place in her heart that Vermillion back in Kanto held. The port town she’d grown up in.

Window-shopping took up most of her time as she inspected various jewellers and clothes shops amid the packed pavements and shopping district, although with her paltry ‘disguise’ she barely dared enter any expensive shops. She had to be discreet whilst still enjoy herself - a effort that was surprisingly hard. How could she enjoy herself and not spend money at the same time, she mused.

Next thing she knew she was on the floor in a rumpled heap of dress. Lifting herself to a seated position she rubbed her face, looking upwards to her assailant who had remained standing.

He stood at average height with flaming red hair and a rather outlandish outfit consisting of red and black hooks and belts. Moreover, he didn’t look the least bit concerned about knocking her flat.

He held out his hands in frustration and not an attempt to help her up. She didn’t need nor want his help but his total disregard for the wellbeing of a lady angered her as she got to her feet.

Looking at her expression he creased his face, “what? Oh, excuse me.” He gestured with his hands sarcastically as he motioned to walk past her.

Lorelei stopped him with a hand. “I’d like an apology,” she stated in a firm and authoritative tone. The man looked at her incredulously, as if he weren’t used to being told what to do. Then he sneered at her.

“Hey, look lady, you should’ve been watching where you were going. S’not my fault. Go buy that necklace you where eyeballing.”

Crossing her arms, Lorelei scowled at the man. “As a gentleman it’s your responsibility to be courteous to women.” Immediate laughter followed her comment much to her impatience.

The redhead was almost doubled over in sarcastic laughter. “Hey, missus, I dunno what world you’re living in but this is the real world. You’ve gotta look after yourself and it’s hardly my fault you’re a dumb enough broad to fall flat on your face,” he stopped and pointed at her up and down. “Maybe if you cleaned yourself up a bit people might notice you more, mn?”

Her eyes following the pointing finger Lorelei observed her dress. It was plain, it didn’t accentuate her body and luxurious curves, it clashed with her eyes and hair. It was the perfect disguise. No one could suspect her as a Silph. Not bothering to hold her satisfied smirk back she threw her own gaze over the man.

“As opposed to your whoreish outfit?” she quipped.

“If it get’s the job done,” the man shook his head smugly.

Confident that the arrogant man before her would’ve been putty in her hands had she worn one of her many usual outfits she sighed sadly for him. “You must lead a very lonely and destructive life, sir,” the fake pity in her voice laid on thick as she spoke. “But since you’re here perhaps you could do something useful for a change and direct me to the Devon Corp building. You… do know where that is, correct? I‘d assume it were famous enough even delinquents would know of it.”

The man’s face fell as he was spoken to like a child before he quickly perked up again. “Dunno, I’m just a whore on the streets. I don’t know anything, “ he commented with a shrug.

About to deliver the next barb in their conversation of sorts Lorelei grinned as the man’s mobile began to ring. Irritably, the redhead answered the call, turning from her slightly, though she was surprised he didn’t deliberately walk away. Maybe that would mean him admitting defeat to their verbal brawl, she didn’t know.

The person - a woman - on the other end could clearly be heard. Despite being brought up not to listen in on others’ private conversations (no matter how much of a bastard they might be) the frequent mentions of ‘Devon’, ‘Stone’, and what appeared to be her opponent’s name caught her interest. The man hung up without a farewell.

“You’re in luck,” he told her as he pocketed the phone. “I just got called into work. Perhaps it’s a client I picked up earlier ‘round the back of the toilets; perhaps not. Who knows.”

Lorelei laughed silently at his comment before placing her arms by her side. She looked him head-on and bade him farewell; “have a nice day at work… Lance.”

“See ya, missus,” Lance said over his shoulder as he turned, apparently uncaring to the use of his name. He waved the back of his hand at her as he sauntered away through the crowded streets.

With the man finally gone Lorelei brushed off her dress of dust and dirt. People of Slateport were certainly an interesting bunch. Never in Kanto had she seen a man wear such an outfit. At least not in public anyway, she chuckled. He was just like many of the men her favourite author wrote about - ones that had to be held down and punished and trained.

Judging by the dying excitement on the streets early evening was beginning to set in. Lorelei considered her free day of relaxation over. When she retuned to the hotel she’d be back to the numbing routine she’d been living her recent years. The little tiff with the redhead and her general lack of a sense of direction had and would prevent her from visiting the Devon building. It would have been an interesting experience visiting the building without been identified as a Silph, yet her thoughts often drifted to the consequences she’d suffer from her father should she be discovered by Devon staff.

Deciding not to dwell on the ‘ifs’ and satisfied with her day she turned and headed back to the hotel. The walk back was a lovely scenic walk along the harbour and port area.

According to her father the rundown old port to the South where they were staying was actually the more important port of the two in Slateport. The Northern port mainly catered to tourists, but unfortunately for herself and her father a single reporter had discovered them as they’d been studying the South port, resulting in the nationwide knowledge that they were indeed currently in Hoenn. The paparazzi surely hid under the woodwork all across the world.

Many of the complex buildings in the area where extremely dilapidated though. With unbelieving eyes Lorelei could hardly imagine anyone living within their dirty walls, and yet people did. As she continued on from the crowded city centre to the desolate port silence soon replaced the cries and happy titter of tourists. Not even a Wingull could be heard as she continued on.

Normally a young woman of her attractiveness would be concerned about rape and muggings in such an area, but Lorelei had enough confidence in her own skills and those of her Pokemon to not worry herself over such things.

What did, however, begin to worry her was the rich laughter between two well spoken men echoing all around her. And one particular laugh matched that of her father.

Careful not to make any noise Lorelei slowly followed the voices to their source. As she stood partially hidden by an old derelict factory she spotted her father, clear as day. He stood at his impressive height with stunning purple hair and waistcoat talking to a man of shorter but broader stature.

The man opposite her father was an acquaintance of his she’d never seen before. Short black hair, a rectangular face and with a pristine black suit; he had a dangerous air surrounding him that her father seemed to accept. Compared to the usual clients her father entertained this man was a oddity.

They stood together like old friends; smiles and gestures and comfortable.

“-she’s being held securely,” Lorelei could make out the mystery man saying. Her father nodded appreciatively.

“This will certainly put a dent in their sales. Would it be possible to acquire any of the remaining three without gathering suspicion?”

The black haired man brought a hand to his chin a moment before speaking, “suspicions are already high enough among the group. I doubt another abduction could be pulled off without alerting them further,” he summarised.

Silph nodded. A silent agreement between both men seemed to settle over them as they lapsed into silence.

Lorelei retreated further around the factory, trying to process the titbits she’d just absorbed. Had her father abducted someone to put a crimp into a business? Surely it was Devon, yet… was her father capable of kidnap? She thought it over carefully. Well…

If her father was capable of adultery, then who knew what else he could do.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

Usually they weren’t in the club while it was being set up and prepared for the evening’s entertainment. Usually, when they arrived, the entire backside of the Poke’mart building the ‘Spinda was hidden in was dark and of a suggestive atmosphere. Now it was bright and almost cheerful.

Watching the various people running around under the strict order of Glacia and the usual panicked antics of Bill, Karen was amazed by the amount of people she’d never seen before. The club was a whole different place before it opened.

Amid the orders from Glacia to staff, Karen lifted her head as Lance returned to their table with a drink each. Currently seated in the bar area of the club they and other important staff had gathered at their boss’s request, and everyone knew the subject of the request would revolve around their fellow employee, Wallace.

Lance finished snapping something to Will and snorted. “Don’t see why we had to come in so early. As if we don’t have other stuff to do,” he complained.

Karen shrugged in reply. Truthfully, herself and Will were on tenterhooks about the whole situation - it was something out of the norm - but Lance was clearly irritated about having precious free time taken from him concerning a person he didn’t even like.

Will said something more which caused the man to snap at him again. Despite not being currently employed at the ‘Spinda Will had taken advantage of his friend’s leverage and attended the meeting.

Shifting in her seat, Karen slipped the Pokedex Will had earned from his battle a day ago from her coat slung over the back of her chair. Oddly enough it was a Silph Pokedex and not a Hoenn one considering it originally came from two Hoenn persons. It seemed to contain very few entries of seen or caught Pokemon; just her friend’s Dragonair and Natu and her own Umbreon that they’d tested it on. Clearly it was brand new.

She jumped as a loud twang and curse echoed around the large room. A nervous laugh followed the noise as everyone in the room stopped to look over to the source.

Volkner stood over his band mate with face in hand as Sydney cursed a blue streak over a snapped string of his guitar. “This is bull!” the punk shouted.

“Hahah! You are so screwed!” the redhead of the group laughed and pointed. He laughed again before Sydney kicked out at his drum kit, “hey! Not cool!”

“Shut up, Flint,” Volkner ordered, all too aware of the eyes on them. He coughed to interrupt the guitarist as he began letting loose another stream of abuse towards his guitar as Flint pouted, returning back to organising their equipment. He received a kick in the shin from his best friend each time he chuckled at Sydney.

“Goddamn,” Sydney threw out his hands, just barely restraining himself from throwing his guitar. “I just blew my wages on that bloody mini-fridge! How the hell am I meant to replace all this crap?”

“It’s okay, you’d still suck!” a heckler shouted over to the band resulting in the entire room laughing.

Volkner kicked his best friend again as Flint laughed naively along with the room. He shook his head sadly with a sigh. “It’s this sort of criticism that makes me wonder if it’s worth it.”

Flint sobered as he took in the blonde. “Ahh, we can’t be that bad if Steve keeps hiring us,” he tried to reassure his friend. “He’s like… rich! He could sign anyone!”

But he gets us, Volkner mouthed his friend’s last words as Flint spoke them. Honestly, he almost envied the redhead’s positive and slightly simple outlook on the world, but his own cynicism had served him well.

He had an emotional wall erected between himself and anyone that came into contact with him at all times. So far only one person had broken through it to reach him and, quite frankly, he was beginning to regret letting the man in.

With another heavy sigh he returned to helping Flint set up their equipment.

Although he’d never admit it to either of his band mates and often complained about the dismal places they played gigs, he secretly enjoyed the time they spent in the Pink Spinda. All the staff were so open to everyone and anything they liked to entertain. Promiscuity certainly wasn’t a problem as would be expected in a lap-dancing and prostitution establishment, but it was far from the grisly pictures his mind had thought up.

Sydney, however, upon meeting them, had given off a lot less of an accepting vibe. Strictly heterosexual, Volkner had worried about brining him to their ‘Spinda gigs and he certainly wouldn’t be telling the punk about himself and Flint. But the sudden loss of two members had forced him to bring the guitarist along.

The club though…despite what they were currently involved in, many of the staff projected a warm family feel around each other. Looking around the room at the number of people that had come to greet Wallace after his incident - as was painfully obvious - was testament to that. Beyond that, Karen and Lance seemed almost as close to each other as he and Flint were - spending almost all their free time together and looking out for each other at work. Adding Will into their little niche only seemed to enhance their friendship as their personalities bounced off of each other. And all around the room other little groups seemed to spring out with similar qualities.

All in all, it was one of the most comfortable places he’d been in a long while, strangely enough.

Keeping his head down he ignored the blonde Karen as she made her way over to the group (leaving her own redheaded friend ranting to Will), but ready to intercept any argument that would surely happen.

Brushing her hair over her shoulder, Karen crossed her arms over her chest and rested on one leg, jutting her hip out. She watched Sydney grumbling over his financial problems before; “going to suck again tonight?” she directly asked him, hearing Volkner groan in the background.

Sydney put his guitar down. “That depends what ya want me to suck,” he leered back at her.

“Oh-ho, Sydney. You’re such a character,” Karen replied tautly, inclining her hand in a fake damsel impression.

“I sure am!” he replied with a wide grin directed at her. “You’ll come to love me in no time.”

“Will I? Oh dear, it’s such a shame you only work as an usher at the local cinema for a living then, isn‘t it?”

Sydney laughed, “such a shame you sleep with men for a living, isn’t it?”

“I sleep with women too,” Karen shrugged.

Volkner and Flint laughed as their friend chocked on his ready reply at the blonde’s comment, his head turning impossibly red as he turned away. Volkner considered it a safe bet she’d shut him up for the rest of the night and probably into the next night too.

“They have good chemistry, don’t they?” Will interrupted his friend back at their table, looking over to Karen and the punk.

“Oh yeah,” Lance answered with little interest, taking another swig of his drink. “Yeah, they’re gonna hook up.”

“Do you think we have good chemistry?”

Lance stopped half way to his glass, “huh?!”

“Everybody! May I have your attention, please?” Glacia asked aloud of the room as she suddenly appeared. Immediately everyone silenced themselves at her request. She nearly had the same power over them as their boss did. “Thank you, we would appreciate your full attention on this matter.”

As the blonde secretary moved to take a seat at the nearest table Steven emerged from a side hall with Wallace. He carefully directed them both to an empty table near the head of the room and took a seat, Wallace sinking into the neighbouring one. The room remained silent waiting for him to speak.

“It seems there have been many rumours circulating the club about the recent happenings these past few days,” he started while clasping his hands and resting his chin, not looking directly at anyone. “I’ve called you all here to sort through some of those fictitious stories, bearing in mind I don’t understand the full truth myself.” The whole room murmured at his admission, “however, I believe together we can get to the root of this incident. Are we all agreed?”

Everyone present nodded. Even if they didn’t agree they wouldn’t dare go against Steven knowing the power he held over their lives.

Steven nodded. “This is a very difficult position we’ve found ourselves in. The higher-ups are not pleased with me at the moment,” he admitted, “and a dear friend of ours has been missing for almost a week now. My father has devised several different theories about the situation, however, not meaning any disrespect but my father neither knows nor understands Erika Brushell as either an employee of Devon or as a person. I think the only lead we have to go on is what happened the day she disappeared.”

Wallace looked over as the young Stone glanced at him, signalling his explanation of the events would be coming soon. Steven continued, “as I recall, Erika had the day free from clients due to recent circumstances concerning her mother that do not need making public. Despite being a close employee of mine I have little sway of what she may or may not do outside the ‘Spinda; I have little idea to what she may have been doing that day.”

Wallace swallowed. It almost seemed like his lover knew about Erika’s back alley dealings.

“I therefore leave it up to Wallace,” he gestured, “to fill in any blanks to the best of his knowledge.”

Karen elbowed Lance as he slumped down in his seat with a huff as Wallace turned to look at the gathered people. Everyone in the room listened with polite interest at the thin man recited the events of the day from his point of view.

When he was finished the room remained silent, contemplating the happenings and comparing them to the rumours they’d heard. What came out of the group was the general consensus that Erika would not knowingly drug any person let alone drug a close friend such as Wallace. That, however, didn’t point to any clues as to her current location nor what actually happened in the fields, or how, for that matter, Wallace had managed to find his way back to Slateport alone in such a state.

By the end of the meeting, if anything, everyone left more confused than before. If they weren’t dealing with prostitution they could have easily informed the police and a search party would have been formed. One other avenue reached out to Steven but he was hesitant to grasp at it - Devon’s ties to the Sinnoh mafia.

By now the mafia’s boss, Cynthia Launa, would have been informed of the recent workings in Devon by her daughter and their personal doctor, Jasmine. The blonde mob boss would be carefully watching the cogs working within the Corporation. Something that unnerved Steven greatly.

As time for the club to open for the evening drew closer he had everyone return to their respective stations throughout the building, no one none the wiser to the situation.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

According to the information she’d gathered the Pink Spinda would be opening it’s doors to the public at any moment. It had been one of the few days that the boss had ordered the club to close for the day.

She stood leaning against a railing with others trying to look less conspicuous than they, and succeeding in her opinion. The people waiting for the club to open were mostly of a dishevelled and lechery appearance be they male or female. Self-conscious of those around her she regretted her choice of dress; something entirely too revealing for such an excursion.

Independent from the police Winona had decided to infiltrate the club personally in order to gather information as to Devon’s links to prostitution and perhaps other dark business she didn’t yet know about. Usually along with such debauchery drug trafficking followed.

Her low rank, and common uniform and regular beat had proved to be helpful in remaining unrecognised as an officer of the city in the local area around the club. The only time she ever ventured into it’s part of town was during a break from work either in or out of uniform.

Either way, she had convicted herself to entering the club with the objective to eventually bring it down and ultimately save those working within it. However, guilt from lying to her girlfriend was beginning to outweigh her confidence in the mission, and if her plan went askew she could very well risk loosing her job. And even if she succeeded she still ran the risk of loosing it anyway.

It would heartbreak Flannery. The vibrant young girl loved her girlfriend’s authority within the forces and told everyone they met about her occupation with great pride. Especially if she lost her job through this reckless move it’d be a big stab in the back for the young girl, but… she couldn’t just leave the people Devon handed out like dolls during their soulless lives.

A big waft of warm air rushed over her as the doors to the club were finally opened. Gaudy coloured lights and a huge bouncer met her as she approached the brunette doorman. The librarian-looking man with a tie barely glanced at her before allowing her in; she assumed she must’ve not looked threatening.

She slipped past the bouncer and into the building. It looked cheap and tacky and to her surprise was mainly silent as she followed the red lights down a long hallway. As she continued to the end of the hallway she ducked to the side of the hall and into another as a woman emerged from behind the desk situated near the gaudy golden double doors completing the narrow corridor.

Several other people passed her as they approached the woman in front of the doors, all being allowed further into what she assumed to be the main entertainment area. The area’s she wanted to be were the private offices if there were any. So quietly she made her way along the random corridor she’d hidden down.

Clearly not knowing where she was going didn’t help calm her nerves as she explored further. Infiltration wasn’t the sort of operation a Sergeant walking a beat would be trained for, so she relied fully on her senses and common sense.

Eventually she came across a room bathed in a mix of red and blue light creating a sickly colour that almost made her eyes water. Inside the door-less room at the bottom of the hall giggling noises of several girls reached her as she peaked around the corner cautiously.

One of the more known employees of the club sat amongst several shocking items at a table surrounded by a group of several girls. It was that redheaded man whose name always escaped her. She looked on as the young women practically draped themselves all over him as he laughed along with them, enjoying his time with his clients.

Summarising that nothing important was happening she turned to leave the man and his harem just as her large belt buckle dropped to the floor with a mighty clang from all the unneeded shuffling she’d done. The women and man looked up at her back as she internally cringed, cursing herself.

The man held up his hand as he spoke, “hey, missy. This is a private party.”

The women giggled again as she turned to face them, head down. This man was often with Karen when they taunted herself and Brawly around Slateport, so if he recognised her here…

A woman resting against his chest played with the loops of his shirt as he continued. “Do you think you took the wrong hall, perhaps? How about you leave us alone to enjoy ourselves,” he suggested crudely, eliciting more irritating giggling.

Without a word Winona turned and ran, hoping to salvage what was left of her operation.

Lance sat up in his chair, automatically moving the girl resting on him. He was certain the violet haired woman who’d just interrupted one of the best jobs he’d had in a while was that police officer he and Karen stalked whenever they were feeling particularly vindictive.

First a group of five women all paying separately for his affections as a group, and then the female officer - the night was turning out to be one of the best he’d had in years.

He turned his attention back to his customers. “Sorry, ladies, but if you could give me just a moment I think I should escort our little voyeur to the door.”

“You’re such a gentleman, Dragon,” one of the women complimented with a flushed face.

He threw the table of women a sly smile as he left to room swiftly, “I try.”

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

“Dark!” the man beneath her panted, but it wasn’t him she was listening to.

Her constant awareness of her surroundings informed her someone had approached the door to the booth her and her client were occupying. But when the movement outside ceased she retuned her attention to the man she was with.

She planted both hands on the man’s chest to keep him down on the metal makeshift bed as she rode his cock to his completion. The small man groaned and arched as he came. With total disregard for herself Karen slid from the man with a slight hitch of breath; he’d not particularly impressed her with his inane compliments and inability to properly satisfy her and saw little need to stick around such a sorry excuse of a partner as he recovered. Although he had paid her well for the experience.

Quickly redressing she slipped from the booth to meet the person waiting for her. Surprise must have flashed across her face as Lance grinned at her. She walked to him.

“Lancey,” she teased. “What’re you doing here? I thought you had four girls to take care off. You’re not finished already are you?”

“Five,” he corrected while holding up an open hand. “I came to visit you ‘cause I know you miss me so much.” Karen laughed as he suddenly closed the gap between them. “That woman police officer is here,” he said quietly.

“You mean, Winona?”

“Yeah, the one with long hair. She came running up while I was working,” he complained.

“Interesting,” Karen cupped her chin. “This could be fun. Where is she now?” Lance shrugged. “Augh, we’ll just have to find her then.”

“Oh, no. I’m not helping ya! I’ve got better things that need taking care off,” he smirked as he turned from her. “It’s all up to you now. See if you can find her before Steven. I’m sure you’d enjoy her more, bye~”

Karen shook her head. “If there were any less than five of them you’d be more interested!” she shouted after him resulting in a laugh layered with smugness.

Still, it was an interesting turn of events. Steven really needed to train Bill to notice more threats to their lifestyle than he did. With her friend returning to his clients she padded off in search of the female officer.

Hardly a master of disguise Karen found the officer quickly. She may have been pretty but she certainly didn’t seem cut out for undercover operations. Determined not to lose the woman without having her fun first, Karen skilfully herded the officer into the main area of the club.

The violet haired woman emerged into a large, loud room packed with people many of which were engaged in acts she’d rather not see. A bright flush spread across her face as scantily clad staff passed her as they entertained those around them. Maybe she had stumbled into something too deep for her.

Backing away to the door she stumbled into someone. The person behind her span her around and held her securely.

“Hello, darling. Are we lost?” Karen purred, leering at the woman.

Winona’s face exploded in red as the blonde woman stared at her. Did Karen recognise her? No matter how hard she tried her throat closed up each time she tried to speak.

Taking the silence as a signal Karen started walking the smaller woman backwards and to the nearest empty seat she could find. Men sat all around heckled and encouraged them as Karen knocked her target into the seat, standing over her. Rather enjoying herself, it wasn’t often Karen came out into the public rooms to deal with people unless the specifically asked to do so.

Winona’s mind screamed at her to run, but her limbs wouldn’t move as she watched the buxom woman over her approach with a predatory leer. All noise around her ceased as the blonde woman suddenly mounted her and settled in her lap, the woman’s thighs pressing against her sides and restricting her movements.

Karen rested her arms out-stretched over the smaller woman’s shoulders as she closed their proximity. Barely holding back an arrogant smirk she pushed her weight against the woman, pressing their bodies together. Winona’s red face amused her as she drew their faces closer together.

“Don’t worry,” she cooed, “I’ll make you feel good.”

Winona’s protest lodged in her throat as she tried to wiggle free, but the slight movements only seemed to encourage the woman sat over her. How could she ever face her girlfriend after this encounter? Flannery was such a sweet girl and their relationship so perfect; neither cheating on the other nor ever considering it, but now… h-how could she - if this continued! She couldn’t -!

She suddenly squeaked as Karen jerked their bodies together. The voices and faces all around her suddenly came back into view as her mind cleared to what was happening. The blonde was pushing and rubbing her body up against her without the slightest care to those watching.

She desperately tried to get away but her wriggling again spurred Karen on as she continued grinding their bodies. To her horror she felt shivers of excitement run up her spine as her face flushed deeper crimson.

“Relax,” Karen purred as she pressed their chests together. She would’ve laughed if it wouldn’t break the mood.

Even with the knowledge of people watching her Winona couldn’t hold back the shallow moan that escaped her, an excited tingle passing through her whole body. How could a woman such as Karen and a group of onlookers draw such a reaction from her? It disgusted her, but it didn’t stop her from moaning again as the blonde continued the act.

Clearly the young officer was embarrassed yet aroused as Karen continued moving. The woman clutched at the wooden frame of the chair brutally as her head lolled back. With a satisfied grin she could feel the heat coming off the violet haired woman as she lowered her head.

“I know who you are, Sergeant,” Karen whispered in the officer’s ear, drawing an elicit gasp.

“Ah-ah-!” Winona began struggling again but the pressure and heat that radiated through her rendered any form of speech to escape her as a garbled groan.

“You shouldn’t have come here,” Karen continued. “You can’t save anyone.”

The friction between their bodies as they moved against one another aroused Winona further, but she knew it was just a physical reaction. The harsh words, however, of the blonde ran through her like a sharpened knife as she moaned once more, pushing her body against Karen‘s. The course material of her dress dragged against her skin as she felt the exposed skin of the blonde’s breasts against her face.

With a shuddering sigh Winona came against the blonde, mortified at what she’d been reduced to. She didn’t dare look at those around her as she leant back with heavy breath. Karen rested her head on her shoulder.

“You should leave before my boss finds you. I’ll have to report to him shortly,” she whispered sternly. The warmth suddenly left her as Karen removed herself. The blonde stood before the officer with a disguised expression before abruptly leaving.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

He’d stuck around too long with his clients after the main event had ended, Lance thought as he strode along the Pink Spinda’s halls. But it was one job he’d certainly enjoyed for a change, and he’d made an equally large sum from the girls even considering the cut that went directly to the club. Him and Will would be living in bliss for a quite a while. If he kept getting trade such as theirs he might even be able to afford a new flat away from the docks.

But the little solo infiltration escapade of the female police officer intrigued him as he searched for Karen. Eventually he found her in a back room with Will. He sat down with a big smile but frowned as he noticed the depressed air hanging over them both.

“What happened?” He growled as they both shrugged. “What? I’m gone three hours and you both fall apart without me?”

Karen smiled slightly at her friend’s self-centred approach to their problems.

“It’s nothing. I think it’s just a bad day.”

“I thought you’d be happy,” Lance guessed. “Wallace is back, you had an easy job then that woman running around-” he stopped as Will motioned for him to shut up. “Oh.” They sat around the round table in silence before Lance got up. “You guys’re killing my evening buzz! Screw this, I’m outta here.” The pair remaining at the table watched their friend leave and slam the door.

Will turned to Karen, “do you think we should go with him?”

The blonde nodded. “If you think you’re up to it.” Will nodded quickly.

“Besides,” he laughed lightly, “he’s not going to find his way home without me if he’s plastered. I don’t want him sleeping out in the docks again.”

Karen laughed as she got to her feet. Perhaps they’d have a night out around the nightclubs despite it already being early morning. She followed Will out as she held the door open from him.

As the pair caught up to the redhead who insisted his departure was all part of his plan and not selfish at all, Karen decided not to dwell on the things Winona had done in the club. Steven hadn’t said anything more to her about the situation and she hadn’t mentioned Winona’s name either, so she had to assume the woman had made it out safely.

The young officer meant nothing to her anymore so why should she care? She had good friends with her and was determined to enjoy herself with them. Although, that didn’t explain why Will had been depressed, she quirked an eyebrow with interest, watching the frail man.

As a group they walked into the city centre to enjoy themselves

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

Though he felt guilty about not working it was nice to sit with Steven as he went about the business of the club. He never left the man’s office but his mind boggled at the sheer number of problems and people his lover had to deal with. He doubted he could pull off such an authoritative persona.

To his surprise the time came for the club to close faster than he realised. Since both himself and Erika where out of action the club had been closing every night.

“You’ve been sleeping,” Steven told him. His puzzlement must have shown. “Don’t worry, we can go home now.”

Wallace looked around; the whole office and every other room they passed was bathed in darkness. He really must have slept a lot for time to have passed so swiftly.

He walked close to his lover as they were the last ones to leave the club by a good stretch. They were both tired from the recent day’s events. Wallace could only imagine the stress his boyfriend had been put under not only by himself but the man’s own father as well.

He regretted being a burden but smiled warmly. “I’m going to take a bath when we get home,” he told the grey haired man as they walked to their car.

Steven took him by the hand to lead him around the car to the passenger side, “maybe I’ll join you,” he chuckled lightly before getting in his own side. He sighed at he sat down at the wheel.

Wallace looked at him. “Are you okay to drive? If I could I would…”

His lover smiled at him weakly, but it was hardly a reassurance. “I’m alright. Not too tired to drive, but when we get back I am gonna crash,” he laughed but his tone was tired.

The man’s sudden slur from his usual professional speech cheered Wallace up as the ignition started and Steven pulled the posh black car from it’s garage back to their penthouse flat. He’d definitely enjoy that bath when they got back, and he hadn’t seen his Pokemon in days…

Hopefully, when they were both fit again he could repay his lover.

With muggy eyes, he blinked the sleep away. He must have fallen asleep during the ride home, Wallace thought numbly as he slowly woke. Looking around he found himself in his and Steven’s bedroom, stripped down to his underwear and under the covers of the large bed. Craning his head he looked for any sign of his lover at his side of the bed but no one else were in the room with him.

Rising slowly he rubbed his face. He needed a glass of water; maybe he should get that bath too. Swinging his legs to the floor he stumbled ungracefully to the en suite bathroom before noticing there were no glasses. With a sigh he started down the hall but as he reached the curving stairs Steven’s voice drifted up to meet him.

“I regret it had to come to this but I’m afraid I have no choice.”

Wallace wrinkled his brow. What had he no choice on? He really shouldn’t be listening in on his lover in such a way.

“Yes… yes. I’m besides myself with worry and my father is coming down on us hard to either find a replacement or find h-yes. Yes, I understand.”

At first he thought Steven was on the phone judging by the one-sided conversation but as he crept further around the staircase he saw his lover at the door with a man in a black suit. He was indeed talking through a phone the man in black held.

“I appreciate you looking into it. Yes, thank you.” He put the phone down and nodded. The man withdrew from their doorway without a word as Steven closed the door with a stressed sigh.

Certain he’d overstepped his boundaries Wallace quickly returned to their bedroom, all thoughts about a drink replaced with the suspicious conversation with the anonymous person. He’d thought Steven told him everything. Perhaps he would in the morning.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

Crash!

Karen cursed as she knocked over a plant pot. It wasn’t her house, damnit! She looked down at the pieces and picked one up, “’e-ey, Laaance. Why-why is there no… no plant in this?”

“It dieded-did,” the man replied as he tried to balance himself against a wall of his flat.

Will sighed as he looked between the horribly drunken pair. How he got them home without an incident was beyond him but he had done somehow. He was at a loss as to what to do with them now, however. He’d thought if he brought them home they might fall asleep, but as he looked over at them they seemed more interested in the mirror and their own reflections.

He rushed up to them as Karen suddenly lost her balance and fell against the neighbouring wall of the hall. Lance laughed at her predicament as she struggled to remain upright before he too lost his balance. Will stood between them both irritably as they sat on the floor giggling.

After a while they both came over drowsy and he took the opportunity to move them. Being small-framed he found he had trouble carrying even Karen, but he managed to drag her across to the sofa of the studio flat. The moment her head hit a cushion she passed out.

Brushing his hands up he turned to Lance who proved to be too heavy to drag across the floor - it was probably all those spare bricks he’d picked up for some reason. Nevertheless he managed to drag the man to his bed and lay him on his side.

With a satisfied sigh he sat at the kitchen counter of the room and watched the pair sleep. Natu flitted over to him from her usual spot above the fireplace.

“What am I going to do, Natu?” he asked the small Pokemon. “I can’t live here forever. Looking at those two makes me wonder if they’d rather be living together.”

Natu hopped up to his shoulder and nudged his face lovingly. He smiled as the Psychic type sent a string of positive and comforting feelings through his mind.

He looked around the room not knowing where to settle. Usually Lance took the sofa and offered up his bed, but with Karen staying the night he didn’t know where to sleep. He doubted his back could hack-it sleeping on the floor. With a resigned sigh he gave in to himself and approached the bed. Cuddling up to the warm body with Natu he fell asleep peacefully.

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^