Undercover Barmaid Read online

  UNDERCOVER BARMAID

  RACHEL KIRWIN

  Copyright © 2019 Rachel Kirwin

  All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the copyright owner,

  except as permitted by U.S. copyright law .The exception would be in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews and pages where permission is specifically granted by the author.

  For permissions contact: [email protected]

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  This book contains mature content and is not recommended for minors.

  www.rachelkirwin.com

  ISBN: 9781699240830

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  From The Author

  Also By Rachel Kirwin

  About the Author

  THEME SONG

  Someone You Loved

  by Lewis Capaldi

  Prologue

  Shutting the door behind me, I creep down the stairs into the dark basement and feel so close, yet so far away.

  I need those files before Liam can get his dirty hands on them. I have to save this club.

  I have to save Reed.

  I grip the key tightly in my fist, feeling the sharp edges dig into my palm.

  The room smells of stale smoke and liquor that’s been masked terribly with a hint of lavender.

  When I’m sure that no one else is down here, I turn on the light to the small room that holds a bunch of boxes tossed around—just as I remember it. I eye the door and my heart starts to race.

  I give the knob a turn and, to my surprise, it’s not locked. I release my grip on the key and give the door a gentle push. The room is dark so I switch on the light-—only, it’s not the same. This isn’t the room that I had the night of my life in. It can’t be. Everything is gone. I’m staring bleakly at a bunch of tables and chairs and a sign overhead that reads The Den: Parties and Events.

  It’s completely vacant. The card tables, the slot machines that lined the back wall, even the filthy ashtrays—all nowhere to be seen.

  I walk fiercely to the door on the side. The office. The files must be there. I swing the door open in a panic and flip the light on. The desk and chair are still here but the room has been emptied. Just as I approach the desk, the large black swivel chair spins around.

  “You won’t ever find it.” Reed deadpans.

  My eyes widen and I can’t speak.

  “You think we’re stupid but we’re actually pretty brilliant. Everything was on paper in one single file.” He kicks on the shredder, even though it doesn’t hold any paper. It’s his way of showing me that the file no longer exists.

  “Reed, I can explain. It’s not..”

  “Don’t.” He holds up his hand. “Don’t even try to explain. I know everything.”

  One

  Monday starts off the same as any other, except it isn’t—it‘s the start of my new promotion.

  So far, I’ve spilt coffee down the front of my white blouse, tripped over a stack of books lying in the middle of my apartment, and couldn’t find my keys. Yep, a typical Monday.

  The cool morning air sends a chill through my body as I make my way down the New York City streets. If I’d had a minute to spare, I could’ve grabbed a sweater. Instead, I spent my time searching through a pile of dirty laundry to find my keys.

  I walk into the meeting five minutes late and all eyes land on me. Gwen sports a smug grin, as if she finds it comical that I've somehow become the center of attention, yet again.

  “Sorry I’m late.” I hang my head down and slip into my seat next to Gwen, giving her a nudge so she’ll stop with her antics.

  “Your pants.” she whispers under her breath.

  “My what?” I look down. Oh, shit. Figures I’d forget to zip my pants after my hellish morning. I quickly pull up the zipper and pray to the good Lord above that no one else noticed. Who am I kidding? Of course, they did. I shake my head in disbelief at my luck.

  Gwen is still giggling at my expense as Mrs. Hallston begins to review the agenda for the week.

  “First up, there have been rumors circulating about some illegal events taking place underground at The Square. I’d like to send one of my investigative journalists out to do a little digging.” Mrs. Hallston glances from face to face around the large oval table. “Liam, I’d like you to take the lead on this one.”

  Everyone looks to Liam, Mrs. Hallston’s puppet, or as I like to call him, the teacher’s pet.

  “With all due respect, I’ve been going to The Square for years, I’m not sure I’d be a good fit for this assignment.”

  “Understandable.” Mrs. Hallston’s eyes continue to transmit around the room.

  My heart pounds in my chest as I wonder if this could be my first assignment as newly promoted investigator. I’ve spent years sitting behind a desk with the dream of being able to get out and experience the stories. Finally, last week it was announced that I’d be filling an open position. When it was first offered to me, I was hesitant to think I have what it takes but after some encouragement, I decided to jump in head first.

  “Sadie….”

  “Yes. I’ll do it” I blurt, without even allowing her to finish her sentence. I begin to nervously fumble with my napkin.

  “Great, it’s settled.”

  “It is? I mean, yes, it is.”

  “Liam, you can assist Sadie from the office and give her some inside information since you’re a regular...club goer.”

  My eyes shoot across the table at Liam and he gives me a wink. I let out a sigh and return his gesture with a smirk.

  “Gwen, I need you to focus on the tree removal in Central Park.”

  “Yayyyy.” Gwen mumbles sarcastically.

  After we wrap up the meeting, Gwen and I are talking amongst ourselves as we make our way back to the offices.

  “Wait up.” I hear Liam yell from behind as he hustles to my side.

  “I’ll see you later.” Gwen grimaces and enters her office.

  “Liam, I appreciate your willingness to help but I think I’ve got this.”

  “Bosses orders. Looks like your stuck with me.” He hooks his arm around my shoulders.

  “Looks like it.” I grumble, jarring my shoulder until his arm falls freely.

  Liam is a nice guy, and not bad looking either, but his interest in me over the last year has never been much of a secret. He’s too pushy for my type and aside from work, we have nothing in common. A couple months ago, we met for drinks and that’s when I was absolutely sure that we would never be more than friends. The whole night, all he talked about was himself and his past relationships. His ego is much larger than his personality.

  “Bee
r after work and I’ll give you the scoop on The Square?”

  “Umm, tonight isn’t good for me. I’m helping my sister at her coffee shop. Could you just email me?”

  Liam must find my suggestion humorous although I’m not sure why he’s laughing.

  “Sadie, since this is your first case, I highly suggest that you take it seriously and do as much research as possible before jumping in. An email will just give you something to read.”

  “Fine. What do you suggest?” I peer at him over the rim of my coffee mug as I take a sip.

  “Have you ever been to The Square?”

  “Once or twice. Night clubs aren’t really my jam.”

  “Well, they are tonight. Put on your sexiest little black dress and meet me out front of the club at seven.”

  I don’t have the energy to debate this so I agree to be there.

  I turn around and walk into my office, closing the door with Liam still standing there. I don’t know what it is about that guy that rubs me the wrong way, but it appears I’ll have to tolerate him for the time being. I just hope he doesn’t try and use this as an opportunity to be more than what we are—coworkers.

  I begin my research on the hottest nightclub in NYC and contemplate my plan of action. My morning is spent looking over the website and social media accounts. I suppose Liam is right. I need to go there and get a feel for the place first and then tomorrow, I’ll come up with a game plan to tackle.

  “Ready for lunch?” Gwen peaks her head in the door. Her curly red hair bouncing with each movement.

  “Sure am.” I slam my laptop closed and grab an old cardigan that’s been hanging on the hook of my door since last winter.

  We walk down to Charley’s sub shop, where we have lunch every Monday and Wednesday. Gwen and I started our internships together at City Times and have been best friends ever since. I know she was a little taken aback when I was offered the promotion, but I have faith that she will get there eventually. She’s an amazing journalist.

  “So, The Square, huh?” Gwen beams.

  “I guess so. I’m a little nervous but pretty excited. I just wish I could’ve teamed up with you, not Liam.”

  “Oh no,” she shakes her head, “I’ll be too busy writing about trees.”

  We both chuckle, “It may seem petty but that’s a big assignment, too. This whole tree cutting thing has caused a big fuss lately.” I say, trying to encourage her.

  “I know,” she sighs, “I just want more. Something fun and exciting.”

  I pout at her response and wish there was something I could do or say to give her a glimmer of hope, but I’m at a loss for words.

  “How about you come with me tonight?”

  “With you, where?”

  “The Square. I’m meeting Liam there tonight to scope the place out.”

  “I don’t know.” She drags on, “A club, on a Monday?”

  “Gwen, you’d go to a club on Christmas Day. Please? It will really lighten the tension between Liam and me. He’s still so damn persistent.”

  “Oh, alright. I’ll come by your place first and we can get ready together.”

  “It’s a date.” I lift my glass of water in cheers.

  The rest of the workday drags on. I finish up a column I’ve been working on and watch the clock for the last hour, so I can leave at four o’clock on the dot. I swing by to see how things are going for Stella. She’s in the middle of an expansion with her coffee shop and I can hear the sound of the drills from the street when I pull up. A clear, plastic curtain hangs between the current space and the renovation.

  “How do you deal with that sound all day long?” I shout when Stella rounds the corner.

  “I have no idea. I feel like I’m losing my damn mind here. Even the regulars have been avoiding this place.”

  “How much longer?”

  “They said a week but the way it’s looking over there, I’d say more like a year.”

  I chuckle in response, “Oh sis, it’ll be done before you know it and you’ll have the shop you’ve always dreamed of.”

  “That’s what I keep reminding myself,” she sighs. “How’s the new job going?”

  “Good...great actually, I have my first assignment. I’m a little nervous but I think I can handle it.”

  “Of course, you can. So, spill, what is this new assignment?”

  “The discrete answer to that is, investigating a night club. I can’t go into detail but let’s just say I have no idea what I’m doing.” I giggle, “Oh, and to top it off Liam Sanders is assisting me from behind the curtain.”

  “Liam? As in the guy who has been pining over you for the last year?”

  “Yep, that Liam. He’s been better since our date, if that’s what you’d call it, but he still pops into my office at least three times a day with random excuses as to why he’s there.”

  “Maybe you two will discover a newfound romance and ride off into the sunset together.”

  I can’t tell if she’s being sarcastic or serious, but I find it humorous that she’s even suggesting that notion.

  “I’m not even going to humor you with a response to that because that’s just not happening.” I shake my head, “With that said, I have to go get ready to meet him at the club, for business.” I emphasize business. “Enjoy the loud noise and drywall dust and I’ll see you Wednesday.”

  “What's Wednesday?”

  “Mom and Dad? Dinner?”

  The first Wednesday of every month our parents come down for dinner. They live in upstate New York, where Stella and I grew up. The picturesque beauty of Saratoga Springs is the only thing I miss. Occasionally I miss my parents too, but our monthly meet-ups satisfy me enough.

  “Oh shoot, I forgot all about that. I may have to skip.”

  “What? You’re going to leave me alone with those two?”

  “Sorry, Sadie, I have to go to Staten Island for a meeting and it could take a while.” Her expression doesn’t match her apology and I’m sure she’s not sorry at all.

  “You owe me for this.” I tease before leaving.

  “Love you.” I hear Stella yell as the door closes behind me with a jingle of the bells.

  I love my parents deeply, but they’ve always been hard on my sister and me when it comes to our chosen career paths. Mom and Dad are both lawyers and their dream was for at least one of their daughters to go to law school. Growing up and seeing the constant arguing between them was enough for us to decide that we didn’t want to follow in their footsteps. They are passionate about their work, but often times it would follow them home.

  I like to think they are proud of us both for following our own dreams and doing what we love, but they’ve never expressed that. Instead, they use every opportunity to remind us that we’re not getting any younger and that if we want to make a career change, it needs to happen now. That doesn’t hold a candle to their continuous nagging about marriage. Ever since I called off my engagement to Neil, Mom repeatedly brings up how much of a mistake I made. Sure, Neil had a lot going for him and he was a nice guy, but the sparks were never there. I carried on our relationship strictly because I wanted to please my parents. Neil is the son of my dad’s best friend from law school and a lawyer himself. So naturally, they thought we were a perfect match—they were wrong.

  A sigh escapes me as I pull out my only black dress from the back of my closet. I haven’t even worn this since my last charity event with Neil almost a year ago. I’ve put on a pound or fifteen since then and I know it’ll be a tight squeeze. I lay it across my bed and tap my finger to lips as I stare at it. Nope. I return to the closet and pull out my go-to dress; my funeral dress, wedding dress, work party dress and date dress. Well, that one date anyway. I really need to buy a new one. I lay it on top of the black one and run my fingers along the baby blue satin hem. This will have to do for tonight but I make a mental note to go shopping soon.

  I’ve got the music cranked up and I’m singing along with Taylor Swift in my bra and panti
es when my bathroom door cracks open. “Sadie?”

  I instinctively grab a washcloth and attempt to hide my body. “Dammit, Gwen. You scared the hell out of me.” I toss the washcloth at her and she holds it up in amusement.

  “What exactly are you trying to hide under this?” She laughs, “Your left breast?”

  “It’s all I could reach.” I retort. I resume curling my hair and then douse it in half a can of hairspray, choking myself from the fumes. This is why I never go out. It’s so much work for so little gain.

  Gwen looks like a fricking runway model and I feel like a smurf in this aged blue dress. I glance at myself in the mirror and groan at the results.

  “You look beautiful, stop it!” Gwen hisses.

  “I look like I’m going to a baptism.”

  Gwen laughs, “Why would you say that?”

  “Because...this is what I looked like last month at my cousin’s baby’s baptism.”

  “Let’s go.” Gwen grabs my arm and pulls me away from my reflection.

  The club is about fifteen minutes away from my apartment, so we take a taxi. Standing out front of the club is Liam, just as he said he would be. My nerves get the best of me when I remember that this is for business, not pleasure. Here’s to hoping I don’t completely run my new job title into the ground.

  Two