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Strip 'n Dales |
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Chris puttered around the ranch quietly, always keeping an ear out for Vin, who slept the day away peacefully, tucked cozily into Chris's bed.It was 6pm and Chris was finishing up dinner preparations when he heard Vin call to him.
"In the kitchen, Vin!" Chris answered back. "I'll be there in a sec!" He stirred the soup one final time, turned off the burner and went toward the bedroom. He met Vin in the hallway.
"How're you doin' Vin?"
The sharpshooter yawned hugely and dug at one of his eyes sleepily. "It even hurts to yawn Chris," he grumbled with exasperation. He caught the look of concern on his lover's face. "But I'm feelin' a lot better cowboy," he quickly reassured, not wanting Chris to worry about him. "How long I been asleep?"
"Most of the day, lazybones," Chris kidded, giving Vin a soft kiss on his warm, inviting lips. "Come on, I've got dinner ready."
Vin slowly followed Chris into the kitchen and practically fell into the chair.
"Whoa, Vin!" Chris cried out, offering a steadying hand at Vin's elbow. "Careful, cowboy. Let me help you next time," he chided. "You could fall and hurt yourself worse." He watched Vin for a minute, to make sure he was okay, then turned back to the stove. He turned around to find Vin struggling to his feet.
"What do you think you're doing!" Chris barked.
Vin froze guiltily. "Helpin' you with dinner. I was gonna get the bowls."
"Not on your life, Tanner! Sit your butt back down!" he ordered. "Think I want to make another trip to the hospital?"
Vin slid back into the chair, hanging his head as his face burned with shame. Chris got the troublesome bowls and dished out the soup. He placed a bowl in front of Vin, then set a place for himself and started to eat. He looked at the clock. 'Damn! Six-fifteen. Gotta leave in 15 minutes!' he cursed silently. He eyed Vin, wondering why the younger man wasn't eating.
"Vin, go on, eat up, it's good for you," Chris urged.
"Not hungry," Vin mumbled, his cheeks still aflame, eyes staring into the bowl morosely.
"Vin," Chris sighed. "Come on and eat," he coaxed. He sighed when he got no response from Vin this time. "All right Vin, what's wrong, what's bothering you?"
"Nothin'."
Chris had had enough. He set down his spoon and went over to Vin's side of the table, kneeling down in front of him. He took the younger man's chin in his hand, firmly, but gently, so Vin couldn't pull away. He stared into Vin's bright blue eyes and noticed the remnants of Vin's fading blush.
"Tell me what's on your mind Vin, please," he pleaded.
Vin hesitated, then saw the love and concern spilling from Chris's green gaze.
"I'm sorry you had to come home early from Dallas just to pick me up at the hospital, Chris. And I don't mean to make all this extra work for ya," he started. "I-I'm a burden to you, and you've got enough on your mind, sure don't need me hangin' around," he finished with a hoarse whisper.
Chris stared at him in confusion. "A burden, Vin? A burden?" he repeated softly. "You're not a burden. I love you, and I want to take care of you. Vin, there's no place I'd rather have you than right here with me, I swear." And then he remembered what he'd said when he'd snapped at Vin moments earlier. He was so anxious about leaving Vin alone tonight that he'd stupidly yelled at Vin. He hadn't meant it, he'd just been so worried that something would happen while he was at the club. "God, I'm such an ass!" he muttered.
"What'd you say Chris?" Vin asked.
"I'm an ass Vin," Chris repeated louder. He pulled the younger man close, hugging him as tightly as he dared, with Vin's injured ribs. "I'm so sorry I shouted at you before. I wasn't even thinking and I didn't mean it. Just let me take care of you for now, okay?" He pulled back to look at Vin.
"Okay Chris," Vin nodded and gave the older man a small smile.
"Good, now eat your dinner," Chris said gruffly as he gave Vin a quick peck on his cheek.
Now the moment he'd been dreading.
"Vin," Chris said, clearing his throat as he sat back down. "I'm gonna have to go to the club. Everybody's still workin' tonight."
"Figured you would, Chris," Vin said nonchalantly.
Chris tried to keep his tone light as he asked the next question. "What happened at the club last night Vin? Buck told me you wanted to talk to him about something, and that's why you set up the meeting at the school."
Vin paled and took a sharp intake of breath at Chris's question. The older man knew he was reliving the attack and moved forward to comfort him.
"It's okay Vin, you're safe and nothin' else is going to happen to you. I swear it," Chris said as he hugged Vin tightly. "Just tell me what you remember about the club, okay?"
"Okay," Vin replied, drawing a shaky breath. He pulled away from Chris and looked up at him with fear clouding his blue eyes.
"I found something under one of Adam's drawers on his dressin' table, Chris, but he caught me lookin' before I could see what it was. I acted like I was lookin' for my hairbrush and started causin' a scene, but I think he suspects somethin'."
"Anybody else see you?"
"Not sure. Frank came in while we were arguin', but I played it off."
Chris frowned in concern. "Did you find anything else?"
Vin shook his head. "I didn't even search mine or Buck's area. Jessie's was clean."
"Okay, I'll try and get a look around myself tonight. See what I can come up with. You gonna be okay here by yourself?" Chris asked uneasily.
Vin reached out and squeezed Chris's hand. "I could go with ya if you need me to Chris. I'm feelin' a lot better since I had that nap."
Chris smiled tightly. "Sorry, you're grounded Vin. Better plan on settling in for a night of TV, 'cause you aren't going anywhere but to bed or on the couch."
Vin opened his mouth to protest, but Chris cut him off.
"Don't fight me on this Vin," he warned steadily. "The doctor said you needed two or three weeks to recover and you're gonna get 'em."
Vin glared at Chris.
"Good try Vin," Chris said with a chuckle, "but I saw your ribs. I know how bad you've gotta be hurting, so just forget it. And that's final."
He gathered up the dishes, and then went back to Vin's side. "You ready?"
"For what?" Vin said grumpily.
"Bed or couch, your choice."
"Couch," Vin replied with a resigned sigh. "Spent too much time in bed today already."
"You don't usually mind that," Chris replied dryly as he helped Vin stand and walked him over to the couch.
"Well I'm usually doin' more than just sleepin' in it, and I usually ain't alone," Vin retorted.
"Okay crabby," Chris laughed as he eased Vin onto the couch and covered him up with an afghan. He gave Vin the remote control and TV program, a glass of water and the bottle of pain pills. "You need anything else?"
"Yeah," Vin said as he licked his lips hungrily.
"Oh, almost forgot that," Chris teased and leaned over to capture Vin's mouth in a gentle kiss. Vin parted his lips slightly, allowing the older man access into his sweet, warm mouth. Chris plunged deeper, and Vin eagerly returned the embrace, pulling Chris down closer toward him.
"Vin," Chris breathed huskily breaking the kiss. "I hate to do this, but I have to go," he apologized, kissing him again quickly, then straightening to stand over him. He shifted uncomfortably as his swollen manhood strained against his dark pants and looked at his lover longingly. "I'll be home soon as I can Vin, probably around two. I'm headin' to your apartment first, before the club, and I'll get some of your things. Anything in particular you need?"
"Nah, just whatever," Vin replied, his face flushed with desire. "Just hurry home, okay?"
Chris knelt and stroked Vin's soft hair tenderly. "Be back before you know it Vin. Please be careful, don't do anything but lay here, okay?"
Vin nodded.
"You sure you don't want to go into the bedroom?"
Vin shook his head. "No, I'm okay out here. See you later. Be careful Chris."
The older man winked at him and left. Vin rolled over and turned on the television with a sigh.
+ + + + + + +
Outwardly calm, Chris sat at his usual table in the smoky, dim light of the strip club, watching as Vin's replacement played to the crowd. Nothing appeared amiss, yet inwardly, Chris was steaming. 'Is this night ever gonna end?' Chris screamed to himself in frustration as he stared down at his watch yet again, willing the time to read 1am. It was getting closer, now being midnight, but Chris was ready to blow his stack. He and Buck arrived at the club early, hoping to have time to look around. But there had been no opportunity to search the dressing room or Frank's office tonight, as both Frank and Adam were already at the club when Chris and Buck had arrived. 'Another night wasted,' Chris thought to himself grimly as he surveyed the crowd again. 'But at least no one else has been killed since we've been on the case. Guess that's saying something.' Wanting nothing more than to get home to Vin, he slugged down his club soda angrily and stood up to make his rounds, talking to Ezra, Josiah and Buck, hoping one of them had gotten a lead, or at the very least that it would make the time go by faster. Frank smiled at him smugly as he walked by, and Chris fought the urge to smash his fist into his face. 'Wonder what that bastard's so cocky about,' Chris grumbled silently to himself as he walked past.
+ + + + + + +
'Well, I'll just have to figure out a way to get rid of that one, Frank thought to himself as Chris walked by.. 'Greedy bastard. Has both Vincent and Buck..' He smiled again, picturing Vin, writhing naked in his bed. 'Well, maybe it won't be so hard to separate those two. After all Poor Vincent must be feeling neglected. And I know how to show him a good time.'
He turned back around to watch the dancer on stage. 'No where near as pretty as Vincent,' he sighed to himself silently. 'It's going to be a long two weeks.' Then he smiled nastily. 'But what fun Vincent and I'll have, once he's feeling better,' he promised himself, and settled back in to watch the rest of the show.
+ + + + + + +
"Finally!" Chris muttered as Buck and the other dancers took their final bow. His musings went unnoticed over the noise of the crowd, and he made his way quickly to the dressing room. Adam had already walked off the stage and was walking into the room when his eyes lit on Chris.
"Heard your little pretty boy ran into some trouble last night," Adam taunted.
"You heard right," Chris replied evenly, giving nothing away.
"Bet he sure was a sight, layin' there in the parking lot in the dirt, with his face smashed up," Adam baited.
"You sure seem to know a lot about what happened to Vincent," Chris growled, grabbing Adam by the neck and slamming him up against the nearest wall. "Why don't you share a little more about what happened to him with me," Chris hissed.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Adam choked out.
Chris pressed his hand harder against Adam's throat.
"Is there a problem here?" Frank's voice boomed out as he and the rest of the dancers entered the room.
"Not yet," Chris answered flatly as he released Adam, watching with contempt as he slid to the ground.
He turned to face the manager coolly. "Anyway it's between me and Adam. Nothin' to worry about though," he said, grinning without humor. "I think I made my point."
Frank nodded. "Good, I trust there'll be no more trouble, then?"
"Long as he keeps his mouth shut," Chris said, gesturing toward Adam, "things'll be just fine." He looked at Buck. "Hurry up and get dressed," he ordered. "We're outta here."
"Sure thing Chris, just give me a minute," Buck said and headed for the showers.
"Be sure and give our best to Vincent, won't you Chris," Frank said oily.
"Yeah, I'll do that Frank."
"Any idea when he'll be back?"
Chris shook his head. "Doctor wants to see him again on Tuesday. We'll know more then."
"Be sure and let me know then, will you? We really miss him around here already."
'I'll just bet you do,' Chris thought coldly to himself, looking at Frank's leering countenance. He sat down at Buck's dressing table and waited for his friend to get ready.
Behind him, Adam scurried to the showers, hastily grabbing his clothes, staying well out of Chris's way. Vin's replacement also hit the showers and Frank went back to his office.
Only Jessie remained in the dressing room with Chris.
"Is Vincent going to be okay?" Jessie asked hesitantly, staring at Chris with huge eyes.
"Yeah Jessie," Chris said softly, turning to see the genuine concern and caring in the younger man's gaze.
"He's just sore and banged up. He'll be fine in a while."
"Wish there was something I could do for him," Jessie said softly.
"Maybe you can," Chris said thoughtfully.
"Just name it," Jessie said earnestly. "Vincent's always been so nice to me, I wanna help him."
"You notice anything strange about last night?"
Jessie shook his head. "Sorry, it was just like any other night around here."
"What about the other dancers?"
"Well, Adam left before any of us did. And you know what? He and Vincent did get into an argument about something."
"Yeah, Vin mentioned that to me. Did you see it?" Chris asked.
"Nah, but I overhead 'em, I was just coming out of the shower before the show, but then I stopped when I heard them arguing."
"You know what it was about?"
"No, sorry. And then Frank came in and broke it up."
"Thanks Jessie, you've been a big help," Chris said as Buck walked back into the room.
"You're welcome and tell Vincent I said hi," Jessie replied.
"Sure thing Jessie," Chris said.
"Be ready in a sec, pard," Buck said, gathering up his things. "Let's go."
+ + + + + + +
Once they were in the SUV, Chris lashed out. "We've got to find a way to search that whole damned dressing room and Frank's office. Vin told me about finding that paper taped to the bottom of one of Adam's drawers. Something's goin' on, Buck. Adam and Frank have to be involved."
"You just tell me when, pard, and I'll be there," Buck reassured.
"Can't do it on a day you're not scheduled to work. That'd be too suspicious," Chris fumed. "Meanwhile, let's look over those surveillance tapes again. And I think we should plant a couple more bugs. One on Adam's car and one on Frank's. Maybe we can figure out what those two are up to before Thursday."
"Sound like a good plan," Buck agreed. "I'll fill in JD when I see him, and I'll tell the others, too."
He got out of the car. "I'll check in with you sometime tomorrow afternoon. See you in the office on Tuesday," he said and headed to his own vehicle.
"See ya Buck," Chris called out and backed out of the parking lot hurriedly, desperately wanting to get home to Vin.
+ + + + + + +
It was almost three am when Chris pulled into his driveway. He let himself into the house quietly and headed for the bedroom, slipping off his coat as he walked.
He undressed silently, leaving only his briefs, and slid into bed, expecting to feel Vin's warm body curled under the covers. Instead, there was only the unsatisfying feel of empty space. He left the bed and headed for the couch in the living room, assuming Vin had just fallen asleep there, not making it into the bed. He started to panic when he realized the couch was empty.
"Vin? Vin?" he called softly, walking over to turn on one of the lamps.
His eyes were drawn to his favorite chair, the black leather recliner, sitting in the corner of the room. The sight took his breath away. Vin was stretched out, asleep in the chair, head leaning to the side, off the chair back. His long hair spilled over the side, hanging down in golden waves. He reached out and smoothed aside the silken tresses to reveal Vin's handsome, sleep-slackened features. He zeroed in on the soft, full lips, parted slightly as he laid in repose. Chris stayed that way for many minutes, marveling at the sight of his beautiful, sleeping lover, when Vin slowly opened his eyes. A small smile slid over his features when he focused on Chris's face.
"Chris, you're back," he said sleepily.
"Told ya I'd be home before you knew it," Chris said, kneeling down to tenderly kiss Vin. "Now come on, I'm tired, and you can't spend the night in this chair." He helped Vin out of the chair and they headed toward the bedroom.
He settled Vin into bed and spooned in next to him. "You warm enough Vin?" he asked solicitously.
"Now I am," Vin sighed contentedly as he snuggled in tighter next to his lover. He was back asleep within minutes. Chris stroked Vin's hair, reveling in the feel of the glossy locks beneath his callused hand. The movement always had a calming effect on the older man, and he soon joined Vin in a deep sleep.
+ + + + + + +
Vin stayed under Chris's watchful eye at the ranch, while he recovered from his injuries. The two had a few minor spats, usually brought on by Vin when he became fed up with Chris's constant hovering. Being cut off from working on the case didn't help matters much either, but somehow the two managed to survive Vin's convalescence relatively unscathed.
Thursday morning Vin woke up before Chris and logged onto the ATF server, pulling up the latest case files. He was so engrossed in reading the information that he didn't notice as Chris stalked up behind him, naked. He jumped in surprise as Chris wrapped his arms around his shoulders and squeezed him.
"Mornin' cowboy," Chris breathed into his ear, rubbing his razor-stubbled cheek against the tender flesh of Vin's neck. Tingles of desire raced down Vin's body at the electric touch.
"Chris," he moaned, arching his neck as the older man sank his teeth into the same spot and nipped at the sensitized flesh.
"Readin' anything good Vin?" Chris purred in his ear, licking it, sucking on the lobe.
Goosebumps rose onto Vin's tanned flesh at Chris's words, and he shivered in response.
"You shouldn't have gotten out of bed so fast," Chris whispered seductively. "I had a surprise for you."
"S-surprise?" Vin echoed, his tongue feeling numb and thick in his mouth. It had been so long and he was so hot for Chris he couldn't even think straight.
"Oh yeah, a real nice surprise," Chris cooed in Vin's ear, sliding his hands down to caress Vin's well-toned abs. Chris's long fingers burned a trail down Vin's torso, stopping just shy of the waistband on his briefs. The younger man squirmed in the chair, desperate to feel those hot hands on every inch of his body.
"Chris, please...." he pleaded, thrusting his hips upward, searching, straining for Chris.
Chris spun the chair around slowly and smiled at the glazed expression in his lover's eyes.
"You doin' okay Vin?"
"Uh-huh," Vin managed to spit out.
"Good," Chris said quietly and eased Vin's underwear off his hips. Vin's erection sprang out eagerly, staring Chris in the face as he knelt in front of his lover.
"You sure you're feeling okay?" Chris asked one final time, wanting to be sure this wasn't hurting Vin.
"I'm fine.....please.." Vin answered, spreading his legs slightly, trying to ease the ache between them.
Chris moistened his lips, looking down at Vin's rampant cock hungrily. God, he couldn't wait to taste Vin. He descended on the swollen flesh greedily.
"Yessss," Vin hissed out, as Chris devoured his throbbing cock. He leaned back in the chair and pumped his hips, grinding them toward his lover. The chair rocked back, mimicking his motion.
Soon he was gasping with pleasure, beads of sweat rolling off his taut body as Chris sucked and pulled at the stiffened flesh. He screamed with his release, collapsing against the arm of the chair as he emptied his creamy essence into Chris's waiting mouth.
"Oh God!" he panted, reaching out a shaking hand to stroke Chris's hair, the closest part of his lover he could reach. "Chris, that was......so.......good," he gasped out, still recovering his breath.
"Glad you liked it Vin," Chris said, raising his head and looking at the sated younger man with a sly smile. "You ready for some more?" he questioned.
"Oh yeah," Vin said eagerly. "What you got in mind?" he asked coyly.
"You'll see," Chris whispered mysteriously, kissing Vin hard on the lips, then walking away.
"Hey!" Vin called out.
"Be right back, don't go anywhere," Chris replied. He hurried into the kitchen, scanning the cabinets, looking for just the right thing. He grabbed the bottle of Wesson oil and headed back to Vin.
"Miss me?" he teased, leaning over to nibble at Vin's lower lip, working his way into the lush mouth.
"Yeah," Vin replied lustily, reaching to pull Chris down closer to him.
"Hold up Vin," Chris protested. He reached underneath the chair, grabbing the small lever there. The chair shot downwards, close to the floor. Chris kneeled down, smiling at Vin, who was now at the same height.
He kissed Vin again, lips pressing passionately, tongue plunging into the open mouth urgently. He
gently eased the younger man's legs apart, and bent them at the knees, then pushed the chair back against the wall. Vin was too enraptured with the kiss to notice a thing. He looked around dazedly when Chris ended the kiss.
"What're ya doin' Chris?" he panted.
"Ssh, don't worry about a thing," Chris whispered back, moving in between the bent legs to stroke Vin's thickening cock. He grabbed the bottle of oil and began to cover his own rock-hard erection with the substance.
"Chris...the chair, it's leather," Vin warned, worried that the oil would ruin it.
Chris grinned at Vin, showing his sharp white teeth. "I know it is Vin, and we're gonna give it one hell of a buff job."
Vin's pulse quickened and his erection jumped with excitement at Chris's statement.
Chris crouched down and slid Vin's hips further down on the chair, the placed Vin's legs over his shoulders and entered the younger man carefully, easing his way in gently.
"Oh God Vin!" he exclaimed in a hoarse whisper, filled with nearly two weeks worth of pent up desire. His arms shook, his legs trembled as he bore the sharpshooter's weight and struggled against himself, fighting the urge to ram his burning cock into Vin's tight body. "Vin....Oh God....Vin...so...good....." he repeated over and over, nails buried in the back of the chair as he pumped into his lover.
"Chris....Chris....harder...." Vin moaned in ecstasy as he rocked backward with each powerful thrust of Chris's hips. The larger man's body rubbed against his shaft and ballsac with each forceful movement, stroking him relentlessly, quickening, bringing him closer and closer to his own release as the thrusts increased their tempo.
"Oh.....God........Chris!......" Vin screamed, ripping at his lover's shoulders with frenzied fingers. Hot semen shot out, coating Chris's chest as he pushed into Vin one final time and released his seed deep into Vin's hot, pulsing entrance. He sank wearily to his knees, releasing Vin, but pulling him down with him onto the floor, covering his face with sweat soaked kisses.
"Vin, that was so good," he forced out, between breaths.
Vin clung to Chris, too exhausted to speak.
"Vin? Are you all right?" Chris said frantically, instantly alert again. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
Vin shook his head. "No," he finally managed. "Just....tired's....all cowboy..." He smiled reassuringly.
Chris smiled back in relief. "Out of practice, huh?" he joked. "We'll have to fix that, won't we?"
"Yeah, let's work on it right now," Vin responded greedily.
"Maybe a little later," Chris chuckled. "We've got work to do for now." He hugged Vin, then helped him to stand up. "Wanna take a shower?" he asked with a wink.
"Make it a bath and you've got a deal."
"Good enough for me," Chris answered. "I'll run the water, you get back in bed 'til it's ready," he ordered.
Vin didn't protest too much as they walked back into the bedroom. Suddenly, he felt very tired.
+ + + + + + +
The two lovers were languidly soaking in the hot water when the phone rang.
"Damn!" Chris cursed and hurriedly jumped out of the jacuzzi. It was Chris's special line. Each of the ATF agents had one for use during undercover assignments. The number was automatically forwarded to each man's office or cellular phone, and it had a special ring to differentiate it from other calls. Chris picked up on the fourth ring.
"Hello?"
"Chris? It's Frank."
"How's it goin' Frank?
"Just fine Chris, how's Vincent?"
"Feelin' a lot better today, Frank, thanks for asking. I think he'll be able to come back to work soon."
"That's excellent news Chris! And perfect timing. The dancer filling in for Vincent is doing an admirable job, but a lot of the customers have been asking about Vincent. I was hoping he'd be back tonight."
"Tonight? I'm not sure..."
"Business was down last week when Vincent didn't dance," Frank cut in. "We really do need him back at Strip 'n Dales, Chris. He did sign a contract."
Chris's eyes narrowed with rage. 'Asshole! ' he thought to himself, wanting to scream it at Frank instead.
He squelched the thought and replied calmly, "All right Frank, he'll be there tonight."
"Wonderful, I knew you'd see things my way! Oh, and there's just one more thing. I'm going out of town tonight, so I'll have to miss the show. But if Vincent can come in early, I'd like to see him before I leave."
'Oh, I just bet you would,' Chris mouthed in silent reply. He felt like punching something. "What time are you leaving Frank?"
"Seven o-clock."
"Vincent and I'll be there at six-thirty. Will that work for you?"
"That'll be just fine," Frank answered, sounding somewhat disappointed, much to Chris's pleasure. He was sure the sleazy man had hoped for some time alone with Vin. And there was no way in hell something like that was ever going to happen.
"How long will you be gone Frank?" Chris asked.
"Oh, just a few days," the man replied breezily. "Some out-of-town business to take care of, you know how these things go."
"Yeah, I do," Chris said flatly. "Well, we'll see you tonight."
"Yes, you will. Well, good-bye and give Vincent my best." He clicked off the line.
"Oh, I'll be sure and do that Frankie," Chris muttered sarcastically after he had turned off the phone. He walked back into the bathroom.
"Vin, how do you feel about working tonight?"
+ + + + + + +
"You mean it Chris?" Vin asked excitedly.
"Yeah, that was Frank. He wants you back at work tonight, told him we'd be there at 6:30."
"I can do it Chris," Vin said reassuringly. "Side doesn't even hurt anymore."
"Vin..." Chris said warningly.
"Okay, it doesn't hurt too bad anymore," the sharpshooter corrected, under Chris's watchful eye.
"All right, here's the plan," Chris explained. "Frank's going out of town tonight, before the show. We'll have about an hour after he leaves before you boys have to be on stage. You and I'll search Frank's office, Buck can be the lookout. You two can search the dressing room whenever you get a chance."
"We can do it when Adam's on stage, and when he's in the shower."
"And this time, I want one of you searching and the other one watching out for Adam. I don't want a repeat of what happened last time with you and Adam," he stated gruffly.
"Chris, I was careful, and it had to be done then. Adam just..."
"I know Vin," Chris cut in. "I just don't want you to get hurt again. Do things my way, okay?"
"Okay Chris," Vin relented, scrambling out of the tub.
Chris handed him a large towel and sat on the edge of the tub, watching as the younger man dried himself. He frowned at the still healing bruises on his ribs.
"Vin, you sure you're up to this? I can call Frank back..."
"Chris, I'm fine. I'm an ATF agent, remember? I'm tougher than I look, takes more than a few bruises to stop me."
"Okay, tough guy," Chris laughed. "We'll just have to make sure they adjust the lighting on the stage so those bruises don't show. You'll look more like a cowboy that's been through a range war if they don't."
"I don't know Chris, I think maybe the audience might like my bruises. Maybe they'll put more money in my g-string, feelin' sorry for me and all," Vin teased, shaking his bare ass suggestively.
"Better save some of that for the stage, cowboy," Chris growled, smacking Vin playfully on his behind. "Come on, let's get dressed, we've got work to do."
+ + + + + + +
Vin and Chris arrived at the club shortly before 6:30pm, pulling into the lot just after Buck.
"Hey guys," Buck greeted. "I came in early to use the tanning bed," he explained to Vin and Chris, and anyone else within earshot, who might be listening in. "Gotta look good for the crowd, ya know," he said with a wink. "See you fellas later," he said, and veered off to the dressing room.
Promptly at 6:30pm, Vin and Chris walked into Frank's office.
"Vincent!" Frank cried. "So good to see you. Let me look at you!"
Vin stepped forward and allowed Frank to check him over, standing still as the manager looked him up and down, and walked around him several times.
"Take off your shirt for me Vincent," he ordered.
Vin silently obeyed, unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it off.
"You're still bruised," Frank said with distaste. "We'll have to adjust the stage lighting." He stepped even closer to Vin and began to slowly run his hands up and down each side of Vin's lean torso. "It'll be so good to have you performing again Vincent."
Vin shivered at the other man's touch, steeling himself not to pull away.
Chris stood behind them, clenching and unclenching his hands, enraged at Frank's actions, wanting nothing more than to pound his fists into Frank's leering face. What he'd give to have a few minutes alone with this sleaze-bucket manager after the case wrapped. He'd make damn sure the man saw the error of his ways.
Finally, Frank finished inspecting Vin and turned his attention to Chris. "Very nice, Chris, looks like you've been taking good care of Vincent for me."
'You sorry son-of-a-bitch,' Chris cursed at him silently. 'Taking care of him for you. Ha! That's a laugh, you sicko-bastard! The day you ever get your hands on him....' But he smiled convincingly at Frank and thanked him for noticing.
"Well, I have to be going, much as I'd like to stay and watch the show," Frank said, with a suggestive glance at Vin. "I'll make arrangements for the lighting for Vincent's act, and see you in a few days."
He ushered Vin and Chris out of the office, shutting the door tightly behind them.
+ + + + + + +
"Okay Vin," Chris whispered to his lover as they stood in the hallway outside Frank's office. "I'm gonna go up front, see if I can talk to Ezra and Josiah. You hang out in the dressing room and help Buck search if you can. I'll come and get you when Frank leaves and we'll hit his office." He squeezed the younger man to him carefully and brushed a light kiss on his lips, then turned and headed for the bar.
Vin walked into the dressing room, disappointed to see Adam sitting at his dressing table, primping. 'Great, no searchin' in here tonight,' he thought to himself moodily. Things were not starting off well tonight. His ribs were starting to ache and he was revolted by Frank's pawing at him minutes before. He could also tell that Chris was near his breaking point, and knew they'd better solve the case soon, before the older man did something he was going to regret.
"Well, look who's finally showing his face around here," Adam crowed.
"Shut up Adam," Vin replied testily.
"Is that anyway to greet a co-worker?" Adam replied sarcastically. He looked Vin up and down with a sneer. "What's the matter, get a little boo-boo and couldn't come to work? Somebody mess up that pretty little face?" he taunted.
Vin ignored him and started looking through the creams and lotions in his drawers and on the dressing table.
"Don't waste your time tryin' to pretty up, Vincent," Adam sneered. "Nobody's here to look at you, it's me they're here to see," he taunted, preening in his mirror.
"Whatever, Adam," Vin said, tired of listening to the stripper's snotty remarks. He got up and headed for the back of the room, deciding to hit the tanning beds until Chris came for him.
"Hey! I'm talking to you!" Adam yelled, grabbing Vin's arm as he walked by.
"Well, I'm not talkin' to you!" Vin challenged back, yanking his arm from Adam's grasp. "Get off 'a me and stay out of my way."
"Oh, you're sooo tough, Vincent," Adam taunted.
"You wanna find out?" Vin said coarsely, getting in Adam's face.
Just then Frank stuck his head in the doorway.
"Maybe later," Adam muttered and backed away from Vin.
"I'm leaving boys, see you in a few days," Frank called out.
"Okay Frank, have a good trip!" Adam said cheerfully, turning on the charm and now completely ignoring Vin.
"Vincent, I'll see you soon," he said.
"Yeah, sure Frank," Vin answered laconically.
Frank smiled and winked at Vin, then departed. Vin suppressed a shudder. The man really gave him the creeps, but he didn't dare say a thing to Chris. The older man was near his boiling point as it was.
"I'm hitting the tanning beds," Adam suddenly decided, cutting in front of Vin. "Buck's in one, I'm gonna use the other, guess you'll just have to wait," he finished with a condescending smile.
"Go ahead, you need it more than me," Vin said calmly, refusing to let the creep irritate him any more.
Adam walked into the other room, housing the other tanning bed, and shut the door firmly. When Vin heard it lock behind him, he crept over to the room where Buck was tanning. Hand on the knob, he was about to try and open it when it turned in his hand and swung open. Buck pulled him inside quickly.
"I heard what happened, Frank's gotta be gone by now," Buck stated. "What's the plan?"
"Chris and me'll search the office, you keep lookout," Vin replied.
"Let's go," Buck said. "I'll leave the tanning bed on, so I can slip back in. Adam won't suspect a thing."
They headed into the hall and met up with Chris.
"Okay Buck, keep watch, we'll be out in 15 minutes," Chris ordered, then pulled Vin into the office with him.
They looked over each inch of the office, but found nothing.
"Dammit!" Chris growled. "There's gotta be something around here."
"Maybe it's with Adam's stuff," Vin offered.
"Maybe," Chris mused, "but I can't believe Frank would let anything important out of his sight. Especially after what you found the night you got hurt. Figure he learned his lesson then."
"All right," Vin agreed. "So it's gotta be in here. Let's keep searchin'."
"Okay, I'll tell Buck to give us a few more minutes," Chris said.
Vin looked the room over from top to bottom while Chris talked to Buck. He was staring up at the ceiling when the older man walked back into the room.
"What is it Vin? You see something?" Chris asked excitedly.
"Just a hunch, Chris," Vin answered. He grabbed Frank's chair and pulled it underneath the light fixture dangling from the ceiling. "I think there's somethin' up there," he said, pointing toward the ceiling. He was about to climb onto the chair, when Chris reached for his arm.
"I'll get it Vin, you're still hurt. Just stay down here, okay?"
"Okay Chris," Vin assented after a slight hesitation. "Go on and get it, will ya?"
"Sure," his lover replied and climbed onto the chair, stretching his lean frame out and upward toward the light fixture. He grabbed hold of a manila envelope and opened it.
"What's in it?" Vin asked desperately.
"Nothin' we can use for the case," Chris said brusquely after hurriedly glancing at the contents. His face whited with rage at the pictures of Vin contained in the envelope, in various stages of undress. The photos were obviously taken during his act, with a telephoto lens. The pictures zeroed in on every part of Vin's body and Chris's hands began to shake as he stuffed them back into the envelope and thrust it back into its hiding place. He jumped down off the chair, and grabbed it, yanking it back to Frank's desk. An unhappy Vin followed.
"What was in it?" he persisted. "What's the matter?"
"Tonight's the last night for the case Vin," Chris replied tightly, ignoring the younger man's questions.
"Go get Buck and the two of you get ready for show. If you have an opportunity, search the dressing room. Otherwise, I'll see you at showtime."
"I'm gonna see what's in the envelope for myself, if you won't tell me," Vin said angrily. "I've been on this damned case a long time and I have a right to know," he spat out, as he reached for the chair to drag it over underneath the light.
Chris grabbed Vin's arm. "Leave it alone Vin," he said in a harsh voice, his eyes flashing. He looked at the smaller man and his gaze softened. Then his eyes hardened once again, boring into Vin with their intensity. "I'm ordering you to go get ready for your act. Now. And you are not to come back in this office again. After tonight, you won't be coming back."
"Fine, Agent Larabee," Vin retorted sharply and rushed out the door, slamming it behind him.
+ + + + + + +
Chris sagged against the door, the wood still reverberating from Vin's angry exit. 'God, that sick bastard has pictures of Vin!' he screamed to himself, raking his hands through his hair harshly, trying to get himself under control.
He forced his breathing to slow, willing his frayed nerve endings to relax. After a few minutes, he was back in control, an icy calm filling his body. He looked at his watch. 'One hour to go.' Then he stepped out of the office and went to find Joshiah and Ezra.
+ + + + + + +
"What's up Vin?" Buck asked worriedly, noticing the fierce expression on his friend's face.
"Nothin' Buck, just drop it. We got work to do," Vin replied dismissively.
Buck sighed and followed Vin back into the dressing room.
"Get back in the tanning room and if you hear Adam start to come out, distract him," Vin whispered, then went to begin searching through Adam's things.
As Vin pawed through Adam's dressing table area, Buck slipped back into his tanning bed, listening intently for signs that Adam was coming out of his room.
A few minutes later, he heard Vin call out loudly. "Anybody gonna give me a turn in there? I've been waitin' for 'bout a half hour. What's the deal?"
"Tough luck Vincent," Adam shouted back gleefully. "Guess you won't be a golden brown tonight for the crowd. And on your return engagement, too. Such a pity," he finished sarcastically.
"I'll give you this one Vincent, I'm about finished," Buck called out. A minute later, he jerked open the door.
"What's the deal? You find anything?" he whispered urgently.
"Nope, clean as a damned whistle," Vin said with disgust.
"Shit!" Buck cursed. "We've gotta find something to go on!"
"Well Chris said for us to get ready for our acts, and we're outta here after tonight," Vin whispered back
"You're kiddin', right?" Buck said incredulously.
"Wish I was, but he saw somethin' in Frank's office and it really spooked him. I could see it on his face."
"What was it?" Buck queried.
"Don't know, he wouldn't let me see it. Ordered me out of the office, told me not to go back in there, and sent me to search in here."
"Well, he didn't order me not to go in there, pard," Buck said with a sly smile. "Tell ya what. You stand guard, and I'll just take a look-see in there. How does that sound?"
"Sounds good to me, Buck. 'Least then we'll know what's goin' on with Chris," Vin replied.
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