The Case of the Missing Drag Queen by Michael Rupured

Author:Michael Rupured [Rupured, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery/suspense
ISBN: 978-1-64080-667-2
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2018-06-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

LUKE PULLED Bertha into his usual parking spot an hour earlier than he was scheduled to work. Talking with Frank about Ruby concerned him less than talking to Frank in general. Pixie was right about Luke needing a good romp in the sack more than he needed a significant other. Either way Frank was his boss, and, consequently, off-limits.

He locked his door, checked to make sure the other three doors were locked, and headed for the back entrance. Music from the Green Carnation echoed through the empty corridor. The Garden was a different place in the full glare of the house lights. Dim lighting maintained an illusion of spacious opulence. The absence of dark corners eliminated any ambiguity and made the place look smaller. Nicks, chips, stains, and other flaws were more obvious and contributed to an overall impression of shabbiness that was largely invisible in the dark.

The music grew louder as he hiked the big spiral staircase to the Green Carnation. He crossed the dance floor and poked his head in the office door. Frank sat at a desk obscured by a mountain of paper. He rose from his chair when he saw Luke and smiled.

“Let me close this door,” Frank yelled as he gestured for Luke to come in.

Luke’s heart jumped into his throat. He took a deep breath and steeled himself to stick to his guns. Frank was off-limits.

“There,” Frank said. The bass still shook the walls, but the door muffled the rest. “Much better. We won’t have to shout to be heard.” He moved a stack of paper from a chair to the floor. “Have a seat.”

“Thanks.” Luke sat down and cleared his throat. “I want to talk to you about something.”

“Before you say anything,” Frank said. “I need to apologize for the other night.” He shook his head. “It occurred to me later that you probably thought I was coming on to you. Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.”

“Oh. No problem.” Luke was relieved and a little disappointed. “I hadn’t really thought about it.”

“Good.” Frank’s face grew serious. “Is there a problem? Charlie Ross taking advantage of you?”

“No,” Luke said, shaking his head. “Nothing like that.” He took a deep breath. “Pixie and I are trying to find Ruby. We’re hoping you can help.”

“I’m worried about her,” Frank said. “Ruby would never just disappear.”

The concern on Frank’s face was sincere. If he had anything to do with Ruby’s disappearance, he was a great actor. “Everyone we’ve talked to says the same thing.”

“I filed a missing person report with the police on Saturday.” Frank shook his head. “Waste of time and paper for all the good it’s done.”

“I’m glad you did,” Luke said. “We hadn’t because we didn’t think it would make any difference.”

“The police officers who work security for me said they’d check around, but I suspect they were just being nice.” He shrugged. “I don’t know what else to do.”

“Pixie and I believe somebody has done something to her,” Luke said.

“Any suspects?”

Luke looked him in the eye.

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