“I’ll have to look there, though.”
He’s not biting at my attempt of mood-lightening humor, so I swallow hard and make the turn. At first glance, it kind of looks like any old parking lot in a relatively busy area of town. A Wal-Mart is in the distance, and a strip mall with a barbershop, clothing store, and pet food store all in one place is a little closer. Turning my head to see the name of the establishment we’re parking in front of, I see the name The Pink Pony.
“Is this a restaur—oh … oh …” It’s not a restaurant. Restaurants have windows. And “Live Entertainment” is usually followed by the name of a band. And, to my knowledge, restaurants aren’t typically called a “Gentleman’s Club.” And, if I’m being honest, no place I’d actually want to eat at would have such a name.
I don’t believe for a second there are gentlemen here.
“There’s his car.” Jonah points to the Hummer that is most certainly Buck’s midlife-crisis-mobile.
And it sat in this same lot.
My mind is racing. Jonah knew where to find Matt. Matt’s been here before, or at least talked about being here before.
“This is the place Matt mentioned tonight,” I state, hoping that’s where Jonah picked up on it.
“Yep.” Jonah’s rubbing his palms on the front of his pants.
“He’s been here before.” I pray to be wrong.
Jonah’s hesitation is all I need.
Unbuckling, I open the door. “Let’s go get him, then.”
Jonah grabs my wrist and pulls me back in the car. “You’re not going in there,” he barks just below a shout.
I yank my arm away, nearly knocking myself in the face when he releases my wrist. “Take it easy, Prince Charming. I can handle myself.”
“I’m sorry. Shoot, I’m sorry, Kennedy. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Jonah exits the car and we face off, talking over the roof of the tiny environmentally friendly vehicle.
I take a deep breath, then damn myself for that decision. The air smells like the loose gravel of the parking lot, old Christmas trees from the emptying lot next door, and reeks of regret.
“You didn’t hurt me,” I lie. He’s strong. “I just don’t want you to think that I’m not going to follow through with my best CU friend. How many times has he gone here? Jonah?” I press when he hesitates. “I don’t think now is the time to keep secrets.”
“Here just once. But there were a few more times near Asheville.”
“At school?” I hiss, drawing looks from a nearby customer getting in his car.
Don’t worry, dude with the nice wedding ring. I don’t know your wife.
“How?” I continue. “When? Jesus,” I whisper with my head down. “Those damn football parties.”
“He lied about those,” Jonah cuts in. “Yeah he snuck off campus a few times with them but I think that just taught him how to do it. And he got a bunch of demerits for not signing off campus but no one ever knew where he’d been …”
I lock the car and start for the door. “How long have you known?” I ask over my shoulder.
“A while. Kennedy, look, you can’t go in there.” Jonah catches up to me and takes a few steps ahead.
I laugh, throwing my head back. “Jonah, if there’s anyone who shouldn’t go in there, it’s you. I’ve seen naked people before that don’t belong to me.”
His face falls, but he doesn’t fight me when I push past him. “What are you going to do when you get in there?”
I shrug. “Find Matt and drag him out kicking and screaming if I have to. You’re strong, you can help.” I arch an eyebrow.
“I’m sorry about pulling you. I’m freaked out here.” He sounds truly panicked.
“Jonah,” I take a deep breath, “you should go wait in the car. If it gets ugly in there and somehow someone finds out I’m here, I can take the heat. Roland can deal with the PR fallout and I’ll just be some lost child from a heathen background. You? You’ll lose your whole life. Stay out here, Jonah. Don’t risk it.” I don’t want to get kicked out of CU, but more that that I don’t want Matt screwing up his life by turning into the dark version of his father.
Jonah’s eyes roam over my face before he straightens his shoulders. “I’m not leaving either one of you in there.”
“Then let’s go, buttercup. Take me on my first missions trip.” I hold out my arm, and Jonah links his through mine.
Holding open the door to the strip club for me. Like a true gentleman.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Toxic
Kennedy.
After the business of showing the over-bulked bodyguard our ID’s, he asks for a backup. Both of us only have our CU ID’s, which we show him. He finds this amusing.
“What are you on some mission? The girls who hand out the fancy soaps come on Wednesdays. You’re late.”
“What? No. That’s not why we’re here,” I answer. “Can we have our ID’s back?” Just before walking in, I’d asked Jonah to keep his trap shut until we got in. This place is eighteen and over, but I wanted to minimize the risk of undue attention.
“Have fun,” the ogre says with a condescending grin.