Suckers - J.A. Konrath

"Was that Tanya?"
"That came from the Pit. I’m guessing your friend isn’t enjoying himself."
"He’s not my friend. He’s just some idiot who bumped into me when I was breaking into
your house. I think he’s also mentally retarded. You should let him go—he’s too stupid to tell the
police."
Another wheel-squeak giggle. This creep needed a squirt of WD-40.
"Let’s walk into the next room, Mr. McGlade. Keep your hands where I can see them."
Vlad didn’t strike me as a quick guy, and I might have made a try for him if he had a regular
gun. But shotguns didn’t require much skill. Even if his aim was off, I’d catch some pellets.
Catching pellets sucked.
So I raised my mitts and let him lead me out of the kitchen and into the den. The décor was
Goth-chic; black lights, zebra fabric, words like ‘blood’ and ‘death’ spray painted on the walls.
We walked past two black-clad Pires stoned on the couch. They didn’t even glace up at us—the
lava lamp was far too engrossing.
"Nice place, Vlad. You rent or own?"
"Own. Balloon mortgage. I’m thinking of refinancing."
"Now’s a good time. Rates are low."
From the den we went down a short hall, through a doorway festooned with hanging beads,
and came upon...
"What is this? A porno movie?"
"It’s an orgy, Mr. McGlade. In your honor."
I stared at the writhing, squirming pile of naked flesh stretching across the floor, most of it
female. The participants ranged in age from teens to mid-forties, but everyone I locked my eyes
on was pretty, trim, and athletic. Some were also tremendously flexible.
"In my honor?" I glanced at Vlad. He gave me an ‘aw shucks’ smile, somewhat hampered
by his fangs.
"The Pires have followed your exploits, Mr. McGlade. You’re a legend. We’re honored to
have you here at the Den."
One of the undulating naked women glanced in our direction and let out a squeal of delight
when her eyes met mine. She disengaged from her partner with an audible pop and crawled over
to me, locking her hands on my upper thigh.
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