Ten Days in August by Kate McMurray Read Free Book Online Page B

Hank’s cover would be blown.
    Not that it mattered, since the lack of a police presence was palpable. Not seeing any officers on patrol was alarming in its own way; if there was indeed a serial killer, there was not enough muscle here to act as a deterrent. Where were the extra men? Hank saw a few uniforms in his peripheral vision near the corner of the Bowery and East Third Street, but they were chatting with each other and not paying attention to their surroundings. Hank recognized one of the officers and made a mental note to write him up when he got back to the office in the morning.
    In the meantime, he had more important concerns.
    He considered going to Paresis Hall first, but he wasn’t sure he’d find anything there in the end. He’d go tomorrow if tonight’s mission proved inconclusive. His greater concern now was finding Nicholas Sharp.
    Women hung out of windows and called to him as he walked along Bleecker and then turned onto the Bowery. One woman with an ample bosom eyed a police officer who crossed the street, which Hank thought quite brazen of her. Then a scandalously undressed woman snagged his arm. “Oh, you’re a handsome one,” she purred.
    â€œNot interested,” Hank said.
    â€œOn a night like tonight, when it’s so hot, I bet I could find ways to cool you off.” She reached over and ran her hands down the front of Hank’s shirt.
    â€œI’m sure you could, but I’m not interested.”
    â€œAw, why the rush, handsome? There ain’t no other girls on the Bowery who can do what I can.”
    Hank wanted to flash his badge at her, but he thought that might bring too much undue attention, so instead he said, “You aren’t my type, sweetheart.” Then he gestured toward his destination.
    She seemed to get it. “I see. Well, I hope you find what you’re looking for.” She winked and moved on to talk to the next man walking down the street. Hank watched her, feeling a little ridiculous. He took a deep breath and continued on his path.
    There was a man at the door at Club Bulgaria, but he didn’t seem to be doing much beyond waving guests inside. He barely looked at Hank.
    So Hank went in, following the other guests into the ballroom. Tables were scattered around the room with men seated at each, many of them quite young. There was no sign of Nicky.
    Hank took a deep breath and thought about how to blend in. He acknowledged to himself that some of this subterfuge was a pretense, because he was tempted by this crowd. The air of it seemed to lure him in, the promise of sex and male companionship laid out before him like a fine dinner.
    He slid into a chair at a table occupied only by a man who looked to be about twenty. The man had neatly combed blond hair and rouge on his cheeks.
    â€œHello, sir,” the man said. “I hope I can make your night a little more enjoyable.”
    â€œI hope so, too,” said Hank.
    The man smiled and leaned closer. He reached over and touched Hank’s tie. So Hank put an arm around him and took a moment to feel the warmth of another man near him. It had been quite a while since he’d done this. There was too much scrutiny from Roosevelt now. He supposed if he managed to get himself arrested this night, he could argue he was there to investigate. A reasonable explanation. Even though the room smelled of sex and desire.
    This would not be an easy investigation.
    â€œDo you have a name?” Hank asked the man in his arms.
    â€œMy friends call me Charlie.”
    â€œAll right, Charlie. What is the entertainment tonight?”
    â€œOh, would you like to see the show? I would, too. Paulina Clodhopper is singing. I just adore her.”
    â€œPaulina Clodhopper?” What a name!
    â€œOh, she’s delightful. Have you never seen her before?”
    â€œNo, I can’t say I have.”
    â€œShe should be starting in a few minutes. Unless you want to go to the