Tongue and Groove

By Stephanie Davies

The main characters from Egos and Greed are still running at top notch……..

Johnnie now owns the Warner Empire, building on a foundation of drug dealing with the Tongue and Groove club and is now expanding onto an international scale.

But shady business deals have their complications with a botched transaction in Egypt. As Johnnie struggles to rescue Brad from prison he calls upon ex-girlfriend Stacey for help. Staying loyal to her associates brings Stacey back into danger –but as she delves deeper - she desperately wants out.

While back in the UK, the money laundering Internet scam is bubbling to be launched connecting a host of global criminals. But before money is made, there is the small matter of betrayal and blackmail. The truth unravels to a climax of revenge and murder.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Aug 24, 2011
• ISBN: 9781467892643

Stephanie Davies

Stephanie Davies is recognised as one of the UK's leading voices in the psychology of laughter and humour. She has over ten years' experience of developing interventions that have been applied in a wide variety of settings dealing with complex public and mental health issues and building teams in high profile organisations. She is an award-winning stand up comedian who has worked with world-renowned Dr Patch Adams exploring the relationship between health, humour, community and the arts.

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© 2011 Stephanie Davies. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 8/22/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4567-7655-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4678-9264-3 (eBook)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Acknowledgements

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

EPILOGUE

Acknowledgements

I can’t believe how lucky I am to have my friends, you are all so precious in many ways. Thank you Martin, Pat and Jan for encouraging me through the years, making me laugh and keeping me positive to finish this book. Without you all I sincerely would not have completed my challenge. From Ron reading the very first draft and making me feel confident enough to continue and a big thank you to Debs and Eleena for assisting in the editing.

Last but definitely not least my gratitude and love to Marty and Tippy, because with both of your refreshing views on life and caring ways I am truly honoured to be your Mum.

PROLOGUE

Mikey pruned himself in front of the bedroom mirror, smoothing the palm of his hands over his silky shaven head as he admired the cut of his new Armani suit. Smiling to himself at his reflection, he thought he would show his bosses how good he was. One day he would be just like Johnnie and Dave. Everyone in the club would give him the recognition and approval he desired.

There was a thumping noise that could be heard from the music playing downstairs in the club. It was seedy, but the bedrooms were clean and decorated lavishly. All equipped with en-suites. The ambience was seductive and the girls earned their extra income, working the rooms.

His dark brown eyes flickered over to the door as Johnnie entered.

Mikey, the suit looks very smart.

Yeah thanks, Johnnie. I’ve never had an Armani before. He paused again looking at himself in the mirror. Where’s Dave? I don’t want to start without him. He rubbed his hands together excitedly. He needs to be here.

His eyes callously moved towards the direction of the girl, who was sitting silently on the chair in the corner of the bedroom.

I want to show you guys exactly what I can do. He stared at his victim. He could see she was nervous, and it turned him on. He wanted to give a good impression to his peers.

Johnnie looked at his watch, He’s in one of the other rooms. So give him ten minutes. He’s just finishing off. Then it’ll be your job breaking the girls in.

Mikey grinned enjoying his new position in the club. He stroked his smooth bald head and ran his fingers lightly over his shaven jawbone. He felt excited. He had planned this event and chewed over in his mind the exact details. Licking his bottom lip in anticipation, wanting to savour his victim.

***

Dave was next door, initiating the last recruit. He was full aware that this was her first test for the lap dancing club, and took pleasure in taking full advantage of her naivety. Dave’s final recruit sat on the side of the bed. Her legs swung childishly over the four-poster bed as she looked up at him.

His salt and peppered coloured hair swept over and framed his square face. He was short and stocky and seemed to sway his shoulders in a thuggish way, commanding authority. His presence and gruff voice seemed to frighten most people.

He looked at her hands, which were shaking nervously, as she bent down and knelt on the carpet in front of him. Timidly, she undid his zip.

Abruptly he moved her hands away, showing no emotion. He pushed her head down, enjoying the control.

Smother it. I want you to take me in your mouth.

The girl showed willing. There was no tenderness. Those few minutes, wrapped in his selfish pleasure, before he exploded down her throat.

Dave smirked, seeing the girl tentatively wipe her lips hiding the salty spit in her hand. He could see in the mirror as she moved her hand behind her back and discarded the gooey substance on the bed sheet.

He could have everything he desired without giving the girl’s emotion a second thought. His own fulfillment of his throbbing cock controlled his need.

Improve your technique. But not bad. He nodded approvingly. I’ll talk to Mikey, as it’s his job now. Be more responsive. He raised an eyebrow and leered into her young face, Or he’ll rough you up.

Zipping up his trousers whilst adjusting himself, he sauntered out of the door and along the landing into the next room to meet Johnnie and Mikey. He shrugged his shoulders as he entered the room, walking with a bolshie stride.

Mikey glanced over at him, How was she?

She’ll do.

Dave ignored eye contact with Mikey, but his authoritative tone was cocky and fully of confidence as he grinned an acknowledgement to Johnnie.

Looks like an Armani tailors in ‘ere.

The guys all laughed and Johnnie pointed to Mikey.

Well Dave, I was just telling Mikey, I like his style with the girls.

Yeah. Needs a few improvements, he muttered and lit a cigar glancing at the girl sitting in the corner.

Mikey was keen to make an impression, Guys, I did what you asked, caught this bitch ripping you off, on the money. She needs to be taught a lesson.

With that, Mikey seized the tart by her hair. Grabbing her close. Gobbing in her face. Watching her struggle as she yelled to be set free, his fingers gripping deeper into her upper arms. He knew his superiors were observing his skills. It gave Mikey a buzz. Clenching his fist he punched her in the stomach. Seeing her feeble body fall on the floor, Mikey sneered and lit a cigarette.

His large frame stood over her dishevelled figure. Boldly, he bent down as he scrutinised her face. Taking a deep breath, he let the cloud of smoke waft in her face.

Don’t whimper, he growled as she wiped the dribbled mucus from her cheek.

Slowly inhaling again, he blew the smoke this time in her eyes; callously clasping her tiny throat. Seeing the fear in her eyes excited him. Glancing at the orange glow of the ash, he smiled and stamped repeatedly his mark of success on her neck. Mikey was the club’s new pimp.

The smell of the sweet smouldering flesh made him laugh.

Johnnie left and joined his staff in the Tongue and Groove, while Dave continued to view and goad Mikey on. Giving him tips, with his cigar stub, how to inflict and increase the levels of pain.

***

Johnnie, smiling, gave a signal to the barman, Hi girls, what would you like to drink?

The girls readily showed their appreciation by giving him a slight kiss on his cheek. He loved it. Kept the girls just there where he wanted them, eager and willing.

Caprice how’s business tonight?

Slowed down, but it’s Friday, she had her arm around Cheryl. But we drove the punters wild earlier. You’ll love the new routine. We’ve been practising.

Her eyes glistened with excitement as she fixed them on his body. He was six foot with a big build. Light coloured green eyes and greying receding hair. His gold-rimmed glasses added character to his handsome round face. He was a little over weight, but his broad shoulders and stature gave the appearance that he carried it well. Always smartly dressed in his Armani suits, his character was like a chameleon always changing and calculating.

He grinned mischievously, Girls, no time like the present. Show me again now.

They skipped over to the stage and artistically, using the same dance pole, worked well together leaving little to the imagination. They swayed their oiled bodies rhythmically to the music. They looked extremely horny in their leather thongs and skimpy bra tops. The lustful dance routine oozed sensuality whilst entwining themselves around the pole and each other. Teasingly, thrusting their hips at each other and running their tongues frivolously over each other’s mouths, as they kissed, pleasing the onlookers. With all the sexual qualities displayed on stage, it made the punters mouths’ water and imaginations’ run wild.

Caprice touched her hair, lightly threading it through her fingers in tune to the beat, as she lined up her next trick. But through the wide innocent looking eyes she was a professional.

The male perspective was always different from hers, she thought, placing her hands lightly on Cheryls’ waist while moving to the music. His needs were to satisfy his testosterone shot. Hers were more to satisfy the need for money. The only way she knew how.

The punters were mesmerized by her sexual approach, which made Caprice one of the best in the club. She earned more tips and was a favourite, swinging both ways. This was easily recognizable when she was performing with Cheryl. Having no inhibitions, she thrived on the joy of exploring with a passion to find a better orgasm than the last. Her level was increasing at every stage for her clients, but her satisfaction decreased. That’s where she needed Mikey and the next line of coke, to keep her enthusiasm high.

The routine was wild and untamed. After their session Caprice cavorted towards Johnnie for approval.

Very, very provocative! he said cheerfully squeezing her waist. I also need an update on your special project.

Glancing round the club, he pointed, Crystal, I see a punter to my left ogling you. Say hello. He patted the base of her spine encouragingly to move towards him, Good girl.

Crystal eagerly went across, while Johnnie made his presence known to everyone. Working his way round his club to his special booth, where his friends sat observing the show. He looked at his watch. Stacey was late with his package. He had time to enjoy the moment and see the other girls perform on stage before he put his mind back to business.

CHAPTER 1

Stacey was busy organising the staff and management of one of Johnnie’s companies. She was always busy thinking of the next move. Who should she phone first? She needed all the information fast. Her mind was focused on problems. She was determined to succeed. Requiring every detail to be correct, thus minimising any risks. Everyone would admire her achievements. Stacey never seemed to realise that Johnnie continuously turned her in different directions to sort out any problem on all the projects. They were unloaded onto her shoulders. Emails, faxes and reports were suddenly her focal point. Even arranging for letterheads and paper, Bloody paper, she thought. Couldn’t anyone in the office even order that correctly? Sending emails late at night ready for the morning so staff would know their duties. She would have to write everything down, as always staff would only do half the job. They always performed below her expectations and never managed to meet her high standards or make easy decisions which would help take the pressure off.

Oh, sod it, she thought, forgot the bloody parcel. Johnnie will go mad. She rushed to the car knowing she would hit traffic. Hearing the hooting noise of the cars as she maneuvered a U turn in the middle of the street, Stacey veered back to London. She was tired and her brain was racing in all directions.

The Tongue and Groove was where all the action took place. Members worked their many different shades of business. To the outside world respectable businessmen would meet, make the deals and then enjoy the seedier side of life. Caprice, Crystal and Cheryl were Johnnie’s main girls. They were beautiful, stunning hookers.

Stacey raced down the road, braking like mad so the speed camera didn’t get her again. She shook her head in annoyance, bloody cameras. How could I have been so stupid and forgot to give him the parcel? Stacey was irritated with herself. She was running late, wanting to get home to the children. She had promised the kids she would not be late, not tonight. Everything always took longer than anticipated. She had planned her day meticulously. Now time was against her, yet again.

Bloody red light, she thought still agitated and hooked a left. Speeding down the road she quickly halted and parked right outside the Tongue and Groove. She grabbed the parcel on the car seat, waving to Kurt as she locked the door.

Hey honey, didn’t know you were here tonight?

Stacey smiled sweetly, but thought, Oh no. Not now. Friday night and Kurt’s arrived to play his session. Oh, darling, lovely to see you. Didn’t know you and Ellie were back. She beamed a smile, giving him a hug and whispered, No I’m not stopping, just seeing Johnnie quickly.

Yeah well they’re all in the club with Frank and Dave. That means you’ll have to wait in line to see him.

Oh no. I’m going to be so late.

I’m not on for another hour. I’ll buy you a drink, while you wait.

Great, but I’m driving, so it’ll have to be a coffee. A latte will do nicely.

She descended down the smoke filled stairs. Seeing the mirrored stainless steel bar situated on the left, Stacey searched the faces in the crowd. She was desperate to find Johnnie, give him the package and leave. On the right were maroon padded booths, where the members viewed the girls’ pole dancing skills.

I didn’t realise the time. I’m in an awful rush. Hope Johnnie hasn’t got too many meetings arranged.

I’ve got no idea, Hon. I just saw the guys here, while I was setting up.

Kurt was a musician for the past twenty years. He knew how to move people with his sound. He was 6’ 2", grey haired with blue eyes and hawk like features. Confidently, he would lift the crowd to every emotion when playing the saxophone.

Don’t normally see you at the weekend, at this time of night.

Yeah, I got held up in the rush hour traffic. It’s not really my scene, She paused hesitantly, thinking, how sleazy the club looked. She was smartly dressed in her suit and looked out of place. I don’t mind coming here in the day and listen to you practising with Ellie. You know, I love jazz.

Kurt nodded. He lived with the singer, Ellie, and played at the weekends, as these were quiet nights for the girls and jazz music filled the club. Kurt was the best saxophone player in this part of London.

Stacey scanned the room, seeing the members doing their deals. Chatting to the girls, who flirted and moved curvaceously to the beat of the music. She couldn’t see Johnnie.

Opposite the bar, was the door to his office. Frank and Dave often sat in the booth having meetings with different types of businessmen. Some would hang around for a few hours, others weeks, sometimes months. They were good negotiators. That’s where the girls would assist, befriending and enticing the men. The girls would sit in revealing sexy outfits for Johnnie’s special friends, flirt and do anything he commanded.

Stacey stared at the door adjacent to the office. This was the entrance to the stairway, leading upstairs to the girls’ activity rooms. It was not unusual to see selected members frequenting this stairway regularly and discreetly. It was the seedier side. The girls would earn the real money working these rooms. Mikey was the man to see for specials. The door opened and Crystal, adjusting her skirt, joined the others at Johnnie’s booth.

Stacey felt grubby watching the girls performing their raunchy routines. She felt so out of place and sat down in a booth, while Kurt went to the bar. She looked around urgently trying to see Johnnie in the jam-packed club.

Kurt gave Stacey her coffee and sat down. Made enquiries for ya, Hon. Johnnie’s in a meet. Can’t be disturbed. The other guys are chatting. So, it’ll be a while.

She smiled thanking him. Blast, she thought, all that rushing around and for what?

Kurt, you couldn’t do me a favour. Give this package to Johnnie for me. I really need to get home to the kids.

His face looked stern, No way, Honey. You know Johnnie. It has to come from you.

Yeah, OK. Sorry, just really needed to get on. Resigning herself to another late night, she sipped her latte.

Stacey had been friends with Kurt for years. He had learnt to play the sax in the army and years later played on cruise liners. His life had been colourful, never dull. He married young, had children, three boys and countless affairs. All the experiences in Kurt’s life with his sister, Chrissie and his son, Tony becoming a drug dealer had changed him.

So, how’s life? He asked her.

Stacey shrugged her shoulders, Dull, all I do is work. Thought you were still in Spain, buying the villa? Did you see your boys?

Yes, saw the family, and yes, the villa is very Spanish looking. We got back from San Pedro last night. Left Ellie at home tonight to unpack and that. You should fly over next time we go and see it.

Would love to, I could do with a break with the kids. Not much has changed in the club. Still the same old faces.

Tapping to the beat of the music on the rim of her coffee glass she continued, The club’s still smoky and the music, well that will definitely improve, now you’re back, she chirped.

Oh you are so smooth. Johnnie’s charismatic ways are rubbing off on you.

I hope not. The difference between us is I speak the truth from the heart. Johnnie, well, it’s always questionable isn’t it?

Kurt’s smile was non-committal. I have to tune up. You should pop round to the house soon and see Ellie for a good natter. He gave her a friendly kiss on the cheek and patted her on the shoulder as he stood up and walked over to the stage.

She was happy to see him, even though he seemed a little passive. She watched him, while he played his session. He kept playing the sax as if it was his addictive tool to therapy; always dedicating his last song to his family and Chrissie.

The tables were packed at weekends. The crowd was different and the girls had fewer clients as the regulars went home to their families. The club was swarming with people listening to the jazz. The saxophone tuned into every nerve in everyone’s body. She guessed that every note expressed emotions which Kurt had experienced. He understood emotions and the hard side of life. Now she knew he just played to make people happy. Happiness was so hard to achieve. If a few hours of music allowed happiness to creep into ones life and touched ones emotions, then this was his gift to everyone who listened. That’s why his music was so amazing. Everyone in the club loved the live music and the energetic buzz.

***

After half an hour, Johnnie put his head round the office door, he ignored Stacey, caught Caprice’s eye and beckoned.

Pop in my office, angel, I need a quiet word.

Course, anything you want is on offer, from me. You know that, cooed Caprice flicking her long hair over her shoulder.

He shut the office door and invited her to sit down. So, how are you getting along with Steve?

Oh him, she laughed, he’s so ripe. I can hardly keep him in tow. He wants me so badly, Johnnie. He’s infatuated with me. Adores the ground I walk on. Her voice was proud. I can’t stop him much longer. He’s so ready.

That’s just what I wanted to hear. Give him a call now. Tempt him round to your place. Johnnie didn’t show any emotion in his face, just a twinkle in his eye.

Set it up for next week, Thursday. Tell Steve he’ll be getting what he wants at last!

She nodded willingly as he gave her the phone. He picked up the bottle of vitamin tablets and threw some in his hand. He swallowed them and sipped his water, as usual.

Caprice stared and lightly mentioned, Could you tell Mikey, I need some more coke. He’s not giving me enough.

I’ll tell him.

She dialled the number, the meeting was set and Steve continued chatting, Caprice, I’ll be back from France the night before, so, Thursday it is, eagerly looking at his diary. I’m going to buy you something really exceptional. I know you’ll love it - a lace basque.

Mm, that’s so sweet of you. I’m going to dream of you tonight. I think you better take the whole afternoon off work, she said coquettishly, licking her cherry lips and breathing deeply.

You bet, darling. I want you so badly.

Me too. Oh, I have to go. The boss has just walked in. So I’ll see you on Thursday, bye.

Johnnie nodded approvingly, Well done. Everything will be set. You better get back to the punters now.

You won’t forget about my coke?

He looked thoughtful and changed his tact, I’ll tell you what. You’ve been so good tightening the noose with Steve that I think you deserve to go home now. Take the rest of the night off. It’s always slow at the weekend. Mikey will give you a little powder treat to keep you going.

He needed to speak to Mikey about her habit. It seemed to be ever increasing. Also he didn’t want Caprice talking to Stacey.

Ooh, thanks. Pleasure’s all mine. Is there anything else? Her vanity shone through her flirtatious grin.

No he nodded.

Caprice left the club feeling extremely clever with herself and started to plot in her mind for Thursday. She loved the intrigue and secrecy of it all. She thought she was becoming something of a celebrity, especially being picked to help Johnnie. She could not tell anyone. Not even Stacey. This seemed to turn her on. She hated Stacey, goodie two shoes, always so clean and never mixed with the punters, she thought jealously, looking over to her sitting in the booth. Caprice couldn’t grasp the understanding between them. She resented that no one ever slagged Stacey off: They always said nice things about her. No one could be that wonderful. Caprice enjoyed the one upmanship she held over Cheryl and Crystal. Her ego and beauty were a strong combination, but her age and lack of wisdom let her down.

***

Re-entering the smoky club, Johnnie moved over to his friends at the booth. He tinkered with his watch. Waving at Stacey, he sat with Dave recollecting how he had positioned Caprice in his strategy. Johnnie muttered in Frank’s ear, who got up and went to the bar.

A couple of hours passed. Time was pressing and Kurt had finished his session. Stacey couldn’t see him and the crowd had slimmed down as she listened to the loud beat of the music and watched the erotic performance of the girl near her. The bare tanned skin seemed to shimmer under the light. Sensually encircling the pole, but her movements were brash, hard and tinged with a raunchy feel of crude sexuality that the regulars of the club ogled. Stacey studied each dancer, as they performed, as she had nothing else to do but wait her turn to see Johnnie.

Frank came over with another coffee, Won’t be long now, Babe. Johnnie will see you after this meet.

Yeah, biting her bottom lip, It’s just that it’s getting late. I really need to get on. It’ll only take two minutes.

You know the boys, Stace, especially Johnnie, He gave her a kiss on the cheek and chuckled, So been busy with your promotion?

Stacey smiled and nodded.

As I’m always telling Johnnie, you’re a lovely gal and got brains too.

Not really, Frank – you’re just a smooth talker.

No, he laughed, You’re bright. You run Johnnie’s other businesses. You can type on that laptop. I’ve seen you doing the figures and things. You bring your kids up right. And I’ve told ya, if you get any problems with your Ex, you let me know. I’ll handle it. Free of charge, of course.

Thanks. That’s sweet of you. But I don’t think I’ll need your services. I’d have to live with my conscience, and whatever I think of my Ex, he is the father of my kiddies. She grinned, I just want an easy life.

Frank was a rough guy who was extremely hard and dangerous. He was over six foot, sturdy and muscular. He had a thickset neck and square face. He had a gruff voice and Frank would always try and look smart in a common way. He could never look high class. But when he wore his black trousers, white shirt and tie, he distinctly looked like a security guard. He was the contract man – no contract too small, and he had a weak spot for Stacey.

Glancing at her watch, knowing Frank would chat for ages, she smiled and listened politely, looking over at the boys who were deep in conversation. She could see Dave talking and moving his hands, waving his cigar in the air.

Hey, Johnnie this could be the biggest deal that we have ever pulled off. Man, this is big, laughed Dave as he inhaled on his cigar. Smoke seemed to bellow out from his mouth, Love it. I just love it.

It needs some fine tuning but the pieces are beginning to fit. I thought you’d like it.

Dave placed his fat cigar in the ashtray, It’s grand and I know, he paused with a grin, you’ll see everything through. It’s your fucking nature.

Johnnie gave the impression of being a solid character. He would watch all the angles and trust no one.

Yes, I’ll look at the risks. Make sure the odds are in our favour.

You cool calculating bastard! Should nickname you the fucking thinker, again inhaling on his cigar.

Johnnie always looked at everything as if it were a chess game, thinking of the next move.

No, I’m not that clever, you over estimate me. But it builds up my ego. He smiled but his eyes were cold. Johnnie needed the others for certain jobs. Dave, Mikey and Brad enjoyed mixing in his company. They knew he could handle the risks. Stacey called them the snakes as their egos slithered and wrapped around their auras. It always made them feel they were on Johnnie’s level. He knew this, and played it to his advantage. He gave the snakes the street cred with institutions and banks, which helped in business.

Dave placed his cigar again in his mouth and slowly breathed in the smoke, This is massive. I love the plan. Have you told Brad? So much fucking money could be made. You know, we could become the leaders in the UK.

Yes, Brad knows. He’s still working in Egypt. I was thinking this could be international, using the Internet!

Dave’s eyes seemed to bulge, Well, international, he paused and then burst into a hearty laugh. This will definitely be the biggest fucking venture we have ever pulled off.

Mikey was standing near the booth, listening to every word. He couldn’t contain himself anymore and butted in, Fucking right there, with your contacts, Johnnie. It’s a beaut. But none of us know how to work a bloody computer.

Johnnie was already negotiating with his IT connections to supply expertise for a favour. But to the group investing in the venture, it would go down on the books, as a fee, hidden and payable to him.

I’ll work with Frank on my American contacts, Dave said thoughtfully looking over to the entrance of the club to see where Frank had got too.

Well that will be normal. Johnnie gave a wry smile.

How long have you been working on this?

Well, quite a few months. We still have a long way to go. But certain aspects of the project are well seeded and ready for plucking.

You always speak a load of shit, but there is always something in what you say. You’re talking to me, so what the fuck do you mean?

Mikey still listening, remarked eagerly, I could take over Frank’s routines, while they’re out of the country?

I think that will be too much for you to handle at the moment. You just concentrate on your new role with the girls and keep Caprice sweet. I’ll call on you, when needed.

Dave was looking at