Page 16 of Broken Warrior
Which is why I nod. “That’ll work.”
Ember smiles brightly. “Great. I take it you’d prefer to get paid in cash?”
How did she know that?
“I just moved out here and I haven’t set up a bank account yet, so if it’s possible...”
“Well, let me tell you how it works.” She continues taking notes. “Anything you make from performing is cash in your pocket. Trent doesn’t touch that, but he expects a legit way to pay his girls because this is a very lucrative and legit business. He pays girls minimum wage and takes a small percentage of that to pay for security, costumes, and anything else a girl might need that she can’t pay for on her own. It’s like pulling for health insurance. It’s legal and keeps the talent safe, and his profit comes from entrance fee, drink sales, lap dances, and VIP rooms. Tips from the last two are yours to keep but the cost for special services goes to him. Anything paid directly to the club is his, you get a check for working here, and he keeps things on the up and up. And that means you’ll need a way to cash those checks, but I’m guessing there’s more to you not setting up a bank account in your name than being new in town.”
I just nod.
Ember is scary perceptive.
“We have a couple girls that sign their checks over to a family member, one or two that have had Trent write the checks in someone else’s name and deposit directly into their account. He’s not a fan of that though so I’m going to suggest you get a DBA under your stage name then have someone help you set up an account to match, that way your checks can get deposited to you, legitimately, and doesn’t create any issues for Trent.”
“Sounds like you’ve been through this before.”
She nods. “I have. You’re not the only one who doesn’t want to be found, Tate, and I’m in the business of helping any way I can.”
“Thank you.” Unexpected tears spring to my eyes and I look away. Dori was right: moving here is the best decision I’ve ever made and people like Ember are a great reminder.
“No problem, girlie.” She gives me a warm smile before she goes back to her clipboard. “I’m going to need to make a copy of your license but it’ll be kept under lock and key. No one needs to know who you really are except me and Trent, and the DBA will help with that. It won’t be linked to anything traceable if you play it right, and I’m assuming you know people who can help make that happen.”
Yeah, except Spider isn’t going to like any of this so he’s not an option. Hopefully Zak or one of the other guys in the club can help me set all this up without anything pointing back to me or pissing off my currently pissed off roommate.
“What’s a good contact number for you, Tate?”
“Um...” I chew my lip. “I don’t have a cellphone right now but I can give you my sister’s number. She knows how to get a hold of me until I get that set up.” Looks like I’ll have to take Zak up on the offer to add a line to their plan so it’s not in my name either. “I can probably do it later today, but in the meantime Theo Wyatt’s number is what I’ll give you.”
“Great.” Ember takes down the only number I have memorized. “Is she your emergency contact too?”
I nod. “Her and her husband. I’ll give you his number if I get the job.”
“Trent typically likes three contacts just to be on the safe side. Like I said, he’s very organized and serious about his business being as legit as possible.”
Shit. “I don’t really have anyone else...”
Ember frowns. “No one at all?”
“I’ll have a third if I get hired.” Maybe Jackal will be ok with it since I doubt his cousin will. I just don’t really know him well enough to ask, and from what Zak says, Jackal is terrible about answering his phone. He might not be the best emergency contact. “I’ll figure it out.”
“Great. I think that’s all I need for now, let me get your license and I’ll go talk to Trent. He’ll want to come meet you, might have a few questions of his own, but I think you’re a shoo-in.”
“Yeah?” I straighten my spine and fidget with my purse strap. “You think I have a real shot at getting hired?”
Ember grins as she walks around the bar and starts toward the stage. “Definitely. You’re hot as fuck, Cordy. Between that and your experience, Trent would be an idiot not to hire you.”
Then she’s gone.
Cordy.
Looks like I’ve earned myself a nickname.
Here’s hoping Trent is as friendly as Ember. I really need this to work out and I want it to work out here.
* * *
A few hoursand another nerve wracking Q&A later, James and I are on our way back to Spider’s house.
