New Story - written exclusively on Steemit - WiP - Bouncer Part 42

This is turning out to be quite a tale (I know, my opinion...) and I think it'll make a novel-sized story.

I'm listening to the feedback and if something resonates, I've decided that I'll go with it (thanks @kiwideb).

Feel free to give feedback on characters, storylines etc - even if you think it's harsh.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16, Part 17, Part 18, Part 19, Part 20, Part 21, Part 22, Part 23, Part 24, Part 25, Part 26, part 27, Part 28, Part 29, Part 30 Part 31 Part 32 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40 Part 41

Pictures from Google free to use search

Please note: This is the FIRST DRAFT, no editing, written straight onto paper. I don't know how to highlight that any more than it is. I'll NOT be making any alterations to what's already been written. As a good friend and excellent author has said, First draft is a race to get the story down before it decides to stop telling itself to you. Thanks Glenn. @alienbutt

91 pages, 35,853 words so far.

What do you think of this for a cover?

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Zack went into Liz’s office where he assumed Anthony would be. Liz and Anthony were watching the CCTV monitors and both looked up at Zack when he entered the room laden with ‘loot’.

“Been having fun with the local scumbags?” Liz said, a grim expression on her face. “I knew we’d have to encounter thieves and pickpockets sooner or later, but I did think we’d get the first night over and done with.”

“At least we’ve only had one to deal with,” Anthony said, studying the CCTV monitor. “Oh… up until now, that is.”

“No, there’s another matter you’ll have to deal with later,” Zack said, then he too watched the monitors to see what Anthony was so concerned about.

“What other matter will we have to deal with?” Liz said, then she too looked at the monitors and all thoughts of Zack’s other problem went out of her head.

“I didn’t send an invitation to him,” Liz said.

“I’ll deal with it,” Zack said. He reached for the call button on his radio set and asked for back-up on the main doors. “Joe, I need you at the main door, bring your team. Baz, you too and any of the other teams that aren’t busy. Do not leave your posts completely unattended, only one of you down to the main door, ok?” He left the room in a flurry of activity and Liz followed him.

Anthony watched on the monitors and he made sure the cameras were recording.

Taylor caught up with Zack and without a word, they went straight to the reception area where Crackers’ team was allowing people through a couple at a time.

Crackers stood a little off to one side and though Zack couldn’t see who Crackers was talking to. By his body language, even if he’d not watched on the CCTV, Zack would have guessed who Crackers was speaking to.

Mikhail and his goons wanted to visit. “…As a professional courtesy,” Zack heard Mikhail say.

Zack went outside to stand by Crackers as he was telling Mikhail and his entourage why it wasn’t possible. Taylor stood a little to one side of his brother, he kept an eye on all sides as Zack was dealing with the group.

“I’m afraid this evening is invitation only and if you don’t have an invitation…” Crackers stopped speaking because one of Mikhail’s entourage, a tall, slender woman, pulled a sheaf of paper from her bag.

“I have the invitations printed out. I got them from the internet. Is that correct?” she said with a sickly-sweet smile and a feigned air of innocence. Her accent was thicker than even Mikhail’s and Zack wondered if she’d just arrived in the country.

Zack took the sheaf of paper from the woman and riffled through them. He counted the invitations and looked at Mikhail. “Twelve invitations?” Zack said.

“Yes, I believe that is in order?” the woman said.

Zack felt a tap on his shoulder and he turned to see Liz standing behind him with Viktor and four of his men just to the side of her. Taylor stepped to the side so Viktor could approach.

The people waiting to get into the club were no longer pushing forward to gain entrance. They were hanging back to watch the Russian Face-off.

“Mikhail,” Viktor said in an icy tone. The customers queueing up stepped back as Viktor and his men stepped forward, giving them all room to move. “Of course it is in order. You are most welcome to The Cobalt. Come inside, there is Champagne chilling in the VIP room, although it is pretty full at the moment. Only room for you and your young lady. I’m sure your entourage will make merry in the club itself.”

Viktor clicked his fingers at the reception booth. “Jackie, give me drinks tickets,” he said, not looking at her, but holding out his hand for the tickets.

Zack glanced at Jackie. He knew what she was like when she was dismissed out of hand like that and he tried to warn her with a shake of his head. Jackie smiled like an angel and handed a full block of drinks tickets to Viktor.

“There you go, Mr Vasilyevich,” she said.

“Thank you, Jackie,” he said and handed the full block to Mikhail without bothering to count it.

“Very generous,” Mikhail said, nodding.

“Come, I shall show you the VIP Lounge,” Viktor said.

Mikhail and his entourage followed up the stairs. Viktor’s men interspersed with the group, two right behind Viktor and Mikhail and the other two splitting the group as they climbed the stairs. Taylor nodded to one of Joe’s team and they went behind the entourage, so the whole group was enclosed and escorted.

Liz followed a moment or two later. She tapped on the reception counter-top and said, “Thanks Jackie, well done.”

Jackie nodded to Liz and then glanced at Zack and gave him a wink.

“Back to it, team!” Zack said into his radio. The doormen dispersed like they’d practiced the move. Crackers got back to allowing half a dozen people in at a time and suddenly it was all back to normal.