Just as he was starting to doze off, a familiar voice interrupted his reverie. "Kev!"
He opened his eyes to find Max, the foxman cleaner, standing beside him, a friendly smile on his face. "Cindy's asked for you again," Max announced.
Kev sat up, a curious frown creasing his brow. "Again?" he echoed. "What does she need this time?"
"Didn't say," Max replied with a shrug. "Just told me to find you and tell you to bring your guitar."
Kev nodded, a sense of intrigue mingling with his apprehension. He finished his cigarette, extinguished it in a nearby ashtray, and headed back inside.
"See you later, Max," he called out as he entered the mansion.
Max waved goodbye, a knowing smile on his face.
Kev made his way back to his apartment, his footsteps echoing in the quiet hallways. He grabbed his guitar case and headed back downstairs, no longer needing Max to guide him.
Kev descended the stairs to the basement, the familiar scent of lavender and chamomile guiding him towards Cindy's office. He knocked gently on the pink door, and Cindy's cheerful voice called out, "Come in!"
He stepped inside, finding Cindy bustling around her cozy office. The kettle was already whistling on the small stove, its steam filling the air with a comforting warmth.
"Kev, so glad you could make it," Cindy greeted him with a warm smile. "Please, have a seat. Tea will be ready in a moment." She gestured towards the chair across from her desk, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. "Would you mind playing me a song while I finish up here?"
Kev smiled, happy to oblige. He carefully removed his guitar from its case and settled into the chair, his fingers finding their familiar places on the strings. This time, he chose a more upbeat tune, a joyful sea shanty he'd written years ago during a sailing trip with his friends. The lively melody filled the small office, its cheerful rhythm a stark contrast to the usual quietude of the space.
Cindy hummed along softly as she poured the tea, her movements graceful and efficient. When Kev reached the final chord, she placed a steaming cup in front of him, a grateful smile on her face.
"Thank you, Kev," she said, her voice a gentle melody. "That was lovely. Just what I needed to brighten my day."
Cindy stirred her tea thoughtfully, the clinking of the spoon against the porcelain cup the only sound in the otherwise quiet office.
"Would you like to hear another song?" Kev offered, his fingers hovering over the guitar strings.
Cindy shook her head gently. "No, dear," she replied, her voice soft but firm. "Let's talk."
Kev took a sip of his tea, a curious frown creasing his brow. Cindy remained silent, her gaze fixed on the swirling liquid in her cup.
"What would you like to talk about, Cindy?" Kev finally asked, breaking the silence.
Cindy took a deliberate sip of her tea before answering. "Horns came to see me not too long ago," she began, her voice a hushed whisper.
Kev's curiosity piqued. "Is this about the private pool table room?" he asked, "Or Pedro?"
Cindy nodded slowly. "Both," she admitted, her gaze meeting Kev's. "But most importantly... don't let Fang gamble."
Kev sighed, a hint of remorse in his eyes. "I didn't realize it would be an issue," he admitted. "I know better now."
Cindy nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "It's good to learn from your mistakes, Kev," she said, her voice gentle. "Much easier to stop Fang than to try and teach every customer."
Kev winced. "What happened to him?... to Pedro," he asked, a note of concern in his voice.
Cindy's smile faded, replaced by a steely glint in her eyes. "Whatever happened to Pedro shouldn't be your concern, Kev," she said, her tone firm. "The important thing is that Fang took care of the situation."
Kev shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his curiosity unsatisfied. "I still don't understand why the dance was such a big deal," he persisted. "It seemed like a harmless wager."
Cindy chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Don't be silly, Kev," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "The moment Pedro asked for you and saw Fang's reaction, he made his decision. You're one of his most precious workers, and Pedro compared your worth to that of a suit."
She took a deliberate sip of her tea, her demeanor calm and collected.
Kev leaned forward, his brow furrowed in thought. "But Fang could have just talked it out with Pedro," he argued, his voice earnest. "Didn't you say more people should learn to use their words?"
Cindy's smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful frown. She took another sip of her tea, her gaze distant.
"That's just a wish, Kev," Cindy finally replied, her voice a touch melancholic. "A nice sentiment, but not always practical in this world."
She set her teacup down, her gaze meeting Kev's with a newfound intensity. "If someone sees you with something they want, what stops them from taking it from you?" she asked, her voice firm. "What stops someone from using their strength, their power, to take whatever they desire?"
Kev remained silent, the weight of her words sinking in. He knew she was making a point, a harsh reality of the world he now inhabited.
Cindy continued, her voice unwavering. "If Fang were to let an insult stand, the word would spread like wildfire. Others would come, nipping at his heels, trying to take a bite out of his belongings, his authority. It's a constant struggle, Kev, a never-ending battle for dominance."
She sighed, a hint of weariness in her voice. "I wish people would use their words," she admitted, "but that's just a wish. The only reason I am able to stand tall in this club, to command respect, is because I know that pup will eviscerate anyone who dares to mess with me."
Her gaze softened as she looked at Kev. "Fang's strength, his willingness to fight for what's his, is what keeps this place running," she explained. "It's what protects us all."
"I'll do my best to keep him from gambling again," Kev said, a determined glint in his eyes.
Cindy chuckled, a warm sound that filled the small office. "Don't worry too much if it happens," she advised. "Fang is a glutton for punishment sometimes and won't get out of his own way."
Just then, Max poked his head in, interrupting their conversation. "Cindy," he said, his voice a bit hesitant, "it's time for morning inspection."
Cindy sighed, rising from her chair. "Duty calls," she said with a resigned smile. She turned to Kev. "You've met Max, correct?" she asked, gesturing towards the foxman. "He's the daytime manager here. Makes sure things run smoothly while I'm clocked out."
Max rolled his eyes playfully. "Of course he knows me," he retorted. "You've sent me to him five times already."
"Who's counting?" Cindy quipped, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Well, I must be off," Cindy said, turning towards the door. "Thank you again for the song, Kev. It was a lovely end to my day." She paused, a thoughtful look on her face. "Oh, and I've already informed Max about the private pool room. He'll make sure it's set up for you."
With a final smile and a wave, Cindy left the office, Max following closely behind.
Kev carefully placed his guitar back in its case, a sense of accomplishment settling over him. He felt a newfound confidence as he navigated the maze-like corridors of the mansion, his earlier trepidation replaced by a growing sense of familiarity. Back in his apartment, he glanced at his watch, surprised to see it was already eleven o'clock. The morning had flown by, a testament to the engaging conversations and the lingering effects of the potent herb he'd shared with Horns.
Feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him, Kev decided to take a quick nap on the couch. He curled up on the plush cushions, the soft fabric a comforting embrace. Sleep claimed him quickly, his dreams filled with images of howling wolves, bleating llamas, and Fang's sharp teeth.
A persistent knocking at the door jolted him awake. He blinked, disoriented, and glanced at his watch. It was two o'clock, the afternoon sun streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow on the room. He stretched, his muscles protesting the impromptu nap, and made his way to the door, curiosity piqued.
Kev swung open the door, surprised to find Lanon standing on the threshold. The iguana-man exuded an air of authority, his posture straight and his movements precise. He wore a large bright green coat hanging open over his bare lean stomach. A pair of tight black leather pants that covered his legs were adorned with an unreasonably large and flashy belt buckle. He strode into the apartment without waiting for an invitation, his sharp eyes inspecting the room with a detached curiosity.
"Fetch me a water, darling," Lanon commanded, settling onto the couch as if he owned the place.
Kev bristled at the imperious tone, a flicker of annoyance flashing in his eyes. But he held his tongue, reminding himself that Lanon was one of Fang's trusted managers, even Horns had talked highly of the sensual lizard. He dutifully retrieved a glass of water from the kitchen and handed it to Lanon, his expression carefully neutral.
Lanon took the glass, his long fingers wrapped around its cool surface. He drank the water in one long, slow gulp, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. He then leaned back against the cushions, his gaze settling on Kev.
"I hear you're looking for a blade," Lanon purred, a sly grin spreading across his reptilian face. "A wise decision, considering recent events."
He paused, his gaze lingering on Kev's face. "But do you think that's wise, darling?" he continued, his voice a low, seductive rumble. "Fang seems to get off on protecting you. Why steal his thunder?"
Kev's face flushed, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance coloring his cheeks. "What? No!" he exclaimed, his voice a bit higher than usual. "I need a razor to shave with, not to hurt people."
Lanon's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his tail twitching with curiosity. "Shave?" he echoed, tilting his head slightly. "What do you mean?"
Kev sighed, gesturing towards his face. "I want to shave off my facial hair," he explained, a hint of self-consciousness in his voice. "It doesn't really grow into a beard..."
Lanon crossed his legs and stretched his arms over the back of the couch. "Why not go to the salon?" he inquired, his voice a smooth purr. "I'm sure Master Valen could take care of it for you quickly."
"It's a bit of a hassle," Kev replied, running a hand over his stubble. "I like to shave every other day or so. It would be more convenient to do it myself."
Lanon's gaze intensified, his reptilian eyes fixated on Kev's face. He leaned forward slightly, his voice a low, hypnotic hiss. "What size would this... razor be?" he inquired. "Similar to a surgical scalpel used to shear away fur?"
A sudden excitement entered Lanon's eyes as he continued, "Imagine, Kev. Your neck, clean and exposed, vulnerable. Your mouth, smaller and less intimidating. Your skin, pale and luminous, glowing in the darkness of the club." A slow smile spread across his face, revealing his sharp teeth. "You'd be even more... desirable. A truly exquisite pet for Fang."
Kev recoiled, a shiver running down his spine. Lanon's words, though spoken with a seductive purr, carried an undercurrent of menace that made his skin crawl. He felt like a prey animal being sized up by a predator, his every instinct screaming at him to flee.
"I'm not a pet, how many times do I have to say it," Kev retorted, his voice firm despite the tremor in his hands.
Lanon merely tilted his head. "Apologies, darling," he purred. "But… you certainly are a clever one. Fang has chosen well."
Lanon's smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful frown. "It might be difficult to get you a razor, Kev," he admitted, his voice a low rumble. "Blades are heavily regulated in the city. But I have a subordinate who is quite skilled with a scalpel. I'll have him come and take care of you," he purred, his tail flicking playfully. "Just don't tease him too much, darling. He can be... Encouragable."
Lanon rose to his feet, a distant look on his face. "Well thank you for this visit, as always it was enlightening. You've given me a wonderful idea, Kev," he said, his voice laced with a hint of mischief.
"What's that?" Kev asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Shaving," Lanon replied with a wink, before turning and disappearing out the door.
Kev, feeling a bit unsettled by Lanon's parting words, decided to distract himself with a simple lunch. He prepared a sandwich and a cup of tea, savoring the quiet solitude of his apartment. As he ate, his thoughts drifted to the upcoming meeting with the managers, the potential changes to the club's schedule, and the lingering tension from the previous night's events.