As they got the photos from the station, all four of them hopped into the squad car, the soft glow of the dashboard lights illuminating their serious faces. Decker slid into the driver's seat, Alvin riding shotgun, while Agent Wayne and Agent Williams settled into the backseat. The engine roared to life as Decker turned the key, and they pulled out of the station's parking lot, merging into the busy afternoon traffic.
As they arrived at Madame Jiggle's establishment, Agent Williams frowned as she saw where they were. Then she asked, "Are you guys sure you can get answers here, or do you have an itch that you need to scratch?" Her voice was slightly sarcastic, and her face turned slightly crimson.
Decker chuckled. "We're here on business, not pleasure."
As they entered the establishment, a group of 15 girls chimed in, "Everyone, look! Our friends in blue are back!" One of the girls said, as they descended upon them, their bright smiles and laughter infectious, sweeping the agents inside, where the pulsating music enveloped them in a whirlwind of sound and color.
"Detectives, you have returned, and I see you've brought some friends," Madam Jiggle said, her voice husky and confident. "So, what can I do for you?" The girls parted as Madame Jiggle reached the bottom of the stairs, her eyes fixed on Decker and the others with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.
"So, did you come here for business or pleasure?" Madam Jiggle asked, a smile on her face.
"Sadly, we're here on business. Can we talk in your office?" Decker said.
"Straight to the point, I like that. This way, follow me, my young men and lady. Chop-chop." Madam Jiggle said, extending her acrylic hand, gesturing towards her office.
As they followed Madam Jiggle into her office, the sounds of the club faded into the background, replaced by the soft hum of luxurious air conditioning and the scent of expensive perfume. Madam Jiggle settled behind her desk, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she gestured for them to take seats.
"So, what can I do for you, Detectives?" she asked, her voice husky and confident.
Decker pulled out the photos and slid them across the desk. "We're looking for information on these individuals. Can you tell us if any of them have been in here recently?"
Madam Jiggle's eyes gazed at the photos and realized all five of them were frequent visitors. Her expression turned calculating, and a hint of wariness crept into her eyes. "Ah, yes. I know these gentlemen. They're regulars here."
"What can I tell you about them?" Madam Jiggle asked.
"You can start by telling us how frequently they come," Decker asked.
"Oh, they'd come in about three times a week, sometimes more. They always request specific girls, and they're... generous with their tips. We even have a nickname for them, we call them the self-proclaimed bodyguards," Madam Jiggle replied.
"Madam Jiggle, can you tell me what days these gentlemen usually come in? And were they here last night?"Alvin asked, his eyes fixed intently on Madam Jiggle's face.
"They usually come in on Fridays and Saturdays. As for last night... let me check," Madam Jiggle replied.
She tapped on her desk, and a moment later, her assistant appeared with a discreet nod.
"Did the gentlemen that we call the self-proclaimed bodyguards come in last night?" Madam Jiggle asked.
The assistant hesitated before speaking in a low tone, "Actually, Madame, all five of them were here last night. They arrived around 6 pm and stayed for a few hours."
Madam Jiggle's expression turned thoughtful. "I see. Did you notice anything unusual?" she asked, filing her long nails.
The assistant pushed her glasses back on her face properly before responding, "Well, there was someone I've never seen him here before, was talking to one of the guys while he was at the bar. I didn't see his face though, because he was wearing a masquerade mask."
Madam Jiggle's eyes narrowed slightly as she processed the information. "A masquerade mask, you say? That's interesting. Can you describe the person wearing the mask?"
The assistant thought for a moment before responding, "He was about average height, maybe a little taller. He was wearing a black suit and a fedora. He looked... sophisticated, I suppose."
Madam Jiggle nodded, her mind working. "I see. And did you notice anything else unusual about him?"
The assistant hesitated before speaking, "Well, he seemed to know one of the gentlemen. They were talking like old friends or something."
Madam Jiggle's eyes locked onto the assistant's, her expression intense. "Which one was it?"
The assistant swallowed before responding, "It was... Boss Josh."
Madam Jiggle's expression turned thoughtful. "Boss Josh, huh? I'll have to make a note of that."
As Madam Jiggle finished speaking, Decker leaned forward, his eyes fixed intently on her. "Madam Jiggle, can we talk to Boss Josh? And maybe some of the other staff members who were working last night?"
Madam Jiggle's smile was polite. "I'm not sure where Boss Josh is right now, but I can try to get in touch with him. These gentlemen aren't employees of mine, by the way. They're just... regulars. We've affectionately referred to them as the self-proclaimed bodyguards."
Decker's eyes met Alvin's, a spark of interest igniting between them. They were getting close to something. They could feel it.
"By the way, Detectives, do you suspect these five men of having something to do with the young man from the Wright family's death?" Madam Jiggle's hands trembled slightly as she clasped them together, her eyes locked intensely on the detectives. "Because if they are involved, I will be willing to cooperate with you to help you catch them. I saw the story and the headlines this morning," she said, her voice laced with a mix of concern and determination.
"At the moment, we're not sure if they're involved, however, they are primary suspects," Alvin replied, his expression serious.
"We're in luck; today just so happens to be a good day to set up a stakeout operation," Agent Wayne said, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. "They don't know that we're looking for them or that we even suspect them of anything, so it's best to strike while the iron is hot," he added with a confident smile.
"I agree, that's a great idea," Agent Williams said, her eyes scanning the room as she pulled out her phone. "I'll make a call for backup," she said, her voice firm and professional, before stepping out of Madam Jiggle's office.
To be continued...
"Ps: thanks to all who have been reading and letting me know your comments about the story. I see your comments, and I'm just a little busy, so I haven't had the time to respond as I would like to .Anyway thanks for reading again"