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  Maria explained that she had overheard the manager making a telephone call late the previous night. When she heard him mention the name Spence Jackson, she'd listened in on another extension to what he said.

  "He does not like Spence," Maria explained. "He is jealous because of the beautiful woman who comes to his show. She always asks Spence to sing a request just for her. When he does, Ricardo gets furious because it is always a love ballad. I get furious, too," the girl admitted, her dark eyes ablaze with unconcealed jealousy. "Because I think she would like Spence to do more than sing to her."

  "Who did Ricardo call?"

  "I believe it was the owner of the Conquistador, because they discussed the show. But they also discussed you."

  "Me?" Liane looked up, not totally surprised to find that she had left an impression on the manager. "What else did they say?"

  "Ricardo wanted to replace Spence, but the owner did not."

  "Who is the owner of the Conquistador?"

  "No one knows, except Ricardo," the girl replied. "He's supposed to be a rich investor and likes to remain unseen."

  "Yet, he still calls the shots."

  "What?"

  Liane smiled. "I mean, Ricardo still has to go to him for permission to do things."

  "Only for this. Ricardo has full control over everything else."

  Liane thought this seemed strange, but didn't say as much. "So I take it Ricardo lost the argument. But why are they certain my brother will show up this weekend?"

  "They are not. The owner did tell Ricardo he could book another act in case Spence did not come. But only if he does not come."

  "Another act . . ." Liane thought a moment, a slow smile spread across her lips. "Maybe a female singer?"

  "Ricardo would like that. Do you know of someone?"

  "Yes . . . I do." She nodded. "Me."

  Maria's eyes grew wide in astonishment. "Oh no, Sister. He will not want you. Ricardo is a . . .a . . .playboy. That is what Spence calls him. He will want someone he can . . .well, you know." Maria's cheeks turned red as she lowered her eyes.

  "Yes I know, but I want to get some more information out of Ricardo."

  "He is not a religious man. He won't tell you anything just because you are a Sister."

  "What if I'm not a nun?"

  Maria smiled. "I think I see what you are meaning. It could work if he didn't look too closely at your face when you spoke to him last night."

  "My guess is, that once he saw what I was wearing, the face didn't matter."

  "But what about . . .I mean, he is a very persuasive man."

  "I can handle myself," Liane assured her. "Don't worry. What's important is that I find Jack."

  "Jack," the girl repeated, her expression puzzled. "You keep calling him Jack."

  "Spence is really Jack Spencer," Liane told her. "But it's probably best that you don't tell anyone until I find out what's going on."

  "I will do whatever you ask. I want to help find Spence . . . Jack. I'm sorry, it is not easy to change when you have been so close to someone . . ." The girl looked up, a frightened expression on her young face. "Maybe you already guessed that he means very much to me."

  Liane smiled. "Yes, I guessed." Then her smile faded. "But I hope for your sake no one else has."

  "No one knows," she said. "We meet secretly. But we never . . . you know. He said he would not take advantage of me."

  Liane thought of how much her brother enjoyed the opposite sex and wondered if Maria was just as special to him as he obviously was to her.

  In a way, she hoped he did feel the same about the girl. She liked Maria and could see how loyal she was to him. Now her loyalty was going to be put to the test.

  "We better get started. I have a job interview. First, there are a few things I may need." She looked closely at the girl. "I believe you may be close to my size. Well, maybe a little shorter, but . . ." She smiled before going on with her plans. "A shorter skirt may be just the right image to get this job."

  I

  Liane wasted no time as she walked into the empty nightclub, heading straight for the office where she knew she'd find Ricardo. Maria had warned her he often took a brief siesta before they opened the club for business. And today, she hoped, would be no exception. She wanted to catch him totally off-guard.

  She noticed several bartenders' appreciative glances as they stocked the shelves with liquor for the upcoming evening business. Her reflection, as she passed the mirror behind the bar, reminded her of the woman Ricardo had been with the night before.

  Her slender curves seemed voluminous when wearing the too-tight outfit. And the low cut bodice made her feel like she was on display. She tugged at the hem of the bright orange sheath, hoping to hide a bit more of her thighs.

  Before her courage escaped her, she knocked on the door and waited. She could hear faint grumbling coming from the man inside; then suddenly the door was thrust open wide.

  Ricardo stood naked to the waist, his hands on his hips, as if ready to scold whoever had interrupted his nap.

  "Ah . . ." His angry look turned to a smile as his eyes scanned her from head to toe, stopping a moment to dwell on her heaving breasts beneath the low-cut bodice of the skimpy orange dress. "What have we here?"

  "I . . .I was told you may need a singer," she replied simply. Not waiting for an invitation she passed him and went into the room. "So here I am!"

  "I see. But what makes you think I want to hire you?"

  She turned to face him, giving him her sexiest grin. "I can give the audience what they want." Her voice was purposely husky.

  He slowly let the door close and came to stand before her. So close she could feel the warmth emanating from his solid male frame. "I am sure you could do just that. Only, we need a singer."

  "That's what I meant," she said quickly, coyly brushing her blonde hair away from her face. "I wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong impression."

  "Sing something for me," Ricardo ordered, then walked toward his desk.

  Liane went to the shelf covered wall and briefly scanned the large CD collection, thankful to find one containing some familiar show tunes. "May I?" She glanced over her shoulder as she opened the cabinet that hid the expensive stereo equipment.

  "Certainly, make yourself at home," Ricardo said sarcastically as he leaned against his desk. "Good choice," he said as he heard the room fill with music. "Our customers enjoy your American Broadway songs."

  Liane sang the song with enthusiasm, knowing this audition may be the most important she had ever entertained. When she was through, Ricardo nodded with a crooked smile, before applauding her.

  "I have to admit, I did not think you could really sing. Now, tell me . . ." He again allowed his dark eyes to boldly examine her, then narrow slightly. "What brings you here?"

  "Here?" She turned to remove the record. "What do you mean?"

  "I mean . . ." He came closer and turned her to face him. "A lovely American girl in Lima looking for a job? – Why?" He kept his hands on her shoulders.

  She shrugged, allowing her gaze to rise from the curly dark hairs on his broad chest, upward to his strong chin, sensuous lips curling into a smile, stopping to gaze into his ever-darkening eyes. "I came down here with a friend, and we had a disagreement. Now I have to find a way to earn enough money to get back home."

  His nearly coal black eyes lit as he smiled sardonically, lowering his strong hands to gently stroke her arms. "I could think of a few, more profitable ways."

  "I prefer using my voice!" Her eyes flashed emerald green as she darted him an angry look, stepping immediately out of his grasp. "Not my body!"

  "I see. Then do you not think you may get in trouble for . . .I believe in your country they call it false advertising?"

  "I thought the dress would help me get the job. I can easily wear something more modest." She had to hold back a smile as she thought of the nun's habit.

  "No, that will not be necessary." He laughed and turned to walk over t
o where his white shirt was hung over the back of his desk chair. "I think our audience will like you just the way you are."

  "Then I got the job?" She pretended excitement, knowing it wasn't the job she was really after.

  "Yes, you can start tonight, but I only want to see if they like you. I will make no guarantees." He slipped into his shirt. "You have to be very good to work our weekend shows. And besides . . ." His smile faded. "We might already have someone booked."

  "I understand." She glanced around the room as though looking for something.

  "Can I help you with something else?"

  "I . . .I wondered if I could have an advance . . .I know it's a lot to ask," she quickly added. "But you see I really need it. Or I can't afford dinner tonight."

  "Since that is where I was about to go, why not be my guest?" He offered. "I prefer having a lovely companion with me."

  "Thank you." She smiled up into his face, wondering how she'd manage to keep up the facade through an entire meal. She had known many men like Ricardo, and it was always difficult hiding her contempt. Harder still, was pretending to enjoy their company.

  "If we leave now, we will be back in time for you to do your first show," he said.

  "Ricardo," she began, carefully choosing her words. "You said I'd have to be very good to work the weekend. And you sort-of implied that you might have someone else booked. Does that mean there's a chance I may be needed then too?"

  "There is some doubt about his showing up for the show."

  "You did say you liked my singing."

  "But it is not what I like. It is what the customers like. If you can please the audience enough, and if Spence Jackson does not show up to do his act, you will do the show."

  "The audience must like this Spence . . ."

  "Jackson."

  "Yes, Spence Jackson. They must like him very much for you to keep booking him, when you don't even know if he'll be here or not."

  "Ha! He is only a third rate singer anyway. It is the owner who likes him."

  "Oh. Who is the owner?"

  Ricardo's smile faded as he looked down at her through narrowing eyes. "You ask too many questions. Besides, he prefers remaining anonymous."

  "Sorry, it's just my inquisitive nature." She shrugged with unconcern. "All I hope is that he'll like me enough to want me to stay for awhile. Plane fare doesn't come cheap. I'll need steady work."

  "Do not worry . . .By the way, you never told me your name." He guided her out into the warm outdoors. "It helps to know who I have just hired."

  "Ah . . .Mary Catherine," she replied, knowing she had not told him her name on her previous visit. Besides, if he hadn't realized by now, she doubted he would.

  "Let me see . . .Tell me, Mary Catherine, do you have a stage name? I think sometimes it is best to have a name that is more . . .ah . . .catchy. It helps people to remember you. Mary Catherine seems too . . .How shall I put it?" He shrugged. "Prim"

  "No, I never entertained before," she lied.

  "Something shorter. Or, perhaps a nickname."

  "Kitty, could be short for Catherine," she said with a smile, knowing her sister had always hated that name. Suddenly she laughed. "How about Kitty Katt, spelled with K's."

  "I like that," he replied as she suspected he would. "That is what we will call you . . .Kitty Katt. A little feline who we took in from the street." His smile was almost drooling as he looked down at her again.

  She forced a smile to her own lips, reminding herself to beware of her companion. She was going to have her work cut out for her. Now she'd have to add protecting her virtues, to her list of finding her brother and clearing herself of a murder wrap.

  Liane thought of her upcoming debut as Kitty Katt, wondering who she would have to be next? Would she ever be Liane Spencer again? With that thought, her smile faded.

  I

  "It looks like you'll be singing tonight," Ricardo said when Liane stopped by his office Friday afternoon hoping to find her brother there preparing for his show. But after hearing Ricardo's words, she knew Jack hadn't shown up for his scheduled appearance.

  "What happened to the man who was supposed to be here?" she asked, trying not to sound too inquisitive. Many times during the past days she had tried to query Ricardo. He seemed to become suspicious every time she mentioned Spence Jackson's name.

  "He has not arrived, and I doubt that he will!" Ricardo smiled, openly pleased with the turn of events. "I much prefer seeing you on the stage." He leaned down and gave her a kiss. "I am sure we will be booking you for many more shows."

  She forced herself to remain still, not pulling away, as his lips brushed against hers. It was the first time he had attempted any intimacy between them, and considering his reputation, she was surprised.

  Seeing the way his eyes darkened as he looked at her now, was making her uncomfortable. "I'm glad your customers like me," she said, quickly hoping to get his mind onto something else.

  "You please them," he said. "You please us all. I am sure you will continue to do so." His words were deep with meaning, adding to her nervousness.

  "I think I'll go and buy something extra special to wear for the show tonight." She was about to turn, but he grabbed her arm to prevent her escape. "You do want me to look nice, don't you?" She added quickly.

  Again, as they had so often in the past days, Ricardo allowed his eyes to closely examine her. "Wear the same dress you wore that first night," he ordered. "The orange one."

  That dress had been chosen in haste, out of Maria's small wardrobe. Liane had felt uncomfortable that entire evening, and now Ricardo expected her to wear it again. She looked up at his face, ready to protest, but saw the determined set of his jaw. His mind was made up, and he knew exactly what he wanted.

  "I'll wear it on one condition," she said coyly.

  "And what is the condition?"

  "You tell me some things about this Spence Jackson. Like, why you so obviously dislike him?"

  "Why do you have such an interest in him?"

  "It seems to me that I'm not the one who has the interest in him," she said. "The owner of this nightclub is the one who wants to keep him on the billing. You obviously don't. You've made that clear since the first time you spoke to me about him."

  Ricardo's eyes were dark as he answered. "You are right. I have no love for Jackson. I do not like his type? But that is none of your business."

  "I just want to make certain I don't make the same mistakes."

  Ricardo laughed drily. "You need not fear that."

  Liane smiled, her green eyes alight with humor. "I think I understand. He was competition."

  She wasn't prepared for Ricardo's blazing anger, as he dug his fingers into the flesh of her upper arm. "Why do you say that? What have you heard?"

  "Let go of my arm!" She tried to pull away, but he only held her more firmly. "Of course I've heard something! Do you think everyone in this place is blind? It seems you haven't done a very good job of hiding your feelings."

  "Go on. Tell me what else you have heard."

  "First, you let go of my arm!" she ordered, rubbing her bruised flesh when he dropped his clenched fists to his sides.

  "I'm waiting!" He seethed.

  "Okay." Her eyes were ablaze as she stared up at him in anger equal to his. "It seems you dislike this Jackson fellow because of some beautiful woman who may have designs on him, instead of you.

  "Then, there's also the fact that you can't fire him, because for some unknown reason, the owner of this place wants him here. That must make the pill even harder to swallow."

  "Yes, maybe part of that is true," he replied more calmly, yet his words had a warning quality. "But I can fire anyone else I choose."

  "I see," she said, knowing he had only confirmed what she had already been told.

  Though she was certain Ricardo knew nothing about Jack's disappearance, he did know the owner of the club. As well as the mysterious woman who appeared at all Jack's shows. Either one of them might know
where she could find her brother. She felt certain if she found either of them she could get the information needed to find her brother.

  "Ricardo." She stuck out her pink lower lip in a pout. "I don't want us to argue. I was wrong to listen to silly gossip. I just thought it may help me."

  "Help you? In what way?"

  "I really like working here. And well . . ." She smiled. "Maybe I won't want to go right home when I have the money for my fare. So it doesn't hurt to have a little insurance. Knowing what my predecessor did, right or wrong, whichever the case may be, can benefit my own future."

  "I see." Ricardo took her arms and pulled her closer. "I will be glad to offer a few suggestions on ways to stay in my favor." His head lowered as he tightened his hold.

  "Ouch," she said quickly, reaching up to rub the arms he had bruised only moments earlier. She was thankful for the bluish marks already forming.

  "Ah . . .I did this to you." He lowered his lips to kiss the discolored skin on her arm. "I have such a temper at times." He frowned.

  "It's okay. I bruise easily," she said with forced kindness.

  "You will forgive me. And we can make a new beginning."

  She smiled. "Certainly. We can make a fresh start tonight." She was relieved to see him nod in agreement. She had no intentions of entering a relationship with anyone, much less this man. She hoped it wouldn't come down to using sex as a means of finding her brother. She didn't know if she could go that far.

  "Why wait until tonight?" Ricardo suddenly asked.

  "Because I have to go and get ready for the show," she said cheerfully, rushing toward the door. "You want me to look nice." She lifted her hair with one hand and brushed it aside. "I have to wash my hair. I'll see you later."

  Once outside the door, she laughed, knowing that washing her hair was one of the oldest excuses in the books to get out of a date, but somehow she doubted Ricardo had ever heard it.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Liane knew the club was filled to capacity. Maria had warned her that on weekends they nearly doubled their usual number of customers, and tonight was no exception. She was even more nervous after Maria informed her that the auburn-haired woman was in the audience. It was the mysterious woman who came to all her brother's shows. The one who peaked Ricardo's jealousy.