The two victims of the Taser robbery were found stripped naked. Initially, it seemed like the perpetrator had an unusual fetish, but it's starting to look like the motive might be connected to the stripping profession.
The police investigated the backgrounds of the victims and confirmed they weren't involved in this line of work, which conflicted with Luke's theory.
Determined to find another angle, Luke pulled up a map of Los Angeles and pinpointed where the robberies occurred. To his surprise, the locations were just a few streets apart.
Using these points as the center, Luke searched for nearby dance clubs within a three-kilometer radius. He discovered a club called the Ball Club at the intersection of the two circles.
Luke suspected that the Taser robbery might be linked to this club.
If he was wrong, at least he'd get to see something new. He had never attended a show like this before.
He picked up his phone and called David. "Hey, David, are you asleep?"
David replied groggily, "Yeah, I am."
"Get up. I need you to come out for a drink."
"Where to?"
"The Ball Club."
Luke ended the call before David could respond.
"Old man is such a bore," Luke muttered as he dialed Marcus's number.
A rhythmic voice answered, "Yo, what's up?"
"Got any plans? Want to grab a drink?"
"This is the first time you're asking me out. Where to?"
"The Ball Club."
"Nice choice, you've got taste, man," Marcus said with a grin.
"In twenty minutes, be at my place to pick me up."
"Are you treating?"
"Of course."
Ten minutes later, a black Ford pulled up outside. Marcus waved through the window. "Man, hurry up, I'm itching to go."
Luke jumped into the cab and asked, "Ever been to the Ball Club?"
"Yeah, a couple of times. It's a big venue with a mix of dancers—black, white, Asian, and Mexican." Marcus patted Luke on the shoulder. "What's got you interested all of a sudden?"
"Just drive," Luke replied tersely.
Marcus parked near the club, and they walked up to the entrance.
A neon sign hung above the door, advertising bitcoin payments.
"There are two kinds of dance clubs," Marcus explained. "One that doesn't require tickets and one that does. This is the latter." He gestured for Luke to lead the way.
At the door, a couple of burly bouncers checked IDs. After Luke showed his driver's license, they let him in. Inside, there was a ticket counter with a sign stating a $20 entry fee.
Luke ignored the fee and flashed his police badge. "I'd like to speak with your manager."
A middle-aged woman at the counter looked puzzled. "What's the matter?"
"Are you the manager?"
"No, our manager isn't here right now."
"That's fine. I can wait."
Luke strode into the club.
Marcus looked around, surprised. "So, what's the plan? Are you here to watch the show or investigate?"
"First, the show. Then, the investigation."
"You think this club is connected to the Taser robbery?"
Luke shot back, "What do you think?"
Marcus didn't respond, his attention already drawn to the stage where several dancers performed.
Most were white or South American, dressed in lace or thongs. Some were topless, while others wore only minimal clothing. The variety of shapes and sizes was on display.
Whether or not the club had ties to the robbery, Luke felt this visit wouldn't be a waste.
He ordered two beers, priced at ten dollars each, and settled at the bar to enjoy the show.
Luke was surprised to see many female patrons, who seemed more excited than he was.
Marcus nudged Luke. "So, which one do you like? I'm into the girl next to the pole." Marcus pointed out a black dancer. "She's really something. I'd love to see her perform solo."
Luke glanced over. The dancer was average in appearance with a curvy figure, not quite matching Marcus's taste.
Half an hour later, a man in a gold necklace approached them. "Two officers, the boss wants to see you backstage."
"Okay, lead the way," Luke said. He felt he had seen enough of the stage.
"Marcus, time to work."
"Yeah, good times are short-lived."
Escorted by the man, they entered the backstage area, filled with dancers changing outfits and touching up their makeup. Marcus grinned. "Wow, this place is even more exciting behind the scenes."
They were guided to a round table where a middle-aged man with long hair, painted lips, and eyes sat, looking somewhat theatrical.
"Hello, I'm Paul, the owner of this club. I hear you need something from me."
"I'm Detective Luke, and this is my colleague Marcus. We need to ask you about two people."
"I might not be able to help, but I'll try my best..."
"Thanks," Luke said, pulling out a photo of Tony. "Do you recognize this person?"
Paul took the photo, examined it briefly, then returned it. "Who is this? Does he have any connection to our club?"
"We're investigating a robbery, and this man is a suspect. He might be a regular here."
"Sorry, I don't know every guest."
"Could you ask your staff if they recognize him?"
Paul passed the photo to his employees and whispered instructions. A few minutes later, he returned with the photo and said, "My staff doesn't recognize him. I'm sorry, but I can't be of more help."
Luke put the photo away and continued, "How many dancers work here?"
"About thirty."
"As the owner, you should know the exact number."
Paul thought for a moment before replying, "This job is quite transient. Many dancers are part-time, coming and going based on their mood. The number of dancers frequently changes."
"I'm looking for a dancer in her mid-thirties, white, with long blonde hair, around 170 cm tall. She might be working here."
Paul asked, "Why are you looking for her? Is she a suspect?"
"No, she's not."
"Then why the interest?"
Marcus interjected, "Hey, it's better if you don't know too much. Just help us out, and everyone will benefit."
Paul considered this and eventually instructed his staff, "Call Kelly."
"Kaili is the only dancer who fits your description. She's very attractive. I think you'll like her."
Soon, a blonde in a bikini approached. "Boss, you needed me?"
"No, these officers do."
Marcus stood up, admiring her. "You're stunning. Are you a regular here? When's your next performance?"
Kelly responded, "I work from Tuesday to Friday. Do you need something from me?"
Luke showed Tony's photo again. "Do you recognize this person?"