“Ikki, let’s go!” The angry shout was followed by the slam of a car door.
“I’m comin’, geez Levi you have no patience.” Ike jogged down the steps and hopped into the passenger seat of the swanky Gold Bug Speedster. Levi rolled his eyes as he slammed the car into drive and took off down the narrow street.
“Take it easy, Vi. If you get so much as a scratch on this thing Uncle Sal will have my head.” Ike grabbed onto the door handle to prevent himself from tumbling when Levi took a particularly hard turn.
“I wouldn’t have to speed if you’d been ready on time.” Levi dug around in his pocket for a cigarette.
“I was ready on time, I just had to find my baby.” Isaac gave the Browning Automatic Rifle a small pat.
“Geez, you guys are really goin’ all out, huh?” Levi lit the cigarette at a stop sign, eyes roaming the intersection.
“Never, underestimate Sappo. It’ll be the last thing you do.” Ike shot his cousin a serious look, hoping the canine hybrid would take his words to heart. While he didn’t entirely approve of Levi tagging along on this operation, they could use all the help they could get.
“Right,” Levi decided to steer away from the topic of the rumble, “so what had you all hot and bothered this morning?”
“Wha-?” Ike sputtered a bit, his surprise evident in his expression. “What’dya mean?”
“Don’t play dumb, you had this big goofy grin on your face when I came in to wake you up.” Levi spared a glance at the elk.
“Oh...that.” Ike trailed off as he thought back to the awkward dream he had the previous night.
Ike was seated in one of the chairs that littered the showroom of The Spiked Tiger a languid tune played as Beverly danced onstage. Isaac glanced around, taking note that the club was empty save for the two of them. He looked back at the clouded leopard, eyebrows raising as he watched her unzip the skimpy dress (if anyone really had the nerve to call it that, it barely covered anything). Beverly slid the straps over her shoulders and tugged the garment down painfully slow. Ike found that he couldn’t keep his eyes off the leopard, she sauntered down the steps of the stage and waltzed over to where the elk was seated. She was now down to a sequenced brazier and leaned down so she was eye level with Ike.
He swallowed thickly as she placed a manicured hand on his thigh, Ike opened his mouth to say something but Beverly placed a finger on his lips. She grabbed the dark blue tie that hung from around the elk’s neck and tugged, pulling him close. He was losing himself in those big hazel eyes, Beverly held his gaze as her hand trailed down his chest. She stopped just short of his khaki pants, Ike broke eye contact to look down. He shifted a little, his heart hammering in his chest. Bev’s hands hovered over his belt buckle, just as she pulled at the buckle Isaac jerked awake.
“-and then you busted in like a bull on a raid.” Ike finished with a huff. Levi whistled low, which Ike found surprising since he had a cigarette in his mouth.
“That’s one helluva dream you had there Ikki.” Levi put the snazzy car in park in one of the spots behind the storefront. Ike hopped out, leaving the rifle under the front seat.
“Yeah, it’s the third time this week. And that was one of the more tame ones. I don’t know what’s the matter with me. I can hardly look at Bev without my nose turning cherry red.” Ike whispered as they entered the cigar store, noticing Yury was seated behind the register.
“I know what’ll make ‘em go away.” Levi said absentmindedly as he helped Isaac move the large painting that hid the other entrance to the Spiked Tiger.
“What?” Ike hoped his eagerness didn’t show in his tone.
“Ya need some nookie.” Levi snickered and dodged the open hand that flew his way.
“If only it were that simple.” Ike muttered to himself. He had to admit it had been awhile since he’d had a good roll in the sack. Between his accident and this hoodoo business he hadn’t scratched that itch in what seemed like ages.
“Well I mean with a mug like yours I’m sure the dames are few and far between.” Levi couldn’t dodge the punch that Ike landed on his shoulder and he shouted out in pain.
“There’s more where that came from, keep flappin’ your gums.” Ike gave him another punch for good measure.
“Ike, lay off would ya.” Lynette, one of the newer waitresses, wagged a finger at Isaac and gathered Levi up in a hug. Levi shot Ike a smug look over Lynn’s shoulder and wagged his eyebrows. The elk felt his eye twitch in annoyance.
“Whatever, you guys baby him too much.” Ike thumbed his nose at the pair and went off in search of Evelyn. He hesitated entering the dressing room, slightly worried that he would run into Beverly. Just as he was going to pull back the curtain the clouded leopard popped her head out, almost bumping heads with Isaac.
“Watch it, Ike!” Beverly shouted as she stepped out from behind the curtain.
“You watch it.” Ike countered and shot Beverly a slightly irritated glare. She reciprocated the look and rolled her eyes, stepping back to let Ike in.
“I was just looking for you,” She moved to sit back down at her vanity, “Who’s swanky car is that out front?”
“None of your business.” Ike responded automatically.
“Is that the only thing you know how to say?” Beverly put a hand on her hip and wrinkled her nose in distaste.
“None of your business.” Ike put on a sly smirk when he saw irritation flicker across Beverly’s face.
“Why do you have to be such an ass?” She stood swiftly and poked Ike in the chest with a manicured hand.
“None of your-” Beverly didn’t wait for Ike to finish as she stormed off in a huff. Ike busted out in a fit of laughter.
“Why you always gotta be teasin’ Bev?” Evelyn asked as she fixed her hair in one of the full length mirrors that were in the dressing room.
“Ah, she’s fine.” Ike waved his hand dismissively.
“Anyways, I came to ask you if you’ve got everything sorted for tonight?” Ike’s expression turned into one of worry as he waited for the polecat’s reply.
“Yes. Dee helped me find a spot for de ritual, s‘long as we get it done by midnight we’ll be fine.” Evelyn gave herself a once over before stepping away from the mirror to face Ike.
“Well, Yury’s told Sappo he just wants a one-on-one. He had to bait him with the thought of gaining new territory though so let’s hope he doesn’t tell anyone about that bit.” Ike folded his arms as he thought about the potential backlash that could arise with this plan.
“Hm,” Evelyn responded with a noncommittal grunt, “I’ve gotta practice my new routine. Let’s hope nothin’ goes wrong tonight.”
Ike followed Evelyn out of the dressing room and watched make her way to the stage where Benny, the head musician for the band was waiting for her. He scanned the rest of the club, letting out a snort when he saw Levi chatting up Lynette. Dee was busy moving crates of booze from the storeroom to the bar and Beverly was seated on one of the burgundy stools that lined the U shaped bar. Ike figured he should make some sort of apology, he hadn’t meant to upset her after all. He ambled over to the bar and spun the pouting leopard around to face him, placing a hand on either side of Beverly.
“Ya know I’m only messing with ya.” Ike gave her an encouraging smile.
“Glad you think this is all fun and games.” She scowled.
“Bevvy, you know it’s not like that.” Ike’s voice was low and he leaned down to look into her honey green eyes. She held his gaze for a second before looking away.
“Seems like I’m the only one who’s worried around here.” Beverly bit her lip and Ike found himself growing slightly uncomfortable with the lack of distance between them. The elk took a step back and ran a hand through his dark hair.
“Well this is far from my first rumble. To be honest I can’t afford to be worried, especially not with stakes this high.” Ike shrugged. It was then that the pair was interrupted by a loud crash. They looked towards the entrance to see what the cause of the noise was and were surprised to see a flustered looking Tanya rushing through, a worried looking Levi close behind.
“Tell me it ain’t true, Ya-ya!” Shark growled as he burst through the doorway, eyes wild.
“So what if it is!” Tanya shouted as she ran behind the bar.
“You little-” Shark lunged for the coyote who ducked and screeched. Ike grabbed the angry negotiator and pulled him away.
“Calm down! Jesus, what the hell’s the matter with you?” Ike made Shark sit on one of the stools that lined the bar. Beverly stepped away to comfort Tanya, who was sniffling quietly behind the bar.
“Shark’s overreacting.” Tanya offered between hiccups.
“I’m not overreacting you bitch!” Shark tried to leap up from the stool but Ike firmly pushed him back down.
“Will someone tell me what’s going on?” Ike looked between the pair, wondering what had them both in such a state.
“Miss ‘can’t keep her legs shut to save her life’ over here botched a perfectly sound working relationship with a very important client.” Shark sent Tanya a glare and the coyote broke out into another fit of sobbing.
“It’s not my fault!” She mumbled pitifully.
“She’s been giving nookie to every big wig in town. So imagine my surprise when I take her out to lunch with the mayor and he is already acquainted with her.” Shark waved his arms around wildly as he relayed the story.
“How is that a bad thing?” Ike was having a hard time seeing where the problem was, it seemed like a benefit to have an in with the mayor.
“Well,” Tanya had composed herself enough to respond, “Last week our secret rendezvous became not-so secret. His wife found out and boy was she livid.”
“Yeah, and guess who was with the mayor when we arrived.” Shark spit out.
“No!” Beverly gasped, and Ike rolled his eyes at the look of mirth in the clouded leopard’s eyes at this prime piece of drama.
“Yes! I was mortified! She recognized me instantly!” Tanya wailed.
“Yikes.” That was all Ike could manage to say.
“So it looks like we’ll be in the lurch if we do get into some legal troubles.” Shark scowled at Tanya.
“How was I supposed to know she would be there?” Tanya asked.
“She’s his fucking wife!” Shark bellowed. Tanya had no response to that outburst, opting instead to run back to the dressing room. Shark rubbed his temples as he stood up from the stool, looking quite upset. Ike and Beverly watched them leave with matching looks of confusion on their faces.
“Is it just me or is Shark really miffed about this whole affair?” Beverly glanced at Ike who looked like he was debating on if he should follow after Shark or leave him be. In the end he shrugged and draped an an arm across Beverly’s shoulders.
“I’m happy to say that’s none of our concern.” He flashed a smile at Beverly before steering her in the direction of the exit, “Now, I’ve got a b-e-a-utiful Speedster waiting outside. Whaddya say we take it for a spin?”
“Oh Ike, I thought you’d never ask!” Beverly put on a British accent and turned her nose up for extra effect. The pair walked outside into the pleasant May weather and slid into the Gold Bug.
“I’ve gotta go make a pick up for Yury. You wanna tag along or you want me to drop you off at the dress shop?” Ike glanced at Beverly waiting for her answer.
“Well, considering I’m still waiting for my last round of alterations to be done and I don’t think Miss. Harvey would appreciate more orders, I’ll accompany you on this excursion.” Beverly folded her hands in her lap, a look of mild boredom on her face.
Isaac nodded and turned his eyes back to the road. The pair rode in silence the rest of the way to the pick up point on the other side of town. Beverly tried to enjoy the ride in the posh car, but the small bubble of fear that sat in her stomach prevented her from doing so. She hoped that tonight went off without a hitch, she didn’t know if she could take anymore stress at the moment. Her dreams had only gotten worse and if she had to bear another night of terrors she’d lose her mind. There was no other way out of this mess, and if the leopard had to get her manicured hands dirty then so be it. It had to be done.