As Decker and Alvin began their investigation, they found themselves in front of an area of the red-light district. Alvin's face flushed red. Decker shook his head at him. "I hope you remember we're on the job and not here to have fun," he said firmly. Alvin nodded, his expression serious, as they continued to search for any clues that could lead them to the truth behind the victim's murder.
As they walked, the neon lights of the district cast a gaudy glow on the wet pavement. Decker's eyes scanned the crowded street, his gaze lingering on the various establishments. Alvin, still looking a bit flustered, followed closely behind.
They stopped in front of a nondescript building, the entrance marked only by a discreet sign. Decker nodded, and they stepped inside, the sounds of the street fading behind them.
Just then Decker and Alvin were caught in a whirlwind of silk, lace, and perfume. A dozen women, a sea of bright dresses and painted smiles, descended on them with practiced speed. It was a well-oiled operation, and before the detectives could protest, they were swept off their feet and pulled inside.
The heavy velvet curtains at the entrance swished shut behind them, plunging them into a world of dim light. The air was thick with the scent of various perfumes. Gilded mirrors and tapestries adorned the walls, and the murmur of conversation and low music was everywhere.
"Alright, ladies, new customers!" shouted a woman with a booming voice from a balcony above. She had striking red hair.
A chorus of sounds erupted from the women, who continued to pull Decker and Alvin deeper into the main hall, trying to get their attention. Decker and Alvin tried to extricate themselves, their protests lost in the noise.
"We're police! We're here on police business!" Alvin shouted, but he was mostly ignored.
Decker managed to push his way free, and, grabbing Alvin, he shouted over the din, "We need to find the manager! We need to speak to the person in charge!"
That seemed to get the women's attention. A silence fell over the crowd as a woman, older and more poised than the others, stepped forward.
"I'm in charge," she said, her voice surprisingly calm. "What do you want?"
Decker, seizing the opportunity, held up his badge. "Detective Decker, this is Detective Alvin. We are investigating a murder."
The woman's face remained impassive, but Decker noticed a flicker of something in her eyes. It was a mixture of surprise and fear, a flicker that was gone as quickly as it had come.
"Can we speak in private?" Decker asked, his eyes scanning the room. "We have some questions for you."
"Yes, the two of you may follow me to my office. My name is Madam Jiggle Tit," she said with a smile.
Alvin had to pinch himself so hard so he wouldn't laugh at her name.
As they followed Madam Jiggle Tit to her office, Decker noticed Alvin's struggle to keep a straight face. "Let's focus on the investigation, Alvin," Decker said, his tone firm but his eyes hinting at amusement.
Alvin nodded, composing himself. "Yes, of course."
Madam Jiggle Tit's office was a stark contrast to the flashy decor of the main hall. It was a simple, functional space with a large desk and a few chairs. Decker and Alvin took seats, and Madam Jiggle Tit settled behind her desk.
"So, Detectives," she said, her smile still in place. "What can I do for you?"
Decker pulled out a photo. "Do you recognize this man?"
Madam Jiggle Tit took the photo and examined it, her expression thoughtful.
"Ah, yes. I know him. He's the one they call Mr. Big Spender. He was here earlier tonight, throwing money around like confetti. He hired 10 of my girls, and they all fell at his feet." She looked up at Decker with a sly smile.
"He's quite the charmer, isn't he? But now that I think about it, he did seem a bit...anxious. A little preoccupied, maybe?" Her eyes locked onto Decker's, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "Mr. Policeman. Am I right in thinking he's in some kind of trouble?"
"Well, I wouldn't say trouble, exactly. It's more like he's looking to take a permanent dirt nap," Decker said with a frown.
Alvin jabbed Decker in the ribs. "Dude, that comment is a little harsh, don't you think?" he said, trying to stifle his laugh.
"Anyway Moving on, about what time did he leave your establishment?" Decker asked rubbing his ribs.
Madam Jiggle Tit thought for a moment, tapping her long, crimson-painted nails on the armrest. "Let's see...he arrived around 7 pm, and I'd say he left around...9:45 pm." She glanced at one of her girls, who was hovering nearby. "Lola, sweetie, can you confirm the time Mr. Big Spender left?"
The girl nodded, "Yeah, I think that's right. I saw him heading out around 9:45 pm."
Madam Jiggle Tit smiled, "There you have it, Detective. 9:45 pm. Does that help?"
Alvin's eyes narrowed slightly as he thought to himself, "So he left here at 9:45 and was found one hour later... That's interesting." He glanced over at Decker, wondering what his partner was thinking. Was this a lead worth exploring?
"Thank you for your assistance, Madam Jiggle Tit, but we must take our leave now," Decker said.
"You're welcome, Detectives. I hope you've found what you needed," Madam Jiggle Tit said with a smile, extending a manicured hand. "Don't hesitate to come back if you have any more questions...or if you just want to enjoy the show, of course." She winked. "Feel free to come back anytime; your next visit will be on the house."
Her girls moved in to escort Alvin and Decker out of the establishment.
Alvin left with a few extra bumps and bruises, courtesy of Decker's subtle elbow nudges for his lingering glances.
Decker left with a smirk, knowing he'd played it cool despite the risqué surroundings.