‘No. He’s been a few times.’ She closed her eyes, as if they felt heavy.
Layla reached out and gently rubbed her hand, trying to comfort her. But much as she wanted to reassure Precious, she could feel the hairs on her neck pricking at the news that he’d been in the Shalimar, he’d been that close, and she hadn’t even realized it. ‘Come on, Precious. It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me anything else if it upsets you.’
‘Yeah. I do.’ Precious’s eyes flickered open. ‘His name’s Rufus.’
‘Rufus Malone,’ said Layla.
‘You know him?’
‘I know of him.’
‘He showed up a couple of weeks ago. You know I told you about China, how she’s supporting her family…?’
Layla nodded, wondering what China had to do with Rufus Malone.
‘Things are really bad for her. Her daughter’s sick, her parents are old. Plus they’re on the other side of the world. And she isn’t making enough.’
‘I know. You told me.’
‘What I didn’t tell you was that she’s playing the long game. She’s been having sex with the clients, if they look flush, but refusing to take their money. She’s hoping to hook a millionaire, and you do that by not appearing grasping.’
Layla was puzzled. Her heart went out to China, caught in such a trap. ‘But what’s this got to do with you and…’
Precious coughed, harder.
Layla lifted the cup and straw to her lips again. Precious drank, then sank back on to the pillows with a sigh.
‘I was getting short of money too,’ said Precious.
Shit! thought Layla. ‘You didn’t…’
Precious swallowed painfully. ‘I did a dance for Rufus in the VIP rooms. He asked me how much for sex. I said he couldn’t afford me, and he said that he could. He had this wild-man vibe about him. He was solid, like a rugby player. Wild long red hair. Dark grey eyes. And… he was sort of charismatic. He had this charming way about him, and this Irish accent. So I named a price. I wasn’t serious though, not really.’
Layla felt sick. ‘How much?’
‘A grand.’
‘Don’t tell me: he said yes?’
Precious nodded and closed her eyes.
‘Only you couldn’t do it on club premises,’ said Layla, ‘because Ellie would never allow it. So where did this happen? Where did he take you?’
‘He took me to Blakes – Anouska Hempel’s place.’
‘He did what?’ Layla knew of the hotel. It was the place to see and be seen right now, stuffed full of movie stars and royals.
‘We had a night in one of their best suites. And he paid up, too. A thousand pounds. And he said he’d be back to see me at the club. I didn’t believe him, of course. But he did come back. He came…’ Precious’s voice broke ‘… and he did this.’