Joe Wood District, Hope Road 19.
It is near the Tussock River that runs through
"That is the Golden Rose, the best legal brothel in the Joe Wood District and the Backlund Bridge area. It opens at three in the afternoon and stays open until two in the morning."
The best legal brothel in the Joe Wood District and Backlund Bridge area? That means there are better but illegal ones in these districts? Klein muttered silently, noticing a golden rose embedded in the entrance of the building, without any so-called signboard.
"This kind shouldn't be considered streetwalkers, right?" he responded casually.
"Of course, they are of a higher grade." Mike, familiar with the place, led Klein to the front of the building and pushed the door open.
As soon as he entered, Klein smelled a pungent mix of fragrances and heard a soothing but ambiguous melody.
He instinctively looked around, finding thugs in black coats and half-top hats standing on both sides of the entrance and in every corner of the hall. As a legitimate establishment, these were obviously to deal with drunks and roughnecks.
The golden hall was furnished with various sofas and chairs, and even a piano, with a dance floor cordoned off in the center.
At this time, ladies with hair of gold, brown, light yellow, or black, and dresses either elaborate or simple or gaudy, sat in different places. Some were mature and charming, some shy and naïve, some young and attractive, some quite beautiful.
These ladies either rested their cheeks on their hands enjoying the melody, or chatted and laughed with each other, or quietly read newspapers and magazines, or accompanied men dancing gracefully.
Because it was only 3:30 in the afternoon, there were few customers, only a handful. At first glance, it looked more like a formal dance party than a brothel interior.
"If you come after eight in the evening, you can see some interesting performances. Heh, if you take a fancy to a lady, go over and invite her to dance. In the beautiful melody, ask her price. If both parties can agree, you can go to a room on the second or third floor and spend a wonderful time. Hey, if you're willing to pay, you can sleep here the whole night." Mike tilted his head from side to side, suddenly losing his previous calm and gentlemanly demeanor, becoming somewhat frivolous.
He walked laughing into the hall, moving toward a young girl, no older than fifteen or sixteen.
Is this his true nature, or professional performance? Klein watched with some astonishment, instinctively following behind Mike Joseph.
"The victim Hibbel is only 16. In theory, girls of similar age are more likely to be her friends and know more." At this moment, Mike lowered his voice and explained.
He then raised his slightly sparse eyebrows and resumed normal volume to say:
"Which lady have you taken a fancy to?"
"I'm just your bodyguard," Klein responded according to normal logic.
Mike nodded imperceptibly and suddenly laughed:
"I'm not used to having an audience when I do that kind of thing."
"I'll guard outside the door," Klein said, understanding Mike's meaning, adopting a rigorous and professional manner.
Mike said no more, went up to the young girl, bent down, extended his hand, and invited her to dance.
To become a prostitute at this age... Backlund is both glamorous and filthy... Hey, there's even a middle-aged gentleman with a very good temperament patronizing this place, his temples are already white... Klein lowered his hands, stood upright, watching Mike and the young girl slowly dance in the center.
After a few minutes, Mike came back and said to Klein with some chagrin:
"Too expensive."
When the two got close, he added in a low voice:
"That girl knows Hibbel, but the boss here, Ms. Lopez, forbids them from discussing this matter with others, or else they will suffer severe punishment. God, when the punishment was mentioned, the poor girl even instinctively trembled. I can imagine how terrifying it is."
Klein sighed sympathetically but helplessly, and asked in a low voice: "So, what do you plan to do?"
"I don't want to bring misfortune to those girls. I plan to go directly to Ms. Lopez," Mike patted Klein on the shoulder and said, "Protect me!"
Klein turned his body and gave a serious instruction:
"If danger arises, you must listen to me."
"Understand? Listen to me!"
"Alright, alright." Mike raised his hands to shoulder level, nodding repeatedly.
As he spoke, he walked toward a single sofa in the corner, where sat a lady with a charming face, gaudy dress, and heavy makeup.
"If you don't want to give up after dancing and lose face in front of those girls, I suggest you talk to Ms. Lopez first and find out the prices of different girls," Mike raised his voice.
The lady heard their exchange, turned her head to look over, slowly stood up, and put on a smile:
"Good afternoon, gentlemen. I am Lopez. Have you taken a fancy to any girl?"
"Yes." Mike suddenly looked her up and down and said with a light laugh, "I admire you very much."
I admire you too... To act like this place is like home... Klein's mouth twitched.
Lopez's expression froze for a second, then she gave a fake smile:
"Sorry, I'm not feeling well today. You should know, women have their discomfort every month."
Seeing that he couldn't lure Lopez into a room to talk, Mike was silent for a few seconds, then suddenly turned serious:
"Ms. Lopez, I'm a reporter. I want to ask you about Hibbel. Here's my ID."
Lopez's face immediately darkened, and she answered impatiently:
"I've already told the police everything I know. You should go to them!"
"Hibbel was a wandering orphan adopted by me. That night, she accepted a guest's invitation to spend the night at his home and died on the way back in the morning."
"Well, please leave! Or go invite some ladies to dance."
As she spoke, Lopez waved over two thugs beside her.