Chapter 272

Carlisle smiled, but before he could say anything else, his phone rang.

This time, it was a call from Leon. “Mr. Zahn, I’ll be going abroad tomorrow. I could deliver the photos to you if you’re too busy to pick them up.”

Only then did Carlisle remember it had been four days since he came back from Yearning Island. He said apologetically, “I’m sorry, I was so caught up with work that I completely forgot about the photos. I’ll have someone pick them up for me right now.”

After that, Carlisle sent Cameron a message through MSN messenger.

Whitebox Avenue was about a 30–minute drive away from Riverland University. It was home to an

obscene number of arcades and disco bars.

Within the more remote parts of the city were alleyways lined with hair salons.

The hair salons looked like legitimate business joints. They even had their facade down to an art form by including the proper upholstery like barber chairs and mirrors in their decor.

The only thing amiss was the row of young women dressed in skimpy clothes who looked like life had beaten them down one too many times.

Gale’s Hair Salon was one of the more famous salons in the remote city, having made its name specializing in young ladies who were still in school.

The madam of the hair salon was on a phone call at the counter, nodding eagerly and looking like a simpering fool as she agreed with the person on the other line.

Just then, Carlisle appeared outside the shop with Daniel and Francis in tow.

A few of the alluring young ladies immediately slinked out the door and purred, “Hey, big guy. Looking for a haircut?”

Daniel suddenly felt parched at all the skin on display, the woman’s tank top doing little to cover her modesty. He swallowed.

Even Francis, who had never touched a woman before, gulped.

Carlisle was unaffected as he asked, “I’m here to see your madam.”

The woman licked her crimson lips and said in a soft, high voice, “Beth is on the phone right now. Why don’t you come inside?”

The three men stood at the door, looking dubious.

The woman’s hand fluttered to her mouth as she giggled. “Come in. We don’t bite.”

Daniel glanced at Carlisle and Francis for help.

Carlisle drew a slow breath and said, “Fine, then.”

The trio headed into the hair salon, which smelled like cheap perfume. The young ladies on the couch greeted simultaneously in their suggestive voices, “Welcome to Gale’s Hair Salon….”

“Wow, color me happy! Aren’t you two hot studs?” one of the women crooned.

“So hot, I might just give them a free hair wash,” another one purred.

“Come with me, old man, I can teach an old dog some new tricks…”

The whispers and sultry promises stirred up Daniel’s urges. He had been wanting to visit a hair salon for the longest time, but he could never find anyone to come with him.

Unfortunately, he doubted he was getting a hair wash today, which was a shame.

Francis had to light a cigarette and take a long drag of it just to calm down.

Beth Kowalski, the owner of the hair salon, finally ended her phone call and came out from behind the counter. She eyed Carlisle inquisitively as she asked, “Here for a hair wash?”

Carlisle said, “I called you earlier. I was the one who offered five times the price you named for one of the ladies.”

Recognizing him, Beth gave him a wide smile and said, “Lucky for you, we’re getting two young ladies in later,”

Carlisle shook his head. “I only want the one in the MMS message.”

“For heaven’s sake, handsome. Didn’t I already tell you that she’s been booked?” Beth said impatiently The two young ladies who are coming in later are new and just as good.”

“What is it about my request do you not understand?” Carlisle countered sharply, his brows knitting together.

Beth froze. A tight smile tugged on her lips as she remarked, “You’ve got quite a fuse for someone so young.”

“Wow, he’s even hotter when he’s demanding! I’m swooning,” one of the ladies gushed.

“Look at that height and those shoulders! Do you think he’s still a virgin?” another mused.

“Hey, handsome. How about you and I go to the back and I’ll give you a free hair wash?”

“That’s a good idea! We could all wash your hair for free!”

The women on the couch enjoyed a spot of drama every now and then. They flashed Carlisle meaningful smiles as they teased him.

Normally, they were made to perform their services on oily, middle–aged men. It was understandable that they were starved for better company, and they couldn’t help drooling over the handsome men dow standing in their parlor.

At that moment, a fleet of black Santanas pulled up outside the shop and honked.

A man who looked to be in his 30s got out of one of the cars, his black wifebeater tank showing off the

tattoos that ran up his skinny limbs and every patch of exposed skin.

He had a slight build and dark shadows under his eyes, his face sallow, and his steps light. There was sheer nonchalance–or boredom–written on his face.

Seeing this, Beth hurried to greet the man with a smile. “Welcome, Mr. Carlson.”

“Good day, Mr. Carlson. The young women in the hair salon stood up at once.

Daniel’s heart dropped to his stomach while Francis and Carlisle stepped to one side.

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Beth whispered something into Luke’s ear, prompting the latter to narrow his eyes as he surveyed Carlisle viciously. “You’re trying to steal my womaN