Drag Queen Grifters

Chapter #21

Finally getting their act together the guys combine practiced moves one night in the living-room, a week before the event. Realizing they needed more space Mel asked Tony to get Berri's permission to use the club. Easily agreeing Berri had one request find ways to give the club a shout-out at the event.

After their workday the guys met at the club, Mel sacrificed his classes for the rest of the week. Jeff was told to get up there with them when they came in. Dale made great suggestions observing the guys slowly syncing up movements. Patrons always had to shout-out comments mostly pleasant.

At the back of the club tossing garbage Jeff is approached by a small slender shadowy figure in tailored dark brown suit. Glancing left and right ensuring privacy they pull out a large manila envelope from inside the jacket handing it over. Jeff took the weighty envelope from dapperly dressed Philip and nodded. Turning sharply Philip slipped into the shadows again, joining Randal in the club.

Cautiously opening the envelope right there Jeff spies within three stapled together bundles of standard white pages. Easing the papers from the envelope Jeff notes the top of each bundle is marked with names, Ira, Harry & Max. Now Jeff glances about for prying eyes before examining what's written on the pages provided.

No one but the rats and alley cats about Jeff peruses the pages seeing he has basic details on all three men. Homes, business, known assets, likes and dislikes, possible criminal activity, known family and friends, and where they will be this weekend, the State Drag Event. As the pages are hand written Jeff slyly grins knowing Randal and Philip have been busy boys. At the bottom of the envelope, a book of ordinary matches with the same handwriting on the cover. Inspecting the matches Jeff reads what's written; use these for those when done.

Sliding everything back in the envelope Jeff places it in the beater to show the guys later.

The few details within the pages Jeff gleamed were inspiration to wake the guys arriving home.

Gathered around the table they read over the material comparing notes, looking to who'd make the best target, Jerry wanted them all. There was little useful information accept the truth of the aging trio of high class pimps. Each oversees a small number of call-boys used for dates with wealthy individuals, mainly men 30 to 80 or senior women 60 to 100 wanting a younger man's company. Mel finds that part sweet.

Max is noted living off fortunes made no real business holdings. He may have a safe in a country home. Harry has ownership in various chains around the State and gambles in all manor including the stock market. It's suggested Harry may have a cash safe in the penthouse apartment of the building Mel booked their room in. All three men have board member, stock holder or council standings in most theater venues in the state including arenas and stadiums.

Without certainty of cash in safe or able to access it the guys thought Ira would make a better target. Ira uses his jewelry shops to fence stolen jewelry, there's a shop near the event venue Ira uses for business and pleasure with apartment over top. The guys figure he'll be there for sure finding out he might anonymously enter the Drag Contest. They figure keep Jerry in Drag as much as possible not to be recognized and maybe he can spot Ira or the other two there. Being the only one who knows what the men look like Jerry's instructed to get pictures of them. The guys will check out Ira's shop and if possible the penthouse apartment.