This story is intended for amusement purposes only. This story is not meant to infringe on the names of Remington Steele, Laura Holt or anything that would cause MTM productions or anybody else to sue me. This story is the property of Lisa Watson ã 2002.

A dangerous liaison forces a truce between Laura and Remington

Steele Playing By The Rules - Part VI

    Laura was perched on Remington's desk when Murphy Michaels strolled into the office.  He handed her a white paper bag and flopped into the nearest chair. 

    "Thanks Murph."  Laura smiled and attacked the contents of the bag with gusto.

    "Welcome.  So, where's the walking suit?"

    "I'll try not to take that the wrong way."  Remington replied from the doorway.

    Laura choked on her danish at hearing the familiar voice.  Looking up she almost drowned as she drank in the sight of him.  Her annoyance at her own weakness caused her to visibly frown.

    "What's the matter Laura, not pleased to see me?" 

    Remington walked toward his desk and sat down.  Laura immediately swiveled on his desk so that she faced him. 

    "On the contrary Mr. Steele, I'm elated to see you."

    "Elation is a bit much don't you think?"  Murphy eyed Remington and sipped his coffee.

    Remington stood up and headed toward the door.

    "Where are you going?"  Laura almost shouted.

    "Miss Wolf informed me my presence was required.   If I'm just here to bounce boorish comments off of..."

    "No, you're not,"  Laura said, looking pointedly at Murphy.

    Murphy shrugged his shoulders and didn't look the least repentant.

    Remington returned to his seat and crossed his arms.  "So, what's this all about, eh?"

    "We've got a new case that requires your direct involvement..."

    When Bernice arrived Laura filled them all in on her conversation with Mrs. Dunlow and her decision on their M.O. for the case.

    "Laura, do you really think this is a good idea?"  Murphy said eyeing Remington again.

    "You have a better one?"  Bernice asked.

    "A hundred of them."  Murphy griped.

    "Have some faith Murph, I know this will work."

    "I wasn't doubting your abilities Laura," Murphy replied.

    "Yours then?"  Remington concluded.

    "How exactly are we supposed to go under cover in a brothel?"  Murphy continued.

    "It's simple, we enlist the aid of Madame Tulane.  I'll wager she doesn't want any publicity or attention focused on her establishment; good, bad or otherwise.  I'm sure she'd be only too anxious to help find Mr. Dunlow."

    "Unless she's got something to do with his dissapearance."  Remington noted.

    "Why don't we go ask her?"  Laura said.  "Give me a minute to grab my purse." 

    Laura was heading to her office when Remington bolted from his chair and ushered her through the door and shut it firmly behind them.

    "You don't think this will work either?"  Laura said releasing her arm from his grip.

    "You and I going undercover in a brothel as a call girl and a new patron?  Is this really wise Laura?"

    "Not you too.  Don't I get enough wet blanket scenarios from Murphy?"  Laura said dryly.

    "Speaking of Murphy, why didn't you ask him to do this?  I mean he is the professional investigator and all."

    "That's exactly why I need him behind the scenes while we're undercover at Madame Tulane's.  I need an experienced detective covering our hides in case anything goes wrong."

    "R-I-G-H-T."  Remington drawled.

    "You don't believe me?  You think I've got some ulterior motive here?"

    "Your words Miss Holt, not mine."

    "Just what is that supposed to mean?"  Laura snapped.

    "Really Laura, if this is a way to get us talking about the other night..."

    "You really play the pompous ass part well; why would I bother?  You've made it only too clear how you really feel..."

    "So have you!"  He countered.

    "Well then, you should know our going undercover is strictly for professional reasons."

    "Ah yes, the only reason you'd care to be in my company."  He shot back.

    Laura was shaking with anger.  She grabbed her purse and wrenched her door open.  She strode to Bernice's desk and informed her that she was going to pay Madame Tulane a visit.

    "I think that conversation would be more meaningful if Remington Steele was present."  Remington said from behind her.

    "Suit yourself, Mr. Steele." Laura ground out and walked out with Remington on her heel.

    Bernice looked after them and shook her head.

    Fred pulled the limo around a circular driveway and stopped right in front of the massive door.  Laura's eyes swept the exterior of the home and she whistled sharply as she got out of the limo.

    "Quite a house."

    "From the looks of it I'd say it could give the Playboy mansion a run for its money."  Remington concluded.

    "Oh really?  How exactly would you know Mr. Steele?"

    "I was a guest at one of Hef's birthday parties; delightful host."  Remington smiled and rang the bell.

    "You were invited to a party at the Playboy mansion?   Somehow I can't see you enjoying the blatant displays of..."

    "Uh, Remington Steele and Laura Holt to see Madame Tulane."  Remington interrupted.

    Laura smoothly passed her business card to the muscular man in front of them.  He scanned the card and fixed them with a hostile stare.

    "Do you have an appointment?"

    "No, but it would be advantageous to Ms. Tulane if she spoke with us."

    The large man considered Remington's words for a few moments.  Suddenly he stepped aside and waved them in.

    "Wait here."  He replied and dissapeared down a hall off the foyer.

    "There's a man of few words."  Remington whispered.

    They both surveyed their surroundings; they were opulent but tasteful.  Laura noted there wasn't any red velvet to be seen.  She'd always assumed these type of places were loaded with blatant displays of sexuality.  She was surprised to see that so far the house looked as normal as any other expensive house in Beverly Hills. 

    A tall, dark haired woman descended the stairs in front of them and smiled warmly.  Laura noted she was in an expensive dark blue suit with a stark white shirt underneath.  If this was Madame Tulane, she didn't fit the brothel motif any more then her house.

    "I'm sorry to keep you waiting Mr. Steele, Miss Holt.   Welcome to Tulane's of Beverly Hills."

    "Madame Tulane I presume?"  Remington smiled.

    "At your service Mr. Steele.  Now, what exactly can I do for you?  It's not often that I get private investigators at my door.   Tell me, is this a business or social call?  If you both are looking to unwind from your busy jobs I can suggest a..."

    "This is a professional matter Ms. Tulane." Laura said, quickly.

    "I see.  Well if you'd both follow me this way, we can speak privately in my office."

    Madame Tulane escorted them to her office; it was immaculate and no expense appeared to have been spared.  She settled herself behind her massive cherry wood desk and sat back in her leather chair.  She offered them both seats and openly scrutinized them until Laura shifted slightly in her chair.

    "So, how can I be of service Mr. Steele?"

    "For a start Ms. Tulane, you can tell us what you know about Grayson Dunlow."

    "Grayson Dunlow?  Surely you know I'm not at liberty to divulge personal information about my clientele Mr. Steele."

    "We were hoping you'd make an exception Ms. Tulane."  Laura answered.

    "And why would I do that Miss Holt?" 

    "Because Grayson Dunlow is missing and his last known location was your establishment Ms. Tulane."  Remington said pointedly.

    "And you think I had something to do with his dissapearance?  Why would I do anything to harm my clientele Mr. Steele?  I'm not in the habit of harming people that keep me well seated in the lap of luxury."  She laughed.

    "Can you tell us who he was with the last night he was here?"

    "I told you, I can't divulge that kind of information."

    "If you won't cooperate with us Ms. Tulane we can make it very uncomfortable for you."

    "Really?  And how exactly would you do that?   Involve the police in your little quest for information?"

    "I'm sure they are more than familiar with your establishment.  But the thing is, Grayson comes from a very wealthy, connected family.  They're beside themselves since his dissapearance.  If they don't find him soon I'm sure they'll have no choice but to involve the media as well as the authorities to find their loved one.  I can't imagine that type of close scrutiny would appeal to someone in your line of work Ms. Tulane."  Remington smiled knowingly.

    She crossed her arms in front of her and pursed her lips in silence for a few moments.

    "I don't know what happened to Gray.  He's been a wonderful customer and we've never had any problems with him.  He pays his account, treats my ladies with the utmost respect and is one of our regulars.  As I said before, I'd be foolish to harm clients that keep me in business."

    "Was their anyone here that Mr. Dunlow didn't get along with?  Were there any run-ins or arguments with your employees or fellow customers?"

    "Absolutely not.  This is a very exclusive place Miss Holt.  We don't just give anyone membership to Tulanes.  We do background checks, asess financial stability and avail ourselves of the latest technology.  If anything bizarre occurred in my house, I'd be the first to know."

    "We appreciate your cooperation Ms. Tulane but we'd still like to look around, ask some questions.  If that's ok?"

    "Of course it's not ok!  Do you know how disasterous you're question and answer session would be?  It would make Tulanes look unsafe and I can't have my clients or employees concerned about their safety or anonymity.  How long do you think I'd be in business under those conditions?" 

    "Don't you care that one of your clients may have been kidnapped or worse?"  Laura asked.

    "Of course I do, but I don't know how I can be of help without jeopardizing my business."

    "As it happens Ms. Tulane, I've come up with a plan that I think would benefit both sides."  Remington replied quickly.

    Laura let herself into her house and went straight to her bedroom.  She threw her purse on the bed and pulled open her bi-fold closet door.  She scanned the contents of her closet and sighed heavily.  Flopping on her bed she reached for the phone and dialed a number and waited.

    "Bernice?  It's Laura.  Ok, we've got access to Tulanes'.  Our plan is in action.  As of tomorrow evening, I'm officially Andrina, the newest member of Tulanes of Beverly Hills.      

To Be Continued...