"Watch where you're going, you psycho!" Miranda called out to the man who had roughly bumped into her on the street. If she had the time, she would've backtracked and hit him where it hurts. But she couldn't; she's running late.
She rushed down the street, passing people as she went. Mr. Walter's would be furious at her, but it's always been like this every Monday. It wasn't her fault that she had a late lecture. If she wanted, she would skip it, but with the kind of lecturer that she had, it wasn't worth the risk.
She turned round the corner and found herself in a dark alleyway. She always hated passing here because of the smell that came from the dumpsters. The air around smelt like wet dirty socks. There was also an awful stench like something had died days ago.
She didn't even want to think about the cats that took refuge in worn out cardboard boxes lying around or behind the dumpsters. Usually, they would just mind their business and ignore her. But there were times when she would feel their eyes watching her, as though waiting for the right time to attack. They never did.
She soon reached the end of the alley which lead her to another street, close to an industrial area. At this time, the place was almost deserted since people knock off at this time and head for home or probably the club nearby; Mr. Walter's club.
She walked down the road as a car passed her from behind. Ahead was the club, its neon sign brightly lit up outside the entrance. She could hear the music playing and guessed that the place must be packed. It's surprising how people could come here on a Monday night after a long tiring day at work. Mr. Walters wouldn't mind; business is business.
Miranda found herself in the parking lot beside the club, heading for the back door. She never liked going through the front for she's well known by most of the customers and that usually brought about problems, especially when she wasn't dressed for work. Mr. Walters always advised the girls to come in through the back rather than cause commotion.
Miranda found herself at the grey steel door, took hold of the handle and found herself inside. There stood a guard in the corridor right next to the door. Miranda gave him a short formal greeting as she went down the hall and he replied with a nod. She turned round the corner, the music in the main area getting louder. She turned down the corridor and found herself in the dressing room. The place was almost empty except for one of her co-workers, Catherine. At work, most people referred to her as Candy.
"Hey, Miranda," said Catherine as she closed her locker door and tied her long blonde hair into a ponytail. She was all dressed for work.
"Hey, Candy," Miranda replied as she went for her locker and pushed her backpack inside as soon as she opened it.
"Late as usual, I see." Candy stepped on the little wooden bench in front of her to pull up her black boots up her net covered legs.
"It's a Monday, what do you expect?" Miranda asked as she pulled her pink top over her head.
"Mmm. Any news on Carly?"
Miranda paused. She almost unbuckled the button of her pants, but she turned to look at Candy. She had had enough of everyone asking her about Carly.
"You know I don't know about her whereabouts, right?" Miranda asked as she folded her arms.
"Was just asking," Candy replied as she shrugged her shoulders and turned around to close the door of her locker. "You two were pretty close."
"Well, not any more, I'm afraid. She doesn't pick up any of my calls."
Candy turned to look at Miranda. "You had some falling out with her, right?"
Miranda pursed her lips together and quickly turned around so as to finish undressing and get into her outfit for the night. She knew she betrayed Carly by calling her sister, but Miranda isn't so sure that Carly knew about it. Carly wouldn't have a way of knowing even if she asked her sister because Miranda didn't give her her name. But what if Carly did figure it out and that's why she never picks up any of Miranda's calls?
"You don't know that," Miranda answered as she jammed her clothes into the locker.
"Well, that's what everyone around here say."
"I'm not surprised with the stories that a lot of you make up. One thing is clear though," said Miranda as she retrieved her outfit out of her locker.
"And what's that?" Candy asked as she folded her arms.
"Carly isn't coming back."
There came a long period of silence as Miranda quickly dressed up.
"You sound confident," said Candy. "What if she does?"
"That can't happen and you know it," said Miranda as she turned to look at Candy.
"That's not what I heard Mr. Walters say. A little birdie told me he's planning on getting her back no matter what."
Miranda scowled. She had a hunch that Mr. Walters would do that after he talked about how business wasn't going well without Carly. But now it seems like other people knew about it too. This is just great! If Carly did find herself back at the club, Miranda would lose it for sure.
"Mmmm," Candy smirked at Miranda with a hint of amusement in her blue eyes. "What everyone around here says about you is true. You really were always jealous of Carly, weren't you?"
"What makes you say that?" Miranda asked.
"Your face says it all," Candy gave Miranda a huge grin. "I better get out there. I don't want Mr. Walters thinking I'm slacking off or anything. Ta-ta," Candy waved at Miranda and she quickly walked out of the room.
Miranda quickly turned around and in doing so, punched the door of her locker with her fist. It left a little dent, and as painful as it felt, she didn't let out a scream.
Miranda didn't like this at all. It felt like the whole world revolved around Carly, and she hated it. She didn't like the idea that Mr. Walters is still insistent on bringing her back. She left the club out of her own free will. Why can't the old man let it go?
Miranda stared at her hand. She had a cut on her knuckles yet it didn't seem to hurt. She felt there's something going on. Why did Mr. Walter's want Carly back so bad? Whatever the reason, she's going to find out. Something told her this was more than just business. Did it have to do with some of their "important clients?" Mr. Walters could try and hide his intentions, but she will figure it out no matter what.
Miranda opened her locker to try and look for a bandage or tissue to stop the bleeding. She found an unused band-aid in her backpack and placed it on her cut. She knew it wouldn't hold for long, but she had to stop the bleeding somehow.
She soon walked out of the dressing room and found herself in the hall. Miranda walked down the hall, heading over to the main area, but before she could even think of hooking up with a client, she had to see Mr. Walters who is probably in his office.
She reached the end of the hall, drawing aside the crystal beaded curtain aside. The bar looked busy as usual, but there weren't many customers. The night is still young, anyway.
Miranda looked around a bit and she found some of the call girls already entertaining some of the customers. Others walked around hoping to attract some. Miranda hoped she could get to the other side of the club without drawing any of the customers' attention. She could tell that some of the older men settled in the middle of the club were already drunk and she feared that they would call out for her when they see her.
She looked towards the bar close to the stairs. A few customers there drank their beers alone. Others came with a friend or two. Behind the bar's counter was Robin. He's always early and easy going with customers. He isn't so close to Miranda like he is with he others, but today, she needed his help more than ever.
Miranda braced herself as she quickly made her way to the bar. So far, no one called out to her and she had just bypassed a table where she saw Candy attend to a middle aged man, dancing seductively in front of him. When she reached the counter, she let out a sigh of relief as though she had just escaped a sea of troubled waters. She looked behind her to see if anyone had noticed her.
"Hey," came a voice and she turned around. There in front of her stood Robin.
"Hey..., hey, Robin," said Miranda, startled by his appearance.
"You've come over to serve drinks or something?" Robin's grey eyes were fixed on her as he wiped a campagne glass with his towel.
"Ummm, no, not really," Miranda gave him a nervous smile.
Robin gave her a look but soon ignored her as he went over to the other side of the bar. Miranda looked around and knew she couldn't stay long. Already, a group of guys that had gathered at the other end were giving her a look whilst talking amongst themselves. She couldn't hear what they were saying over the loud music, but she had a hint they were talking about her. One of them, a cute blonde haired guy, gave her a wink.
As much as Miranda would have winked back or given him a flirty look, but she couldn't. She smiled and looked away quickly. She had to go, but already she felt like she had drawn too much attention.
Robin soon came back to her, and she knew why.
"You know, if you aren't getting any customers for the evening....," Robin turned his eyes to where the blonde guy was, "...looks like I found you someone who might be interested."
Miranda wanted to roll her eyes but didn't. She is in an urgent rush and she knew she couldn't pass them on her way to the stairs. They would only get in the way.
She quickly took hold of Robin's hand on the counter and Robin grew startled as he stared at her.
"I need your help, Robin," Miranda said.
"If you think those guys will give you trouble, you can always call security," he said.
"No, it's not it. I want you to help me get past them up the stairs."
"What do you want to do up there? The boss doesn't allow anyone there unless you've a VIP."
"I know. But that's not it. I need to see him."
"Who? Mr. Walters? But it's working hours and no one is allowed unless called upon."
"I know that, you don't have to lay down all the rules for me." Miranda sounded frustrated. "I just need to see him. It's urgent."
Robin slumped his shoulders as he gently pulled his hand away from Miranda's and said, "if you want to see him, you're wasting your time. He left."
Miranda couldn't believe it. Mr. Walters isn't around? Where could he have gone to? She hoped it wasn't in search of Carly.
"He left? But to where?" Miranda asked.
"Beats me," Robin shrugged his shoulders. "He left a good thirty minutes ago. Told me he won't be around for the night. Has some important business to attend to."
"Damn it!" Miranda muttered angrily as she hit the counter with her injured fist and her knuckles throbbed in pain. Thank goodness, Robin told her in time or else if she had gone up the stairs, it would've all been in vain.
"Thanks for telling me, Robin," said Miranda.
Robin gave her a little smile. "It's no problem. You just get back to work. You don't want the other girls around here reporting that you've been slacking off."
Miranda looked around. She caught a few eyes from some of the call girls and also from one of the female bar tenders that had come to put away the beer bottles and glasses by the counter. She had to get to work. Arriving late on Mondays is already embarrassing enough.
She gave Robin a smile and straightened herself up from the bar. She started to make her way towards the group that had been staring at her earlier. She might be kept busy tonight, but she wasn't going to forget that she had to have a talk with Mr. Walters.
At the moment, the group of friends were all talking and didn't notice Miranda until she wrapped her right arm around the blonde haired guy's shoulder and the other arm on his brown haired friend next to him. The two men looked at Miranda, surprised at first by her little visit, but smiling soon afterwards.
"So, who's ready for some fun?" Miranda asked with a seductive smile.
***
"Who-who are you?" Carly asked as she looked at the man in front of her.
"Just a friend," the Red Lion said with a smile.
Carly gulped. "I don't know you," her voice now filled with anxiety. She twisted her arms tied behind her back, but the rope ate at her skin everytime she moved.
"You don't know me yet," Red Lion smiled as he bent closer to look her straight in the eye, "but we do have a friend in common."
"A friend in common?" Carly asked slowly, trying to understand what he meant.
"You'll know when you see him."
"But what do I've to do with you?"
"A whole lot, actually," Red Lion gave her a huge grin. "A whole lot."
Carly fidgeted again in her seat and grew frustrated. "I don't understand. Did I do something to you? Tell me!"
Red Lion straightened himself up and took a step back with a smile. "Oooh, you're a feisty one," he said. "This should be fun."
The man who had brought Carly in, walked to the corner of the room where her backpack lay on the floor and took it. He unzipped it and started to search inside when he noticed her phone. He took it out and turned on the screen. It had no password so he had easy access. He found several missed calls.
"We might have a problem here," the man called out to Red Lion, turning to look at him.
The Red Lion drew his attention to the man and his face grew serious again. "What is it?" he asked.
The man approached Red Lion with the phone in his hand and the bag in the other.
"She's has several missed calls," said the man. "This may prove to be a problem if they realise Carly is missing."
"Let me see that," said Red Lion, drawing his hand out and the phone was handed to him.
He checked Carly's phone and noticed the missed calls. Several of them were from a contact named Angel and only one from another called Leo.
"Looks like some people are worried about you," he said after checking the phone.
Carly struggled again in her seat. "That must be my sister," she said. "She will call the police if you don't let me go."
"Too bad, dear," said Red Lion, "you can't lodge a missing person's report before 24 hrs. But just to be on the safe side, I'll let you talk to her and you should tell her that you're okay, nothing more."
"And if I don't?"
The Red Lion came closer again, held her chin and lifted her face a little so that she could look at him.
"If you don't, I'm afraid it would be the last time you'll ever hear her voice. I don't mean you've to die, no, no. You're way too valuable."
"You leave my sister out of this! If you want to mess with me, then do as you please. Just leave her out of it."
The Red Lion smiled as he let go of her chin. "That is what I wanted to hear."
Carly felt like spitting in his face, but she didn't know what to expect from someone like him. He would either slap her or he would probably just laugh. Either way, she held herself and tried not to do anything stupid. He might put Angel in danger.
He went back to looking at Carly's phone and called Angel's number. He held it close to his ear and heard her line ring. He put the phone on loud speaker and held it close to Carly's face.
"You know what to do," he told her. "Make sure you sound natural. She mustn't know where you are, you hear?"
Carly looked up at Red Lion with her furrowed eyebrows. She would have replied in a nasty way, but she was lucky enough not to as she heard Angel's line go through and her voice.
"Hello, Carly?" came Angel. She sounded worried yet relieved that her sister had called.
"Hey, Angel, I saw your missed calls," said Carly, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"Where are you? I've been worried sick."
The Red Lion silently snickered and Carly threw him a look. How she wished she could punch him.
"Sorry, I left my phone on silent and forgot."
"Typical. I always tell you to put it on vibrate."
"I know, I'll make sure to this time around."
"Where are you anyway?"
"Oh..., I met a friend of mine from my old college, so she and I are hanging out, you know..., just trying to catch up."
"Well, you should have informed me. We were really worried about you."
"I know. I'm sorry. Don't worry, when we're done here, I'll head home straight away."
"Well..., you better. Just get here safe, okay?"
"I will." Carly looked up at The Red Lion and he cut the call.
"I've to admit, you're a very good actress," he said with a smile.
Carly looked down at her laps. "Please, let me go," she said. "I promise I won't tell anyone about this."
"I know you won't. But how can I let you go when we haven't got to the fun part yet?"
Carly quickly looked up at him and snared. "Tell me what's going on. I need to know right now."
"Boss," came the man who had kidnapped Carly after looking through his phone and putting it in his pocket . "He's here."
"Well, it's about time," said the Red Lion as he threw Carly's phone to him and the man caught it easily with one hand. "He's always so late. Put that phone away in her backpack. Hopefully, no one else will call from this moment onwards. We've important matters to deal with right now."
The Red Lion walked away from Carly, heading for the door behind her. She moved around in her chair.
"You haven't told me what's going on," Carly called out to him. "Tell me right now, you psycho."
The Red Lion stopped in his tracks in front of the door. "You shouldn't be calling me such names, Carly," he said. "I've been very good to you. You don't want me to reveal my true side, do you?"
Carly paused as she felt a strange vibe in his voice that sent chills down her spine, and not the good kind. She knew earlier that she had to be careful when she spoke. She didn't know how she let her tongue slip like that.
Red Lion chuckled as he stretched out his hand for the door and opened it. "That's what I like to hear. Silence."
He looked back into the room towards the man who had captured Carly. He beckoned to him with his hand to follow. The man obeyed and they left the room.
There stood two of Red Lion's guards outside the room. Red Lion walked down the empty grey walled corridor with the man behind him.
"You did a good job capturing her," said Red Lion as he slightly turned his head to look at his companion. "Walters was right when he recommended you."
"Thank you," the man replied.
"I don't even know your name," Red Lion chuckled lightly. "What's your name, son?"
"Alex."
As they continued down the hall, there stood a grey door at the other end.
"How long have you been working for Mr. Walters, Alex?" Red Lion asked.
"Not more than two years," Alex replied as his hooded head bent a little so as to look at the floor.
"Surprising that he hasn't told me about you. That old bat always has good people working for him."
Alex raised his head so as to look at the back of Red Lion.
They soon reached the door and just when Red Lion held the handle, he stopped himself and turned his head to look at Alex.
"Would you like to work for me, Alex?" he asked.
Alex knew he was going to be asked this question, yet he didn't answer.
"Don't worry, I'll pay you well, way more than he does," said Red Lion as his lips raised up to a devilish smile.
"I only work for Mr. Walters," Alex replied, calmly. "And I only do what he tells me to do."
The Red Lion sighed as he let go of the handle and fully turned his body towards Alex. "You're very loyal and I admire that in a person. That irritant old man sure is lucky."
Alex remained stoic.
"How about I make you a deal?" Red Lion asked with a smirk.
Alex shrugged his shoulders. "What deal?"
"I'll be dealing with the Spanish cartel this week. If you and Mr. Walters allow it, I want you on board, just in case things go wrong. When the deal goes through, that will be it and I'll pay you handsomely."
"I agree to it," said Alex.
The Red Lion laughed whole heartedly as he tapped Alex's shoulder in a friendly gesture. "When it comes to deals involving money, no one like you can pass on it."
"You've Mr. Walters to worry about."
Red Lion snarled. "I wouldn't worry about him. This whole thing with the Spanish cartel involves him too, so there's no way he will refuse."
Alex bent his head a little and had his left eyebrow raised. "If you say so."
"Let's go." The Red Lion turned back to the door and opened it.
The two found themselves in the main area of the warehouse where Red Lion's merchandise were being prepacked and loaded away into trucks at the loading bay outside. The two stood there on the metal staircase, watching the people work.
Three people soon came in through the entrance of the warehouse. Mr. Walters was lead in by two of Red Lion's trusted comrades: Carlos and Hugo.
"Here he comes," Red Lion said.
Carlos who noticed his boss up the stairs waved at him with a grin on his face. Red Lion rolled his eyes as he leaned his arms on the metal stair rail and bent forward. Carlos is always jumpy and jolly that he sometimes looked like an idiot. As much as that irritated Red Lion, he valued him highly. When it came down to business, he's never a disappointment.
Hugo on the other hand, is always serious even when it came to having a good time. Red Lion always told him to loosen up, but those words always fell on deaf ears. It also why Red Lion valued him too. He needed someone like him around if things ever go off course.
Carlos, Hugo and Mr. Walters came to the work area towards the stairs where Red Lion and Alex stood waiting.
Alex looked down at Mr. Walters and their eyes met. Alex couldn't help but wonder if Mr. Walters would agree that he should help Red Lion with the Spanish cartel.
The three climbed up the stairs and soon they reached the top.
"Old man, I'm glad you're here," said Red Lion as he straightened himself up from the rail.
Mr. Walters growled a little before saying, "I'm not that old, you know? If anything, we might be the same age."
"Huh?" Carlos seemed confused as he looked at Mr. Walters. "Really, old man? You seem to be the old one here. Red Lion still looks young even school girls could fall for him."
Hugo sighed as he shook his head while Red Lion laughed so loud that he caught the attention of the workers. Alex on the other hand, remained as stoic as ever.
"I see you still haven't changed, Carlos," said Mr. Walters, sounding irritated.
"I guess that's a good thing," said Carlos with a silly grin on his face.
"Can we get back to the part where we're supposed to be serious?" Hugo suggested with a bored look on his face.
"Yes, thank you, Hugo," said Red Lion, trying his best to hide his laughter. "Let's go talk in the office."
"And what about Carly?" Mr. Walters asked.
"She's here and kept under guard, you don't have to worry. Or do you think we don't have her? Your man, here did a pretty good job."
"I didn't say anything like that. I just wanted to see her, that's all."
"All in due time, old man." Red Lion held Mr. Walters' shoulder. "Come, let's go. Carlos, lead the way."
Carlos happily obliged, opening the door that lead the way back into the hall. He went through first, followed by Hugo, then Alex. Red Lion and Walters stayed behind together.
"Do you think involving Carly with the Spanish is a good idea?" Mr. Walters asked.
"Of course, I do," Red Lion smiled as they walked down the hall.
"But you do know she's just going to refuse, right?"
"That's why she's tied up and has already met me. She has no choice. Besides, you also want her back to work at your club, right? I hear business is terrible at your end, old man."
Mr. Walters growled in irritation and that made Red Lion smile in delight.
They soon passed the door where Carly was being held and Red Lion made sure he didn't look at the door nor make eye contact with either of his guards standing outside. Mr. Walters didn't seem to pay much attention as he looked on ahead.
"Let's not dwell on that right now," said Mr. Walters.
Red Lion smiled at his comrade. "You're right," he said. "When everything goes according to plan, things will go back to the way they were, especially for you."
Mr. Walters looked at Red Lion wanting to punch him in the face. Red Lion chuckled, finding his own teasing amusing.
Carlos, Hugo and Alex had already reached the office and were waiting inside. Mr. Walters and Red Lion went in the room, and Hugo closed the door.
***
Angel walked down the hall, heading for the living room. She felt relieved after hearing from Carly. All she hoped for was that her sister returns quickly. She still felt a little uneasy.
Just when she reached the foyer, Leo had come down the last step on the stairs and they looked at each other, startled at the other's sudden appearance.
"Oh..., it's you," said Angel, trying not to sound disdainful. "You almost scared me to death."
Leo averted his eyes away from Angel, not even wanting to look at her. "Whatever," he said.
Angel was about to make her way to the living room when Leo asked, "have you heard from Carly? I tried calling but she didn't pick up."
"She actually called me just now," Angel replied, feeling irritated that he had asked, yet she couldn't help but realise that he did care about Carly.
"And...?" Leo had his hands in the pocket of his blue cotton trousers.
"She met up with a friend and they're catching up, that's all."
Leo didn't know whether he should be relieved or still worried. His eyes flew back to Angel in an instant. Somehow he couldn't avert them again like he did earlier.
"Oh..., did I hear some good news?" came Amanda.
Angel and Leo looked through the doorway to the living room and Amanda appeared with Oliver pushing her wheelchair.
"Carly is really alright, then?" Oliver asked.
"Yes, there's nothing to worry about," said Angel as she smiled at the two. "She called to say she's fine."
"That's a relief," said Amanda.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs drew everyone's attention and they turned to see Eric. And just like Leo, he had also changed out of the clothes he had worn to the office and into comfortable casual ones.
"So Carly is fine," said Eric, as he came to stand beside Leo. "Looks like we don't have to worry now."
"Is mum around?" Leo asked.
"If she still isn't taking a nap, then she must be beautifying herself or something," Amanda answered.
"Huh? Why would she be doing so at this hour?" Eric asked.
"Oh..., that aunt of yours is really something. Don't you see that she puts on makeup even when we're just having supper as a family? I bet she wants everyone to think she's still so young when she's growing old every day."
"Grandma," Leo, Eric and Oliver uttered at the same time.
"What?" Amanda shrugged her shoulders. Angel couldn't help but giggle. "I'm telling you the truth. Women of nowadays want to look good with makeup all the time even when they want to step out of the house for fresh air."
"That's just too much, grandma," said Oliver.
"Ya, and remember, that's my mother you're talking about," said Leo.
"But you know I speak the truth, Leo," said Amanda.
"Well, we better not mention this to anyone," said Eric as he smiled. "Word really spreads fast around here."
"Besides, she can try to look good, but she will forever look like a gargoyle," Amanda blurted out.
Apparently, Oliver started to laugh, then Amanda. Angel tried to compose herself, but tears soon filled her eyes and she laughed too. Leo and Eric also joined in. Leo slowly stopped laughing as he looked at Angel. Angel didn't notice his eyes on her as she continued to laugh. Leo suddenly looked away as he felt his cheeks start to blush, trying his best not to look at her again.
There soon came a knock at the front door and Eric went to answer it, trying to suppress his laughter. When he got there, he opened it and there stood Mr. McDonell.
"Oh, you're finally here, uncle," said Eric as he chuckled.
"I could hear you guys laughing from here," said Mr. McDonell with a pleasant smile on his face as he stepped into the foyer. Eric closed the door. "May I know what you're laughing about?"
"I'll tell you when we're just the two of us, dear," said Amanda, smiling at her son.
"Okay. It's good to hear everyone having a good time."
"Why don't you go freshen up, dinner will be ready soon."
"Sure."
Mr. McDonell approached the stairs and Leo made way for him. As soon as his father went past him, Leo remembered what they talked about back in his office. He had to announce to the whole family about Angel's employment at their company. He gulped. He didn't feel ready and he hated the fact that it's his father who suggested that he should.
"Let's all go to the livingroom," said Amanda. "I still have a lot to talk about and I want everyone to hear me."
"Really, grandma?" Oliver asked. "I think we've laughed too much already."
"I would like to hear more," said Eric as he came to stand beside Amanda. "And Angel will want to too, right?"
"Sure," said Angel.
"Aren't you coming, Leo?" Amanda asked.
"Umm...," Leo hesitated before saying, "I'll join you. I've to make an important phone call."
"Okay, just don't take too long."
Angel went over to join the others as they made their way to the livingroom, talking and laughing amongst themselves. Leo stood by the stairs alone as he wondered why his father had burdened him with such a task. There's going to be mixed feelings at the dinner table tonight, and he had to be prepared for the worst; his mother, most of all.
He stared at the door, as though it was the only way out of this madness. It probably is, though at the moment, he couldn't even move his legs. He soon started to reminisce about his wedding and how he ran off instead of stepping up and canceling the event himself. This time, he isn't going to run. It's only going to bring him more problems.
He took a deep breath and decided to join the others even when he couldn't stand Angel. He found them seated and laughing as usual. Amanda was glad that he joined them.
"Weren't you supposed to make a call, dear?" she asked.
"I'll do it later," he answered as he settled beside Oliver on the couch with a smile on his face.