"Do you really have to stay out for too long?" Angel asked Carly over the phone. "I mean, you just started going there, and have you forgotten that you came home late last time?"
"I know, I know," said Carly on the other end. "But this is Robin we're talking about. He's a very good friend and you know I can't turn him down."
Angel bit her lip. "Robin is a good guy, I know that. I'm just worried that you've to stay out late again. And for crying out loud, who hosts a party on a Monday?"
"It's crazy, but he's doing it for a friend," Carly chuckled. "He also told me to help set up the party with him."
Angel sighed. "Okay, fine. But you better come back before midnight."
"It's impossible and you know that. But I'll be careful, I promise."
"Well, you better."
"Do you mind telling Leo and huh..., the rest of the family that I won't be coming in early?"
The fact that Carly mentioned Leo, made Angel's nerve want to burst. But she kept her cool and said, "I'll tell him, and the others."
"Okay, thanks. And that lunch date that he had with Kim, what was it about?"
"I'll tell you later," said Angel as she stood to look around the outside of her cubicle. A lot of people had yet to back from lunch. She sat back down. "Can't talk about it here. And you would've heard the full details from him if you hadn't thought of going for the party."
"Fine, I'll hear about it later. You work well. And I want to hear about your first day."
"I'll tell you tomorrow. I might be asleep when you get home."
"Alright, take care."
"You too."
Angel cut the call and stared up at the ceiling for a while. Her mother soon came to mind. A day never passes without Angel thinking about her. And she realised that with her mother gone, she now has a big responsibility of taking care of Carly. It will be tough.
"Hey, where's your head at?" Eric appeared in Angel's line of view looking down at her.
"Oh, sorry," she sat upright and turned in her chair to face Eric. "Thinking about mum."
The corner of Eric's lips raised into a sad smile. "You must really miss her a lot."
Angel sighed. "I do. And thinking about her just makes me sad, especially now that I've to take care of Carly too."
"Don't beat yourself up," Eric said, now with a wide grin. "If you ask me, you're not doing such a terrible job."
Angel hadn't noticed that Leo was also around as she heard the sound of someone munching on something. He stood at the front end of her cubicle, chewing on a paper-wrapped sandwich. He stopped chewing when he noticed that Angel had his eyes on him.
He swallowed. "What is it?" he asked, shrugging his shoulders.
Angel smiled. "You must be really hungry with the way you're hammering on that sandwich."
"It's pretty good, actually," he commented. "You should try it."
"That's supposed to be my line," said Eric, frowning. He handed the other paper-wrapped sandwich to Angel.
"Thanks," said Angel. "By the way, Carly won't be coming home early tonight."
Leo paused with his chewing. "Why?" he asked.
"A friend of hers who is at the same college with her is throwing a party for his friend and asked her to help organise."
"She's made friends already?" Leo asked. "She must be really social."
"She's always been a popular girl. But she's known this person for a long time and he's a pretty good guy."
Leo made a humming sound as he continued to chew on his sandwich. Eric chuckled.
"Maybe I should mention he's the bartender from the club where she worked."
Leo stopped chewing and looked up at Eric, who was also looking back at him.
"Why did you allow her to go with him?" Leo asked, turning to Angel.
"If you're worried that he might try and convince her to go back, he won't," said Angel, raising her eyebrow at Leo. "When we first met, he was very kind to me. In fact, I know he's a good guy and won't do anything that would jeopardise Carly. If you really want to know more about him, I suggest you talk to her about him."
"Ya, and talking about this here isn't going to do us any favours," said Eric as he looked around the workroom. "So Leo, keep that jealousy on hold until we get home."
Leo tsked, shaking his head. He took a bite out of his sandwich.
"I should try this out," said Angel as she unwrapped the sandwich. She took a bite out of it and slowly chewed. Her eyes lit up brightly and a smile appeared on her face. "Goodness, this is good."
Eric chuckled and Leo found himself doing the same, that he quickly had to stop himself. He cleared his throat as he looked the other way. He's glad that Eric didn't notice. But whether he did or not, Leo would find out sooner or later.
"I told you Mrs. Lance is just the best," said Eric. "Even Leo can't deny it."
Leo furrowed his eyebrows. "Ya, whatever."
Eric and Angel laughed at him.
"There's nothing wrong with admitting it wholeheartedly, Leo," said Angel.
"Forget him," said Eric, waving his hand away. "I just hope that he doesn't stay a sour puss forever."
Before Leo could say anything, he looked down the hall and saw a few people coming over to their work stations.
"Seems like lunch time is over," he announced. "Shall we?" he addressed Eric.
"Oh, okay," Eric agreed. He gently placed his hand on Angel's shoulder. "See you later."
Leo rolled his eyes at the intimacy as he turned away.
"Okay, see you two later," said Angel.
Leo found himself answering, "Ya, sure. Let's go, Eric."
The two of them walked to the other end of the hall as Angel watched them go. She took another bite out of the sandwich, enjoying the rich, tasty tuna, heavily coated with mayonnaise, lettuce and cheese.
***
Miranda looked at her phone to what felt like the fifth time in just two minutes. Time isn't moving at all.
Her lecture grew boring by the minute and she couldn't help but turn her attention elsewhere. She wished for the day to be over so she could go home. She thought she might not be able to go to the club tonight, so she better inform Mr. Walters. She took her phone and pressed the power button to light up the screen. She groaned again when she looked at the time. A few heads in front of her turned and she threw them a look, telling them to mind their business. She went on to unlock her phone and sent Mr. Walters a text very quickly.
She placed the phone back down and tried her very best to sit upright to try and concentrate. Immediately she did and got a few words from her lecturer, her phone beeped beside her book. She rolled her eyes and told herself that she would look at it later.
A few seconds later, she found herself playing with her pen, not getting a word her lecturer was saying. Shoot, she told herself as she felt bored. She checked the time on her phone again. This time the notification on her lock screen was beckoning her to open it. As bored as she is, she unlocked her phone and went to her messages. It's from Mr. Walters. She didn't expect him to reply so soon. It read that she should come to the club no matter what and right after her classes. Miranda raised an eyebrow. He has never asked her to come very early for work. What's the big occasion?
She quickly texted him back, asking why she should go early. She sent the message and looked at the phone eagerly, waiting for him to reply there and then, but he didn't. She put her phone back down and looked towards the lecturer, getting bored again. Her eyes soon lit up when her phone vibrated. Mr, Walters texted her back. She quickly read the message. It said that he needed her there because there's a special party he's hosting for someone.
Miranda bit her lip as she thought about it. As much as she's a fan of parties, she didn't want to go anywhere tonight. Mr. Walters soon sent her a text saying he'll pay her double the amount she gets on most nights. She thought about it and texted him back saying that she wanted the money tripled.
She didn't get the chance to put her phone down when he texted back saying it's a done deal. Miranda can't believe it. The owner of the party must be some big shot, she thought. Looks like she'll have to ditch her plans of chilling at home and attend. She texted back saying she'll be there.
After putting her phone aside, Miranda found herself listening to the lecturer, this time with her undivided attention. It seems talking to Mr Walters about the party that is going to take place just set her into a whole different mood.
***
The sound of your lecturer telling his students that the lecture is over, was music to Carly's ears. She quickly packed her books in her backpack just like everyone around her. For some reason, she couldn't help but feel relieved that she just had her last class. But that only meant that she has to meet Alex as planned.
She's glad she got through to Angel and made up a lie that she's not very proud of. But she had to find a way to not go home tonight and she had to use Robin as her scapegoat. As guilty as she felt, she knew it had to be done.
She quickly walked out of the hall before Harriet or her friends could see her. As soon as she was out, she quickly made her way for the exit. She wondered if she would find Alex waiting for her outside.
She's walking through the parking lot, surpassing and bypassing people. Just before she could make her way out, she heard someone call her from behind. She recognised that voice immediately: Robin.
She stopped in her tracks and winced. She knew she couldn't ignore him since he caught her wide open. Before she turned around, she wondered what she should tell him in order to leave.
"Hey, why are you in such a rush?" Robin asked as soon as she turned around. He had caught up to her.
"Oh, I just really need to get home," she lied.
"Good, I can take you if you like," he offered. "I brought my car with me today."
Shoot, Carly almost said out loud. What is she going to do? How is she going to deny the offer without actually hurting him?
"Oh, no, you don't have to," said Carly. "I can go back home on my own."
"No, I really want to," Robin insisted. "I noticed last time that you had to take the bus. Now that I've caught you, I can take you home."
Carly had to think of something fast. Alex might be already outside and talking to Robin is eating up her time.
"Really, Robin, I'm alright. My sister said she would send someone to come get me."
"Oh, I see. You can go, but you'll have to tell her that I'll be taking you next time. That's if I don't have to stay here for late classes on some days."
"She'll be happy to hear that."
"Alright, see you tomorrow?"
"Ya, see you tomorrow."
Carly waited and watched Robin go to his black Cardillac in the parking lot. She quickly made a beeline for the main gate. As planned, she found Alex parked outside, across the road. She found him looking outside the window and she couldn't tell if he's relieved to see her or not.
She quickly went for his car to the passenger side and got in, closing the door. Alex turned to look at her with a stoic face, but his eyebrow is raised.
"What were you running away from?" he asked.
"A friend of mine who has no idea what's going on," said Carly, trying to catch her breath.
"I almost got out of the car to look for you. I thought you had bailed on me."
Carly didn't say anything as she first looked at him, but he had quickly turned to what's in front of him. He soon turned the car's engine on.
"If you must know," said Carly, "I've a life and I can't just ignore it."
"Oh, really? My bad," Alex said with his eyebrows raised.
"Are you being sarcastic?"
Alex looked at her before he could put the car in drive. "And if I am?"
Carly shook her head. She noticed Robin's car drive out through the gate, making a turn up the road. Alex noticed her eyes and looked at the car driving on ahead of them.
"Is that your boyfriend?" he asked.
"Just drive," said Carly, not impressed with his question.
"Just checking. Aren't you the one who said has a life?"
Carly clicked her tongue while looking at Alex with murderous intent. He put the car in drive and the vehicle started to move.
"Are we going to Mr. Walter's club for this planned event?" Carly asked.
"No," Alex answered. "We're going someplace else."
"Like where, exactly?"
Alex gave her a brief look before looking back at the road. "You'll see. You aren't supposed to know, so I'm afraid before you get there, I've to blindfold you."
"Huh?" Carly couldn't believe what she's hearing. "You've got to be kidding me. Why don't you people ever tell me anything?"
"Just following orders," Alex shrugged his shoulders.
Carly folded her arms and looked out of her side of the window. She now thought of what Alex had told her this morning. She shouldn't have been involved in all this whether they threatened her or not. But she was scared and still is. Who knows what they would do with what they have on her.
***
"Hey, are you ready to go?" Eric asked as he came round Angel's cubicle.
"Oh..., uh," Angel looked caught off-guard as she turned on her chair to look up at Eric. She had been going through some files and was quite engrossed in it that she didn't realise how much time has passed.
"Wait, it's time to knockoff already?" she asked.
"Is it me or are you really enjoying what you're doing?"
"Uh..., no." Angel quickly closed the file and then turned to look up at him.
Eric smiled. "Well, I'm here to tell you that it's time to go."
"Good, I'm glad that you did," said Angel as she now stood up from her chair. She looked around and realised that most of the cubicles around hers were empty.
"Wow, no one even bothered to tell me they were leaving," said Angel as she turned to look towards Sabrina's empty cubicle.
"Or you were just too busy that you didn't hear them."
Angel lifted her arms to give herself a good stretch. After doing so, she turned towards Eric who had a wide smile on his face.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing," he answered. "I'm just glad you're working here."
Angel shook her head and started to pack away the files and clear her desk. As soon as she was done she turned to Eric who still had that smile on his face.
"Okay, we can go now," she said, swinging the handbag strap over her shoulder. "Aren't we going home with Leo and Mr. McDonell?"
No sooner did she say those words, did Leo appear down the hall with his father behind him, alongside Mr. Wilson.
"How did you find your first day here, Angel?" Mr. McDonell asked as they came close to her cubicle.
"It's gone pretty well," Angel answered with a smile.
"That's good to hear. You three can go along home. Wilson and I still have a lot to talk about. I'll be home in time for dinner. Bill will be taking us, so Leo, you can take the other car.
"Alright," said Leo as he already had the car keys in his hands. He turned towards Eric and Angel. "Let's go."
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Wilson," said Angel as she went out of her cubicle to follow Leo who already started to make his way out.
"You too, dear," said Mr. Wilson with a tilt of his head and a kind smile.
"Goodbye, Mr. Wilson," said Eric as he held Angel by the shoulder and gently tried to turn her around without making it look like he was trying to get her as far away from Mr. Wilson as possible.
They managed to catch up with Leo who was already outside the offices and waiting for the elevator.
"I'm glad we got away from that man," said Eric after breathing out a sigh of relief.
Leo turned to look at Eric. "Why do you say that?" he asked.
"Didn't you notice that he has been looking at Angel in a funny way?" Eric asked.
Leo raised an eyebrow and Angel couldn't help but look at him.
"You're just being paranoid," said Leo.
"I think he is nice," said Angel as she shrugged her shoulders.
"Goodness, me, Angel," said Eric. "Some people hide their real intentions by being nice. In my eyes, he looked like he was about to eat you alive."
"Careful with what you say. He might be coming right behind us as we speak."
The doors to the elevator flew open. It's empty and the three of them went in. Before the doors closed, they noticed Mr. McDonell and Mr. Wilson in the lobby of the office, talking. Mr. Wilson was looking through the glass doors, staring at them. As soon as the doors to the elevator closed, Eric turned to look at the other two.
"You see what I mean?" he asked.
"He could have been looking at any of us," Angel tries to point out.
"Goodness, you can't see it but I can. Leo, tell her."
Leo looked up, trying his best to keep his mouth shut. But he couldn't deny that he saw it too; the way Mr. Wilson looked at Angel. But Eric kept persisting him that he had no choice but to say:
"Eric's right. He had this look on his face that showed he's interested in you, Angel."
Saying it out loud made Leo blush that he had to keep his face fixed upwards like he was looking at the ceiling so that the other two wouldn't notice. He also felt his chest ache a little. Why is he feeling like this? And why did he feel so guilty that he didn't get to notice this but Eric did?
Angel shook her head. "Okay, I don't want to talk about it," she said. "If we ever get to see him again, I'll be sure to keep my distance. Happy, now?"
"Yes," Eric and Leo answered at the same time.
Leo held his breath after realising what he had agreed on. What's wrong with him today? He now started to feel confused with himself that he felt he might lose it.
"See, even Leo thinks that old man is up to no good," said Eric.
"Okay, I hear you," said Angel.
The elevator doors soon flew open and they found themselves on the ground floor. They walked out of it.
"So," said Eric. "Who's up for a little wandering around town before we head home?"
"I need some coffee," Leo suggested. "I'm in need for a little caffeine right now."
"We can go to the café we went to this morning," said Angel.
"Sounds like a plan," said Eric. "Leo really needs it since he had a rough time with Kim."
"Are you still at it?" Leo asked as they approached the front doors.
"Kind of," Eric smiled.
Angel could only chuckle. "I think he has had enough, don't you think?" she asked.
"Nope."
"I'm going to kill you one day," said Leo. They had now reached the glass front doors and he held one open.
"Thank you," said Angel as she walked out first.
As soon as she was out, Leo quickly stepped in front of Eric, blocking his path so as to walk out. And he made sure to let go, hoping that it would hit Eric in the face. But Eric was quick enough to stop the door from doing so and drew it wide open.
"Hey, you did that on purpose," Eric called out to him.
"Oh, really?" Leo asked as he turned his head to look at Eric.
"Stop it, you two," said Angel as she stopped to look at them. "You're acting like children."
"We joke around like this all the time," said Eric. "He's just mad that I keep talking about Kim."
"I would like to move on from that if you don't mind," said Leo.
"Even if you wanted to, the fact that you haven't told her you're in love with Carly, means she'll still stick around," said Angel.
"True, but let me deal with her myself."
"I wasn't even going to butt in."
"Okay, you two, let's get going," said Eric. "Where did you pack the car, anyway?" He started to look around the parking lot.
"If you don't stop talking, I might just stand here and make you look for it yourself," said Leo with a raised eyebrow.
"Come on, there are so many cars around. Now you're just being mean."
Angel smiled and looked around the parking lot. The sun may have set, but the remaining sun rays shone behind some buildings brought about an orange glow all around. She enjoyed the nice, warm surrounding, before she finally said, while pointing with her finger:
"The car is right over there. Am I right?"
"Oh, ya, you are," said Eric as he saw the grey BMW. He turned to look at Leo. "Thank goodness an angel like her is around."
Leo growled in frustration. Everything wasn't going right for him today.
"Let's go, I really need that caffeine," said Leo as led the way to the car with the others following behind him.
***
Miranda couldn't stop looking through her phone as she sat in the bus with earphones plugged in and connected to her phone. The song playing: Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande.
Miranda did feel dangerous as she looked through Leo's photos on his Instagram page. She couldn't help but admire how handsome he looked in his standalone pictures.
A sudden thought crossed her mind: he and Carly are probably together at this very moment. She looked out the window to catch her breath. As much as she tried to convince herself that she might be overthinking it, a strong part of her knew she's right. Even after his bachelor party and his wedding got cancelled, he is still seeing Carly. They're probably lovers now, she thought.
She felt like punching the window. I shouldn't be thinking of such things, she thought. As much as Carly isn't any of her business anymore, the thought of her being Leo's lover drove Miranda into a fit of rage.
Her rage almost made her forget that she had to drop off as the bus had stopped. After realising it, she quickly stood up and took hold of her bag to rush out before the bus driver could press the button to close the doors.
She took a deep breath as soon as she stepped out and she could already feel the stares of almost everybody in the bus. It didn't matter as she was good at ignoring people and she quickly forgot about them as the bus drove away.
With headphones still plugged in, she looked down at her phone and pressed the back button to repeat the song. She started to make her way to the alleyway that she usually used to get to the club.
As soon as she arrived at the club's back door, she could already feel the atmosphere. It's just another busy night as usual, she told herself as she closed the door behind her. She gave a nod to the man who always stood guard inside and made her way down the hall towards the dressing room.
She went straight for her locker upon entering the room when she felt her phone vibrate in her hand. Mr. Walters is calling.
She answered. "If you're going to ask where I am, I'm already in the dressing room," she said with the earphones still in her ears.
"Good, that's fine," said Mr. Walters. "You better get dressed quickly for tonight. A vehicle will come over to pick you girls up in ten minutes or so."
"How many of us are going to this same party? We still have customers to serve here at the club."
"I know that, you don't have to tell me how to do my job," Mr. Walters sounded like he is about to snap. "There will be the five of you. It's a small party, nothing special."
Miranda nodded. "Okay, I'll get myself ready."
"Oh, and one more thing. When we get to the party, I don't want you asking too many questions that may make the guests uncomfortable. Try to warn the others."
"Okay, no asking unnecessary questions. Got it."
"There's something else. There will be someone who will join you girls at the party. You know..., entertaining our guests. So, don't get a little surprised by it, okay?"
"Sure, no problem. Just tell us what we need to do and we'll do it."
"Good. I'll meet you at the party." Mr. Walters soon cut the call.
***
Alex drove the car downtown and Carly couldn't help but look around. She didn't expect to be in this part of town. She thought the party they were attending would be in some luxurious place in the city. Maybe in some prestigious club, unlike Mr. Walters'.
"Hey, are you sure the event is taking place around this part of town?" Carly couldn't help but ask as she turned to look at Alex. "Red Lion described it like it's a party with class."
"It is," Alex said.
"In this dump? Sorry if that came out rude, but where can you put up a luxurious party around here? Aren't we going to some nice place like a hotel or something?"
"No, we aren't." Alex now threw her a glare. "Once you see the venue, you'll understand."
"I really hope so."
Alex rolled his eyes. Do women really talk like this all the time, he asked himself. He already knew the answer to that. But there's something about Carly when she asked her questions that almost drove him to the edge of madness.
They were approaching the area close to the New York harbour. The road was quiet and only a few cars and some vans coming passed them going the opposite direction. Before they could reach the premises, Alex slowed the car and stopped.
"What is it?" Carly asked as she looked at him. "Are you telling me we're stopping here?" she looked out of the window. "But we're just outside the harbour. Are we having a party here?"
Alex didn't answer as he bent to her side to reach his hand to the glove compartment. He removed a black folded cloth and closed the compartment. He sat up straight, looking at Carly.
"I want you out of the car," he instructed.
"What?"
"Just do as you're told. Get out of the car."
Alex opened the door and went out himself. Carly had no choice but to do as he said. He did tell her that he would've to blindfold her. When she got out, she looked around. She stood a few feet away from the wire fence that separated the ship bay premises and the road. She could see a ship pulling up into the bay from a distance and there came the sound of its horn.
Alex came round the car towards her and he said, "turn your back to me."
Carly looked at him before doing so. She felt him coming close behind her and she had the sudden urge to turn around again because she didn't like this. She saw the black cloth that he had come over her head and blinding her eyes.
"Hey, why are you doing this?" she asked. "Are you planning to kill me or something?"
"Red Lion wouldn't like that to happen, would he?" Alex asked as he tied the cloth. "I'm just doing what I was told."
After doing so, he opened the car door beside her and helped her in carefully. He closed the door and he went round the car to the driver's seat. He started the car and did a U-turn. Carly could feel how the car moved and she held her breath for a moment.
"Wait, why are we turning back?" she asked. "Where are you really taking me, Alex?"
"Do I really have to repeat myself, time and time again?" he asked, sounding a little frustrated.
Carly noticed his tone and pressed her lips together to keep herself from talking back. He might not have instructions to kill her, but when you drive a person mad, who knows what they may do.
The car continued to move and Carly felt the car make more turns than usual. Where exactly is he taking me, she wondered.
"Are we getting close to our destination?" Carly asked.
"We're almost there," Alex answered. "And don't try to do anything stupid. If you remove your blindfold, I won't hesitate to hurt you."
"Did Red Lion instruct you on that one too?" Carly felt her chest getting heavy and her heart beating fast.
"Yes, he did," Alex answered without hesitation. "He wants you looking pretty tonight, so don't disappoint him."
Easy for you to say, Carly said to herself. How she wished she knew where they're going. The car made a few more turns before slowly coming to a stop. Carly felt her heart beat faster. This is it, they've finally arrived.
She heard Alex open and close the door. She heard footsteps outside as she knew he was coming round the car to get her out.
The car door opened beside her and she felt the burst of the cold night air. Could they still be near the harbour, she wondered. Alex took both of her hands and she felt awkward as she felt how large and calloused they were, yet he touched her gently. She actually expected him to grab her by the arm and roughly pull her out of the car.
"Come on, watch your head as you get out," he instructed.
She found herself obliging to him calmly. She didn't expect him to be so gentle. She felt her cheeks slowly start to heat up. Is she blushing?
While holding her hands, Alex took her a few steps away from the car and stopped. He let go and for a moment, Carly gasped. With her blindfolded, she didn't like the idea of being alone.
"Relax, I'm just going to close the car door," he said as he walked past her. And just as he had said, he closed it. Carly remained there, breathing in the cold night air and shaking, wondering why all this is happening to her.
She felt him come closer from behind and his huge hands held her shoulders. Carly almost jumped in fright.
"Would you relax?" Alex asked her. "Eish, I don't want you dying of a heartattack."
"So-sorry," she stammered.
"Okay," he said, "you just remain calm and I'll direct you where to go."
Carly gave a nod of her head and Alex led her forward, his hands still on her shoulders as they walked side by side.
They walked for a while and Carly heard the sound of people talking and something like metal wire. As they approached the source of the noise, she heard a man speak out:
"Ah, Alex, right on time."
"Just open the gate," said Alex.
There came the sound of wire as the gate is open. Carly couldn't help but feel they might still be within the premises of the harbour if not anywhere else.
She heard the sound of someone opening the gate and she heard another male voice.
"Well, this one sure is a beauty." Carly heard footsteps approach her. "And she's got a body too."
Alex held her shoulders a little tighter and drew her close to him. Carly couldn't help but feel how big and warm his body was against hers. It almost felt comforting.
"Not another step closer," Alex warned.
"Okay, okay, chill," said the man and she could hear him back away. "You act like she's your girl or something."
"She's not," said Alex. The man's statement made Carly blush somehow. "Red Lion's orders. You don't want to cross him."
"No, you're right. You two can come through."
Alex continued to lead Carly on ahead, leaving the men at the gate. As they walked, she felt her surroundings suddenly change. She could tell they are entering a building because she no longer felt the cold night air. She soon heard the clanking sound of metal above and she wondered if those were pipes. The air around them felt warm and damp.
"Alex, aren't you going to tell me where we are?" Carly asked.
"Can't do that," he answered as he continued to lead the way. "Red Lion doesn't want any outsiders knowing this place."
Carly scoffed. "Well, he's boring. What is he trying to hide?"
Alex didn't answer as he soon stopped. Carly wondered if she had upset him. Before she could react, she felt one of his hands slip away from her shoulder and the sound of a buzzer soon rang in her ears. Did he press something?
She heard something move in front of her like a metal door and Alex soon led her forward again, taking a few steps before stopping. Carly felt like she had entered a different room until she felt the floor move after another buzzing sound came through. It felt like she's in some kind of elevator and they were descending.
"Are we going underground?" Carly asked.
"You'll see," Alex answered.
She felt the elevator stop and the doors behind her draw open. Alex gently turned her around and led her out. There came the sound of soft jazz music playing in the background. Carly now felt a little anxious. Have they arrived at the so-called party?
Alex made her stop and his hands dropped from her shoulders. Carly almost whimpered as she turned her head. She didn't want to be left alone.
"Ah!" came a recognisable voice. She heard footsteps approach her. "She's finally here. And early too. Thank you for bringing her on time, Alex. You really are reliable."
Carly heard Alex beside her clear his throat. "It's nothing," he said.
Carly knew Red Lion stood in front of her and soon enough, he lifted up her blindfold. Carly's eyes had to adjust to the lights as she first looked at Red Lion. Her attention soon diverted to the room. She's shocked to see what's around her.
"Yes, dear, take it all in," said Red Lion as he stood by her side and looked around too. "For tonight, this is going to be your playground."