After finishing up, Alan hastily left and headed outside to join the ladies. They climbed into Lady J's 2019 Toyota Prado Jeep and drove away. Lady J raised the car windows and turned on the air conditioner to cool off the sweat from their bodies, caused by the hot weather in Alan's place. They left Patami creek and merged onto the expressway leading to the city. Alan couldn't recall the last time he traveled on such well-maintained roads. Patami creek was about forty kilometers away from the main towns.
Throughout the trip, Alan remained silent. He was puzzled as to why Lady J chose to invest in a large provision store in a slum like Patami creek rather than a more upscale township plaza. All he saw were mounting debts instead of profits. Rumors circulating around Patami creek alleged that Lady J was a "man eater" who lured young men into bed, sapped them of their sexual energy, and discarded them. Perhaps she saw Patami creek as an ideal location because of its high poverty rate and low standard of living, making it easier to prey on young men with limited financial resources.
While the ladies continued their conversation, Alan sat at the back of the car next to Angela. Occasionally, she would tap his lap to bring his attention back to the road. However, at one point, Angela noticed a bulge between Alan's legs. Instead of tapping his thigh, she grabbed the bulge, startling him. He looked at her with an angry stare. Unbeknownst to the other ladies in the car, this exchange was happening behind them.
Lady J, who knew her friend well, asked, "Alan love, I hope you're doing well. Is Angela bothering you?"
"I'm holding up fine," Alan replied curtly.
As they drove into the main city with its tall buildings, malls, hotels, and exotic eateries, memories flooded back to Alan of how he used to walk the streets of this beautiful city from his house to work. He remembered a time when life was still beautiful and encouraging, a time when he had dreams and great plans for the future. Was this the future he had imagined? A future filled with death and uncertainty? Barely a year ago, except for his mother, he and his siblings were still living in Kumasi Crescent, a choice area of the city. Now, a year later, they resided in a one-bedroom flat in the Patami Creek slums.
Life has a way of shattering dreams, hopes, and expectations. The car drove past towering buildings illuminated by lights, with busy streets bustling with people engaged in various businesses. After making a few turns, they arrived at a street that seemed secluded from the city's development. Although it was dark, the area wasn't devoid of people. They took a roundabout and turned right and left before entering Alvan Ikoku street. Lady J drove until they reached a massive black gate inscribed with the number 22b, Alvan Ikoku boulevard. She honked twice, and the security guard approached them, asking a few questions before Lady J presented her gold-plated card. The guard welcomed her by bowing and signaled his colleague to open the gate.
Once they entered, Lady J parked in her designated spot, and the passengers alighted from the car. The club had a reserved parking lot for each member, with four levels of membership: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, depending on an individual's status in society. Many wealthy women in the city were card-carrying members of the club, some through their husband's wealth and influence, such as the city mayor's wife, while others through their own efforts. Panama Hills City was home to numerous wealthy individuals engaged in both legal and illegal businesses.
As they approached the main entrance, Alan glanced up and saw the signage display board that read, "Welcome to Fairy Gates, where we fulfill your inner desires."
"They entered the building and hurriedly made their way to the elevator, pressing the number 04 button. It took them directly to the floor reserved for gold members. Upon exiting the elevator, they turned left and approached a door guarded by two suited guards. Lady J presented her card along with Angela and Tina, and muttered some words to the guards. They scrutinized Alan before opening the doors and allowing them entry.
Alan was in shock and awe as they walked in. This was a world away from his own. Clara, one of their friends, called out to Lady J, and they made their way over to her and some other ladies who were seated together with some well-built, muscular young men. Clara welcomed them and offered them a seat and drinks as they settled in to discuss.
Almost immediately, Alan noticed that all the women's corners were occupied by two or three attractive young men. They were busy engaging in intimate activities with the ladies, with some even exposing their bodies. Alan was taken aback, having thought he had seen the worst of corruption and sexual perversions at Patami Creek. This place was even worse, and he couldn't help but think it should be called Sodom's Gate rather than Fairy's Gate.
Lady J noticed Alan's discomfort and tried to cheer him up. "Don't pay any attention to what you see here. This place was designed for maximum pleasure."
Angela chimed in with a laugh, "Maybe we could go somewhere more secluded and have some fun, if you're interested."
Tina quickly interjected, "Come on now, Angela. That's enough. You're being naughty and shameless."