Chereads / Is Change / Chapter 13 - Beyond the Velvet Rope

Chapter 13 - Beyond the Velvet Rope

Before dawn, Diana's crew prepared for 'Invisible Mode.

Meanwhile, Jacky, assembled his two loyal men from his team, Kadu and Ben. Together, they rolled out towards the underground bar, sub-machine guns at the ready.

As Jacky's trio approached the bar, pedestrians and vendors reacted with a mix of terror and fascination... Their presence sparked a panic wave:

Parents shielded their children.

Shop owners hastily locked up.

Some fled, while others lingered, morbidly curious about the impending showdown.

Among the crowd, rough-looking thugs mingled, some in groups, others in pairs, discussing illicit business.

But beneath the surface:

Tension hung in the air.

Thugs exchanged hateful, fearful glances.

Wary looks revealed their readiness to flee or strike.

Jacky, flanked by Kadu and Ben, walked towards the bar, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Noticing the tension, he subtly signaled his duo, cautioning them to stand down. Kadu and Ben silently relaxed, concealing their apprehension.

Jacky assessed the situation, recognizing the suicidal risk of attacking them part of the  heavily armed, bulletproof-clad security detail, protecting the high-profile VIP they saw earlier.

But he also recognized the gravity of their impending mission.

With a discreet gesture, Jacky altered their course, catching passersby and thugs off guard. Some breathed a sigh of relief, while others cast skeptical glances.

Undeterred, Jacky led Kadu and Ben into a nearby unisex hair salon. Customers and workers exchanged apprehensive, fearful looks, some even whispering lamentations.

As Jasmine, the receptionist, noticed Jacky's arrival, she swiftly excused herself and walked towards a door located at the rear of the salon. She knocked frantically.

"What is it, Jasmine? Can't you see I'm busy?" Anna's voice, firm and commanding, echoed from within.

Jasmine hesitated, "Sorry, ma'am,' Jasmine said hesitantly, 'but Jacky's here, waiting for you"

Anna's expression darkened, her frustration evident as she rolled her eyes, her expression visible to the group of youthful elites sitting down before her.

"Bear with me, I'll be right back," Anna said, dismissing the group with a swift gesture.

Jasmine opened the door, and Anna emerged, giving herself a moment to compose. She walked into the bustling salon, where stylists attended to high-end clients.

Anna scanned the room, her gaze locking onto Jacky and his entourage near the styling stations.

A calculated smile spread across her face as she approached.

"Jacky," she said, her voice dripping with authority.

Jacky bowed respectfully, acknowledging Anna's dominance.

A few minutes passed before a knock echoed through the room. Jacky, now dressed in a stylish outfit that made him look like a charming, young playboy, answered the door.

The receptionist began speaking, her expression neutral, as she relayed Madam Anna's instructions. Despite her growing unease, she struggled to maintain her composure.

However, as she spoke, her gaze drifted over Jacky's transformed appearance, and her eyes suddenly widened in surprise. Her cheeks flushed, and she fidgeted with her fingers.

Despite her obvious distraction, she managed to finish her message, though her voice trembled slightly.

As soon as she completed her task, she hastily retreated, beating a quick exit without waiting for a response.

Jacky's curiosity piqued, he raised an eyebrow as he watched her hasten away. He shook his head, a hint of amusement on his face.

Kadu's scornful look and Ben's amazed expression made Jacky grin.

"What?" Jacky asked, laughing amicably. "Seriously, guys, not funny."

But his smirk faltered as he caught the seductive glances from the young twenty-something fashion specialists. With madame help and Thiers he had been transformed into a stunning, androgynous figure, exuding confidence and charm.

Nonchalantly and discreetly, Jacky strapped on his pistol and discreetly surprisingly ( as his taken unawares) accepted a small paper from one of the specialists, who flashed him a captivating smile. Her colleagues cast jealous glances, while others offered thumbs-up and praise.

As Jacky, Kadu, and Ben exited the room and the saloon, the female workers and customers couldn't help but stare. Their transformation had turned heads.

Jacky and his duo emerged into the crowded streets, their presence igniting a mix of reactions:  Admiring glances from passersby to Lustful gazes from rebel girls,  seductive stares from edgy chicks, and flirtatious smiles from both promiscuous girls and city sirens. Drawn to Jacky's captivating charm, some sent thier provocative glances and subtle invitations his way.

His boyish charm and confident stride proved irresistible, mesmerizing the young ladies.

They arrived at the upscale bar, its sleek exterior and dimly lit entrance exuding luxury.  The exterior's modern modesty belied the luxurious ambiance within. They climbed the stairs, where elite clientele gathered, the soft hum of conversation and clinking glasses growing louder."

Upon entering, they captured the attention of the bartender, a poised young woman exuding authority. Her piercing gaze commanded respect, maintaining the bar's unusually calm atmosphere.

Jacky approached the bar shelf taking a stool where the bartender is mixing and dropping drinks as some girls and boys dressed in the bars uniform  ordered a drink with a nod. His duo followed, taking Thier seats in one of the bar tables.

The bartender's eyes narrowed, sizing them up. "What can I get you, gentlemen?"

Her tone was professional, but Jacky detected a hint of curiosity.

As Jacky and his duo sipped their drinks, their attention shifted to a young boy in his twenties. He sat confidently, flanked by two young girls in Thier twenties dressed in provocative attire, amidst his group of friends. The entire entourage exuded wealth and influence, their designer suits and gold jewelry hinting at family ties to powerful dynasties.

The boy's friends, seated with him, seemed equally entrenched in the luxurious lifestyle. Their arrogant demeanor and high-end accessories suggested more than just wealth – possibly ties to clandestine activities.

Surrounding the group's table, other bar tables were occupied by young boys in Thier twenties dressed similarly to the two ladies. Their attire and accessories indicated a connection to the boy's inner circle, perhaps even protection.

The boy's expensive watch and tailored suit screamed wealth and influence. His authoritative air and calculating gaze commanded respect. His friends, too, carried themselves with confidence, their body language asserting dominance.

Jacky noticed the boy's bold gesture, hugging the two young ladies despite their formidable demeanor, hinting at a deeper connection. His hands resting on their shoulders seemed to assert protection, not just over the ladies but also his friends.

The gang members, likely loyal to the boy's family, guarded the entire entourage. Jacky sensed that this group was more than met the eye, possibly Thier parents key players in the underworld of Spero. Even the boy maybe the son of Frankie Hier to Frankie's gang the Mystyrattle

Their actions whispered secrets, and their surroundings screamed caution. Jacky's mission to infiltrate the underworld had led him to this influential group, and he knew he had found his target.