by Hazel Parker
“Okay. Look, I understand what you’re saying and that sounds terrible, really it does, but it doesn’t matter anyway. Alex would never do something like what that Jay dude did to you. Alex probably wants to go to another club, not some weird sex club.”
How she could come to that conclusion, seeing as she’d just met Alex, I couldn’t figure out. Either she was delusional or she still didn’t believe what I was saying was true, but she didn’t know a thing about Alex.
“Sarah, you just met Alex. You have to look out for yourself. You can’t trust him to do that.” I found my throat tightening up just thinking about the same thing that happened to me happening to Sarah. “Please, Sarah, just be careful. Don’t go back there.”
My voice cracked a little, making clear how I felt about it.
“Okay,” she said, sighing deeply as she plugged in her flat iron.
“So you believe me now?”
She hesitated and then shocked me by pulling me into a tight hug.
“Yes. I believe you,” she said, rubbing my back briefly before pulling away. “I believe you and I’ll tell Alex to be careful.”
“Thank you,” I said, surprised at how relieved I felt.
“If you want, I can stay home and watch movies and veg out with you guys. If it’ll make you feel more comfortable, I can reschedule with Alex.”
It was touching that she’d even offer to do that.
“No. You go out. You like to party. You don’t have to change yourself for the couch lumps,” I said, using the nickname she used for Jo and I sometimes. “I’m not asking you to be an introvert. Just be safe. Stay away from that club.”
“Alright. I will,” Sarah agreed and kissed me on the cheek. “Trust me, I’ll call you if I need anything.”
This time she looked and sounded more believable.
“Good. That’s what friends are for. I’m going to eat some pizza now.”
“Good,” she said, using her flat iron to straighten her already straight hair. “I ordered your favorite. Jo’s side is triple vegetables and your side is pepperoni and bacon.”
“You’re the best,” I yelled over my shoulder as I made my way to the kitchen.
The pizza was delicious and after eating about three slices, Jo suggested we make popcorn and watch movies.
Jo got me to watch the art movies I missed out on Saturday. And although I already had my inspiration, we still watched Bob Ross reruns. There was something incredibly soothing about his voice and I loved his approach to mistakes: “We don’t make mistakes, we just have happy accidents.”
“This was such a good idea,” Jo said, reaching over for more popcorn. “The only thing that can make it better is some wine.”
“Girl, you ain’t lying. We won’t always be broke college students,” I said, standing to get a refill of lemonade.
“I hope Sarah is having fun,” she said as I came back in with my glass.
“I was thinking the same thing. I hope she’s safe.”
“You think she’s not?”
“I don’t know. I just have a bad feeling about it. I have the sinking feeling she went back to Blue Nights.”
I could only imagine how terrible her night would be if she went back to that place, especially if Alex decided he wanted to drag her up those stairs.
“Of course you do. It’s Sarah we’re talking about. She probably didn’t go anywhere else.”
I owed it to my friend to check on her. And if I were being honest, I wanted to go back myself, if only to get a chance to see my mysterious savior and lover again.
“You’re so right,” I said, sighing. I sat thinking about it and decided there was no other choice. “I’m going to check on her.”
I stood to get dressed.
“Of course you are,” Jo said, wrapping herself tighter into the covers I’d discarded.
“I won’t be gone long. I’m just going to see if Sarah’s there, discourage her from going to the second level for any reason and then come home.”
I stood in front of my closet, thinking too hard about what to wear. I wanted to appear casual. I might need to save someone or run. Pants were the best option for that.
I put on my tightest black jeans and marveled at the way they held my hips. Perfect bait for the man I was trying to catch as well as practical just in case some shit went down. I threw tops out of my drawer onto the bed in quick succession. I didn’t have any idea what I would wear, but I’d know it when I saw it.
No. No. No. No. Yes.
Yes to the silver tank top that glittered when I moved. This is the perfect way to make sure I was seen in a dark night club.
I couldn’t help the giddy feeling I felt as the taxi dropped me off in front of Blue Nights. I kept telling myself I was coming for Sarah, but Solomon was never far from my mind.
I knew Sarah too well to know that I couldn’t convince her to leave this place if she didn’t want to. I should just accept that she was a big girl and I’d already given her a warning. If she chose to ignore me, that would be beyond my control. In truth, I felt kind of ticked that she’d choose to believe a man she’d just met over me.
I stood in the street, not quite able to convince myself to go in. What if he wasn’t there? If Solomon wasn’t there and Jay or someone else grabbed me again, I’d have no one to blame but myself.
I waited a few minutes, away from the entrance. Paralyzing fear spread through my body like the chill of icy liquid. I clenched my fists and hesitantly took a step forward.
I could do this. I could go back inside there. I could feel my feet trembling in my flats. My legs twitched, fighting the impulse to whirl around and run all the way back home. But I wouldn’t do that. I couldn’t do that. I had to know that Sarah was okay and I had to know for sure if I’d lost my chance with Solomon.
Whoever he was, wherever he was, I had to know that I did everything I could to find him.
I took another step forward and could see the long line of people and the bouncer. The pizza and popcorn churned noisily in my stomach, betraying my nerves. I could not throw up in front of all these people especially when I was looking this cute.
“Alright, Jen,” I told myself. “Go in, check for Sarah and then leave.”
Sounded simple enough.
I entered the familiar lounge and looked around. Sarah was taller than me and I knew she couldn’t be dressed inconspicuously.
Sure enough I found her draped over a man I assumed was Alex. I tapped her on the shoulder, not wanting to yell over the loud music.
“Sarah!”
“What the hell?” she said, unlatching herself from the guy. “Ugh. Really Jenny. You tell me not to come here and then you show up? Hypocrite much.”
“I’m not here to hang out. I’m here to get you. I was worried about you,” I said, leaning in so she could hear me over the music.
“Well, don’t. I’m fine. If that’s all you wanted to know you can go now.”
“But Sarah.”
“Girl! Who are you? My mother? You need to chill.”
The guy interrupted, sticking out his hand. “Hey. I’m Alex.”
Something about his smile was as creepy as Jay’s. I had to stop myself from flinching back.
“Hi,” I said, shaking it quickly. “Come on Sarah. Please leave with me.”
Alex interjected again. “You didn’t tell me your name.”
“Jenny.”
“Jenny,” he said, rolling it in his mouth. “I like it.”
I didn’t care.
Sarah, on the other hand, seemed jealous of Alex’s attention on me. “Jenny, you are really cramping my style.”
“Jenny,” Alex said, sliding his arm around my shoulder. “I was just about to show Sarah to the VIP. Would you like to join us?”
My heart raced in my chest. Absolutely not. “No, thank you.”
“Well, suit yourself,” he said, turning to Sarah. “Ready?”
“Yeah,” she said, smiling. “Look Jen. I’m going eithe
r way, babe.”
If I let her go by herself, I would never be able to rest thinking of all the bad things happening to her and how to stop them. If I went with her I was putting myself in even more danger, but we were better together. So, resigned, I tagged along as Alex walked us up the stairs and down the dark hallway. The music was quieted enough for my pants to be heard.
“What is with your girl?” Alex asked Sarah. “She’s freaking me out.”
I was practically hyperventilating which only pissed Sarah off.
“Jenny please. Will you calm down?” she said, her forehead creased with irritation.
I knew what was on the other sides of the doors even if Sarah didn’t and when he opened the door to a room full of equally confused, nervous, scared women, I knew we were stuck.
Alex looked back at me, smiling, though the smile never reached his eyes.
“The way you’re acting, you’d think you’ve been here before,” he said before pushing us into the room.
Sarah raised her eyebrows at him.
“Alex. What the fuck? This is does not look like a good time. I want to go home. Ugh. You totally overpromised. VIP looks like a bad porno. Take me home,” she said with her hands on her hips, still oblivious to the danger we were in.
I wanted to escape, but I couldn’t leave Sarah behind.
“You are home, sweetheart. Your new home is right here,” he said, caressing her cheek.
“With these drugged-out wannabe’s? I don’t think so.”
“You’re right where you belong.”
He smacked her face quickly, shocking any delusions she had from her.
“Now be a good girl and change into your new uniform,” he said gesturing to the hanging lingerie on the side of the room. “Talk to the other girls. They’ll catch you up to speed with what this job requires.”
“Alex! You fucker,” Sarah screamed, launching herself at Alex’s back.
He yanked her from behind and threw her on the floor before putting a gun to her skull. “If you do something that foolish again, I will make you regret it. Do you understand?”
Sarah stared up at him and nodded her head, her defiance quickly fading. When he left, Sarah looked at me and burst into tears.
I tried to warn her. Now we both would suffer the consequences.
Chapter 12
Solomon
They voted. They said yes. One last chance. I wasn’t going to waste it. I wasn’t going to mess up again.
I lay back on the bed, thinking. I had all I needed to complete the job, but this time it might not be as easy as it was before. I’d kicked that guy’s ass. Jay. Even though he deserved it, he and his friends might be looking for me. I imagined they wouldn’t let me just walk in like a welcomed guest without any repercussions.
I wasn’t hard to remember. I didn’t have one of those faces. And I was big as shit with a scar on my face that wasn’t going away.
The scar wasn’t one of those clear lines from surgery or a childhood mar that faded over time. It was broad and rough from a fight I’d had after school when a boy had called my mom a whore.
The boy had hit me with a brick, playing dirty since I’d been bigger and heavier, but I’d made it clear I wouldn’t tolerate having my mom called names. The injury had never been stitched or treated because my father didn’t pay for anything that wasn’t for himself. I’d bandaged it and iced it and it had stretched with time and aged like I did.
It didn’t matter. I knew what was in the club now. I didn’t need to go inside. I could wait it out. I would ride up and wait in the car. The plan was still in effect. Stake the club out, wait until everyone was out and then burn it to the ground. That was non-negotiable. I would watch until it was all in ashes, if not for that crazy ass sex ring they had upstairs, then for the way that jerk, Jay, had treated Jenny.
I set my alarm on my phone, ready to take a nap and put my churning thoughts to bed. Time was of the essence. I would trust myself as I had before. I would complete my mission, prove myself and become a Bandit. Then once I was secured in my brotherhood, I would pursue this thing with Jenny.
I had no idea what we had between us or if I’d like the road I was about to travel, but I’ll be damned if I wouldn’t find out. I wasn’t going to let the woman crowding my thoughts and dreams go. Not without a fight.
Night came. This time I parked near the front. I wasn’t hiding. I wasn’t going to go in, but I needed to see when the majority of people started coming out. Music played lightly as I watched the door. It was just loud enough to keep me distracted but low enough that no one could surprise me. I took a deep breath, prepared to wait all night, and relaxed into my seat.
My phone rang and I recognized the clubhouse number. “Talk to me.”
“Solomon.”
“Yeah, Prez?”
“You know someone named Jo?”
“No. Where would I know him from?”
“Not him. A girl. Kinda mousy. Brown-haired. Says she’s a friend of someone named Jenny.”
Jenny’s roommate? “She there? Put her on.”
“Hello?” said a small voice, obviously nervous.
“Jo, what the hell are you doing in my clubhouse? How did you know where to go in the first place?”
“I saw you leave our apartment last Saturday morning and I Googled the name I saw on the back of your vest.”
I cursed. “You know what? I don’t give a fuck why you’re there. You better take your ass home. Now. I don’t have time for this shit tonight.”
“But Jenny is in trouble.”
The words gripped my heart, and I knew I would leave this club standing again if saving Jenny meant going the opposite way. “What do you know?”
“Sarah went to Blue Nights even though Jenny told her not to and when Sarah didn’t answer any calls or texts, Jenny went after her.”
Her revelation made me see red. “Are you telling me Jenny went back to Blue Nights to save her stupid friend?”
Of course she did, even though this was probably the last place she ever wanted to see again. She was too sweet. She was willing to risk getting attacked again to help her friend. The friend, if I recalled correctly, who’d left her in the first place. I could only sigh.
“Yes,” Jo said, pleading. “I just know something bad had happened to them. Jenny told us what happened to her there last time. What if that guy took her again?”
“I’ll handle it,” I said. “Get my number from Gus and text me Jenny’s phone number.”
I hung up. Seconds later, my phone buzzed and I put Jenny’s number into my phone before calling.
It rang and rang before going to voicemail. “Hey, you’ve reached Jenny. I’m probably drawing or sleeping so leave a message and I’ll call you back soon.”
Then the tone.
“Jenny. It’s me. Don’t you worry, baby. I’m coming for you and whoever has you is going to wish they had left you alone,” I growled before snapping the phone shut.
With my mind clear and my promise resolute, I braved the front door. What would they do to me? Jump me? Not likely with the club as full of people as it was—even on a Sunday. I repeated the same steps I’d done the night before. Overpaid the bouncer. Walked in and looked around. Same set up, different night.
I headed straight for the stairwell and the guy met me in the bottom step again.
“I need more than one,” I said looking up the stairs and not at him.
“It’ll cost you.”
“Prices are for men on a budget. I want my choice of women. Now.”
What if they weren’t up there? What if they were already taken and forced to be with customers? I didn’t have time to formulate an answer before the man brought me into a small gallery-like room.
“Please sit,” he said, gesturing to a high chair fit for a king.
In front of me was a stage and women half-naked and walking in a line entered from the side. My fists clenched at my sides when I saw Jenny and, considering how tightly she
was holding the blond woman’s hand beside her, I assumed that was Sarah.
“Those two,” I said, staring at Jenny, willing her to pretend she didn’t know me.
A man from offstage moved forward to grab them.
“No!” Sarah cried. Her shoulders shook, causing her tiny bikini to almost slip. “I can’t do it. Please.”
Jenny consoled her and whispered something in her ear. After rubbing her shoulders a few times, she nodded, allowing herself to be pulled by another man.
“Right this way, sir,” the wannabe butler said, gesturing down the too familiar hall. “What can I get you to drink?”
“Nothing,” I said, standing in the empty bedroom. “The women are all I need.”
“Absolutely.” He bowed his head and stepped aside as Jenny and Sarah were pushed through the doorway.
The man who led them clicked the lock from the inside and then closed the door. “Have a good night.”
Jenny, who had stood still until we were alone, ran forward and threw her arms around me.
“Oh, Solomon.”
I sunk into her warmth, squeezed a fraction tighter, as every muscle in her body lost its tension. Sarah stood by the door, no longer crying but watching us.
“You weren’t kidding,” she stated, her voice devoid of emotion. “I almost got kidnapped into sex trafficking.”
“But you’re okay now,” Jenny said, pulling away. “Solomon is going to help us get out of here.”
Her confidence in me was gratifying. “You’re damn right. We’re getting out of here.”
She was chewing that lip again. My hands touched her face, caressed her cheeks softly before I kissed her hard. She moaned, wrapping her arms around me and pulling me closer.
I pulled away before I took things much further than they should go in front of her friend, and in light of the situation. “I’m going to handle it.”
“I want to help the other girls, but I don’t want you to get hurt.”
I squeezed her shoulders in assurance. “Jenny. Trust me. I can handle this.”
Her eyes searched mine and, satisfied, she nodded. “Okay.”
“Now. How to get you past the security guard? I need you two to play the part. Look neutral, not too happy and not too sad. Hold each other’s hands and do not let go for any reason until we get out of this club. Do you understand me?” I looked pointedly at Sarah.
