Page 78 of Empire of Carnage
It was totally empty.
I took off my coat, removing the bullet proof vest and dropping it to the ground.
Sorry boys.
Change of plans.
I unzipped my dress from the side and stepped out of it, folding it neatly and shoving it into a corner with the vest knowing damn well that ifanythingwent right tonight, the chances of me making it back here to collect my belongings were slim.
Charged it to the game.
A worthwhile offering in exchange for Sokolov’s blood.
I took one last look in the mirror, fluffing up my heavy hair and wiping stray lipstick from the corner of my mouth. I was in that same matching black lingerie that all the girls in this building were wearing, well at least something close enough that no man would be able to tell the difference.
I patted the outside of my boot, feeling for the knife I’d hidden inside. I didn’t need a gun for this. I would have to do it from up close. I always knew that I would have to, and in a way, I needed that. Now I just needed to get to the boss man.
I slipped my hand into my bra, feeling for the tiny zip lock bag that contained my secret weapon for tonight. I took a deep breath and sent a silent prayer to Santisima. I walked out of the bathroom, turning back into the hallway and headed towards the stage when a cocktail waitress passed by me with a single drink on her tray.
“Is that for the boss?” I stuck my arm out in front of her and she looked at me with an anxious and hesitant expression.
“He said you were taking too long, asked me to come get it for him myself. Probably better you don’t bother him right now unless—”
“No, take it!” She pushed the circular tray towards me, and I nodded, giving a sympathetic smile while she headed back towards the main area with the stage.
I rushed down the hallway, unsure which one of the doors would be Sokolov’s but knowing I had a limited amount of time to find him. I pulled the baggy from my tit-pocket and opened it up, pouring the powder into the drink and stirring it with my finger until it dissolved into the vodka clear liquid once again.
Alright. Deep breath, he’s just a man. All men can be killed, that’s the one thing they all have in common. I picked the door all the way at the end of the hall, knowing it would be easier to go back the way I came if someone caught me.
But fate was good to me now.
After all, the bitch knew she owed me for a lifetime of pain.
He sat in his leather chair behind a desk, as if he were doing the most important work in this ever elite establishment. He was busy on his phone, not bothering to look up as I set the heavy glass in front of him.
“Your drink,” I said, turning around and reaching for the door handle.
“You’re new,” he said, making me question whether it was a statement or if he was waiting for me to confirm.
Was he so well involved in his business that he would know every bar girl walking around here in his cheap underwear he bought by the masses? Would he recognize my face when I turned around? Would he remember me?
“Y-yes,” I answered nervously, turning around and smiling through pressed lips.
“All the new girls have to give me a dance. You haven’t given me one yet.” He licked his lips, staring me up and down as he put his phone on the desk.
Just drink the fucking vodka pendejo.
“W-well, I’m working,” I blurted out hoping it would be enough to thwart any suspicion.
“You work forme,” he reminded me. “What’s your name?” he asked.
“Susan.” I smiled, remembering his younger daughter’s name was similar and watching to see if there was any change in his expression.
Nothing.
“Dance, Susan. Remind me why I keep you well fed and paid.” He sat back into the chair, forcing it to recline a bit.
He turned up the volume of the small speaker that sat on the corner of his desk, the same early 2000s soft metal playing out on the main area crackled from it. I swayed my hips from side to side, walking towards him one foot at a time between sensual movements that went along with the beat. I ran my hands through my hair before dropping them down to my chest.
