Fangs

Tabitha Jones sat across my desk, glaring at me with tear-stained eyes. She had cried for the past hour as her husband, Daniel, paced across my office, pleading for me to take their case. Unfortunately, I didn't have much to go on.
I didn't want to say no, as Daniel and Tabitha were obscenely wealthy, and I needed the cash. I needed any business, and since everyone was a private investigator, it made my job rough. It also raised my rates because of my type of business. Supernatural cases were my thing, and the Jones insisted I take on their case.
"Mr. Hawkes, vampires have kidnapped our daughter," said Daniel.
I sat back and exhaled slowly. The man expected me to believe him. I did, but it didn't mean I would show it. I had to have some skepticism.
"I can't just go out and look for vampires," I said.
But the Jones were adamant about me taking on their case and would not take no for an answer. Reluctantly, I agreed to take on the case and started my investigation.
My first step was to research any unusual activity in the area in which their daughter had disappeared. That would involve scouring newspaper archives and police reports and interviewing locals who might have seen something suspicious. There had been several strange occurrences in the area, including disappearances and sightings of people with unusual abilities.
That was a normal thing in my business. I glanced at Daniel. He was an older man, probably in late middle age, receding hairline and an attitude that he expected others to listen to him. His dull yellow polo and khakis did nothing to hide the years of bad eating; prayer kept his belt together.
Tabitha was beautiful. She had perfectly applied makeup, blonde hair with no signs of graying, and a lithe figure showing she worked out regularly.
She wore a simple pair of black slacks and a red blouse that brought out her green eyes, which she narrowed, expecting me to deny the case. How a man like Daniel married her was beyond me, and it could've been the money, but love is blind.
They were desperate parents looking for their missing daughter. Since this was a big city, there were a lot of places for a twenty-five-year-old woman to get into trouble. Add in vampires, and this case got heavier.
"Please, Mr. Hawkes, find our little girl," said Tabitha, sliding over a photo of their daughter.
Gwen Jones was a striking image of her mother, Tabitha. This posed quite a problem with kidnappings, and this may have become something more in line with human trafficking. Vampires had their hands in everything.
"Okay, I'll take the case. I can check out a vampire club called Fangs, and I'll start there," I said.
Tabitha smiled, and Daniel nodded, his hands on her shoulders. "Thank you, Mr. Hawkes."
"I'll do what I can. Leave the money with Jenna, my secretary, and sign the contracts. I'm going to leave now to get to the club in time," I said, standing.
I motioned for the door and followed them out of my office. "Jenna will take care of things from here."
I excused myself and left them with Jenna. I needed to get ready, and all my equipment was in my car. My Glock rested on a strap on my right side.
Hopefully, jeans and a black button-up shirt would get me into the club. Fangs had a strict dress code and clientele, and I'd stand out like a sore thumb, but I wouldn't have fun or donate blood.
I knew the club well; it was a private establishment catered only to vampires and their ilk. I had gone there several times on other cases but never attempted to infiltrate the club. This time, however, I would have to try.
Armed with my knowledge of the supernatural and some false credentials from a contact in the occult community, I headed to Fangs. As expected, it was heavily guarded by prominent security men who seemed all too aware of everyone's intentions for being there. After showing my credentials at the door and flashing a generous amount of cash, The bouncer allowed me into the club.
The interior was dark and filled with smoke, creating an almost haunting atmosphere. Shadowy figures moved around in dimly lit corners as the music thumped loudly through speakers along the walls. Groups were conversing quietly while others danced on the small dance floor in front of a live band playing vampire-themed songs.
Walking through the club, I noticed several patrons looking over at me. They knew I didn't belong there and were trying to size me up. Keeping my head down and quiet, I walked to the bar and ordered something strong to numb the fear of being discovered as an infiltrator.
I sipped my drink slowly while scanning the room for anyone who might know something about Gwen Jones or her disappearance. After an hour of searching, I was about to give up hope when a figure stepped out from the shadows and approached me. He had a long, lean frame and wore a long-sleeved black shirt and trousers. His skin was an ashen white, and his eyes almost glinted in the club's dim lighting. He wore no jewelry or adornments but had a slight air of mystery around him. His movements were smooth and deliberate, like he was used to being in control. He had an aura of power that made other patrons wary of him.
He had an angular face and a long, thin nose. His eyes were completely black, casting a sinister shadow over his face. His black clothing fit him snugly and clashed against the pale color of his skin, making his appearance even more unnerving. He moved gracefully yet deliberately like a predator waiting to pounce on its prey.
"Braden Hawkes, I presume?" He asked.
For once, I was stunned into silence. I didn't realize I was popular, but this wasn't my first time here. I took another sip of my drink to steady my nerves even more.
"Yeah, and you are?" I asked.
"Victor."
"Just Victor?"
"For now, yes. I know you're kind, and I'm curious about what you plan on finding here," he said.
"I'm looking for a missing person. Perhaps you can help, Victor," I said.
"I can, for a favor, of course. Nothing in this world is free, Braden."
It seems we were on a first-name basis. Friends forever, right?
"Alright, so what do you have in mind?" I asked.
Victor gave me a sly smile and motioned for me to follow him. He led me to a private booth at the back of the club, away from prying eyes. We both took a seat, and he explained.
"I have certain contacts that will offer me the information you need to find your missing woman, Braden," said Victor lounging and smiling like the Cheshire Cat.
"What are your conditions, Victor? I don't have much time," I said, leaning forward and trying to look intimidating.
"Don't worry. My terms and conditions are easy to fill. A man of your talents will find it easy. Tell me more about this missing woman."
We spoke for about an hour, Victor listening intently and asking me more questions. I explained to him as much as possible, using all the details I had collected during my investigation. Finally, having heard all he needed, Victor leaned back and sighed.
"You're looking for Gwen Jones," he said finally.
I nodded in confirmation. "Yes, do you know her?"
Victor nodded and smiled faintly before speaking again.
"I have seen her many times here at the club. She is a beautiful woman with a mysterious air that attracts people from all walks of life." He paused for a moment before continuing. "From what I know of her, she lives alone, and few people see her publicly."
He paused again, and I could sense he was holding back a bit of information.
"What else do you know?" I asked, more subtly this time. He seemed to pick up on my tone and continued.
"It seems she loves the attention from vampires. So much so that she has left the club a few times with a vampire in tow." He said this without emotion, as if he were stating facts. But his words sent a chill down my spine. If Gwen Jones was in league with vampires, her safety was surely at risk. She could have gone home with the wrong one, and who knows what terrors awaited her beyond those dark doors?
"Do you know any more about her involvement with vampires?" I asked.
Victor's face softened, and he gave me a knowing look.
"That, my friend, is a story all its own."
I swallowed hard, feeling my heart pounding in my chest. Victor had dealings with Gwen personally, which wasn't pleasant. I knew I had to tread carefully here to sort this mystery out.
"Do you mind if I ask what dealings you've had with her?"
Victor hesitated for a moment before shaking his head slowly.
"No, I'm afraid not," he said, his voice low and serious. "And if there is any involvement between Gwen and us, it is best to keep such matters quiet."
I nodded in understanding and thanked him for his help. Victor clarified he wanted no further discussion, and I agreed to respect his wishes. As my search continued, I couldn't help but worry about Victor's involvement with Gwen Jones. Still, there was nothing more I could do to get more information from him, so I had no choice but to leave it alone.
"Braden, it seems our time is growing short. Now, about my favor?" Asked Victor.
He stared off into the crowd in the club, leaving me alone for a few minutes to ponder the question. I needed to find Gwen, but dealing with a vampire nauseated me.
"How do I know I can trust you?" I asked.
"You don't," he said, pulling out a knife. "I will make a blood oath stronger than any contract."
Vampires using the blood oath were rare. For a vampire to use it, especially with the living, was rare. It also was a dangerous thing to be on the receiving end of. I couldn't take this lightly.
"No need. I could never repay such an oath. What is your favor? Then I'll decide," I said, holding my hand to stop him from cutting his arm to start the oath.
"Very well, Mr. Hawkes."
Great, now we were all about business. Not sure if I preferred potential friends or this, and either way, I was the one getting fucked and not in a fun porny way. Such is life.
"My favor is that I want you to track down another vampire causing trouble in our community. It's been said he's sly, easily blending in and out of crowds throughout the city. He's also known for his quickness and agility, making it difficult to catch him by surprise. I was hoping you could find him and ensure that he stops his activities, and I wouldn't want him to put any more innocent lives at risk."
Victor looked me deep in the eyes as if trying to see my soul. I felt a sudden chill run up my spine as a wave of fear rushed over me. Victor was not one to be taken lightly, and this mission seemed almost impossible. Still, something inside me wanted to prove myself worthy of such an important task.
When I first started learning about vampires, I read many stories of hunters taking them down. Which was a great read considering a vampire's superior strength, speed, and agility. Now I was making a deal with a powerful vamp who wanted me to muscle down one of his kind.
"What is this vampire's name?" I asked.
"Jonathan," said Victor, clasping his hands together.
"Jonathan doesn't sound like the name of a worrisome vamp to me," I said.
"Names are deceiving, as are most of my kind, Mr. Hawkes. This one isn't to be trifled with, and I recommend caution."
"Do you want him brought in alive or in a jar?"
By jar, I referred to slaying him and putting the dead vampire's ashes in a jar before delivering it to Victor. When vampires died, they always returned to ash or dust. From ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Ironic.
It was necessary to do the job, and I had no choice because of my limited time. A missing woman kidnapped by vampires wasn't to be taken lightly. What can I do but move forward?
"Alive is preferable," said Victor, smiling wickedly. "He holds a lot of value to me, and it would be in our best interest that he survives the return to Fangs."
I shivered slightly at the perceived threat. "Why can't you get him yourself?"
"He's learned to avoid us and has amassed his own group, which prevents us from going after him ourselves."
"He won't expect a human like me, and that's why you're using me to do the job," I said.
"Of course. Neither one of us is under any pretenses about each other's motivations. If you wish, I can lie and reassure you," he said.
"No, thank you."
"Good. I must leave, as others need my presence elsewhere. I'll be waiting for your successful return."
I nodded as Victor rose and walked into the crowd on the dance floor before disappearing. Music thrummed in my ears again, and it took me a moment before I realized Victor controlled the sound in the booth. Fuck, how powerful was he?
I had no time to lose. I grabbed my jacket and sword, ready to hunt down Jonathan, the vampire. Though he may not have taken Gwen, his life became the payment for the information I needed to find her.
My heart raced as I thought of the danger she was in. She was just a young woman alone in the hands of a powerful monster or more. All I wanted was to find her safe and unharmed, but I knew it wouldn't be easy.
Hanging with vampires ended in either death or becoming one. This type of relationship never had happy endings, and it wasn't like the movies. Unless you count this as a disaster movie where people die.
With a heavy heart, I approached a goth club on the east side of town. Then, I felt dread filling my body as if an unseen force were warning me of the coming danger.
It may have been nerves and nothing supernatural, but this night had already proven interesting. But there was no other option; I had to do this for Gwen's sake.
Synthetica was the local goth club. EDM music blasted through the club as blacklight illuminated my way to the main part of the club. It was here I expected to find Jonathan.
Most vampires didn't do the sport's bar life, and they stuck to stereotypes, and a goth club was the perfect place for a new vamp trying to build his street cred. I scanned the crowd as I walked around the dance floor.
My senses stretched out across the club. Dancers moved in a bizarre string of movements that I guessed was cyber-dancing, and it was one of the many things unique to the goth subculture.
As I passed others, their stares bore down on me. In this place, I was severely underdressed. No makeup, black clothes, nothing to signify I grew up on the Cure, Poe, or Stoker.
I was a normie in a goth world. No one would judge, but they'd still stare. I didn't mind, as it would help me find Jonathan. If anything, my being normal would draw him to me.
I was right. Within moments, I saw one particular vamp watching. For most people, vampires blend in and appear entirely usual, and I had this sixth sense for detecting paranormal things.
There were times it was subtle and others when it was a beacon. This time I shivered at the stare. My alarm is at a five, not ten, but it could get there. I hit the safety on my gun in case I need to use it.
Guns were like condoms, and it's better to have one and not need it than not have one and need it. I had no plans of banging a vamp, but I'd shoot one if needed. Self-preservation was a thing.
Jonathan sat at a table in the corner, surrounded by other vampires. He glared at me while chatting with the others when I approached him. He raised an eyebrow in admiration at my audacity in approaching his table. Go me.
"Jonathan," I said, my voice carrying across the table. Everyone stopped chatting and looked in my direction.
My hands tightened on my gun with anticipation as I faced him down. I could feel his power wash over me like a cold fog, and it nearly brought me to my knees, but I stood firm. No wonder Victor wanted him back. Jonathan wasn't a regular vamp, and he had power rivaling Victor.
Jonathan's gaze burned into mine as if trying to read what I had come for. After a few moments of intense silence between us, he finally spoke up.
"What do you want from me?" He asked with annoyance. It seemed practiced, like others have asked him this question before and often.
I took a deep breath and steeled myself against the fear that wanted to surface as Jonathan's eyes bore into mine with something like anticipation.
"I'm here to return you to Fangs. Victor is insistent that you return," I said.
"I'm not going back." The other vamps laughed.
The others were weak as no power emanated from them. They were fresh from the coffin or would never grow in their vampirism. What use was being a vamp if no power came with it?
I tapped my gun to let him know there was no room for negotiation. His lips spread from ear to ear. I'd swear he'd push the subject or even rush me if I didn't know any better. When it came down to it, I'd prefer the former.
"How dare you threaten me," he said.
"That's not a threat but a promise. I can take you back to Fangs in silver or in a jar. The choice is yours," I said, gripping my gun. "Don't think your lackeys can help you. They have no power and never will."
Jonathan frowned. "Who are you? No human can tell that sort of thing."
"I'm Braden Hawkes, private investigator, and I have a special knack for this sorta thing. I can assure you that I'm very much human."
"I can kill you easily."
"You could try, but doing so would make your life forfeit. You don't have the rights I do. In case you forgot, we tolerate your kind. You don't want to underestimate me, Jonathan," I said.
Jonathan stretched and yawned, which was quite human-like. Vamps didn't need air, so I wondered if the yawn was for show or habit. He glanced around and smiled.
"This is my home now," he said.
"Nothing lasts forever."
"Do you know how old Victor is, Mr. Hawkes?"
"Nope, and I don't want to know. I need info from him, and you're my payment," I said, leaning against the table.
"A case? If I'm guessing, it's a missing person?"
"Yes, how'd you know?"
He leaned forward, and he became stoic. "Victor is my sire, so I hear what he hears."
I stood straight, not believing what he said. Fucking vamps and their kids. The last thing I wanted to get involved with was vampires, let alone the vampire business. I may need to rethink my business plan.
"What? He's on the other side of town," I said.
"Yep, and you led him directly to me," he said before glancing up and then passed me. "Hello, Victor, long time no see."
I was about to interject when Victor stepped forward and smiled. He had a way of disarming you that made you forget the danger he posed. I almost let my guard down until Jonathan's menacing gaze returned me to reality.
"Jonathan, it's been too long, my friend," Victor said as he embraced the vampire before us.
I looked around the room and then back at Victor with some hesitation before finally responding, "Well, I suppose if there is anything that you need, I'm more than willing to do whatever is required to help."
Victor nodded in agreement and was stunned by Victor's sudden show of respect and kindness towards Jonathan but said nothing. Interrupting an elder vampire, especially one so powerful as Victor, seemed unwise.
Victor glanced around and then back at Jonathan with a smile that softened his features. "You have done well in your time away."
Jonathan nodded before looking over at me with a smirk on his face. "I must thank Mr. Hawkes here for tracking me down."
Victor smiled in my direction before turning back towards Jonathan and nodded slightly, acknowledging his words.
"Indeed, we do owe Mr. Hawkes a debt of gratitude for his efforts, and I would like to use my resources to pay it back," he said before turning his gaze to me.
I felt a chill run down my spine at the proposition. The way he said it sent chills down my spine. I knew I'd get the information, but I strongly felt this hunting down Jonathan was more of a ruse. I returned Victor's gaze with a noncommittal expression, refusing to give away any sign of what I was thinking or feeling.
Victor smiled again, this time with more warmth, if that was even possible for a vamp. "Now, the information you need. The only reason I give to you is as it benefits me."
"Whatever helps you sleep during the day, Victor," I said, my hand still resting on my Glock.
I didn't trust him at all. The fact he used me to find Jonathan, though he knew where he was, triggered me. If I didn't know better, I'd say Victor would knock on my door in the future. The thought did nothing to calm my nerves.
Victor smirked and then nodded his head. "I suppose you have a point. The group responsible for the kidnapping is new and dangerous. They have been operating in the city for the past few months. They call themselves 'The New Dawn,' and their leader is Mason." Victor paused momentarily before continuing, "Mason is an ambitious individual who seeks to take control of the criminal underworld in this city. He has gathered many followers, mostly criminals, and thugs who will do his bidding without question."
Victor's gaze hardened as he finished speaking. He didn't like Mason or his organization, though it was unclear why. After a few moments of silence, Victor finally spoke again. "If you wish to find Gwen, they'd have her."
"Where can I find her?" I asked.
"Mason owns a large mansion on the north end of town. Here's his address."
I grabbed the paper. "What a coincidence you have this."
"Not really. I've been watching him for a while now."
"Any ideas on security there?" I asked.
"Let's just say he has a formidable amount of followers that are part of his coven. It's the size of mine if you must know," he said.
I shrugged. "I don't know how big that is, but anything you can tell me?"
"Not unless you want to owe me a favor, Mr. Hawkes."
"I'll pass. I'll leave you to your family business."
"Good luck, Braden Hawkes. I look forward to seeing your face again, said Victor.
Great, now we're friends again.
I stared at the address in my hand and sighed. This was going to be a tougher mission than I thought. Mason had surrounded himself with an army of powerful vampires, and sneaking into his mansion would not be a walk in the park. I knew I had to devise a plan to get past security and into the estate without being detected.
I discovered Mason had employed a combination of vampire guards and highly trained humans to act as sentries around the perimeter of his property. It seemed he took great care in ensuring that no one could breach the security surrounding him; this meant there would be no easy way around it.
I needed to get inside alerting no one, so I needed to pull a miracle out of my hat. Getting inside an average person's home was challenging enough. The worst-case scenario on that was getting shot by the homeowner.
This place was a different story. The undead walked the grounds armed with preternatural strength, heightened senses, and AR-15s. I had my Glock and razor-sharp wit I doubted would prove enough to get me inside.
"Fuck me sideways. Okay, Braden, enhance your calm and sneak inside. Easy."
I knew I had to be careful and methodical if I would get inside the mansion undetected. After a few hours of scouting, I located an old, unused service entrance in the back of the property that was far enough away from prying eyes and monitored security cameras.
The owner or security locked the door, but it didn't take me much effort to pick it open with my trusty lock-pick kit. Inside, I found myself in a small room filled with cleaning supplies and other miscellaneous items probably used by the servants whom Mason employed here.
I moved further into the mansion until I reached a grand marble staircase that led up to the second floor. As I climbed each step cautiously, my heart pounded in my chest. It felt as if each beat would give away my location at any moment and alert Mason's guards to my presence.
But thankfully, no alarm sounded as I reached the top and moved down a long hallway lined with old paintings. I looked at a few of them before realizing each work of art had the same subject.
A bald and pudgy individual with fangs dressed in finery from different eras. This must be Mason. He's older than I thought and a lot uglier, and I thought vampires were supposed to be pretty with six-pack abs.
Mason looked like he never took a walk in his life. At least before he turned. Once a human takes the vampiric embrace, they stay the same forever. This includes hair color, weight, skin tone, and all the above. Time freezes for their bodies.
If Mason is big in these paintings, it means he was that way before he drank his master's blood. I doubt his size prevented him from living his best bloodsucking life. Considering he amassed this mansion and the riches that came with it showed he was cunning and probably powerful.
I pressed on, following a long hallway that eventually led to a large circular room made of white marble. Veins of gold lined the stone, and a large metal altar stood in the center with a young woman chained.
Mason and a few others dressed in red robes were waiting for me. Evil emanated from them, and they looked ready to fight. Without hesitation, I drew my gun and went right into the action, firing at anything that even looked like it could hurt an innocent bystander or myself. The vampires retaliated with weapons resembling large halberds used in the dark ages. The symbol of a rising sun emblazoned their chests. They moved around the room like shadows to take me out of their picture.
I hit the first two and watched in satisfaction as they disintegrated into dust. Whatever I interrupted wasn't family fun time; it had the vibe and looked like a sacrifice. The power of the place ebbed and flowed, and my ability to detect came and went with this magical tide.
Gwen lay on the cold table crying, her arms and legs stretched out in chains. Two other vampires, along with the last red-robed one and Mason, entered the room. The one in the red robes and Mason held back as the other two charged toward me.
I was ready for them and dodged their swings, pivoting around their weapons until I found an opportunity to strike. I shot the first vampire in the heart, and his body became dust before it hit the floor.
The second one came at me from behind and attempted to grab my gun, but I shoved him away. Which surprised me as vamps were naturally tougher than humans.
With a deep breath, I aimed my gun at his head and fired, taking out the last of Mason's guards. Mason let out a roar that shook the entire mansion. Yep, this one's old as fuck.
Mason charged at me with such ferocity that I thought he would overpower me easily. He tossed me to the other side of the room. The impact of my body against the marble wall vibrated through the room. The hard thud of my body hitting the floor echoed like a drumbeat. The Glock slid across the marble, creating a grating and sharp scraping sound like nails on a chalkboard.
I had enough time to get up and grab one halberd as Mason ran toward me. He knocked me against the altar in a blur of motion, and I staggered as I stood, my vision blurry.
Mason stood on one side of the room. His facial expression was unreadable in my sight. He moved toward me again, and I raised the halberd in time to pierce Mason in his side.
I moved away from Mason and grabbed my gun. He staggered away with a wicked smile on his face. Blood poured from his mouth. The pierced side wouldn't kill him but would piss him off.
"Who are you?"
"I'm only here for Gwen, nothing more," I said, waving my gun at the remained red-robed vampire. "Over there with your master."
Staggering over to Gwen, I unchained her. She latched on to me in terror. It would be a bitch to get out of here, and I may have to shoot my way out.
"I won't ask again. Who are you?"
"Braden Hawkes, private investigator. I was hired by Gwen's parents to find and bring her home," I said.
"Very well. You have three minutes to get out of here, or you're both dead," Mason said, spitting blood on the floor.
Three minutes doesn't seem long until you're running for your life. Then it feels like forever.
I grabbed Gwen's arm and pulled her to safety without a second thought. We ran out of the room and down the hall, dodging a few vampires. Mason's laugh echoed behind us as we ran, but I didn't look back.
I dashed through the house, my feet pounding on the marble floors. My heart raced as I desperately searched for an exit. Finally, I stumbled upon a grand staircase leading us straight to the mansion's main entrance.
Opening one of the enormous oak doors. I pushed it open wide enough for Gwen and me to fit through it. The chilly night air hit me like a wave of relief, and both of us had made it free, and it felt good.
The door slammed shut behind us with a loud thud, and I knew Mason wouldn't be following soon. The halberd in his side prevented that, but I doubt it'd keep him busy. There were other knights, and he knew who I was.
We had made it out alive. I had Gwen safely tucked under my arm as we sprinted towards freedom away from this dark, dreadful place that houses Mason, the master vampire, and his New Dawn cult.
With Gwen in tow, I quickly contacted her parents to let them know she was safe. Her father had hired me to find his missing daughter, and I delivered, but it wasn't normal this time, and it was something much more sinister and dark.
Gwen's family was relieved to hear of her safety and thankful for my courage and determination throughout the mission. I hadn't expected such a dangerous adventure when her father first approached me about the job. Still, we were successful. Now Gwen can reunite with her family, safe from any harm.
It left me with one thought. What else is out there?
My eyes traveled towards the horizon, a looming city skyline silhouette. It was a reminder that this battle against supernatural forces wasn't over yet. In fact, it had only just begun. I knew my fight against darkness was far from over, and I would soon be called upon again to help protect others like Gwen. I guess I can add a superhero to the list of professional skills.
I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by what lay ahead of me. Finding a missing person got me tied up in a lot of vampire drama. Victor had a lot of power in him, and so did Jonathan, but Mason was a different sort.
His power came from something older, and the ritual I interrupted proved there was some nasty shit going on at the mansion. The New Dawn was a cult but more than likely had more power than I realized.
The night shifted around me, and an eerie chill suddenly ran through my veins like ice water. The hairs on my arms stood, and it was then that I knew I wasn't alone in the dark night air.
"Good evening, Braden," said Victor standing next to me out of nowhere.
I jumped a bit at his presence. One minute he wasn't there, and now he was. Dealing with vamps made me nauseous. Most people won't ever deal with one their whole life, and I made up for that in one night for a few lifetimes.
"Victor, what do you want?" I asked.
"I need your services. Price isn't a problem."
I knew I should drive away, but I needed the money. Fuck... this is going to hurt.
~ the end

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