ANOTHER PROBLEM

I hid in an abandoned construction site a few streets away.

The building was stopped two weeks ago when the owner of the company suddenly died.

I huddled in a corner feeling afraid and remorseful.

I had placed a call to the police when I came out of my mother's room.

I was hoping that the rescue team would send him to the hospital.

However, when I sneaked out this afternoon to gather news about him, I heard people saying they found him dead.

The police had cordoned off our house.

No matter what, he didn't deserve to die.

He was a good father till my mom died.

I ate the raw sausage I had grabbed, tasting my tears on them.

The police are tirelessly searching for me.

Wanted posters were already distributed around the neighborhood.

I was trapped in here, it's only a matter of time before the search reaches this building.

I felt someone watching me.

I can swear it's my step father's ghost.

I looked around fearfully.

Is he coming here to get me for killing him?

I carried my backpack and rushed into a more hidden corner, shoving myself at the edge of the wall where I could see anyone trying to get in.

I felt someone choking me, I was being beaten mercilessly.

People were throwing eggs at me and spitting at me as the police dragged me away.

"Ungrateful idiot! Her step father had been nothing but good to her, but all she could do was reward him with death for his efforts. She doesn't deserve any mercy. She's a hardened criminal! If she could kill her step father, she can kill us too! She should rot in hell where demons like her belong!" A fat woman shouted, shaking with anger as her fist flew towards my face.

The policeman beside me blocked her blow and dragged me, handcuffed to the black maria.

They pushed me in mercilessly and I fell against the jarred edge of the truck.

The police cars surrounded the black maria and whisked me off.

I was thrown into the jail cell.

I turned around, fearfully looking at the inmates.

They rushed me and began to pummel me.

"That you Arianna Fraser have been found guilty of murder. You are hereby sentenced to death by hanging!" The female judge who looked like my mother announced.

My heart sank at her declaration.

I'm gonna be shot dead at nineteen?

I woke up with a start, gasping as I looked around.

My body was drenched with sweat.

I quickly looked around.

I was still in the building

"Oh thank God. It was just a nightmare" I whispered gratefully.

I quickly stood up and changed my clothes.

I wore a hoodie and looked around.

It was already dark.

I brought out a few grands from my stack of dollars and shoved them into my trouser pocket.

I packed the rest securely, covering them with clothes to ensure it won't get stolen.

I packed my snacks into the outer layer and sighed.

I broke my sim card. I had switched off my phone since yesterday. 

However, I still felt afraid.

I felt that it was not enough.

No one will be able to reach me now.

I took a deep breath and carried my backpack, looking around to ensure I didn't leave any evidence.

I sneaked out of the construction site, melding with the crowd.

It was already night time.

I passed by a few food stalls.

I felt hungry but I also knew I couldn't stop.

The police were still patrolling about.

I need to reach a bus station as fast as I can.

I can't remain in San Francisco within the next 24 hours. 

My picture would be splattered all over the local newspapers.

By then, disappearing silently will be almost impossible.

I yawned, my stomach rumbling.

It was what I deserved for committing murder.

Hunger was the least of my problems right now.

I just want to stay alive and out of prison.

*****

LAS VEGAS; NOVEMBER 2023

Dirty music was blaring from the speakers, glorifying the beauty of sex.

I crinkled my nose as I watched the display being held on the dance floor.

A stripper was grinding against a masked man, in rhythm to the slow music.

Another stripper was giving the crowd of rich men sitting at various sofas a peek of her pu**y.

"One shot of tequila please and get my friends over there one glass of mocktail and a glass of cocktail" a roguish blonde ordered, unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt.

I looked at his hand. He was wearing a limited edition Patek phillipe watch.

I quickly mixed the drinks and gave my assistant the tray.

The place smelled of different exotic perfumes, cigarettes, and some other mixture I can't identify.

After escaping, I made my way to my maternal grandmother's place.

My mother was an only child, so I was basically her only close relative around. She was glad to have me. 

I found myself at Skylight.

The biggest resort that doubled as a hotel, casino, club and a location for dirty sex games.

It was the biggest and most luxurious hotel in the Strip, Las Vegas boulevard.

It was a seven star hotel which had different sections that served different purposes.

I was employed in august and after two months of hard work at the casino bar, they decided it's time to take me deeper into the gang.

I was transferred to the exclusive billionaire's club, two floors underground.

It was a place where the richest men in America gathered to unwind and indulge their dirty fantasies.

It was also the location of various shady deals.

It was the game big men play.

And my job is to tend the bar, hand in the cash, do anything I'm required to do, ensuring I'm blind, deaf and dumb while at it.

See but not talk, mind your business and you will live long.

Although most public figures that were members of this billionaire's club wear masks to come in, every worker was made to sign an NDA.

As if I care.

Just then my phone rang and I brought it out to answer, rushing into the soundproof room nearby.

I ran into a rich couple having a quickie and pretended not to see as I walked past them into the room.

It was the hospital.

My grandma had a heart attack on september. I rushed her to the hospital only to discover lots of complications.

I have literally spent all my money, yet it's not enough.

Starlight pays the highest salaries in Las Vegas, with generous bonuses.

Its' workers were basically paid enough for three people in other establishments.

Even more so for the likes of me working in the highly secret billionaire's club.

However, despite all the money I earn, it's still not enough.

I was sweating despite the air conditioner as I picked the call.

"Miss Arianna, you have deferred on your payment for far too long. And you need to come and deposit a hundred thousand dollars so that we can start the operation process. If this is delayed any longer, I'm afraid that we wouldn't be able to save her" the voice announced before cutting the call.

I staggered and held my head with my hands.

Where do I get such a huge amount of money?