Chapter 29

Skai’s POV

Ignoring the background talks, I walked out of the room. I didn't mean to make a scene. Asking for deeper data channels was weird and too straightforward, but you do the right thing at the right time. To your advantage.

I looked back at the door, it wasn't where we had the meeting with Juliano held the first day.

The elevator dropped me like a shot, and I walked out. I saw Chiara as she moved towards me.

“I had a nice time; you could have slept over.”

“I can only apologise, work. Have you seen a movie after then?”

“No, I've not watched the ghost movie." She laughed revealing her perfect dentition.

”We walked together to my office. I didn't want her to come with me, but I had no choice. I opened my door and we entered, but I made sure I studied her; she didn't drop anything.

“So, Sophia,” she smiled, realizing how that came out.

“I want to go to Carlo’s club tonight.”

I didn't react; I already found out he had a club.I was looking at her, expecting the next word she'd say.

“Can you go with me?” I looked at her with realism – not cynicism. The trick is to take advantage of them in their best interest.

“You can be so difficult at times.”She said

“You're not a walk in the park either.”

“How do you expect me to go in my office wear?” I teased. I wanted to say people might mistake me as a detective, but it flashed through me that I was actually one. So I swallowed it.

“I'll pick you up in the evening. Deal?”

I batted my eyelashes at her "Deal."

Chiara's fingers drummed on the steering wheel to Someone Like Me by TWICE as she drove through the gate. The bouncer was dressed in all black with the name of the club inscribed on his cap. He had a stern look with slightly furrowed brows.

I watched the two make furious movements with their mouths. I didn't understand. I tried again, the meaning still escaping me. Not sure if it was a trap. He nodded and opened the glass doors.

Thoughts evaded me. A part of me expected the club to be filled with mafias pointing their guns towards the door ; another part of me disagreed. I adjusted my skirt, plunging into the darkness of my mind.

The door is red, and the place is called The Den. I was dressed in sleeveless top and a leopard skin skirt with boots, with red lips painted on.

A place I haven't visited in years. A place I had left behind before I became a bodyguard. Inside, the music thumped against my skin, loud and heavy.

I watched people dance and lose themselves under the flashing lights. I envied them, their freedom and carelessness. There is a bar against the back wall, an open dance floor, with a stage further back complete with poles and cages hanging above the dance floor.

Chiara ordered red wine, and we sat down at the VIP area, dancing to the rhythm of the music. I got bored of the whole thing and asked to use the restroom. The waitress was asked to help.

I followed the corridor which is white with silk drapes. Red-up lightning filling the gap between the silk. I could see a black door at the far end of the corridor.There are stairs that lead to other corridors, and from what I've searched on the dark web. That's where the real fun happens. Anything goes upstairs.

Each room is different from the other; each has a switchable privacy glass, so if you wanted to, you could have people watching you from outside. Each room was equipped with a bed and all manner of toys and accessories.

An itch started under my skin and spread along my hands. My breathing deepened and my steps turned forceful as memories filtered back in.

She led me past the stairs and opened a door. “This is the female restroom”, she paused.

“Thank you, I know my way back there.”

Distant music could be heard, at least my ears took a break from those speakers. I did my stuff and walked out of the restroom. I still know my way out, but I decided to give myself a tour round the club.

I didn't look as I walked through the private rooms; the moans, slaps and screams said it all .At first, I attempt going to the upper floor where I think Carlo’s office is, but then as I walk down the corridor, I notice the small blinking cameras. Shit.

I walked past some doors in a darkcorridor, my brain starting to calculate how I got there. I looked back, and it was empty. As I wandered, debating whether I should go right or left. Sounds peeped from behind a door.

I walked well and waddled forward. I stopped as I heard the voice of Carlo. Pressing my back against the wall.

Then, I listened. Adjusting my wristwatch.

“You've always been reckless, but this time you've crossed a line.”

“I'm sorry, Mr Auder. I didn't know they wouldn’t pass that route. I didn't calculate well, the man's voice quavering. He sounded like someone in his mid-thirties.

“That was the last chance you had. The fucking last chance, and you messed it up.

"Last chance to do what?“

"My father's company is reducing profits, and it's because of you. The only job you had was to kidnap him and threaten him to sign the document at gunpoint. We were patient enough.”

“He was spotted at the FBI's office last week. Do you think he wouldn't increase his security? Juliano is not stupid.”

My eyes widened.

“Please, Mr Auder. Check my phone, my emails and messages. I already ordered the hit. I can do this again, please. Give me a last chance.”

“You can plead for a last chance in heaven.” I knew what was about to happen.

A slow, dangerous chuckle. A loud scream followed.

As I heard the shot of a gun, it wasn’t too loud. Even if it was, the music was deafening. It was so unexpected.

I shrieked, knocking over the flower vase. The vase tumbled, and the whole place went silent.

"What was that? Go and check" he growled as if he was going to tear the person apart.

He caught me once; I'd make sure it never happened again. If I said I was lost, I'd be questioned for eavesdropping. He'd never believe me. I might even get killed and no one would find my remains.

My heart slamming against my ribs, I reached the end of the corridor before I heard the door open.

I ducked into the restroom, my pulse erratic.

I heard the sharp intake of breath, like a toy balloon suddenly deflated.

Opening the door, I saw Chiara and the waitress looking left and right like a lost puppy.

Carlo might not even know I'm here.

“I was worried.” She said

“Sorry I took so long.” Still, a nervousness clung to me.

The loud music thumped against us as we moved towards the club area.

Then I saw Carlo coming downstairs; I didn't even know if he saw me or not.

I suspected I was playing a game with myself and he was taking part. A kind of combat. I heard everything, and my recorder is a testament.