Miss Right

Chapter 2 - Outrage

What the f**k is wrong with him?"

Kari turned to look at Wanda. She was livid!

"How the hell could that little troll sell us out like this?"

Protests broke out until Pop Tart's voice got all of their attention.

"I have been with Mr. Tony for a long time. He tries to be fair. He wants everyone to see him as in charge, but he isn't. This town is run by these syndicates. If Tony doesn't step up, he will be replaced. Simple Demetrius doesn't deviate from his rules. If he makes a decision, you obey. Those that have questions usually disappear. Otherwise he is a pleasure to deal with."

Everyone was stunned. Pop Tart didn't usually talk. It didn't change the situation though.

"I need this job”,another server piped in,"but I'm not sure I can do this. I don't want to expose myself…"

Most everyone agreed. Well, all but Tiffany.

She smiled smugly, "Well,I for one, can't wait to see the money roll in when I show these boys my body."

One of the other girls laughed, but everyone else was lost in thought. Money was one thing but this wasn't even presented as a choice. They were objects who would have to literally dance the dance just to stay alive.

As everyone finally started heading home, Kari really wondered if she could even do this anymore.

The next night of work left a lot of tension in the air. Del ended up in Kari's section and had noticed she was a bit off.

"Darlin, why you so down in the dumps tonight? I come in here every evening just to see that pretty smile, and it hasn't touched your eyes at all."

She genuinely smiled back at him.

"I'm sorry, Del. I just thought things would be different. I left home to find my dream. I wanted to make music. Now, thanks to Tony, I'm just gonna end up a stripper."

"Say what?" Del was surprised by her statement. He loved the old Crow and had come here since it's opening. Kari explained the whole story. The contracts. The gentlemen's club. Everything. Del took it in as he lit a cigar.

"That ain't right. You shine just fine with your clothes on. I can't say I wanna watch this mess. But you know, ole Del is always gonna support you, girl. You get out of this contract, we'll find a new place. You can keep bringing me drinks, and I can keep admiring that pretty smile."

"Del, you're the best person in this city, you know that, right?"

"Whoa now," he feigned resentment,"Don't you dare go and sully my ungentlemanly reputation."

At that, he winked at her. She patted his shoulder and carried on with her night.