The Devil Wears Red Light

The club was called _Velvet_. Of course it was. Elena pushed through the crowd on Sunset Blvd at 1:17 am, her dress was black, too short, her heels clicked like a warning, her hands wouldn’t stop shaking, not from fear but for the need to find her sister. She wasn’t supposed to be here, parole said stay away from downtown, therapist said no more dangerous men, her ex said she’d end up dead. All three were probably right. She was here for Maya. Last text, 6 hours ago: _Meet me at Velvet. Don’t tell anyone. It’s about the money._ Nothing since. The bouncer looked at her, then stepped aside like he’d been told to expect her. Inside it was smoke and bass and red light that made everyone look guilty, she scanned the room. No Maya. But someone was watching her. Booth in the back, alone, dark suit, no tie, a snake tattoo disappearing under his collar. Damian Voss. Billionaire. Philanthropist. Name in 3 missing persons files the FBI couldn’t close. He raised his glass to her, he didn't smile. Elena’s stomach twisted, she should leave. Instead she went to the bar and ordered water. “Looking for someone?” His voice was right behind her ear. Low. She hadn’t heard him move. She turned. He was too close. Close enough that she could smell cedar and something darker. “My sister.” “Maya Collins.” He said it slow, like tasting it. “She was here.” “Where is she?” Damian’s eyes dragged over her face, down to her mouth, back up, “depends, how badly do you want to find her?” The music thumped in her ribs. “Is she okay?” “She’s fine,” a pause, his gaze dropped to her hands gripping the bar, “for now.” He slid a black card across the marble, no name. Just: _Suite 404. The Cecil. 3am._ “Come alone,” he murmured, “Or don’t come at all.” His fingers brushed hers when he let go of the card, just for a second, her skin went hot and cold at the same time. He leaned in, voice barely above the music, “You have a habit of walking into rooms you shouldn’t, Elena. Let’s see how far that gets you.” Then he was gone, swallowed by the crowd. Elena stared at the card, her phone buzzed. Unknown number: _If you go to the cops, you’ll never see her again. - D_ Outside, LA was still awake, Still lying, 3am. 1 hour and 43 minutes. She could call Detective Reyes, she could run. But Maya was somewhere in this city, and Damian Voss was the only one answering. Elena closed her fist around the card. The edges cut into her palm. She was going She definitely has to go, if she doesn't go her sister's life would be at stake. Elena thought about this for a lot of time. She loves her sister so she is not going to let a thing happen to her sister but how will she go to the house of a man she barely knows