Crimson Shadows : Embracing The Unseen

Chapter II : Unveiling Secrets

The Marionette

As I walked inside the Pizzazz Palace—where I'm currently working at, I met my co-delivery guys—not to mention, I was the only woman among them who work at delivery services. "Nice job on tonight's delivery Mila," Cole stated to me as we came face to face.

"Glad to hear that! We aim for happy customers every time." I exclaim happily then they begun teasing me all of sudden just like they do everytime.

"Are you sure you will not gonna go along with one of us?" said Brian in reply.

"Yeah, Brian is correct; Theo can give you a ride," Alex said, winking at Theo. My coworkers all paired me up with Theo simply because he have a crush on me—they said, so I am already aware whatever those looks mean.

"Don't bother, it's fine. I'm just going to walk." I said.

"Sure? There are so many stalkers these days," my body came to a halt. I had forgotten about him since I was so caught up with my work. "Amilla?" I return to myself remembering what happened last night.

"Are you okay?" Spoke Cole with concerned so I nodded and smile warmly as a response.

I went towards the pizza shop and then to the locker area to change my clothes.

"I'm leaving ahead guys, catch you tomorrow!" I said as I got out from the locker area waving them off, and they responded by waving their hands and saying their goodbyes.

So I walk to my next job, which happens to be at the bar—I am definitely not a stripper, but a barmaid.

As I walked along my regular path, I observed that the man who used to perform with a guitar in this street was not present tonight; He always wear a jacket with a hood on with sweatpants and glasses which is uncommon, but I just merely shrugged and kept walking.

The loud music is nearly causing my eardrums to burst; I'm still not used to it since I only started a few weeks ago, and it's not only its loud volume that I'm not used to, but also my outfit. When I complained about my outfit, the manager point me out, saying, "Who works in the pub with t-shirts and sweatpants?" —well she's right. But still she provided me a new one that is much better—I think, It still reveals some of my cleavage, but the skirt is longer makes it less showy.

The neon sign flickered above the entrance, casting an ephemeral glow on the dimly lit street.The barstools sat patiently, waiting for the nightly cast of characters. The hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses gradually replaced the quiet, marking the beginning of another night behind the counter.

The door chimed, and the regulars sauntered in; I nodded and smiled as I took orders, creating concoctions that reflected the guests' diverse moods. They called it the bartender's alchemy. But then a spotlight centred on a man up on stage, as the crowd roared.

"They had vanished over the last few weeks after their vocalist, Caleb, quit the band, but I suppose they have already found someone in place —since they're back. I present to you 'Nexus,'" the man stated, drawing another round of applause from the audience and light shut down.

"What's going on?" I was asking of the other bartender beside me.

"Oh didn't you know? Nexus was one of the most famous bands performing here at the bar before but they stopped when Caleb, their vocalist, quit." Then the lights returned, and the musicians were already positioned on stage. They begin their song with a sweet tune, but as the song progresses, it becomes punk rock, and the audience begins to cheer again.

I sit for awhile because everyone is cheering and there are less people at the counter now.

When the phone on the counter rang, I answered because I was the only one who was available. "Is anyone available for a moment as a server, I heard you aren't as busy now up there?" I looked at my companion, who said, "Go, I'll be fine here,"

"I'll be there in a minute." I told Madam.

I take the elevator and press the second floor. This building has 3 floors but other floors are in underground, The first floor is a just a normal bar, Second are VIP rooms and Third, as I heard here you'll found the strippers and others.

I changed my clothes earlier since all the floors have identified uniforms, I didn't quite like it actually but I don't want to get fired just because of that, I'll swallow my pride just this time.

The elevator rings as the same time the doors opened, I walked to the counter where a lady is sitting. It's so quite that I can hear my own footsteps, I was also surprised when I can't even hear the sounds from above.

"Hi, are you the replacement?" The lady ask me as I arrived at the counter.

"Y-Yes" I stuttered which is very embarrassing.

"Follow me" She said as she walked me. I purse my lips as I walk enduring the embarrassment I just experienced. We reached a room with two guards beside the door.

"Let her in she's a waitress" The lady spoke to the guards, the two man stare at me as if they're checking me then the two man opened the door for me.

As soon as I get inside, I was guided by another lady—I think she's also a waitress. I guess this is VIP hall they mentioned, it's wide and kindly spacious.

When we get to the employees room she told me what I have to do and what to avoid, which is to do what they want me to do and should avoid to say no—I actually think twice at that moment but she told not to worry and It's not what I thought.

As the night unfolded, I navigated the hushed elegance of the VIP hall, weaving through tables adorned with flickering candles and diners engaged in discreet conversations. The atmosphere carried a mysterious aura, and the occasional glimpse of well-dressed figures added to the enigmatic ambiance.

I observed the patrons, each seemingly shrouded in secrecy, their expressions guarded behind veils of sophistication. Some exchanged uncommon glances—which is kinda weird, while others engaged in conversations that left me curious.

As the evening progressed, I encountered a man at a secluded corner table, his piercing eyes betraying an air of intensity. He beckoned me over with a subtle nod.

" Keep your eyes and ears open, and you might find yourself privy to more than just orders for food and drink, Mon chéri " he whispered cryptically.I froze; only one voice could give me chills like these. Before I could respond, he vanished into the shadows.

Seconds after he left, a woman shouted, drawing everyone's attention. I abruptly walked towards the comfort room, my eyes widening as I spotted the lifeless body in the male comfort room.I grasped my stomach, feeling a sudden surge of nausea, and before I could respond, my body convulsed. I hurried to the bathroom sink, my stomach heaving uncontrollably and the acrid taste of bile filling my lips.

***************************************

We had to leave early due to the accident, and the police questioned everyone if they noticed someone suspicious—which I did, but I remained mute. It would be pointless, after all, because I didn't see his face; just his low, silky voice remained in my head, replaying every minute.

The haunting echoes of the man's voice lingered in my mind, sending shivers down my spine as I navigated the dimly lit corridors, each whispered word intensifying the grip of fear in my trembling heart.

Questions flooded my mind, yet the answers are nowhere to be found. I slick my hair back as I feel the frustration within me; unconsciously, I stare at the unknown number on my phone and contact him. He responded promptly, but my throat had dried up and I had lost my words.

"Oh, did the cat get your tongue, or are we indulging in a profound moment of silence?" I gulped, unsure what to say; his voice heightened my dread, making me even more afraid than I was before.

"I'll give you an answer but you got only one question to ask."

"How can I be sure you're telling the truth?" I questioned arrogantly. For once, I want to appear brave, and I will not allow him believe he will win this game.

"I don't lie to someone special to me." I became silent, unsure of how to respond to those words.

"I am not a patient man; start asking questions," he demands giving no room for doubt. Through the remaining silence his tone piercing like a pointed razor, I shivered in his demanding presence, terror clawing at my chest, as his words cut deeper.

"Are you the one who killed the man?" My voice quiver as I whispered my reply.

"Yes I am. Mon chéri"

Seconds after I abruptly hang up, I feel my hands trembling and a wave of emotions wash over me. The surprise in his simple statement stunned me, and my mind raced with the possibilities of his words. The weight of whispered facts persisted, adding depth to our mysterious bond. I stood there, my heart racing in sync with the unresolved questions that lingered within me.