The Alpha

Chapter 4

The Demons are not hidden under the bed,

They dance in our minds, haunting our souls through sleepless nights.

Our Demons will never leave us...

When they play with other people"s demons, snarling at each other giving them what they crave... they at last rest...

In our beds...

In the silence of the dark...

––––––––

After some years...

Shadow"s Hostess Club in New York City"s long-running underground club. So what"s there to know? Follow me! Let me hold your hand if you"re scared...

This old garment factory building is a short distance from the city center. It"s a secluded spot for some, but others know exactly where it is. Shadow"s Club is simply a hostess club. Yes, the club where the wealthy can order beautiful, model-like, doll-faced escorts. Of course, that"s not all it is.

You enter the red and gold mood lighting and you are greeted at the reception desk by a bow-tie-clad, shirtless, blonde man. He"s Erich. This is all you need to know about him. He"s the only employee here serving no one but the boss. He also knows only what he needs to know about you. Your age, your pseudonym, your title, and position. Once you"re a one-time guest, you should be aware that your bank account will be significantly shortened. Regular guests can purchase a club card. Club cards can only be acquired with a Membership, and that requires spending money.

So, it is your bank account that rules.

There are two entertainment options. Get involved in the club"s pulsating music and dance life, have a seat on a huge leather sofa, drink a fine coffee or perhaps some brandy, contemplate your worries and dreams in the company of a beautiful woman or man...

Or else head for the Maze.

Along the red and black hallway with the red lights, towards a chosen room, where you no longer have to hide your secrets... Where your demons can finally unleash their sins, the instant the light above the door turns red and you enter, sure knowing that someone awaits you inside, someone who doesn"t question, who doesn"t resist, someone who simply gazes and adores you, satisfying your every desire. No emotions, no attachments, no drama, no blame... Only mind-blowing, frenetic, and intense pleasures.

There are many visitors here. Men... Women... Mostly men... But also women, to indulge their raging s****l dreams. Those who have no interest in a relationship. Successful people, leaders, workaholics, bored with things, and have no nerves for the hassle of a relationship.

Admission to the club is open to everyone, but only people over a certain age can enter the gloomy, shady hallways. The same goes for men. Those who don"t feel like leaving their house and want to satisfy their cravings in the comfort of their own home can book a hostess service. The time frame depends on how long the person assigned is available and how long the person paying the club can afford to play.

Let"s be clear: this game has two players. For the most part, the people who work here are doing that: providing a service. They have either no other job or they are unable to quit. Usually, they come from the middle class. There are models, athletes, teachers, medics, and politicians who work part-time.

Weird, isn"t it?

Do you want to know a secret? The club"s doing well... Lots of people are benefiting from the rooms, and the assignments. Many are waiting to reign, or to serve their demons... Yet the shadows in Shadow"s lust chamber whisper that Love changes everything...

Yeah, even the demons...

––––––––

19th of January 2019.

A young woman wearing hiking boots, skinny jeans, and a fitted T-shirt is standing in the shooting practice room. She is Angelica. Her wavy, chocolate hair is in a high ponytail, her big earphones cover her ears, and her green eyes stare intently at the field.

"Start!" the guard next to her announces, the green lights on the firing platform light up and then everything comes to life. Though they are mere puppets, they move with fidelity in front of the woman, holding the black gun steady in front of her. An elderly woman walks past. She takes a quick look, and aims, but doesn"t fire. A small mother with a child aims without firing, then suddenly a hooded man appears behind them. Quickly Angelica aims at his leg and shoots.

The noise of the gun is not disturbing to her. The headphones protect her ears. A second man appears on the field, looks at her, and aims, but nothing. Then a group of children, followed by a knife-wielding man whose face is distorted and screaming. Shoots at the arm. Then, without stopping, sees another armed man on her right, aiming at her. Shoots, but the camera flashes on the side of the guard sitting next to her.

"s**t" she curses. She knows she"s been hit. Still, since the guard didn"t cancel the test, she probably took the alleged shot at a non-vital point. A policeman appears in front of her and drops her hands. After a few seconds, a man jumps out of nowhere, running towards her with a knife. Momentarily flinching, she raises her arms in fright and pulls the trigger!