Ruthless Salvation

28

Monday was spent getting ready for work. I had to put more effort in than normal because it was Halloween, and we were encouraged to go all out. I didn’t mind because a Halloween costume was one of the few things in my life that didn’t require thought. One of the great things about relocating frequently was not having to come up with a new costume. I had an epic Harley Quinn costume that I reused every year with no one the wiser.

Halloween at the club would be insane, though it helped that it fell on a Monday. Every employee was slated to work, so tip share was divided among more people, but we’d still make more than usual. People were always more generous on fun holidays like Halloween.

I was looking forward to the night and cautiously optimistic about seeing Torin. I probably shouldn’t have been, but I couldn’t change how I felt. Mama used to say that feelings can’t be wrong. The way things were going, we’d find out soon enough if that was true.

I WAS GOING to eat my weight in ramen when I got home. Working nearly nine hours straight with only a few quick breaks left me beat.

“Last call, then we’re home free.” Candice, one of the bartenders, announced while I gulped from a now warm energy drink. I’d opened it an hour ago and never had a chance to take a sip. I desperately needed a boost, even if I was almost done for the night.

“Time’s flown by, but my God, has it been busy,” I replied.

The man at the end of the bar who’d been chatting with me on occasion piped in. “I don’t know how you ladies do it. I’m tired just watching you race around this place.”

“You get used to it, but holidays are extra crazy.” I wasn’t sure how familiar he was with the scene. He must have been comfortable hanging out all night mostly by himself, but he wasn’t a regular. Maybe in town on business or something.

“Speaking of, it looks like someone’s trying to get your attention.” He motioned toward the stage where a man waved his hand drunkenly in the air.

“Duty calls.” I plastered on my bless your heart smile and began my round of last call orders.

I’d gone by three tables when the music suddenly stopped, and Torin’s voice boomed over the speakers.

“Club’s closed,” he announced harshly. “Those with open tabs, cash out and leave. Party’s over.”

I glanced at Candice, wondering if she had any idea what was going on, but she looked just as shocked as I did. Shrugging, I hurried over to the computer to start closing out the open tabs.

“Well, guess that’s my cue. You ladies have a great rest of your night.” The guy at the bar had been paying cash, so I didn’t have to worry about cashing him out and tossed a quick, “You too,” over my shoulder.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Torin behind the man.

“Except you,” Tor said in sharp warning. “You. Stay.”

Unsure if I’d heard correctly, I looked behind me, eyes widening at the way Torin had his hand firmly on the man’s shoulder.

What the heck was going on? I wouldn’t get any answers until the place was empty, so I whipped back around and finished closing out the tabs. Once I’d retrieved the final signatures and input tips, I stashed the receipts and reached for my drink as the last of the crowd dispersed.

Torin’s hand clamped down on my wrist. “Don’t f*****g touch it.”

“What? Why?”

“Hey, man. What’s this all about?” the guy at the bar asked, looking panicked.

“Blaze, grab whoever’s up front and tell everyone else to leave.” Guess Tor wasn’t interested in answering questions.

Jolly strolled in from the back about then, leaning unbothered against the wall.

When the last customer was out, and the two guys up front made their way back, Torin set the energy drink on the bar and glared at the man with a rage so palpable, the air around him vibrated with it.

“Drink.”

“What?” Sweat now dotted the man’s forehead. “Look, I’m not sure what’s going on here, but I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”

“You wish. Now drink the f*****g drink before I shove the whole goddamn can down your throat.”

Torin wouldn’t freak out for no reason. Did he think the guy had done something to my drink? I was always meticulous about keeping open beverages behind the bar on the back wall counter where they were safe. That was where it had been when I came over to close tabs, but I couldn’t remember for the life of me if that was the case earlier.

The guy looked utterly petrified as he reached for the can and took a sip. I kind of felt bad for him only because I hated seeing someone in distress, but if he had tried to drug me…

“f**k this,” Torin growled. “Hold him.”

Blaze and another bouncer each grabbed one of the man’s arms, securing them behind the back of the chair at awkward angles. The man cried out and struggled but had no leverage to gain traction.

Hand over my mouth in horror, I watched as Torin pinched the man’s nose shut, then poured the liquid down his throat. Forced to swallow, the man choked and sputtered, trying to gasp for air.

I didn’t realize I was swaying until Jolly’s hand firmly but gently clasped my arm.

“Okay, kid,” Jolly said to Torin in his usual unhurried drawl. “You tend to this one. I’ll take care of him.”

I’d always considered Jolly one of those guys with a gruff exterior who was all soft on the inside. I was starting to realize I’d been wrong. His voice had a steel edge I hadn’t imagined he possessed, and I wasn’t the only one who heard it. The man blanched.

“Take him to The Rack. Talk to Constantine and tell him this is a gift for Perillus.”

“I’m familiar with The Rack, if you’re talking about that gay s*x club on the east side, but I don’t know who Perillus is.”

The faintest hint of a smirk carved across Jolly’s face. “Not who. What.”

When the guys looked confused, Torin explained. “It’s a highly secret extension of the club for extreme S&M. Before you get any ideas, I’m not a fuckin’ participant. Con and I go back a long time.”

Jolly left my side and started around the bar. “Come on, fellas. Time to have some fun.”

“Guys, come on,” the man stammered. “The girl is fine. No harm, no foul.”

My stomach turned. I hated to think about what he’d planned for me, and somehow, envisioning his punishment only made things worse. I never could stand the thought of suffering on the part of any man or animal. It wasn’t in my nature, no matter how vile the creature.

I reminded myself to focus on how this would hopefully save a future victim. Who knew how many others would suffer if he wasn’t stopped.

Torin took my hand and led me back to the locker room for my stuff.

“I’m not sure about all this, Torin. What’s going to happen to him?” My jittery fingers wouldn’t cooperate as I tried to work the lock.