EPISODE 10: "In the dark"
1006 Words
CAROL’S BAR – PRIVATE LOUNGE – NIGHT
The bass from the main floor pulses faintly through the walls—muted, distant, like a heartbeat that doesn’t quite reach this room.
Inside the private lounge, everything feels controlled. Intentional.
Soft golden lights.
Polished glass table.
Velvet seats.
Too calm.
Too quiet.
Chanel sits elegantly on the couch, one leg crossed over the other. Her posture is relaxed—but her eyes are not.
They’re sharp. Observing.
Waiting.
CHANEL
Herlie, right?
Her voice is soft, but it cuts clean through the silence.
Outside the door, Herlie hesitates for a second before stepping in.
HERLIE
Y-Yes, ma’am?
She closes the door gently behind her, as if afraid even the sound might disturb something fragile in the room.
Chanel gestures to the seat across from her.
CHANEL
Sit.
Herlie obeys, but not fully comfortably. She perches at the edge of the couch, back straight, hands resting stiffly on her lap.
Chanel watches her for a moment.
Measuring.
Then—
CHANEL
I think you already know me— so, no introduction needed. I’m flying abroad tomorrow.
Herlie nods quickly. “Yes, ma’am. I heard from the manager.”
Chanel folds her hands together, fingers interlocking neatly.
CHANEL
Good. And while I’m gone…
Herlie feels it before she hears it.
Something about the way Chanel says it.
CHANEL
…I need you to update me.
Herlie blinks. “Update you, ma’am?”
Chanel tilts her head slightly.
CHANEL
“About Carol.”
The air shifts.
Just a little.
But enough.
Herlie’s fingers tighten against her skirt.
Silence stretches between them.
Not empty.
Heavy.
Chanel continues, her tone smooth, almost casual—
CHANEL
Who she spends time with. Who visits the bar often. If she leaves early.
“If she brings anyone to the VIP—especially those girls who keep hovering around her."
Each sentence lands like a quiet instruction… or a quiet warning.
Herlie swallows.
HERLIE
Ma’am… is something wrong?
Chanel smiles.
And that’s the problem.
Because the smile doesn’t reach her eyes.
CHANEL
I just don’t like being kept in the dark.
I’m only doing this just to protect her.
She leans back slightly.
“You know how much I care about her.”
Herlie nods—but slowly this time.
Because something doesn’t feel right.
Chanel reaches beside her and pulls out a small envelope.
Neat. Sealed.
She places it gently on the table… and slides it toward Herlie.
The soft sound of paper against glass echoes louder than it should.
Herlie looks at it.
But doesn’t touch it.
CHANEL
I’ll send extra every month.
Chanel adds calmly.
Herlie’s throat tightens.
HERLIE
That’s not necessary, ma’am…
Chanel’s smile fades—just slightly.
Not gone.
Just… colder.
CHANEL
You’ve been here for five years, right?
Herlie nods. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Five years,” Chanel repeats softly. “That’s not short.”
She leans forward now.
Her presence fills the space.
CHANEL
You’re one of the people I trust..
Herlie’s chest tightens.
CHANEL (CONT'D)
“But trust goes both ways.”
The words are gentle.
But they don’t feel like it.
Herlie feels it now.
The weight.
The real reason she’s here.
Chanel’s gaze sharpens.
CHANEL
If you help me… your position here is secure.. And if you don’t… (¬_¬)
She doesn’t finish.
She doesn’t have to.
Because Herlie understands.
Too well.
Her mind starts racing.
Five years.
Her first stable job.
Her family relying on her.
Rent due next week.
The quiet pride she felt finally standing on her own.
All of it—
suddenly fragile.
Herlie lowers her eyes.
HERLIE
“…I’ll do it, ma’am.”
The words come out softer than she intended.
But they’re clear.
Final.
Chanel studies her for a moment.
Then nods.
Satisfied.
CHANEL
Good. (•‿•)
She leans back again, calm returning like nothing happened.
CHANEL (CONT'D)
Just message me. Don’t let Carol know. Okay? --_--
Herlie nods again.
Yes, ma’am.
Her voice feels smaller now.
As if something inside her has already shifted.
Chanel picks up her phone, glancing at the screen.
CHANEL
Don’t miss..anything.
Herlie stands.
Slowly.
She takes the envelope this time.
It feels heavier than it should.
As she turns to leave—
CHANEL
Herlie.
She stops.
“Yes, ma’am?”
Chanel doesn’t look at her this time.
Just—
CHANEL (CONT'D)
Be smart—don’t cause any problems.
Herlie nods, though Chanel doesn’t see it.
Then she leaves.
HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
The moment the door closes behind her—
Herlie exhales.
Like she’s been holding her breath the entire time.
She looks down at the envelope in her hand.
Her grip tightens.
HERLIE (THOUGHTS)
“…What am I doing…”
But she already knows the answer.
- Writer
