Page 47 of Fratelli: Eternal Bloodlines

(4 Days Before Death)

The backstage areawas a stark contrast to the glitzy pink and lavender illuminated front part of the club. Sonya found the black walls of the corridor, ceiling, and floor almost coffin-like in its dimly lit claustrophobia. The working girls who toiled over their preparations for the nighttime customers filled the darkness with their murmurs. The Pink Pussy was one of the few clubs that never opened during the day. It was a sundown joint, from sun-down to sunup only, which added to its allure and exclusivity, attracting a particular type of member.

Sonya reached the double doors. She took a deep breath before she pushed them open and stepped inside. A tall, stern-looking woman, who appeared to be expecting her, greeted her. The burly woman led her to a small, worn locker.

“This is yours,” the woman said in a strong Russian accent. “Put stuff here. Keep locked. Sophie don’t tolerate slackers, so be on best behavior.”

“That is fine,” Sonya agreed. She placed her bag in the locker and secured it. As she turned, a group of girls approached. Their faces a mixture of curiosity and caution. They were of all ethnicities, some looking too old for the profession and others too young.

“You’re the new girl, right?” A petite blonde in Daisy Duke shorts and a pink tube top asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes, I’m Sonya,” she replied and tried to sound unbothered. Their innocent curiosity reminded her of the girls she once led to clubs like this, then fed to men who were the worst in the community. Innocent at first, dark shadows of themselves after. The comparison made her stomach clench.

“Listen,” another girl said, her eyes darted around with nervous energy. “You need to be careful around Sophie. She’s... different. Some girls who cross her end up… gone.”

“Damn, Gina! Would you shut up? She just got here. Why would you tell her that?” said another girl, older than the others. She popped the gum in her mouth and extended her hand. Her hair was yellow, and so were her nails and the thong bikini she wore. “Name’s Bambi. Welcome to the Den.”

“Den?” Sonya asked and shook her hand.

The girls chuckled.

“Yeah, that’s what we call it. It’s our safe space. Look,” Bambi nodded up. Sonya glanced at the security cameras. “Big brother is always watching but can’t come in and play. One of Sophie’s rules. Over there is Greta. She’s the den manager. She’ll leave you alone and keep the weirdos from getting in, but once you’re on that stage, it’s every girl for herself, you know?”

Sonya nodded.

“Hey…. I know you. I saw your videos on YouTube. You’re Seraphina. Creole Seraphina, right? You do the handstands on the pole. Wow! I heard Sophie drop your name a week ago. Ireally like how you work. Wish I could’ve seen you do your thing out there.”

“Why didn’t you girls come out and watch me perform?” Sonya asked. “I have a routine we could do that could include you. Ever try three on three on the pole?”

The girls exchanged glances. A few looked excited, but none of them asked about the opportunity. Several walked away. Bambi pointed to a sign on the wall. Sonya looked over.

“Sophie’s Ten Commandments,” Bambi explained. “I suggest you learn them. Rule three forbids girls to team up or perform together. Hey, where are you staying? Me and Tootie got a place close. You can crash with us?”

“One show and I’m out. Just a guest appearance for the big announcement of the new club,” Sonya told her.

“Oh? Yeah. That place. Gives me the creeps.” Bambi shuddered.

“Why?” Sonya asked.

“It was an old factory where many workers burned to their death. Sophie wants to turn it into a club. Weird.”

Darkness attracts Darkness…

Sonya ignored the voice in her head.

“Well, since we’re giving warnings, I’ll give you the best one. Sophie is harmless; she’s tough, but she keeps this place clean and helps the girls. Most of them have horror stories about how they ended up in Vegas until Sophie found them. Yeah, now and then some girls go missing. But this is Vegas. That’s not Sophie’s fault, right?” Bambi asked.

“Right,” Sonya mumbled.

“There’s only one problem. And his name is Shakespeare. He loves the new girls. Avoid him. No matter what, resist any temptation to even speak to him. Check out rule number six and remember that one most of all.” Bambi winked and walked away. The girls went back to fixing wigs on mannequins andstitching costumes. Sonya walked over to the sign and read Sophie’s rules:

1.Tardiness Is Not Tolerated

2. All personal items remain locked in the locker.

3. Every girl is for herself. No partnerships.

4.Fees Collected M-W-Sat

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