Page 28 of Dreaming

Hours before, Dennis thought he was dreaming when a man entered the front of his bar, discharged an automatic weapon into the ceiling, and started yelling over the panicked screams of the stunned patrons. As the musicians screeched to a stop, more screaming came from the kitchen.

“I see anyone recording, I will shoot you in the face. Anyone comes at me, I will shoot you in the face. You don’t do exactly what you’re told, I will shoot you in the face.”

His bouncer was hauled inside by two other men. He’d been beaten badly and they threw him in the middle of the dance floor as patrons were told to get against the walls.

Walking from behind the bar with his hands out, Dennis said, “Take whatever money you want. Don’t hurt anyone…”

“He’s the one,” someone said behind him.

He was hit in the temple with the butt of a gun. It didn’t knock him out but it sent him to one knee. They dragged him to where the first man waited.

There was a scuffle and renewed screaming.

Trying to focus, Dennis realized two of his customers had rushed one of the intruders. They were quickly subdued. One intruder kept his gun on them while his partner kicked them viciously in the chest and head.

Dizzy, Dennis yelled, “Don’t hurt them! They’re scared. Everyone do what they say! Stay back and do what they say.”

He could hear several people crying.

The man who appeared to be in charge announced, “I hate live music. So fucking loud.” He aimed his weapon and shot into the speakers on either side of the stage. The musicians backed up to the far corner. “Now! Everyone relax.”

Two more men entered from the back of the building. “Staff is in the fridge. There’s no one else.”

“Be ready. Kill anyone who comes through the back door. Keep the car running and watch the alley.”

One man returned to the kitchen.

Bending close to Dennis, the leader whispered, “You’re going to take out your cell phone and text your girlfriend that you miss her and would love to see her, Mr. Hancock.”

Blinking in confusion, he met the man’s eyes. He couldn’t tell specific nationality but knew he was Asian.

“What are you talking about?” Dennis asked softly.

“Your girlfriend, Mr. Hancock. I need you to get her here.”

“Nia…?”

“Yes. Nia Webber. I’d like to talk to her...now.”

“Why? What do you want with Nia?”

The man’s smile was slow. “Understand me clearly, Mr. Hancock. I will shoot one person every minute that you don’t do as you’re told.” He glanced at his watch before pressing the gun against Dennis’ head. “Take out your cell phone and text your girlfriend.”

Then the back of the man’s head was suddenly gone and he fell to the polished dance floor.

Not understanding what he was seeing, Dennis stared wide-eyed at Nia holding a gun in each hand. She shot and killed the second and third intruders without hesitation, tried to calm the patrons, and finally approached him.

Nothing seemed real.

Seconds later, Nia was gone and he remained stunned, unmoving, as police lights – a lot of them by the looks of it – flashed against the front wall of his club.

In front of the doors, Nia kept her hands up while she talked to the police. Then she lowered them and appeared to be…briefing the cops.

Things started moving rapidly. Dennis was worried for his staff, his customers, and Nia.

He didn’t mention her name when he talked to the cops because the armed gunman had whispered it to him. He watched for her, waited for her to come back in the bar, and the longer he didn’t see her, the more panicked he became.

A woman he didn’t know approached him. Under her breath, she asked, “Mr. Hancock, where does the feed to your security cameras go?”

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