Chapter 33: Base Invasion

The moon hung high up in the sky. Leaves swayed to the night breeze. Everything seemed normal as the men hung around the clubhouse, chatting and drinking. Music blasted from the clubhouse. The base note vibrated through the ground. Laughter was heard occasionally as the men chatted.

She hid in the dark as she surveyed the area. She observed the men as they hung around and played cards. It’s amazing how things stayed the same for years. Her black attire helped her blend in perfectly into the protection of the night as she slid in through the back.

There were fewer men in that area so it’s the easiest place to sneak in. The moment she turned around, she came face to face with a very tall man. She couldn’t see his face clearly in the dark. However, she knew that she had to make sure that he wouldn’t be a problem. Before he could react, she leaped up and hit him hard on his neck.

“What are you, a giraffe?” She murmured as she laid him down against the wall. She sneaked up to the edge of the wall and observed the men at the other side of the building. There were two men standing guard at the backdoor. If her memories were right, she should be on the right track.

Reaching into her pocket, she sneaked up to the men. She approached them from the back slowly. When their distance was reduced to an arm’s length, one of them spotted her. He jerked and was about to react but she was faster. She pulled two syringes out of her pocket and ejected it into their necks simultaneously.

Immediately, the men fell limp on the ground.

Stuffing the syringes back into her pocket, she moved on into the clubhouse through the backdoor. The rooms at the back were used as storage rooms. There wasn’t anyone there at the moment.

She moved with precaution, alert to any sudden attacks. The clubhouse was still the same. Everything aligned perfectly with the picture in her memory. This area of the clubhouse’s the one place that she would never forget. She’d spent a lot of time hiding there when she was younger.

She could say that nobody touched the things in the storage room. The boxes and old furniture were still in the same place. The only difference is the thickness of the dust coating on them. It would be safe to say that nobody cleaned up after she left.

She used her familiarity with the rooms to her advantage. She slid around smoothly, moving with ease in the dark. Her only source of light was from the moonlight shining in through the small window.

Leaving the area, she came to a well-lit corridor. She moved quietly down the corridor. There were many doors along the way. All of them were closed. She wasn’t sure if what she’s looking for would still be in the same place but she had no choice but to check it out.

Taking measured steps, she reached the stairs at the end of the corridor. Just when she was about to ascend to the second floor, she heard footsteps and voices. Quickly, she hid under the staircase.

The footsteps got closer and the voices got louder. She stayed hidden and listened attentively, waiting for the chance to escape to the second floor without being noticed.

“Serves her right! That bitch really got on my nerves,” one of the men said. “She thought she could boss us around just because Hank favors her,” the other man added. “I should’ve slapped her a few more times. Put her back in her place,” the first man sneered.

Their voices faded away as they walked further and out into the common area. She came out of her hiding place and looked up at the second floor. Their conversation confirmed her speculation. The person she’s looking for’s exactly where she thought she’d be.

She watched her surroundings attentively. Once confirmed that the area was clear of direct danger, she zoomed up the stairs, taking a few steps at once. Making sure that there wasn’t anyone in the corridor, she moved to her destination.

She stopped in front of a door. Her hands shook as she reached for the knob. Before she could push it, the door opened from the inside. She immediately came face to face with a woman. It wasn’t the woman she’s looking for. She’s never seen her before.

“Are you new here?” The woman asked. She observed her and contemplated on her answer. The woman seemed to be in her thirties. She’s tall and beautiful. She wore a revealing dress and a pair of heels. There’s a slap mark on her face and bruises on her skin. She must be the woman those men were talking about.

“Yes. I’m Sammy,” she smiled and introduced herself, “and you?”

A frown formed on the woman’s face. “Are you here for Hank?” Stacy was dumb-founded. “Err.. what?” She could only manage two words. The woman rolled her eyes. “Ah.. another lost one. The second floor is off limits. Only the leaders and their women are allowed in this part of the clubhouse. Keep that in mind,” her voice was cold as she uttered those words.

“Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t know that,” Stacy feigned ignorance. “I’m new here,” she reminded the woman with a smile. The woman wasn’t amused. She huffed. “Now that you know, get out of here!”

“Thanks for reminding me! Otherwise, I might end up in a really big problem. You’re my life savior!” Stacy exclaimed and acted like the girls she saw in the club. “How do I address you, sis?” She closed the distance between them enthusiastically despite the obvious disdain the woman showed her.

The woman held her hand out and pushed her to an arm’s length, acting like she’s a virus of some sort. Disgust obviously showing on her face. “Stop acting like we’re close. I’m Hank’s woman. I’m the only woman allowed in this part of the house. Show some respect!” She half-shrieked as she wiped her hand on her dress.

Stacy pretended to be shocked. “Oh! I’m so sorry..” she exclaimed. Then, her brows furrowed in confusion. “I heard leaders usually have a lot of women. You must be a very important person to be able to come to the second floor. How can I gain a man’s favor? Can you teach me?”

The woman looked at Stacy’s admiring expression. She almost thought she saw her eyes shining. Sighing, she waved her hand dismissively. “That’s nothing to teach. I’m his only woman. I live in fear too. I heard he killed all the other women who came in contact with him.”