CHAPTER FORTY ONE: The Hunt

MONDAY. The Lounge. Las Vegas, Nevada. 11:47 PM.

The air was thick with smoke and saturated with the mixed stench of perfume and sweat as the dance floor overflowed with tons of gyrating bodies that were meshed together in an environment of laser lights and loud heart-thumping music. Young, fun-loving creatures of the night converged inside the newest hot spot in the Las Vegas party circuit, powering the club with their alcohol and drug fueled energies. Amidst the chaos and overall debauchery, two teenagers broke free from the mold as they chilled and relaxed atop two plush sofas, basking in their privacy as they sat semi-hidden from view in a secluded spot at the VIP section of The Lounge. Occasionally, certain brave souls would come up to them in an attempt to flirt and hopefully score with one of the two hot and loaded teens.. and although politely turned down, those people did not come home empty handed. They were asked for their numbers.. and given promises for a callback as soon as possible. No one’s getting laid tonight, the two girls promised each other before they entered the club. And so far, they have been keeping true to their word. Personal gratification aside, tonight was just going to be about two friends trying to unwind and celebrate a small victory.

“To us.” Alice Pieszecki raised up her glass of Crystal and tipped it in the direction of her lanky friend.

“To us.” Shane McCutcheon repeated as she followed the blonde’s lead and lifted up her own glass of bubbly.

“Here’s to making it through the day with our hair intact and our bodies unscathed.” Alice smiled as she brought her drink to her lips and took a healthy sip. She closed her eyes and leaned back against the sofa, savoring the exquisite taste of champagne and the wonderful feeling of successfully escaping Bette Porter’s wrath.

“Cheers.” Shane sighed happily as she downed the contents of her champagne flute and slammed it on top of the table. Instinctively, she eyed the shady looking man in a white tailored suit standing a few feet away from their place and raised a questioning eyebrow. The man smirked and gave a thumbs up to his young boss. Shane smiled, everything was good.. they were still safe. “You want another round?” She turned to Alice as she poured the last few drops of Crystal inside her glass. Seeing her friend nod in the affirmative, she raised the empty bottle and waved it for a nearby waitress to see. The hot redhead smiled in understanding and made her way towards the bar in the distance to retrieve another bottle for the VIPs.