Melinda

Before you can say anything, Melinda cuts in.

“I’ll go. I’ll text you guys once I know it’s safe.”

You nod your head.

The three of you resume small talk as you eat your salad. Melinda pays the check and you exit the restaurant.

“Alright girls, wait at the hotel. I’ll text you as soon as I verify it’s safe.”

“Be careful.”

“I will. I’m not even going to go inside. I’m just going to look the place over.”

Melinda grabs an Uber and you and Tracy head inside.

An hour goes by and you are beginning to get worried when your phone chimes.

Everything is great. Come get processed and pick me up.

You look at Tracy. “I guess we go pick her up.”

“Yeah, she was starting to worry me. Want to drive?”

You nod and she throws you the keys. You enjoy the handling of the car and the breeze in your hair. You head inland into the lower rent districts. By the time you reach the address it is in a fairly seedy area. You don’t see anyone around.

Melinda exits the warehouse to your right grinning.

“C’mon girls, we need to get you tickets before they close.”

You park and hop out of the car. The hair on the back of your neck stands straight up.

Melinda eagerly beckons you inside.

In front of you, Tracy enters the building. Something just doesn’t feel quite right. You open the door and pause.