Capítulo 15: The Slums (2)
The alleyway was dimly lit with multi-colored lights, the air was heavy with the scent of alcohol and cheap perfume as patrons roamed the streets.
Alexander wasn't naive to not notice the way some of the men were staring at him, a beggar on the street gazed up at him with desperate eyes, although it was directed to the golden buttons of his coat and the coins in his pocket.
There were lavish decorations hung on the doors of the establishment as if they were trying to hide the grim truth about what was happening inside.
They've been through multiple brothels, asking the same questions and getting no clear answers back. The thick scent of fake flowers had been making Alexander dizzy.
The receptionist of the brothel looked bored, her eyes focused on her painted nails. She looked up to meet them, her expression changed to that of a well-practiced smile.
"Welcome, gentlemen." she greeted "Is there any way I could help you?"
Rowan exchanged a brief glance with Alexander before clearing his throat as he showed his insignia to the receptionist, her brows furrowed for a second.
"We're from The Silver Cross and we'd like to ask about the recent disappearances of your patrons."
Her eyes narrowed as she chewed on her lips, red lipstick smudging a little bit "Are you saying there are vampires here?"
"Yes." Rowan's response was direct and serious as they watched the receptionist's demeanor shift "The Order had investigated these disappearances and we were sent to eliminate the vampire as soon as possible."
"Look, these are the slums, sir. Deaths happen here all the time, most of them aren't even vampire cases." she stood from her seat leaning closer to them.
"I can't let you accuse the women here of such vile things!"
Alexander couldn't help but flinch at the way the woman's voice shook with anger. He understood what she meant and was grateful that she was protective over those who worked inside.
"I know we are just an establishment for men to seek pleasure but please..." she paused for a moment as if she was thinking of what to say "Please don't blame it on the women working here."
"We're all doing this to survive."
"We're not accusing anyone without reason," Alexander assured her. "We're only here to investigate and find the truth. If there's no wrongdoing, then there's nothing to worry about-"
Their argument was cut off when a woman stepped in, coming from the hallways. Her mere presence immediately caught their attention.
"Miss Joanne, is there any problem here?"
Her voice was gentle and soft, similar to her beauty. Pale blonde locks of hair braided into a neat braid, a blue shawl wrapped over her shoulders, and covering her modest white dress.
Joanne, the receptionist turned her head to the woman "Ah, Dione, you don't need to worry yourself." she smiled at the woman.
She smiled faintly at the hunters, her gaze filled with warmth that Alexander almost felt guilty that they had visited this establishment.
"I'm sorry, I overheard the conversation so I couldn't help myself."
Joanne briefly explained the situation about their visits and concern about the recent disappearances.
The woman nodded her head as she turned towards the two "So you two are hunters?" Dione's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly in apparent concern.
"That's rather troubling. I don't want my fellow women here to get hurt." she placed a finger on her lips, there was something about Dione that made her seem out of place within the slums.
Perhaps it was her composure, the way she talked and moved reminded Alexander of nobility. She was too elegant and composed.
Joanne nodded her head in agreement "Yes, we don't want to put the girls in so much trouble."
"Ah, well, it's not really about the women working here." Alexander scratched the back of his neck, unsure of how to proceed "Only customers and patrons are recorded to have disappeared."
Dione's gaze shifted back to Alexander, her smile regaining its warmth "Is that so?" she hummed "Unfortunately, we value the privacy of our clients and we cannot tell you anything about them."
"And, whatever happens outside this establishment is out of our responsibilities," Joanne added, glaring at Rowan as she protectively placed herself between Dione and them.
It seemed that Joanne was protective of her workers and it was becoming increasingly clear that getting information would not be easy.
There was a brief silence as Dione eyed the two, finally, she let out a soft sigh "Can I talk with these to hunters, Miss Joanne?"
The receptionist's worried gaze flickered for a moment but she hesitantly nodded her head "Alright but if they are too much don't hesitate to call me."
Alexander's smile brightened "Thank you!"
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