Capítulo 24: CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
"Look, Cassie it's not what it looks like".
She sighed while rubbing her head with her fingers.
"Nevermind, just come with me. We don't have time".
She walked into the crowd with the two of them following closely behind.
Noah wondered what kind of person they were going to meet and how they were even going to get the information they needed.
Glancing at Ceaser,he wasn't surprised to see he was actually excited. Maybe , this was all one big adventure to him and felt that he should enjoy every moment of it.
The lady, clad in a figure-hugging, dress that accentuated her dangerous allure, led the two hesitant teenage boys through the sea of inebriated bodies.
As they inched closer to the VIP section, they couldn't help but take in the sights that unfolded before them.
Strippers, their bodies adorned with shimmering sequins and implausibly high heels, performed seductive lap dances for wealthy men who carelessly threw money into the air as if it held no significance.
The air was thick with the acrid scent of tobacco smoke and the intoxicating aroma of various spirits that wafted from the hands of the gamblers.
Cassie gracefully parted the velvet ropes that guarded the exclusive area, revealing a scene that sent shivers down their spines.
The room was filled with a veritable rogues' gallery, each person exuding danger and a hint of sinister intent. Yet, none of them compared to the figure that commanded their attention.
"These guys look like they could puncture a truck tire with only their stares, I'm getting really nervous right now". Ceaser whispered to Noah who also couldn't help but glance around the room , receiving bloodshot glares as he did.
At the center of the crowd sat the boss, an enigmatic man who seemed to defy conventional norms.
His body, adorned with an intricate tapestry of inked masterpieces.
His eyes, sharp and calculating, seemed to know every desire and weakness that lay imprisoned within those who dared meet his gaze.
Multiple piercings adorned his face and offered a glimpse into a world that existed beyond the boundaries of societal acceptance.
As Cassie approached, they noted the reverence with which she moved. She glided wordslessly toward the boss, capturing his attention with each sway of her hips.
What was she doing?.
Seating herself upon his lap, she revealed a layer of complexity that effortlessly coupled enchantment with danger.
The boys, now standing before the lord of this clandestine empire, felt a mixture of awe and trepidation settle into their bones.
With a commanding voice that resonated through the room like thunder, the boss motioned for the boys to take a seat at the expansive table that occupied a prominent corner of the VIP section.
Their legs leaden with nervousness, they obediently complied, making themselves comfortable in the midst of this surreal gathering. The air crackled with unspoken anticipation as the boss leaned in, his voice low and laden with authority.
"Welcome," he drawled, his voice laced with a chilling charisma that was impossible to resist. "You're the cousin of my Cassie ?".
Ceaser nodded fearfully, afraid to offend him with any slight slip up.
"I see, she told me the two of you will like to have a word with me. Normally I don't allow just anyone to see me, considering my position and my crimes yet to be justified, especially when my meeting is involving two kids".
Noah and Ceaser exchanged glances, their hearts pounding within their chests. They had ventured into a world they never thought possible, that both compelled and terrified them.
"Uhmm , don't be offended sir , it's just ".
"The name's Lucifer, and never in your life forget that name as long as you live".
Noah couldn't help but feel that they had come to the wrong place but he could see Ceaser was trying his best to help so he wasn't going to insult his efforts by complaining.
"We honestly didn't mean to disturb you , seeing as you're a very busy man but....".
"Just get to the point Ceaser". Cassie cut in, still rubbing the boss chest seductively, while biting her lower lips.
"I was getting there... Anyways we got information that you may be part of a recent incident where a lady and her child were abducted from their home", he said , trying to sound professional as possible
"Abducted?".
He asked , with a confused glare.
"My cousins friend family has been taken hostage and they think you might have something to do about it", she interrupted again,not minding what anyone thought of it.
"And what made you arrive at that judgement" , He asked with a mischievous smile and a piercing stare.
Noah couldn't take it anymore as he felt he should be more involved in this confrontation rather than letting his friend do all the work.
"There was a text on this phone from one of the gunmen who abducted my mom and sister and it said something about Saturn holds secrets, shadows dance beneath the ivory moon". Noah abruptly said, holding the phone out for the boss to see.
He stared at the screen for a while while Noah nervously glanced at Ceaser.
"Who sent you this?"., he said in his usual deep voice.
"It was the last message on the phone", Noah replied.
"When did this happen?"
"Today".
"And you thought the best idea was for you to come to me and ask me stupid questions. I am a businessman, why would I be holding a single mother and her daughter hostage. Do you think I don't have anything better to do?".
Noah felt his hope dwindle again as the lead they had up until now was now beginning to fade away. He felt he would at least know something, even if he isn't the one who did it.
"And what kind of fool would give out his plans of his involvement to the enemy? Are you both stupid?.
Come to think of it, he was right in a way. They really didn't think this through and now it felt like they wasted everyone's time.
"We are not saying you did it. We just want to know if you maybe have an idea what's really going on ".
"Sure, I'll tell you , for a price".
"A price?". They asked in unison.
"Yes , a price. If you're willing to grease my palm then maybe I'll leak out a few useful information ".
Was he serious? Does he really know something or is he just messing them. Noah couldn't make out if he was serious or not.
"How much are we talking about here?".
Ceaser asked with a smirk which was uncalled for.
With a dead serious face, he said"Ten grand!"
Ten thousand dollars???!!. Where on earth would they be able to get that kind of money?
"If your family is important to you then a few bucks won't really matter to you ,now would it?".
The issue wasn't that they didn't want to give the money but they couldn't even if they wanted to. Was he thinking they were some rich kids who came here to bargain.
"But we don't have that kind of money".
Noah protested.
"Well I speak only one language, so right now I can't understand a word you're saying. If you don't have it then get the hell out of my building. You're lucky I haven't killed you yet".
Cassie laughed out loud while playfully rubbing Lucifer's chin.
"Well I think it's time for you boys to start going home, if Lucifer says he has nothing to do with it , then you should go look somewhere else". Cassie joined in, already getting ready to walk them out.
Then he raised his arm up, indicating they should halt .
They were surprised by his actions. The boss, a distinguished figure exuding an air of authority, sauntered over and declared
"Before you boys go, how about you come have a drink with me. Maybe I could fill you in on a little bit of information when I get tipsy".
His loud laughs were already echoing through the VIP room, grabbing everyone's attention in the room.
Cassie, concern etched across her face, swiftly interjected, speaking hurriedly in a soft tone, "Lucifer, you're already done with them, they really shouldn't be here, they're underage. They need to go home."
Her words carried anxiety and a subtle hint of desperation, emphasizing their predicament.
Noah knew where she was coming from but a part of him wanted to stay, just maybe would he get a clue or anything relevant to their search.
The boss, unyielding and exuding an air of nonchalance, smirked and silenced Ceaser with a wave of his hand. "I don't remember you being in charge here. Now why don't you be a good girl and shut up".
"Now, how about you boys take a seat . It's rude to refuse a person's offer" His deep voice resonated, imbued with an air of mystery.
If there is one thing they have learnt in this place was not to freely accept any offer of someone wanting to buy you drinks.
Reluctantly, Noah and Ceaser exchanged hesitant glances, their reluctance palpable. Unsure of how to proceed, their desire to leave was overshadowed by an undeniable fascination for the charismatic boss, whose authority and power radiated from his eyes.
With a reluctant shuffle, the teenagers returned to the VIP lounge. The boss beamed at them, signalling to one of his men who quickly grabbed a sparkling crystal bottle from an ornate shelf.
The person who brought the drink took the bottle and poured an amber liquid into two sleek glasses.
"Cheers then", Ceaser said with an akward smile to Lucifer , getting ready to drink this unfamiliar alcohol.
As Noah reached for his glass, his grip firm yet hesitant.
He raised the drink to his lips, ready to send this liquid trickling down his throat.
However, just as he was about to take that first sip, a peculiar and unsettling scent wafted into his nostrils.
He recoiled instinctively, his mind instantly perceiving a sinister presence in the once inviting drink.
He looked at the person who served the drink and noticed he didn't pour for anyone else this drink but them.
A wave of panic surged through his body, urging him to trust his gut instinct and distance himself from the potentially treacherous concoction before him.
His pulse quickened, his brows furrowed, and without a second thought, he concocted an impulsive plan.
Averting his gaze from the suspect drink, he turned his attention to his friend , oblivious to the turmoil silently unfolding within him.
Almost involuntarily, he swung his arm outwards, a well-calculated blow aimed at his Ceaser's arm.
"Oops".
As the force of impact hit his friend's arm, the glass tumbled precariously from his friend's grasp, cascading to the floor .
A collective gasp resonated through the room as the glass shattered, capturing everyone's attention, while its contents pooled at their feet.
"Aww dude, not again. You got alcohol on my shoes. I'm beginning to think the forces of nature are against me and drinking". Ceaser complained, shaking his leg in an attempt to get some liquors drops out.
Noah's heart raced, adrenaline coursed through his veins. He wasn't sure what it was but his whole body screamed that he shouldn't take the drink.
"We're so sorry for the trouble ". Noah said , bowing his head in apology.
Lucifer's eye seemed to hold massive rage but he somehow managed to hold it.
"I think it's time for you boys to leave"
Noah breathed a sigh of relief as he walked out of the lounge with a confused Ceaser who had no idea what happened with the sudden change of Lucifer's attitude.
He called one of his imposing men standing at the corner.
When he came closer , he leaned in to hear a command from his boss, one that was said in an almost whisper but still held intimidation to it.
"Kill them".
To be continued
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder