LaFontaine dragged Laura, who was less than willing to be headed in that area of the city, towards the bar. Perry followed behind them, noting the lack of hygiene in these parts.
‟Come on, this is a perfect place for an investigation! ˮ, LaF pleaded.
‟I'm not studying to be a CSI, but a journalist ˮ, Laura pointed out.
‟This place would be better suited for you, Susan, look at those icky substances ˮ, Lola Perry stated while pointing at some trash in an alley.
‟It's LaFontaine ˮ, scoffed the Biology student, ‟and besides, I also take interest in the unexplained ˮ.
‟I never agreed to this ˮ, an exasperated Laura said while advancing against her will.
‟Well you're here now, aren't you? ˮ, LaF replied.
The trio had arrived at their (or rather LaFontaine's) destination.
‟There it is, Silas Bar, home to a number of disappearances ˮ, LaF exclaimed, looking up at the sign.
‟I don't know about this ˮ, Perry murmured nervously.
LaF proceeded to open up the door to the place and waited for the other two to step in.
Laura breathed in. It can't be that bad, she thought. She walked in, followed by her two companions.
The inside wasn't particularly large, but surprisingly looked like it could accommodate quite a few people. One the left was the bar with a counter and stools. The rest of the space was filled with tables and chairs. Laura noticed a hall on the back left, probably leading to the washrooms and a storage room. There were about ten people sitting in the tables section. The stools at the counter were empty.
‟I want to go check out that hallway ˮ LaF said with a touch of excitement.
‟That's not a good idea ˮ, Perry gasped, ‟We should stick together ˮ.
‟You two go head, I'll stay here and see if anything happens ˮ, Laura said, trying to sound confident.
The two others moved towards the back and Laura was left alone.
This is a bar, I should get a drink, she thought.
She sat on a free stool and was immediately approached by a girl with long red hair behind the counter.
‟Good evening, what can I get you? ˮ, asked the bar maid, flashing a smile.
Laura blushed.
‟Um, do you have some lemon s-soda? ˮ, she stuttered.
‟That's a light drink for a bar ˮ, the red-head remarked, while preparing the drink.
‟Yeah, these places aren't usually my thing. The person I came here with chose this placeˮ, Laura explained.
She took the time to glance at the bar maid's name tag and read Danny.
‟Oh, so you're with someone? ˮ, asked Danny.
‟Yes. Well, we aren't together, together. I mean we're not… Uh, I came here with friends ˮ, Laura managed to let out.
‟So you're single then? ˮ, Danny insisted.
Laura, taken aback, turned away as she answered.
‟I am ˮ, she muttered.
At that moment, Laura nearly jumped off her seat as the sound of a motor rumbled outside the bar. A minute later the door opened wide and in stepped a female with long, wavy dark hair. Her black boots, which matched her leather jacket, resonated on the floor as she walked. She carried a motorcycle helmet in her left hand.
Laura noticed the amusement being replaced by a serious frown on Danny's face.
The newcomer approached Laura, setting the helmet on the counter near her. When she was at an unusually close distance, she leaned in to Laura's ear.
‟You're in my spot, cupcake ˮ.
‟Excuse me? ˮ, Laura exclaimed, shocked by this individual's rudeness.
‟Really, Carmilla? ˮ, Danny shot from behind the counter.
‟You stay out of this ˮ, Carmilla told Danny, giving her a dark stare.
A guy who had been sitting at the table side came towards the area of confrontation.
‟You should calm down, Kitty ˮ, he said in regards to Camilla.
Laura nearly laughed. This Carmilla character had nothing to do with the gentle-like nature she associated with kittens.
Carmilla spinned towards the new guy getting involved.
‟Will, you better shut up ˮ, she growled.
Will laughed, but backed away.
‟What is going on? ˮ, asked a male voice.
The four people at the center of the conflict turned towards the one asking the question.
Danny got agitated.
‟Kirsch? Get back to the kitchen, I can handle this! ˮ, she yelled at him.
‟Clearly, a dude is needed here ˮ, he remarked.
‟There's a reason you wash dishes and I'm out here ˮ, Danny said, ‟Now, get out! ˮ
‟Trouble in paradise ˮ, Carmilla chuckled.
Danny was fuming.
‟Carmilla, I'm going to ask you to leave ˮ, she said trying to be calm.
Hastily, Carmilla grabbed an empty beer bottle that was sitting on the counter and smashed the bottom on the side of the surface.
Laura let out a scream, shielding herself from flying shards of glass. She stood up, ready to head towards the door, when she remembered Perry and LaF.
‟Want to fight me about it? ˮ, Carmilla threatened, pointing the broken bottle at Danny.
Will, who had been laughing off the situation, pulled Carmilla aside.
Laura took the opportunity to head towards the door.
Danny followed her and put a hand on Laura's shoulder, but the frantic journalism student jumped, still on edge.
‟Can someone please get my friends so I can leave this crazy place? ˮ, Laura nearly yelled.
‟Welcome to Silas ˮ, Danny said, trying to ease the tension.
Kirsch was trying to reason with Will when LaF and Perry emerged from the back hall.
‟Where the heck were you? ˮ, Laura asked under her breath, when LaF was within ear's reach.
‟I'll explain later ˮ, LaF answered, heading out with Perry.
Laura headed after them but was stopped by Danny.
‟I'm so sorry about what happened. Next time the drinks are on the house ˮ, she told Laura.
‟I don't think that is likely to happen ˮ, Laura said, turning away.
The last thing she saw before exiting was Carmilla, sitting on the stool Laura had selected, grinning.
