"Any plans for tonight?" Regis asked his sister, finishing up the nightly count and closing down his booth.
"Nah, just gonna do some painting." Senova tied an apron around her back before tarping off her machine and chairs in a thick plastic.
"On a Friday night? You're going to paint your booth?" Regis scoffed, pushing the door open. "Just don't forget to lock up Sen. Keep yourself safe, it's a full moon tonight." He howled out and laughed, referencing to an earlier client with a wolf tattoo.
"Just get out already. Take a cab home, drunk ass." She followed her brother out, locking the door behind him.
Senova turned the stereo on, singing along to the heavy music bursting through the speakers. She bobbed and danced, spinning as she dipped the roller in paint. Senova moved with a rhythm, covering the dark walls in a fluorescent green, rivaled only by nuclear radiation. Her body moved in beat, following the timing of the bass drum, the wailing of the guitar. She was in her own world, completely at peace with herself.
This was her perfect Friday night. She paused, tilting her head to the side and examining the first coat of paint. This wall would need another. The second would need something… different. She poured herself a glass of whiskey from a small bottle she kept tucked away from Regis. Senova swallowed hard at the sour alcohol before continuing her work on her booth.
As the next song started, she found herself singing along. Only interrupted by a tapping on the front door window pane.
I heard a knock upon my door the other day
I opened it to find death staring in my face
Senova turned, just as if on cue, to find her 'favorite ghoul' waving at her through the glass. She swore up and down it was coincidence how his appearance was timed with the music. She shook her head, pausing the song as she moved to the door. She pointed out the closing time listed on the outside and waved him off.
Uta smiled and held up a brown paper sack, pointing to it madly.
Senova sighed, opening the door slightly and keeping it stopped with her foot. "You have four seconds, I'm shooting on five. We're closed." Her hand behind her back gripped the handle of the gun hidden in her waistband, releasing the safety in preparation.
Uta chuckled, "Feel free, but I'm sure I've been through worse." That smile again. If he kept that up, Senova knew she would be in trouble. "I've brought a gift! I'm told pastries are delicious, are they really?" He presented the bag to her.
Upon his sharp movements, Senova drew her weapon, aiming at him following the sites. "You need to leave." She pulled the bolt back, a round finding its way from the magazine to the chamber. Her index finger resting cautiously on the trigger. "You're trespassing on private property."
Still smiling, Uta gripped the barrel of the gun, pulling it to his chest. "I dare you."
Senova took his dare, pulling the trigger and firing two .45 caliber rounds into his chest. Once he hit the concrete, she turned the safety on and placed her weapon back into her holster. She picked up the phone, unlocking it and dialing 911. Before she could send the call, Uta was standing, examining the fresh holes in his shirt. "I dropped the pastries… I'll have to pick you up some more." Smiling again. Senova was definitely in trouble.
She drew her weapon once again removing the safety and pointing it at the man before her. Her eyes wide, mouth agape and her phone shattered to the floor. Fear in her eyes, her pupils dilated, she began to sweat.
Uta gripped her wrist, raising the firearm towards the ceiling. His free hand snaked around her waist, holding her in place. "You've had your fun, now it's my turn." His soothing voice turned dark, a smirk present on his face.
Senova turned away from him, leaning back against his grip. She wrestled to no avail against his considerable strength. A look of fear and disgusted etched into the delicate features of her face.
"Now…" He paused, his expression softening almost instantly. "Let's get pastries," The comforting nature was back in his voice as he released Senova, placing her weapon on the counter.
Senova shoved him away from her, staring at him in disbelief. "Either kill me or leave. Those are the only options." She didn't dare to look away. "I'm not going with you."
Uta scoffed, turning on his heels and slamming the door closed behind him.
Senova ran to lock the door before grabbing her weapon. She held it securely in her hand, examining the ammunition loaded into the magazine. Her mind must have been playing tricks on her. It had to be the whiskey. Maybe the weapon misfired. Maybe this was all an elaborate prank from Regis. The answer had to be anything but accepting the fact that Ghouls are here.
