"Abi, this is an old friend of mine, Criss. He's here to speak to us about offering you a job with his show."
Abigail stood rooted to the floor, not sure what to make of the situation that was being presented before her. After a brief moment, she smiled and said, "well...Mr. Andrews, I'm not sure...I mean I have no idea about what kind of work your asking me to do or anything about this man you have brought here. So...I'm not really sure."
"Come to my office after you've dressed. No exuses." Mr. Andrews barked. He had a beady eye and wasn't one to argue with. Sighing inwardly, Abi agreed and watched the two men walk away. Taking a little bit of her time, she changed into her favorite pair of tattered jeans and her baby blue t shirt that hugged her like a glove. After twenty minutes, she was knocking on the door to Mr. Andrews office.
The doore was opened by Mr. Andrew's assistant and was asked to sit across the desk from her boss and beside the stranger, Criss. She was uncomfortable and didn't like what she saw looming in her future.
"Abi, I don't want to see you leave, but Criss offered me a nice sum to cancel your contract with me. I have accepted his offer. I hate to see you leave us here at The Pit, but it is all for the best. Your now employed by Criss."
Abi stared, her jaw hung open in shock at what was being presented to her. Criss held out a piece of paper to her.
"Here is your new contract Abigail. You'll work for me now. The job is simple and rewarding. You'll work as a magicians assistant. You won't be stripping anymore."
"Magician's Assistant!! I can't accept that...I don't know anything about magic, I can't afford a paycut...I need my tips! Who are you to tell me to sacrafice so much for you?" She fumed in anger.
"I'm a magician of great reputation. I have a TV Show, so I can afford to pay you double what you made yearly, plus your tips. I can also give you a better work schedule, no working late nights or taking off your clothes. Furhter, I'll teach you how to do the magic. You can have a normal life so to speak. I'd think you'd be rather greatful for the change." Criss spoke in a tone of surprise.
Sighing Abi eyed him warily. "Your right, I am greatful for the raise in pay and the normal schedule. Thank you." She read over the contract and saw all that was offered to her was put into writing. She stiffly stood before the two men. "If you'll exuse me, I must go now. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon, Mr. Angel."
Without waiting for a word, she left the small office to leave. As she started up her little car, and put it in gear, she saw Criss in her rearview mirror trying to catch up with her. She pulled out of the parking lot as quickly as she dared. She drove the short distance to the apartment that Danielle and her roommate shared a few blocks away. Quietly, in the early morning hours, she carried Chris to her car and drove her to the small apartment she had overlooking the strip.
As she finished stepping out of the shower, she heard a small knocking at her door. Fear pricked her heart...who could that be at this hour? Slowly, she quietly made her way to the front door. She grabbed the baseball bat she kept hidden by the door. She cracked the door open a hair and her annoyance was came through. Standing at her door was the dark stranger, Criss.
"What do you want now? It's 4 AM"
"I'm sorry, I had to come see you. I never meant to upset you. I just wanted to speak with you."
"You know, this is borderline stalking..." suddenly a small voice came from within the darkness..."Mommy, is everything ok?"
Abi stared into the dark room and then to the stranger Criss. The shock on his face told it all.