Chapter Twenty-Six
Ultra Violet was crowded. The
music was playing and the customers were partying as Paul walked
in with Marcie.
"So this is your plan?" Marcie giggled.
"Nothing like a good party to get your mind off
things." Paul said. "Just relax. Loosen up a little.
Have a drink."
"No... thanks, Paul. I think I'll pass on the
booze." she said. "Thanks a lot for bringing me here,
for letting me vent it really means a lot."
Paul got a table with her, ordering a drink. "Hey, no
problem." he said. "You wanna talk, I'm here to
listen."
She smiled, sitting back at the table. From across the club, Jen
looked over. She had to look twice, not believing her eyes.
Marcie with Paul? She saw Paul answer his phone and excuse
himself from Marcie for a moment, stepping outside. Jen walked
over.
"So..." Jen said
"So... what?" Marcie asked.
"Paul Cramer?" she sat across from her. "What's
that all about? Paul is bad news, Marcie."
"Paul is sweet. He's just being a friend."
"What about Michael?"
"What about Michael?" Marcie said "This has
nothing to do with Michael McBain."
"Paul Cramer..."
"Jen, it's nothing, OK. I was having a bad day and
Paul... he listened. It's not like I'm gonna marry
him."
"Just be careful, Marcie." Jen said. Marcie sighed.
"Please. Paul doesn't get involved with anyone unless
there's something he can get out of it. Please..."
Paul stood outside the doors of Ultra Violet pacing back and
forth on the phone.
"No... you don't understand." he said. "We
had an arrangement... That's not going to happen..."
Paul sighed. "I can't tonight... look, I said I'd
cover but you have yet to pay up... Look, look I am going home...
right..." Paul hung up the phone, clutching it in his hand
for a moment before turning and heading back inside.
Al stood by the corner of the building, listening to the entire
conversation, watching as Paul walked back into the club. He
paused a moment following him inside. Al's eyes set on
Marcie and Jen as Paul approached them. He stepped closer.
"Sorry," Paul said "I gotta get out of here."
"Everything OK?" Marcie asked.
"Just something I need to take care of." Paul said.
"I'll talk to you later, Marcie."
Marcie nodded, giving a soft smile as Paul left. Al let his eyes
follow him curiously.
"I'm getting out of here too." Jen said. "Why
don't you come with me? Marcie..." Jen looked at her.
Her face seemed drawn. "Marcie, we should get out of here.
We could go get icecream or something."
"Sure..." Marcie said. She stood after Jen, steadying
herself against the table. She shut her eyes as the room seemed
to start spinning.
"Marcie?" Jen said. Al looked over, moving closer to
them.
"I'm OK," she said. She released the table,
standing on her own for a moment, moving forward but stumbling,
her knees giving out beneath her, sending her to the floor.
"Marcie!" Al called hurrying to her. Jen crouched
beside her.
"Marcie?" Jen said. "Marcie... Michael." she
looked up at him. "You have to do something. What's
wrong with her?"
Marcie was still. "Get on the phone to the hospital."
Al told Jen, "Tell them to get an ambulance down here."
He went back to Marcie, lifting her head gently.
"Marcie?" he said. "Come on, Marcie. Open up your
eyes."
