December 22nd, 2011
Lafayette, Louisiana
The Velvet Showroom
Dean walks into the club, dressed for a night out. Going out of his way to wear a white dress shirt, loafers and even comb his hair back. He kept his jeans on though. Alicia recommended slacks, but he said hell no to that.
The Velvet Showroom was more of a music bar, but the high profile celebrities that perform there earned it a club status. A Tribe Called Quest being one of the more popular acts. Dean leans against the wall, as a band prepares on stage. The place was pretty packed. Full of young and old people having a good time on a Thursday night. A couple walks in arm and arm, followed by a larger man. They take a seat near the back, just a few feet away from Dean. He darts his eyes over, scoping them without being obvious.
"The big guy is clearly a bodyguard, but who's the pair he's watching over?" He wonders.
A black female just under six feet takes the stage. Her dark brown skin, shaved head and African garb showed a little about herself. She took the mic and spoke with a Cajun accent.
"I hope everyone has enjoyed the show so far. We have a lot of up and coming musicians performing here, and they're all grateful for everyone coming. Before the final act comes on, enjoy a small instrumental piece from our local band, The Job Squad."
She exits the stage as the band plays smooth jazz. The hostess makes her way over to the couple who just came in, talking to them like old friends. A few minutes later, the hostess makes her way over to Dean.
"You must be Mr. Ambrose. You work for the WWE correct?"
"Yeah. Easy to assume you're Imani?"
"Yes. We'll be able to talk after the show. As for now, feel free to have a few drinks on me."
Dean smiles like no one ever has made him before. He heads to the bar rubbing his hands. The woman with the bodyguard bumps into Dean as she walks by.
"Sorry man."
Dean stays quiet, looking her up and down. Her colorful dress gave him a headache. The mix of purple, blue, pink, and white was a walking seizure ready to happen. What threw Dean off was the updo ponytail. That looks stupid.
"Don't sweat it."
He hops on a bar stool and orders five beers. As the band finishes, Imani retakes the stage.
"One more round of applause for The Job Squad!"
The band waves as they make their way off stage. A DJ sets up behind them.
"I'm so glad to have this woman here tonight. A friend of mine going back over a decade. Since then she's become one of the biggest music sensations in the world. For her to come to our small town is a treat for all of us. Please give it up for pop icon, BAYLEY!"
Dean chokes on his beer, doing a double take. The crowd goes insane with applause. Bayley runs on stage, hugging her best friend. She waves to everyone with the biggest white toothed smile one could imagine. Dean kicks back, finally getting to see what Paige made a big deal out of. The DJ hits the music, sending Bayley into her set. She does five songs. The song "Color Coded" (an 80's retro pop song) actually got Dean to bob his head. Maybe it was just the alcohol.
"I want to thank you all for coming out tonight. I appreciate and love all of you!" She says blowing out kisses.
After the club closes up, Imani and Dean sit down at a table to discuss why he's here.
"Normally I wouldn't do this, but my club is in trouble and I'm desperate for help." Said Imani.
"Whatever the problem is, I can take care of it." Replied Dean.
"Recently I've had a few problems with a corporate stooge trying to tear down my club. He wanted to buy it at first, but after I refused, he said he would take action. I went to the police, but they claimed I need evidence."
"So what did he do?"
"Nothing yet. But I fear he possibly could."
Dean leans back in his chair, looking upset.
"Look lady, I didn't come all the way out here because you assume shit. Either you give me a reason to hurt someone or I'm going home."
Bayley comes over and sits down, smoking a cigarette. She yanks the ponytail from her head and slumps over the table. Dean waves away the smoke from his face.
"This the guy you hired to deal with that mob boss?"
Bayley's voice sounded deeper than earlier. Dean sits quietly, unsure what to make of her.
"He's not a mob boss. Just a man with money and lackeys who thinks he's going to muscle my business. His name is Damien Sandow. Dean, if you can stay a few days, I'm sure you'll see what I'm talking about. He's cunning, but also very brutal."
Bayley's boyfriend and bodyguard make their way over.
"How you doing pal. I'm Luther." Her boyfriend greets, offering a handshake to Dean.
Luther was Mexican America's hottest TV star. A clean cut guy with a Spanish accent that could make any panties drop. Being with Bayley made them an instant power couple. Dean yawns, completely ignoring Luther. Dean doesn't trust guys with greasy, slick back hair. More cigarette smoke drifts in Dean's face.
"Hey Booboo, you mind smoking somewhere else? You're giving me cancer just looking at you."
Bayley shoots him a look like she's offended. She takes a huge drag, and blows a gigantic cloud in Dean's direction. Dean closes his eyes, smiling and shaking his head.
"Luther right? My man, if you don't mind, control your hoe."
"Excuse me?" Said Bayley with a sour tone.
Luther and Imani try to talk everyone down. Her bodyguard gets ready for a jump off.
"Why don't you head back to the Gap where you bought that outfit." Bayley demands, shooing him away.
Dean starts laughing. Very amused by the attitude she showed. Turns out this pop icon was nothing more than a diva. He couldn't wait to tell Paige. He looks around the club, under his shoulder, inside a cup, and continues until Bayley stops him.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"I'm just trying to see who the fuck you think you're talking to." Dean retorts folding his hands.
The room goes completely quiet. Everyone feeling a little awkward. Dean never backed down from anyone, and it wasn't gonna start with a singer. Bayley gives a half smile and puts out her cigarette. She gets up from the table and adjusts herself.
"I'll call you later Imani."
Dean trips her, making her stumble. Her bodyguard goes to attack, but Bayley stops him.
"See you later Booboo." Said Dean as they leave.
"I'm sorry about my friend. She can be a bit-"
"Of a bitch?" Dean finishes.
"I wasn't going to say that, but sure. Anyway, I hope this doesn't hurt our arrangement."
"It's fine lady. As long as you pay me."
"Good. I'll call you tomorrow when I hear something."
They shake hands and Dean leaves the club. As he walks out, he notices a car parked across the street with two men inside. Dean doesn't look at them, but has them in his sights as he walks off. With Dean out of the way, the two men step out of the car and walk up the bar. Imani is locking up the doors as they approach her. One skinny with a buzz cut, and the other chubby with a bald head and goatee.
"Ms. Nakeo, our boss had us come over and see if you reconsidered his offer." Asks the skinny one with the buzz cut.
Imani turns around with a knife in her hand, pointing it at them. The thugs could see her hand shaking. The one with the bald head grabs her by the face and presses her against the door. The skinny guy takes the knife.
"Ms. Nakeo, we don't have to play nice."
The sounds of clunking metal throw everyone off. The thugs turn around to see Dean jumping on the hood of their car.
"Hey, get the hell off our car! Are you stupid!" Yells the skinny one.
"Make me!" Dean shouts back, still jumping.
The bald one throws Imani to the ground and makes his way over to Dean. Dean bounces off the car and kicks the bald one in the face, dropping him to the ground. The skinny one attacks, throwing a weak punch. Dean easily dodges it, grabbing skinny's wrist and breaking it. While skinny falls to the ground, Dean goes over to help Imani.
"You alright?"
"Yes Mr. Ambrose. I'm fine." She replies brushing herself off.
"Call me Dean and get yourself a gun."
The thugs shout nonsense and threats as they drive off. Imani offers Dean a ride to his hotel, which he happily accepts. On the way there, Imani finally convinces Dean what Sandow is capable of.
"You shouldn't be scared of a couple of creeps like that, but I'll talk to my people and see if I can get anything on Sandow." Says Dean getting out the car.
After Dean is dropped off, he heads to his room, checking his messages. Still hasn't heard back from Paige. He kicks off his shoes and hops in bed. Staring at the ceiling, he ponders what that Irish chick is doing right now.
Across town, the thugs pull up to a large house in a secluded area, mostly surrounded by trees. Inside is some of the finest furniture one could buy. Animal rugs, suede and leather all around. What a place to be in. Damien Sandow sits in a leather armchair. Wearing a silk blue robe, playing with a rubix cube. The two thugs stumble in, looking defeated.
"I take it things didn't go too well?" Asks Sandow.
"We had her ready to break, but some guy snuck up on us. He was definitely trained." Says the skinny one.
"Yeah, but we can get her tomorrow. Don't worry about it." Said the bald one.
Sandow gets up from his chair and walks over to his liquor cabinet. He pours a glass of red wine, staring down the failures before him. You get what you pay for, even though money was no problem.
"Who said I was worried? No matter, just takes a new plan."
Sandow sips slowly, thinking about the next move. He figured it was time for his plan B.
"So she went and got professional help. I figured this was a possibility. Follow me gentlemen." Said Sandow walking to the back of the house.
Everyone walks out to the backyard. A half moon shining high as the three walk through a trail of roses and blossom trees. Sandow takes a seat on a bench and sips his wine. A tall man with tan skin, wearing black tactical gear and a skull mask walks up behind Sandow, holding a sub machine gun.
"Mr. Sandow, watch your back!" Shouts the bald one.
Sandow lets out a small chuckle.
"Please, this is my heavy hitter for the tougher jobs I need taken care of. Meet Top Gun!"
The two thugs stare in awe and confusion. Not sure wether they should run or ask questions.
"Top Gun, why don't you show these lower life forms your expertise." Sandow commands.
In all of two seconds, Top Gun shoots both thugs, point blank in the head. The gun smoke barely clearing before the bodies hit the ground. Sandow stands up clapping.
"Bravo! Bravo! Magnificent! Mr. Gun you truly are a man of your craft."
Top Gun tucks away his gun. His muscular and hairy arms flexing through his gear. Gun grabs both bodies by their collars and drag them towards a large hole behind some bushes. He dumps them in and starts to fill the grave with dirt. Sandow walks over swirling his glass.
"Top Gun, this situation will require precision. Ms. Nakeo obviously wont give in, but we can hurt her in different ways. It seems she's good friends with the singer Bayley. She's having an outdoor concert in a few days in New Orleans. Would you be so kind as to go that concert, and "make it rain" per say?"
Top Gun fills the rest of the grave and spikes the shovel in ground. He looks at Sandow and nods his head.