The Maple Murders

Chapter 6 - A Red Fox's prey

Saturday, January 14th, 8:30 PM.
The deafening music pouring from the pub could be heard from blocks away. The colourful, flashing lights coming from the inside only added to the headache. It was almost like a cheap nightclub; a place Emma could never imagine herself visiting, but there she was, outside the 'Red Fox pub' with her accomplice? Co-worker? Leader? - Ash.

Emma, for the first time in weeks, was dressed for the occasion. She wore a knee-length, navy blue dress covered by a short, creamy-white, unbuttoned cardigan and was paired with a pair of thin, tights and black, buckled shoes. Her milk-chocolate hair was neatly curled.

Ash, on the other hand, was dressed in a more casual attire, wearing light blue baggy jeans, a dark green, baggy jumper, and black trainers. She also wore a silver cross necklace around her neck.

"My God, it's so cold..." Emma muttered, shivering as the cold air bit her bare legs.

Climbing the step that led into the pub, she turned around to make sure that Ash was following. Ash, though, was still standing opposite the door, staring at the three small steps leading into the pub.

"You' coming?" Emma asked. Ash looked up at her. She looked uncertain, even possibly vulnerable. Despite that, she said nothing and followed Emma into the noisy, crowded party.

The warm air enveloping them as they entered was immediately noticeable to both Ash and Emma, but it was the nostalgia of the environment that caught Ash's attention the most. The loud music and flashing lights reminded her of her rebellious teenage years, sneaking into clubs with her friends. The old, dark, oak furniture and red and gold flowery and geometrical patterned carpet took her back to her childhood, when her mother would drag her into the local pub. She'd play around with her mother's friends' children, earning a pack of crisps or a tub of sweets as a reward for her good behaviour.

The faint whiff of alcohol in the air reminded her of herself. Her weekends, her evenings, her mornings, her home.

As soon as they stepped inside, they were greeted by Charlotte and another young woman. The woman had bright, fiery orange hair, which was pulled into a neat, professional but stylish bun. She wore a long, elegant red dress, which clung to her shoulders, highlighting her piercing blue eyes. Around her torso hung a white and gold sash that said 'Happy 22nd birthday'.

"Ash, I'm so glad you made it!" Charlotte exclaimed as she hugged Ash, who didn't seem comfortable with the embrace.

"You must be April," Emma said awkwardly, smiling. "Happy birthday!"

April smiled back at Emma. "That's me. Thank you very much." Her voice was as kind as her smile.

~*~*~*~*~

As Ash and Emma made their way to the bar, Charlotte turned to April. "I had to invite Emma, but she's honestly ruining the vibe," she started. "I wish we could just have this be about you and your birthday."

April, who was hesitant, replied, "Well, she doesn't seem all that bad. She seems quite nice, actually. I love what you've done for me, Charlotte, it just seems... A lot, you know?"

"Come on, April. You deserve the night of your life." Charlotte replied with a smile as she held April's hands with her own. "It's your birthday, so let's make sure you have an amazing time."

Another couple entered the bar, and Charlotte greeted them. "Hello, Daniel and Rosa! I'm delighted that you're here."

April smiled joyfully and added, "Ah, Doctor Sharma, thank you for coming."

Rosa, who asked to be called just 'Rosa', replied warmly, "Happy birthday!"

Over at the bar, Ash and Emma sat side by side, each lost in their own thoughts. Emma appeared to be anxious, constantly shifting in her seat as she kept a watchful eye on the entrance, looking out for Rosa's arrival.