October 24 2020
BACK OFFICE, CLUB, 10:54 PM
The club's bass-heavy music thumped faintly through the walls, muffled by the closed office door. Dave leaned over the desk, flipping through transaction slips again while Tony replayed the same security clip for the fourth time.
Tony froze the footage, tapping the screen.
Tony- Right there. See? That's not the bartender's usual shift.
The camera showed one of their employees — Evan, a newer hire — slipping a thick envelope into his jacket, glancing around before walking offscreen.
Dave's jaw tightened.
Dave- He really thought we wouldn't notice.
Tony shook his head, standing.
Tony -Let's see if our friend's still on shift.
---
MAIN FLOOR, CLUB
The flashing lights and pounding music washed over them as Dave and Tony stepped out. Their eyes tracked Evan easily — he was at the far end of the bar, pouring drinks with a forced smile.
Dave motioned for Tony to circle around.
They closed in like it was second nature.
When Evan turned and saw them, his face paled.
Evan - Boss. Didn't know you were—
Dave cut him off, voice low but lethal.
Dave- Save it. Office. Now.
---
BACK OFFICE, FIVE MINUTES LATER
Evan sat in the chair across from Dave, shifting uncomfortably. Tony stood by the door, arms folded.
Dave- You want to explain
Dave began,
Dave- or should we just roll the security footage for the cops?
Evan swallowed hard.
Evan - I was... just taking what I was owed. Tips were short, and—
Tony scoffed.
Tony -Owed? You've been here three months.
Dave leaned forward.
Dave- You could've come to me. Instead, you decided to steal from me. That makes you an enemy, Evan.
Evan's eyes darted between them.
Evan - Please—just... don't call the police. I'll pay it back.
Dave glanced at Tony. They didn't need to say a word — the decision was already made.
Dave- You're done here,
Dave said flatly.
Dave- And if I ever see you near this place again, you'll regret it.
Tony escorted Evan out, the thump of the club's bass swallowing his protests.
---
DAVE'S TRUCK, HEADING HOME
Dave finally called AJ.
Dave - It's handled. I'm on my way.
Her voice softened.
AJ - Good. Mateo's asleep. Luke's still on window duty.
Dave smiled faintly.
Dave- That man's more paranoid than I am. I'll be home soon.
