Racing Shadows In The Moonlight

Chapter 1 - Midnight Show

Isis always knew Vegas would be hot, but she didn't really understand till now. Scorching temperatures had burnt her peachy skin, leaving her arms, nose and chest looking similar to that of a lobster. She had come to the Battle Born state with her best friend Bianca, who has saved up for this trip for over 6 years. A teenage dream they were now experiencing, but things weren't going as well as they had previously planned. Their hotel smelt of dirty laundry and the food made Bianca vomit every night. They decided that tonight they would go out for dinner at an underground restaurant a few blocks away from The Strip.

The little antique clock in their room chimed at 7pm, the girls were dressing up and dancing around the beds like hyperactive children. Blasting the radio while they applied their lipstick and curled their hair. Isis wore a little black dress with her favourite stilettos. Bianca wore a purple peplum top with her skinny jeans, she was always a tomboy at heart. Realising the time, they grabbed their clutches and ran out the hotel.

Giggling down the neon streets, Isis and Bianca couldn't believe they were really in Vegas. "This is our dream!!" Shrieked Isis, shaking Bianca by the shoulders. They turned around the corner and found the neon sign pointing down to their restaurant. That magic buzz, that distant sound of jazz music and conversation, the girls tried hard to contain they excitement but it was obvious, they were just too shaky.

Down the stairs, the clicking of their heels disintegrated as jazz music filled their ears. The bouncer at the door was so stereotypical, a big, broad shouldered man. His face, so bold and battered. A history of many fights and brawls could be told in his facial features. He stared at Bianca as she pulled out a small card. He peered at the card, nodded his head and reached over to the door, opening it for the girls. Their eyes widened as they wandered inside. Neon lights lined the ceiling, the tables were plain black and surrounded by dinner suits and cocktail dresses. The jazz band in the corner played so smoothly, it was hard not to tap your feet or click your fingers.

The skinny teenage waiter rushed over, "Can I help you ladies!?" Bianca showed the card again and he showed them over to their table. It was 2 tables away from the jazz band, the girls sat down and looked around. So many people in such a small space. The restaurant consisted of around 20 tables, but there were a few in the corner that Isis noticed. There was no light in that corner so she couldn't see their faces, but she could hear their voices. One seemed so familiar, but she couldn't hear properly due to the band and the other people.

The waiter appeared again, "What can I get you ladies!?" Bianca stared into the menu, squinting her eyes at the alcohol lists, deciding on a cocktail. "I'll have theeeeeee..." Isis rolls her eyes, poking her foot with her heels under the table. Bianca shuts the menu quickly in anger. "Fine!! I'll have a cosmopolitan, please!" Isis gently pulls the menu from Bianca's hand, she looks up to the waiter "I'll have a vodka and Coke, thanks." The waiter takes the menu and sprints down to the bar. The sounds of cocktail shakers, running spirits and the crushing of ice fill the air, mixing with the smooth jazz sounds. Wonderful.

The drinks arrive swiftly, and Isis takes a sip of the vodka and Coke, while Bianca gulps down her cocktail. "Bianca!! Slow down!!" Isis panics, looking around at the others. "This isn't like the pub at home!!" Bianca always loves the pub, drinking pints of beer with the boys, she has a crush on the guy at the bar, Nathan. Black hair, dark, brown eyes and a bodybuilder figure that made Bianca weak at the knees. But she'd never ask him out, only stare lovingly from the bar.

Sipping her drink, Isis' eyes peer at the darkened tables in the corner. Something in her head is bugging her to find out who is sitting there. Who would want to sit in the dark? Who would want to hide from the public?

Wait! A celebrity! That's who! The skinny waiter drifts passed Isis and Bianca. He approaches the tables in the dark. Shadows move. Voices make orders to the waiter who reappears into the light. Isis sees her opportunity, she tugs the waiter's apron as he walks past. He jumps in shock, composes himself and turns to Isis.