I usually went to the pubs and streets where I knew dark spirited people lurked.
Tonight was no exception.
When I walked in to the first pub, Marcus was already there with a young woman on his lap.
I turned and walked out.
As I walked past an alley, I heard them behind me.
I knew I was dressed too finely to be in this part of the town, but that was the whole point. To attract them to me, make this easier.
There were two of them, both males in their thirties. A young female up ahead was the decoy. I stopped, pretending to be looking for something in my pockets. They stopped a few feet behind me. I continued walking, my hunger already becoming sharper and bubbling towards the surface. I turned my senses over to it until it was all I knew.
I saw the female before she even moved towards me, blocking my path. The scrape of the pocket knives opening had my body tensing waiting for the struggle, small as it might be.
“Where are you going in such a hurry love?” The female asked.
“I’m looking for this place here.” I showed her the scrap of paper in my hand.
“You’re not from around here.” She said placing a hand on my bicep.
“No.” I smiled a little.
She moved closer.
“Are you in a hurry or do you have time for a little fun?” She said.
“What kind of fun?”
The two men were close now, close enough to grab me.
I felt the press of a knife at my right side.
“Looks like it’s not your night.” One of them said.
“Give us all you’ve got.” The other instructed.
They were afraid but they liked the adrenaline rush.
They figured I was rich and would be carrying a lot of money or things of value on my person.
The female stepped back.
I touched her arms.
She looked at me.
I focused my gaze at her.
“Come closer.” I told her.
She stepped nearer.
“What are you doing?” One of the men asked her.
“Shelly, get out of the way.” The other male hissed at her.
I touched her neck.
She shivered and placed her hands on my waits.
“Close your eyes.” I said leaning close to her.
Her heart sped up with anticipation.
“The money, now.” The man to my left, Martin, said pressing the tip of the knife on my neck.
I straightened.
“I don’t have much on me.” I said.
“Shelly, check his pockets.”
She opened her eyes but didn’t move.
“Hey! What is the matter with you?” The one to my right, Stan, yelled at her.
“Quiet. You want people to hear you?” Martin told him.
I smiled at her, she smiled back automatically.
