Awakened: The Story of Maxwell Cain

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Club Void

They pulled up to the club after thirty minutes of driving.  The building was situated on the corner of two main roads.  There were spotlights shining on the grand entrance and a large fountain in the front like one usually sees in front of casinos.  The building itself was made entirely of odd shapes and angles painted in bright neon colors.  The front entrance was a massive skull with the doorway placed so the customers walk inside through its mouth.

A long line of people were waiting outside the door to the club – a line that wrapped around the side of the building stretching for fifty yards.  The driver dropped them off on the corner and bid them farewell.  He enjoyed receiving their final, generous tip and drove off, never to have another day like this one.

They walked to the doorway to be greeted by the oversized doorman.  After a quick gesture from Will, the doorman immediately let them inside, much to the anger of those waiting in line.

When the doors opened, they could hear the dance music blaring inside.  There were black lights everywhere reflecting the body paint of the people on the dance floor.  There were cages suspended from the ceiling with beautiful women dancing provocatively inside for everyone’s viewing pleasure.

They walked up to the bar and sat down in the open seats.  Will motioned over the bartender and ordered them all drinks, each of which cost ten times the price of a drink in an average bar.  As their drinks were delivered, Will quickly went to work gathering information.  It was difficult to extract information from people and be discreet at the same time, so it was slow moving.  It was also difficult to find someone sober enough to speak with.

After about forty-five minutes of questioning a dozen people, they decided to split up.  Will continued to use his abilities on the employees, while Max and Chloe talked to the other patrons.  Chloe walked toward the entrance of the club while Max moved near the stairs in the back.

Max walked up to a group of five gathered around the stairs, talking among themselves above the music.  He could hear one of the guys talking of how his father would not allow him access to his trust fund, and only giving him three million dollars for living expenses.

Max walked up to the group and yelled above the music, “I’m looking for someone called The Tinkerer!  Do any of you know where I can find him?”

The group looked at him dumbfounded, and the guy who was talking earlier answered, “Who the hell are you?”

Max stood his ground.  “My name is Max.  Can you help me, or not?”

The guy laughed and said, “I don’t know you, Max, and I have never heard of anyone called The Tinkerer.  Now, get the hell out of here, before I make you.”

Max bit his tongue, knowing it was best not to start a fight here.  He came here for a purpose and did not need any distractions.  He turned and began making his way back to the bar when someone put their hand on his shoulder.  Automatically, Max spun around and grabbed the hand and twisted it around the man’s back.

“Wait!  Wait!  I’m here to help!” yelled the man.  “I overheard you talking to those people.  I can help you find The Tinkerer.  He usually enjoys a more high class party, but he does come in here sometimes.  I haven’t seen him in a while, but I know where he lives.  Come upstairs so we can get out of the music and talk.”

The man was very young, just barely old enough to get inside the bar.  He had a harmless look about him though.  Max looked around the room for his friends.  He couldn’t find Will at the bar, or Chloe on the floor.  He turned back to the man.  “Let’s go.  You first.”