Salvation 2035

Chapter 6- Still Alive

『Abel』

     I look at the horizon to see nothing but black, save the light from the full moon, which occasionally pokes out from the clouds. There aren't any stars out, probably because of all the pollution that has built up over the years. At least this area of the country didn't get nuked.

     I guess it's about time I ask Tsuki the obvious question, "where are we going?"

     "To the city nearby," he replies, briefly looking over to me. "There's someone I gotta see. You can take a nap in the meantime, even though it'll probably only be like ten minutes at the most."

     "Sounds like a good idea," I yawn. As soon as I recline the chair further and get as comfortable as I can, my exhaustion takes over.

     I feel the car come to a stop. I open my eyes to see the sight of many neon lights. I then rub them and the image clears up. There are many bright, flashing signs, along with wealthy yet scummy-looking people roaming the streets and women that have too much makeup on presumably trying to get their attention. I look over at the bright pink sign that is above the entranceway of the place we're in front of that reads 'Exotic Beauties'. This isn't what I think it is, is it?

    "Uh, why are we in the red light district?" I ask.

     "You don't have to leave the car if you don't want to," Tsuki answers, unbuckling his seat belt.

     "Seriously? This is the first place you want to visit after getting out of jail? Really?" I inquire, dumbfounded at the very thought. "You want some action that bad?"

     "What? Hell no!" he exclaims, painted in shock from what I just asked. "I just have someone's money that just happens to work here, and I'd like to give it back to her, that's all."

     "Oh, alright," I answer. "That's still a little odd, given we're on the run."

     "Are you going with me, or what?" Tsuki questions, presumably tired of me being nosey.

     "Of course," I unbuckle my seat belt, "I don't feel safe out here." I guess out of all the places here, this one looks to be the nicest.

     We enter through the lofty double doors. The lights are dim, and the entranceway is surprisingly large with four leather couches and a decently sized table. I don't know who would want to loiter in this place, but I guess there are enough to warrant this. I look to my right to see a wall covered with pictures of different women. I suppose this whole building is a brothel. Needless to say, I feel quite uncomfortable and out of place.

     "Wait here," Tsuki directs, and walks up to the front desk. The woman standing there has large, curly blonde hair and of course, loads of makeup. Her red dress fits her like a glove. I can't quite put a finger on her age though. She could be in her forties trying to look younger, or she could be in her teens trying to look older. Who really knows. I debate whether or not I should sit down, but then remember all the sleazeballs who probably sat there in the past, and decide that standing is a better option. I know it probably isn't right, but I can't help but eavesdrop on the conversation.

     "Is there a Roxana here?" He asks the lady, "There's something I need to give her."

     "Well, you're out of luck," she answers frankly, "did you know her?"

     "Yeah, she leant me some cash a few years ago and I'd like to give it back to her," he explains.

     "That money's yours now," she informs him, "Roxana was a real addict and sort of an aspiring dealer, but I'm sure you're aware of that since it's kinda common knowledge."