In Our Image: The Hollow

Chapter Three

Tonight is going to be a big night for me and I don't necessarily mean that as good. It's Saturday, my first Saturday working bar at The Hollow. Father owns The Hollow; he didn't build it but instead inherited it from its previous owner who was killed by the Sheppards. I don't know who they are but Father and the others say they work for the church to hunt our kinds down. Father says that The Hollow has been around since the old days, you know like horse and carriage days and that it has taken on many different forms over the years.

Saloons, hospitals, bars and now a night club, it is open to anyone wanting a good time but it is really a sanctuary for our sect and kind. It's our cover and a great source of income with a steady supply of necks. It feels like I'm learning to live two lives, the human one I was denied and this one... whatever it is.

Guess there's nothing to it but to do it, Mishka let me borrow her heels and one of her more revealing tops. Not my thing but

the tips are nice.

Father holds his weeknight staff meeting in his office before the rush hits, he seems very relaxed tonight more than usual even. It's nice to see him not on edge for once; I imagine it's stressful running not only a club but an entire sect as well. Keeping so many moving pieces in order and walking the line in-between two worlds... not my idea of fun.

"Alright kids, tonight is a big night as we all know. Rules of the house stand however, no tags will be made this weekend." Father says to the group who are standing and lounging on the office couches.

Bailey of course has issue with the rules.

"Right dad that's bullshit, are we on a diet or something?" Bailey snaps back with Chloe, her redheaded shadow nodding in agreement.

Father stands up and leans against his desk, "Call it whatever you like Bailey, the fact remains all the same. We cannot turn every damn person in Salem into a tag, can you imagine the attention it would bring having a thousand humans in and out at

all hours of the day and night?"

Father then turns to me, "The only exception is of course Madison... my dear it's time you joi..." He is cut off by Bailey's outburst.

"Of course, precious Madison gets to tag someone but all of us just... just tough shit?" She spouts while turning to Chloe and making a sarcastic and confused face.

Father blurs over to Bailey with uncanny speed, she flinches as he quickly raises his hand but instead of striking her he simply moves a strand of her long, wavy, brown hair behind her ear gently. The frightening display of speed is more than enough to temper the flames.

"My daughter, Madison has not even made her first tag yet. I know you do not care for your new sister at this time but she is in fact your sister now!" Father raises his voice as his eyes glow with streaks of red swimming across them.

Bailey looks at the ground defeated; Father walks over to the large window overlooking the club and places his hands behind his back bringing tension in the shoulders to the perfectly

fitted suit he wears.

Once his back is turned Bailey and Chloe dart eyes at Madison, Mishka butts in and gives the finger to the two and the mean bitch crew.

"Dominique, my soldier and son... I rest easy knowing you will keep us safe." Father says his back still facing us.

Dominique nods his head, "Of course." He replies.

Dominique is a being of few words, his fit, muscular frame and serious face expresses more than words ever could. You know when you are on his bad side, and you know when you are on his worse side... no one really believes he has a good side.

"Okay then my children; off you go, let's give these people a night so good that I can read about it on social media tomorrow."

Father dismisses us, we file downstairs to begin the long shift and bring The Hollow to life.

Dominique pulls a two way radio out and speaks into it as Mishka

and I take our places behind the large bar. The signal is given to the bouncers outside who open the doors allowing the noise and first waves of people to pour in. Bailey, Chloe and the girls wearing their more slutty outfits quickly zero in on a few guys and girls they want to work for the night.

Dirty, our DJ and resident eclectic cursed one, begins a heavy beat track that sends a group of thirty something's screaming to the dance floor. A group of 'bros' storm the bar shouting orders from Patron to whiskey and a Four Loko, whatever the hell that is. Thankfully Mishka is here or I'd drown in Axe, hair gel and the weight of alcohol we all know they can't handle. Mishka starts pointing to bottles for me to grab and it turns to chaos.

She is well seasoned however and manages to serve the drinks, a smile and be just flirty enough to have a few tens drop in the tip jar on the bar.

Saturday night at The Hollow is underway.