Family Business Part 4: The Foundation Room

The latest in the life of Em De Mone... 

The Foundation Room

Sixty-three stories below, the Las Vegas strip stretched out as far as the eye could see. The casino lights were just starting to twinkle as the day melded into night. On this clear evening, dusk painted a rich palette of brilliant colors all over the jagged jutting peaks surrounding the valley. A sliver of light peeked over the mountainous skyline as the moon began her ascent into the darkness. 

It was a gorgeous view and took my breath away. Every single time. 

“Em! Hey, there you are! Jeez I’ve been looking everywhere.”

My moment of peace and quiet was short-lived. I turned to see Kimmie, the cute little hostess, standing before me looking flustered.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“Can you take a table in the bar tonight if Darcy is a no-show?” she said and then pleaded, “Please.” 

“Sure,” I sighed. 

“Great! Thank you. The day server is finishing. I’ll let you know when it’s sat,” she said and scuttled off to her next seating mission.

I glanced at my watch. I guess it was time to get to work. I served food and drinks at the Foundation Room at the top of Mandalay Bay Casino in Vegas. It was a super cool gig. I made good money, met people, heard great music, and the view was worth almost any hassle. 

With my service smile firmly in place, I made my way around the large open room, which was abuzz with a fantastic vibe. Soothing jazz piped through the speakers, muffling low conversation and laughter. The place was just filling up, getting ready for tonight’s show. 

Any night at the Foundation Room was amazing, but Saturdays had an extra exciting element, especially when Renee was performing. Not only could she pack a room, but she was the center of the UNLV ladies' basketball team and one of my two favorite humans.

The curtain rustled and I heard the piano behind it, along with a few other instruments tuning up. Almost showtime. And then I saw her, sashaying right toward me. 

Tonight, she rocked the sultry superstar vibe, standing well over six feet in heels, with a golden sequenced gown hugging every inch of her stunning figure. 

I broke into a grin and hurried toward her, but the closer I got the more my intuition screamed. 

She reached out to grab my arm, worry crinkling her forehead, “Girl, I am so glad you’re working tonight.”

“Whoa,” I said, ushering her out of the flow of traffic, “What’s going on? You look spooked, like seriously.”  

Wringing her hands together, she looked over her shoulder and pulled me into a quieter corner. She gave me a pointed look and spoke, “Em, some people have been here asking about you.”

My blood ran cold, “What do you mean? Who?”

“Some very scary people, Em” She said in hushed tones, “I tried to call and left several messages… what’s going on? Are you in trouble?” 

Her concern hit me like a sledgehammer, and guilt tugged at my heart. There was no denying my half-witch half-demon life had gotten more complicated lately, and we’d drifted apart.

But Renee didn’t care about any of that now. She leaned in closer and whispered, “I don’t know what’s going on, but whoever these people are, they’re very interested in you…and your new family…”

Being dumped by my biological mom at birth, I only recently found out about my dad. To the majority of the unknowing humans, my new family was an influential biker gang in Vegas, but to the supernatural world, they were Demon Peace Keepers. It was their responsibility to make sure any demons in this town played fairly.

Immediately my gut told me this all had to do with that fiasco at the Fantasy Ball with Danny Wellman and all those scooped-out eyeballs, which had led us to a nasty demon hive infestation and maybe murder. But I’d been kicked off that investigation weeks ago…and my grandparents told me all was well, just last night at dinner! 

Unable to confide in my human non-magical friend, and working very hard to control my face, I was rendered speechless.

“Huh,” I said. It was the best I could come up with.

“Oh honey, it’s going to be okay. You’re at work and surrounded by people,” Renee gave my arm a reassuring squeeze, “I wish I had more time, but it’s show time, and the show must…” 

“Go on,” I finished for her. Giving her a resigned nod, I gripped her hand, “Thank you for letting me know. I don’t know what to say…”  

“I’m worried about you. I’ll find you at intermission and we’ll talk more,” Her dark eyes bore into me, and then she kissed my cheek, “Watch your back, Em, and maybe give that family of yours a jingle.”

Just like that, she slipped from the shadows to the spotlight. Her megawatt smile dazzled everyone in the room as she weaved through the crowd. One lone light followed every saunter and swing of her hips as she made her way to center stage. The skilled pianist tickled the keys and she swayed. The crowd gave slight subtle applause and sighed, nestling in for the ride she would take them on. As much as I longed to get lost in her set, I needed to check on my tables and think about some things.  

My unfocused mind rattled like a loose screw. This eyeball thing wasn’t over. I wasn’t out of it. Granny and Paddy lied to me last night at dinner. Good gods what would a demon hive want with me? 

And if I were in any danger, why not warn me? I’m a super crafty half-witch half-demon. Sure I needed a bit more training, but I had some mad magical skills!

There was a tap on my shoulder. I jumped and spun around. 

“Sorry,” Kimmie the hostess said, all business, “I just sat the bar table.”

“Okay,” I said forcing my best smile, but she was already hurrying off.

The minute I walked into the bar I heard it, my name somewhere in the muffled din, “Yeah…the De Mone girl…”

I froze. I listened harder, trying to catch the whispers lost in the ambiance. Intention Hearing. It was a Wiccan skill I’d been practicing. I tried to push out the noise and focus. I tightened the muscles in my neck, and I tilted an ear toward the crowd, and I found it.

“Yeah, I’m sure. I just saw her talking to that pretty singer. She looks just like one of them De Mones,” the voice said, “Nah, I haven’t seen any of their people. Yeah, I’ll keep ya posted, Boss.”

Shit.  They were here. Right now. In my bar. And they meant business. I ducked in and out of people as I zig-zagged through the room. I needed a plan quickly. It was the first stupid idea that popped into my mind. My chest heaved and I lurched forward, steadying myself on the bar just in time.

“Hey Em” Rob the bartender eyed me, “You alright?”

“No man,” I cringed, “I think I had some bad sushi at lunch.” 

“Ooof,” He shuddered, visibly withdrawing. “Been there. Anything I can do?”

“Can you greet that new table and get them started? I need a few moments.”

“Sure thing,” He nodded, “On it.”

Careful to keep my head down, I disappeared into the back. I had a tendency to stand out on my own and with someone watching me, I felt like a flashing neon sign. 

My hands shook as I opened my locker. Grabbing my phone, I hurried to the bathroom. I checked all the stalls, and then I dialed Granny.

She picked up in the middle of the first ring, “Emmie…Lovie…what is it?” 

I spoke quickly in a hushed whisper, cupping the phone, “there are people here talking about the De Mones and…and…” I stuttered, suddenly aware I was much more scared than I was willing to admit, “They’re here for me. Right now.”

I heard her gasp and I wanted to cry. If she was scared, this was bad. 

“Emmie,” the gruff voice of Paddy said, “You stay tight. And stay surrounded by people. You’ll be fine. Some of the guys will be there soon. They’ll stay close for the rest of your shift, then bring you here. You’re gonna stay with us for a couple of days until we sort this out. Okay?”

I nodded as a tear streamed down my face. 

“Kiddo, you still there?” He said, his voice gentler this time, “Do you understand?”

“I’m here,” I continued to nod, even though he couldn’t see me, “I got it.”

“Good, now keep your wits about you, and everything will be fine. We’ll see you soon,” He said and hung up.

I stood there leaning against the stall and let myself shake. Better here than out there. I took several breaths and steadied myself. As I stuck my phone back into my locker, I pulled out two potion vials: Instant Immobilization and Misremember. I did have mad magical skills.  I stuck the vials in the pocket of my apron and took a moment at the mirror. Pulling a few of my short spikes straighter, I exhaled and steadied my breath. Then I pinched my cheeks to fake a bit of color and liveliness, and I went back to work. I had a shift to get through.

I waved thanks to Rob and checked on the bar table. Generic music played through the speakers, which meant intermission. I swept through my regular section, refilled some drinks, and scanned the room for Renee. 

There she was, sitting on one of the couches surrounded by patrons. I heaved a sigh of relief and made my way toward her. I was less than 10 feet from her and could see her face. Something was wrong. Her back was stiff, and her face was rigid. She was terrified. 

Then I heard it. 

“I tell you what honey, you introduce me to your little De Mone friend and my guys won’t slash that pretty face of yours,” said the voice of a man sitting across from her. Even with his back turned, the unfamiliar voice was clear and excited.

I watched Renee wring her hands again and a tear slid down one cheek. She refused to meet my gaze. She knew I was there. 

I pulled the potion vials out of my apron. I palmed one in each hand and crossed my hands behind my back. I exhaled, squared my shoulders, and walked right up to the group. I didn’t know what else to do, but I knew I couldn’t let Renee get sucked up in this mess. And I hoped the public plus reinforcements were enough to keep us safe. If not, I was throwing potions. 

“No need to slice her pretty little face,” I said in the sweetest voice I could muster. “I’m Em De Mone. I heard you’ve been looking for me?”

The man stood up and turned to face me. Buttoning his sports coat, like a proper gentleman, he flashed a smile that sent spiders crawling all over my skin, “I’m Niklaus Chambers, and I have been very anxious to meet you, Miss De Mone. Now, let’s discuss the demise of you and your family.”

 

To Be Continued

Family Business Part 3: Manny's Old Town Saloon and Gambling Hall

The latest in the life of Em De Mone... 

Manny’s Old Town Saloon and Gambling Hall

A cool breeze hung in the air, banishing November's uncommon yet lingering heat. The sliver of moon smiled in the eastern sky as the horizon darkened. I took a deep breath and walked toward Manny’s Old Town Saloon and Gambling Hall with my current partner in recon, Violet. 

The Las Vegas saloon, modeled after the Wild West, had been on this corner of Tropicana for decades. In 2002, the building was worn out and run down, looking like it had been constructed during the actual westward expansion of the late 1800s.

I pulled the door open and followed Violet inside.  A painful realization struck me upside the head.  There was no way we weren’t going to stand out. I tower over Violet by nearly a foot, most of it legs, which I had on display in my shortest jean skirt. Tonight, Violet rocked a stunning pencil skirt and closed the height gap with spiked heels. We made quite a pair, a pair that didn’t belong here.

She immediately slowed and linked her arm to mine. “Um, this place…I can’t put my finger on it, but it’s …”

“Uh-huh,” I replied taking it all in. There was dirt and dust all over. I’m not sure if that was by design or lack of cleanliness, but this saloon certainly wasn’t the ritzy place it once was. Now it had a super sleazy dark-din vibe to it.

The paint peeled back on the walls, and there was the distinct smell of stale smoke with a hint of urine in the air. I could feel the ickiness seep into my skin. The clientele looked like they’d been sitting here rotting along with the building. All walks of life came to drown their sorrows in this dump. The misery of it all yanked at my soul.

“I need a drink,” I said, steering us toward a bar.

“Hmmm… not sure I was to touch the drinkware. What if it’s skeevy too?” Violet forced a fake smile and gripped my arm a bit tighter.

“It’ll look weirder if we don’t. Plus they open beers in front of us,” I whispered, more for her than me. I grew up in the foster care system and also happened to be a half-witch half-demon. Not much unnerved me anymore.

When we got to the bar, I ordered two Coronas and declined the lime.  Violet and I  exchanged weary half-smiles and toasted. My drink was long and cold. It tasted good and took the edge off.  I made eye contact with the bartender and ordered two more, then leaned over to whisper in Violet’s ear, “Anything standing out to you? Aside from us.”

“There’s a lot that’s off…this place is ripe with anguish and agony,” She scanned the horizon of the room, “and I’m having a hard time sifting through the evil vs down-and-out.”

“That’s worrisome,” I said. Taking a sip, I glanced around the room and stiffened slightly. Growing up, I was a weirdo, which taught me to handle unwanted attention.  Now, tall and thin with chiseled features and short spiked hair, I attracted a different kind of unwanted attention, especially in Vegas. Forcing my shoulders to relax and my jaw to soften, I leaned closer to Violet, “We’re being watched. They’re supernatural.”

“I know. I can feel it, but I can’t see them,” Violet said, “Where are they?”

“Around the perimeter of the gaming tables.”

“Hmmm, how many do you think there are?” Violet said looking around, her heels giving her an advantage tonight.

I hoped there was no running in our future and chuckled like we were having a fun engaging conversation, “At least two on the floor, but there are more lurking.”

“What should we do?” she asked, hiding her lips while taking a sip of her beer.

Resisting the urge to run screaming from the building, I finished my Corona and smiled through my unease, “I was going to ask you the same thing.”

“Honestly, I think we should get out of here. Now.” Violet set her beer down and locked her gaze with mine.

“I can get behind that plan,” I tossed a few bucks on the bar for a tip. Just as we turned to leave, I heard it.

“Rose! Rose!” My Granny’s voice bellowed from somewhere in the middle of the casino, “Rosie, pull yourself together!”

My eyes widened, “Was that…?” Then there was more.

“No! No! No! I just can’t let go,” This time, it was Rose’s voice echoing over the clanging of the slot machines, “He was the love of my life! How could he cheat on me?!? And with that tramp over there!”

“Yes, yes, that’s them. ” Violet said, worry etching itself all over her face, “What’s going on?”

Without another word, we bolted toward the noise. I zigged and zagged through the outskirts of the dingy casino, avoiding the demon pit bosses and zoned-out regulars. Violet’s short-heeled steps shuffled closely behind me. At the bingo hall, we stopped in our tracks. Pure spectacle unfolded before us.

Our grannies, Letti and Rose, dressed in matching gold lame tracksuits, stood drunk and tottering on the outskirts of a bunch of elderly people playing bingo. It was weird, like a scene out of an alien science fiction movie. Everyone looked strung out but also worried, as they all glanced around trying to figure things out.

What in the hell was going on? We were supposed to be keeping a low profile. And the Saloon was me and Violet’s gig. The grannies were supposed to be tracking down a missing fortune teller. But here they were drunk and ridiculous in this seedy saloon.

Violet and I rushed toward the women at the same time. She grabbed her granny by the arm and dragged her away. I tried to usher mine toward the door, but she refused.

“I’m not going. I need another drink,” Granny folded her arms and stuck out her bottom lip in a pout.

I grabbed her elbow and whispered in her ear, “We need to get out of here. Now.”

“No!”

I could feel the eyes on the back of my neck. We were attracting attention from beings that may have killed a demon, and we are demons. “Woman,” I seethed, “We have to go. NOW.”

“No!”

My nerves were shot, and I was out of options. In one quick swoop, I picked up my 100 lbs granny and threw her over my shoulder. She howled, so I swatted her butt. This worked and she stopped wailing. I tried to play the whole off with an amused look and a shrug. I offered half-hearted apologies as I made a beeline for the exit.

Violet and Rose were already outside, walking toward Granny’s Cadillac.

“Lovie, put me down,” Granny, sounding lucid and sober, said as she squirmed over my shoulder, “Come on.”

 Setting her down, I sized her up, “You not drunk?”

“Of course not,” she said, gripping my arm and leading us to her car.

“Do you care to explain?” I said through a clenched jaw, mentally reminding myself she was not only a little old woman but also my Granny, and it would be wrong to strangle her.

“I will,” she tossed me the keys. “Now be a good, concerned granddaughter and drive us out of here,” she said, “We need some space between us and this place with a quickness.”

I nodded and hopped in the front seat. An unusually quiet Violet slid into the passenger seat while the old women got into the back. Moments later, we were on the freeway heading north. I had no idea what to say, but Violet had something on her mind.

“What in the fuck was that all about Gram?” Violet’s voice was shrill and full of anger, “I thought this was recon,” she adjusted herself to face the woman in the back seat, “And first off, We, Em and I, were supposed to be here while you, Rose and Letti, were supposed to be looking for Miranda, the fortune teller. And secondly, we are always supposed to keep a LOW profile. What were you thinking?”

“Watch yourself, young lady,” Rose said quietly, “Obviously Vi, it was all a ruse.”

“Believe it or not, the missing fortune teller led directly to Manny. He’s her uncle. He’s holed up in that cesspool, and he’s in bad shape. Plus he’s being heavily watched, so we needed a cover,” Granny said.

“And drunk old ladies in a shitty Saloon was the best you could come up with?” I asked, not taking my eyes off the road.

“On a moment’s notice, yes, it was the best we could come up with,” Granny said.

“I just hope it was good enough,” Rose said.

“Good enough for what?”I asked.

“To make them believe we are two very old and very foolish women, and we in no way came to spy on them.”

“Who?” I asked.

“The demon hive,” the old women said in unison.

“A hive, huh?” I said as the hair on my arms stood up. I rolled up my window even though my chill had nothing to do with the outside temperature.  “Let me guess, they aren’t friends of the family? Not following the Demon Peace Keeper ways?”

“No Lovie, they’re not. And they’re slowly sucking this part of the city dry. Tell me you got that vibe?”

“Well, yeah but…” I didn’t really know what to say.

“But what?” Granny said, her voice frosty, “Never mind, Emmie. This is very bad. That’s all.”

No one spoke the rest of the way home. I rolled my window back down, letting the wind wash over my skin and clear my mind. It was still cool but now there was a hint of dampness.

I exited off the freeway and headed toward Mystics and Mechanics. I pulled into the parking lot, and we all got out. Handing Granny her keys, I looked around and asked, “What’s next?”

“You go home and let us handle this. I’m going to talk to Paddy. We have a terrible demon infestation in the inner city. One we had no idea existed. One that should have never gained this much power. This is far too dangerous for you,” said Granny.

“That’s it? We just send Em away?” Violet shrieked.

“You too, darling,” Rose said with a gentle voice.

“Me? You’re sending me away? But you two are…” Violet didn’t finish.

“Old, yes, we know. And more experienced,” said Rose.

“And wise enough to know that we can’t do this alone. We need help, and we need to know what we’re dealing with,” Granny said digging into her purse, “Now Emmie, come by once a week for dinner, and I’ll fill you in on how this is going.”

Was she kidding? I stared. Stunned. “Granny?”

“Look, here’s some money,” she shoved a few hundred dollar bills into my hand. “It’s still early for you kids. Go out tonight. Let loose. Unwind. Come by and see me in a few days. Let me see how bad this is, okay?”

I nodded.

She pulled me into an awkward hug, “We just found you. I couldn’t handle it if something happened to you.”

I tried to smile. I wasn’t being left out. I was being protected. The old lady liked me. I squeezed her back, “Fair enough.”

She let go and looked at me, “You two need a ride? I can get one of the guys to take you wherever.”

I nodded, “That’d be great. Thanks.”

When she and Rose tottled off into the shop, I turned to Violet, “Wanna eat too much sushi, drink too much sake, and talk about our grandmas?”

“Absolutely,” she said.

To Be Continued