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

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Read ahead.
Part 5: Reinforcements

Go back.
Part 1: Mystics and Mechanics
Part 2: Séance in the Shop
Part 3: Manny's Old Town Saloon and Gambling Hall

Did you miss the Secret Life of Em  De Mone? Catch up here:

Part 1: The Intro