Rouge's Brothel-Reconcile

Chapter One

Three years earlier...

A gentle warm breeze drifted in through the window, bringing with it the salty smell of the sea. The thin curtains parted slightly, allowing sunlight to pour in and fall on the sleeping figure in bed. The single occupant stirred, raising her hand to block the light. She sat up in bed, the white sheet falling away to reveal her naked body, complete with full, ample breasts in view. Stretching, the woman yawned and opened her teal-blue eyes, squinting slightly against the sunlight. Pulling back the sheet further, she climbed out of bed, her shapely naked form now on full display. She grabbed a white robe and pulled it on, tying it lightly, her cleavage still in view. She walked over to the window and pulled back the curtain more, taking in the view of the white sandy beach sprawled before her. Waves lapped gently against the shore, early morning light shimmering on the water's surface.

The woman took a deep breath, savoring the salty sea air. Turning from the picturesque scene, she made her way over to the kitchen, flipping on the small TV sitting on the counter as she passed by. As the screen came into focus, it showed that the news was on. For the moment she ignored the reporter and turned on the coffee maker. Once it was ready, she poured herself a cup and sipped the hot beverage. She turned her attention back to the news and nearly dropped her mug at what she saw on the screen. The report showed cops taking a female hedgehog into custody, and in the background, she saw a female bat.

"What the," she exclaimed. "Rouge?"

She turned the volume up.

"...To repeat, a near disaster was averted here tonight at the Casino Nights hotel and casino, owned by one Breezie the Hedgehog. According to police, Breezie is in fact an escaped convict who has been in hiding from the authorities for the last several years. Breezie, aka, Danica, is seen here being taken into custody on charges of attempted murder, larceny, and fraud. It has also been brought to our attention that she also attempted to blow up a nearby establishment, owned by Breezie's partner and co-owner of the casino, Rouge"

The screen panned over and got a close-up of Rouge, who was in the midst of talking to one of the officers. Standing next to her was a black hedgehog, who also was giving a statement.

"Apparently the two women had something of a falling out which led to a scuffle on the top floor of the casino, with both almost falling to their deaths out the window. Fortunately, there were no casualties, though several individuals were injured. The police also recovered the explosives, which, thankfully, had been disarmed. We'll keep you up to date as the details are revealed..."

She muted the TV, pondering over the report she had just watched.

"Damn it," she muttered.

Setting her mug of coffee on the counter she headed back into her bedroom. Going over to the nightstand, she picked up her cellphone and dialed in a number. The phone rang a couple of times and then someone picked up on the other end.

"Hey, it's me. I was just watching the news and I saw a report regarding Rouge. Just what the hell is going on there?" She fell silent as the person on the other end replied. "Jesus. Well, at least everything turned out alright. No, I can't. Why? You know why. Besides, I'm probably the last person she wants to see right now. Look, just keep an eye on things and call me if anything else happens."

She hung up, heaving a sigh.

"Unbelievable. When I woke up this morning I never imagined this would happen. Maybe I should go..."

She fell silent, setting her phone down on the nightstand. No, she couldn't go. Not now, maybe not ever. Besides, she had had no contact with Rouge in many years and she certainly couldn't go see her, no matter how much she wanted to. No matter how much she missed her daughter.

Three years later (Present Day)...

The Brothel...

"Hey, Sally."

Sally turned at the sound of the voice calling to her. Heading towards her was a young vixen with golden-yellow fur and blue eyes. Her name was Zooey, one of the newest girls to be hired just recently to work at the brothel.

"Hey, Zooey," Sally greeted her. "So, ready for your first night on the job?"

"Well, I am a little nervous," Zooey admitted. "But I'm also a little excited, too."

"That's understandable," Sally said. "But I'm sure you'll do just fine. Maybe if you're lucky, Sonic and his friends might stop by tonight. I'll bet you would get along with Tails. He's a pretty sweet guy. Anyway, was there something you needed?"

"Is Rouge back yet," Zooey asked. "There are three ladies here that want to talk to her. I think they might be interested in applying for a job here."

"Really," Sally said. "Wow. Ever since we expanded the Brothel, business is booming. Unfortunately, Rouge isn't back yet. I suppose I could go talk to these ladies. Thanks for letting me know, Zooey."

Sally made her way towards the main entrance, reflecting on the past three years. Following the events with the Casino and Breezie being arrested, Rouge had expanded on the Brothel, adding more rooms and even installing some of the casino's games for the customers to enjoy along with the company of the girls working here. And speaking of the girls, they had expanded on their roster as well. Besides Zooey, they had hired five other girls: Gold, a tenroc with golden fur and psychic abilities to boot. Liza, a female chameleon with pink skin. Mindy LaTour, a female fox who was an old friend of Sonia's. Saffron, a cheerful and sweet female bee with blonde hair. And finally, another young vixen named Sonar, with teal fur and purple eyes.

Along with these new girls, they had even gotten some new security guards as well. Conquering Storm and Clove, who had previously worked for Breezie, were now working for Rouge. They had also hired on a female ermine named Erma and a female rabbit named Lop. Add to that, they had even hired Perci, a female bandicoot who had also worked for Breezie and was now the new maintenance person for the brothel. So in total, they had eleven new employees, with the new girls set to make their big debut tonight.

Sally checked her watch. It was still an hour or two before opening time, so there was still time to take care of these possible applicants. Though she wished Rouge was here to deal with this. She didn't mind watching the place when Rouge was away, but it wasn't her place to hire new employees. As she approached the entrance, she caught sight of the three women Zooey had told her about. One was a long-tailed lemur with white and black fur and an athletic build. Her companions were a wolf with white and biscotti tanned fur and a beetle with light blue skin that almost looked crystaline. Sally noticed that the beetle girl seemed a bit fidgety and uncertain.

Poor girl must be nervous, she thought, as she got closer.

"I still don't know how I let you talk me into this," Jewel said. "I mean, a brothel? Of all places, you had to bring us to a brothel?"

"What," Tangle said. "It's hiring, right? And we were looking for a job."

"But a brothel," Jewel said. "You do realize what goes on around here, right?"

"Yes, I know what goes on around here," Tangle said. "Customers have sex with the women who work here."

"I'm glad you can be so nonchalant about that," Jewel said. "Whisper, surely you're not alright with this, are you?"

"It is a bit much," Whisper admitted quietly.

"Oh, c'mon, you two," Tangle said. "Where's your sense of adventure? Are you telling me you don't want to experience the thrill of sexual gratification? To know intense satisfaction?" All the while she was saying this, her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Oh, no," Jewel groaned. "She's got that look in her eyes."

"Tangle, someone's approaching," Whisper said, nudging her friend.

Tangle glanced in the direction she had indicated. Sure enough, someone was approaching them. It was a female chipmunk with fiery red hair. She halted before the trio and smiled.

"Hello," she greeted. "Welcome to Rouge's Brothel."

"Hello, there," Tangle said, shaking her hand. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Rouge. You got quite the establishment here."

"Um, I'm not Rouge," she replied. "My name is Sally. I'm one of the employees here. One of the more senior employees actually."

"Oh, so you've been here for a while, huh," Tangle said.

"Since the very first day this brothel opened, actually," Sally replied. "And you are...?"

"Oh, I suppose I should make introductions," Tangle said. "My name's Tangle. And these are my pals, Whisper and Jewel. We came here to see about applying for jobs."

"That hasn't been fully decided yet," Jewel said. "I'm still not so sure about this."

"It's understandable if you're feeling a bit nervous, Jewel," Sally said. "Believe me, I felt the same way when Rouge offered me a job here. In fact, several of the girls here felt the same way at first. But overtime we came to like it. Of course, you don't necessarily have to entertain customers. With the expansion and remodeling we did awhile back, there are other positions available. However, Rouge isn't here at the moment, and I'm not sure when exactly she'll be back. I can provide you with some application forms and maybe even give you a tour of the place. Otherwise, I would suggest coming back tomorrow to talk with Rouge."

"Well, since we're already here," Tangle said. "We may as well have a look around. Who knows? Maybe my friends might change their minds if they got a better feel for the place and meet some of the other employees."

Sally nodded. "Alright, then. If you three will follow me, I'll show you around. And we'll pick up some application forms on the way."

The three girls followed Sally down the hall.

In the bar, Tony the bartender was checking on the supply of alcohol on the shelves, making sure there would be enough to go around when the Brothel opened. The shelves were much bigger compared to when the brothel had first opened up, allowing for a bigger selection now. Even the bar itself had been renovated, allowing for more customers as well. But a bigger selection and more customers meant more work for him and he was only one person.

"I should talk to Rouge about hiring an assistant for me," he muttered.

"You know, it's not good to talk to yourself. People will think you're crazy."

Tony turned around to see Fiona standing at the bar.

"Hey, Fiona," he greeted. "I was just commenting on how I could use an extra hand here in the bar. I'll have to run the idea by Rouge."

"Speaking of the boss lady, just where is she anyway," Fiona asked. "We're gonna be opening soon."

"Oh, she's...out right now," Tony said.

"Doing what," Fiona persisted.

"I couldn't say," Tony said, clearly avoiding the question.

"She's visiting Breezie in prison, isn't she," Fiona said.

Tony sighed. "I guess there's no fooling you, huh?"

"I can't believe she went there...again," Fiona huffed. "Why does she keep going to see her? Has she forgotten how that bitch tried to frame her, and then kill her? Oh, not to mention blow up the god-damn brothel with everyone in it?"

"I'm sure she hasn't forgotten," Tony said. "I'm sure she remembers quite well what Breezie, or rather, Danica, did. But there's something else she hasn't forgotten either. What she did to Danica all those years ago."

Fiona sighed and sat down at the bar. "Look, I get it. Rouge feels bad about abandoning Danica and letting her take the rap. But that doesn't change the fact that Danica, or Breezie, or whatever the hell she wants to call herself, still did some pretty messed up shit. If she had a bone to pick with Rouge, then she should have settled things with her one-on-one, instead of trying to kill us all."

"And if that had happened, would you have stood aside and let her face Danica by herself," Tony asked. "I can guarantee you neither I nor the others would have stood by and done nothing. And I know you wouldn't have either."

"That's besides the point," Fiona said. "The point is, I don't think Rouge should be associating herself with Breezie. Just because she's in jail doesn't mean Rouge is safe. She may have some other plan in mind to strike at her or something. You know, I still don't understand why she never ratted Rouge out for her involvement in that robbery years ago."

"Look, Fiona," Tony said. "I understand your concern, but this is Rouge's decision to make. She wants to try to make things right with Danica. And from what I hear, Danica wants to do the same. Rouge told me that she's been undergoing therapy sessions with the prison's psychiatrist."

"Oh, I'm sure that's what Danica told her," Fiona scoffed. "Probably an elaborate lie to throw Rouge off her guard."

"It's no lie," Tony said. "Because Rouge has been there attending those sessions, too."

"Say what," Fiona exclaimed. "Is she nuts? Breezie would have to tell the doctor why she wanted to kill Rouge! Meaning that the doctor would end up learning about Rouge being involved with that robbery! Meaning she would end up in jail!"

"Relax, Fiona," Tony said. "First of all, there is a matter of confidentiality. The doctor won't reveal anything, especially if Danica doesn't want it revealed. Secondly, Matilda pulled a few strings. What's said in the doctor's office, stays there."

"But can you be so sure the doctor will comply with that," Fiona asked.

"Oh, she has so far" Tony said. "These sessions have been going on for two years now. And if Danica hasn't said anything by now, I don't think we have anything to worry about."

"Well, I still think it's a bad idea," Fiona said. "Rouge is taking an awfully big risk here. Mark my words, Tony, this is going to lead to a lot of trouble." She fell silent for a moment. "So what about Ray? Don't tell me he's trying to patch things up with Breezie, is he? I mean, fucked up as it was, they were pretty close."

"Actually, I don't know," Tony replied. "He hasn't really said anything. In fact, I don't think he likes talking about his time with Breezie and no one's really broached the subject with him."

"Well, at least he has the good sense to stay out of this mess," Fiona said.

"...And here is the bar, where the customers can enjoy some drinks. Also a dance stage, where some of our girls like to do a little striptease. Oh, hey, Tony. Hey, Fiona."

Sally had just entered the bar, accompanied by three girls Tony didn't recognize.

"Hey, Sally," he greeted. "Who are your friends?"

"Not so much friends," Sally said. "More like possible new employees. They were curious to see the place so I'm giving them a little tour. Ladies, this is Tony, our bartender. And this is Fiona, one of the girls who entertains the customers."

"Translation: I fuck whatever guy pays me to," Fiona replied, smirking.

"Eloquently put," Sally said. "One thing to know about Fiona, she doesn't censor herself."

"So, you three are thinking about working here, huh," Fiona asked, studying the three women. "Hmm. I don't know, Sal. I'm not so sure these three can cut it here." She pointed at Jewel. "That one looks pretty unsure of herself."

"Well, I'm certainly not here to...f...fu..." Jewel stammered, blushing, unable to finish her sentence.

"Fuck random strangers," Fiona provided. "Geez, if you can't even say it, I don't know how you're going to last here."

"Hey, stop hassling her," Tangle growled, her tail bristling. "Or I'll kick your well toned ass!"

"Ooh. She's feisty," Fiona said, smiling, not the least bit intimidated. "She might do alright here." She glanced at Whisper. "How about you, squints? Think you can hack it here?"

"My name is Whisper," Whisper growled softly. "Not squints. And I don't back down from a challenge."

"You tell her, Whisper," Tangle said. "We can handle anything this place has to offer."

"Hm. That remains to be seen," Fiona said. "So, what do you say, Sal? Are they hired or what?"

"Hey, that's not my decision to make," Sally said. "That will be for Rouge to decide once she gets back."

"I'm still not so sure about this place," Jewel said. "I mean, if you two want to indulge in...sex, then that's your business. As for me, I'd prefer to do something less...wild."

"Well, maybe I could make a suggestion," Tony spoke up. "As it is, I could use someone to help me out here at the bar. Or, if you'd prefer, Rouge has an assistant named Ray, and he's been asking about maybe hiring another person to help run the place as well. Like help with invoices and other things. Maybe that might be more up your alley."

"Hmm. That might be a good idea," Jewel said, giving it some thought.

"Well, think it over while you fill out the application forms," Sally suggested. "In the meantime, we still have a bit more of the brothel to check out. And I'll introduce you to some of the other girls along the way. And don't worry, not all of them have bitchy attitudes like Fiona."

"Yeah, love you, too Sal," Fiona replied, flipping her off.

"Anyway, if you'll follow me, we'll continue the tour," Sally said, ushering the trio out the door.

"I hope they decide to apply," Tony said, after they were gone. "I like the look of them. Though I really don't think you should have provoked those two, Fiona. Especially that girl, Whisper. She didn't look it, but I get the feeling she's someone you don't want to cross."

"Oh, definitely," Fiona said. "I know a tough person when I see one, and she was one of those alright. That girl, Tangle, also looked like a decent fighter herself."

"And yet you still pushed their buttons," Tony pointed out.

"When it comes to people like that, you got to push them a bit," Fiona replied. "By pushing their buttons like that and laying down an obvious challenge, that guarantees that they'll definitely sign on here. Tangle for sure has that adventurous, thrill seeker attitude, so she didn't need much convincing. Whisper, on the other hand, needed a bit more coaxing, hence why I provoked her a bit. As for that girl, Jewel, well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see with her. Chances are she'll take the assistant job, but I'm willing to bet in time her curiosity and natural sexual urges will get the better of her, and then she'll be joining the party. She's really not all that different from Cream or Millie. They were uncertain at first, too, and now look at them."

"Hmm. You could be right," Tony said.

"Anyway, I'm going to chill out for a while in my room before we open," Fiona said, vacating her seat. "Later, Tony."

"Later," Tony called after her.

After she was gone, Tony resumed his inventory check when suddenly, his phone vibrated. Setting his list aside, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. Glancing at the screen, he saw he had a message.

"Probably Rouge letting me know she's on her way back," he said, pulling up the message.

His eyes widened in surprise! It wasn't from Rouge, but someone else. Someone he hadn't expected to hear from!

"So, how are things going at the brothel, Rouge," Breezie asked.

"Quite well," Rouge replied. "We actually have six new girls starting tonight. Hopefully they'll work out."

"So how many girls does that make now," Breezie asked.

"Counting the original 25...we now have 31," Rouge said. "But never mind that, Dani, how are you doing? It's been two weeks since I last visited, so I was wondering how things were coming along with you."

"Not too bad, actually," Breezie said. "I'm coming along quite well in therapy. And I recently talked to Matilda. She said between my sessions and good behavior, there's a good chance my sentence could be reduced, especially since I cooperated with the feds about restoring the funds I scammed off people. The real big hurdle though is the attempted murder charge...and trying to blow up your brothel."

"Despite the fact I chose not to press those charges," Rouge asked.

"Unfortunately, yes," Breezie said. "Though it doesn't surprise me. I mean, I did almost kill you and your employees as well as paying customers. I'm amazed they didn't give me life for that."

Rouge sighed. "The only reason you're even in this mess is because of me."

"Look, we've been over this numerous times, Rouge," Breezie said. "Yes, you left me behind and I went to jail. And I in turn tried to get revenge on you. We both fucked up big time. Looking back on it, I could have handled things better. And I intend to make things better. Starting with trying to set things right with you, just as your doing the same with me."

"I suppose," Rouge said. "But I still feel guilty."

"As you told me before, you were a different person back then," Breezie pointed out. "We were criminals and thieves, and in that line of work, it's every person for themselves. Hell, who's to say I might not have left you behind if the situation had been reversed? If anything, your time with the brothel has actually done you some good. It changed you, Rouge, and for the better I think. And now it's time for me to turn my life around."

"I guess you're right," Rouge conceded. "Well, listen, Dani, if and when you do get out of here, I'd like you to come stay at the brothel. Maybe even...work there."

"You'd offer me a job and a place to stay," Breezie asked.

"Look, it's the least I can do," Rouge said.

"But what about your girls," Breezie asked. "I don't think they'd appreciate having me there."

"Probably not," Rouge said. "But we'll cross that bridge when we get to it." She glanced at her watch. "I should probably get going. The brothel will be opening soon. I'll drop by again in a couple of days. Take care, Dani."

"You, too, Rouge," Breezie said. "Oh, hold on. There was something else I wanted to ask you about."

"Yes," Rouge said.

"Has, uh,...Has Ray said anything," Breezie asked. "Anything at all...about me?"

"Oh. Um, as a matter of fact, I think he mentioned you the other day," Rouge replied.

"I know you're lying, Rouge," Breezie said. "He hasn't said anything, has he?"

Rouge sighed. "No, he hasn't."

"I kind of figured," Breezie said.

"Look, I've been trying to get him to come here and talk to you," Rouge said. "But..."

"I guess I can't blame him for not wanting to see me," Breezie said. "I didn't exactly treat him well. And he probably thinks I'm angry at him for revealing my plans."

"Well, don't worry, I'll keep at it," Rouge said. "He can't avoid you forever. Sooner or later he's going to have to face you."

"Just don't force him into it, Rouge," Breezie said. "He needs to come to terms in his own way."

"Got it," Rouge said. "See you later, Dani."

Breezie watched her leave and then settled back on her bed. It was hard to imagine just three years ago she had been trying to ruin Rouge's life, even tried to destroy her. A year after she had been arrested, she had begun therapy, hoping to she could change and leave behind the bitter and vengeful person she had become. So far, the therapy sessions had been going well, and she was steadily picking up the pieces of her life. What's more, she found she was making progress with Rouge as well, and for that, she was especially glad. She had worried that she was so consumed with hate and vengeance that she would fail to make any progress at all. Fortunately, that hadn't been the case.

But while she was glad things were working out between her and Rouge, there was still one other person she needed to set things right with, and that was Ray. There was so much she wanted to say to him. So much to apologize for. She had treated Ray horribly and had taken him for granted. And yet on some level, she had cared for him, still did, in fact. But her obsession with revenge had clouded her judgment and she had mistreated Ray and used him. No, she really couldn't blame him for what he had done, and why he didn't want to see her. Still, she hoped that sooner or later he would reconsider and come visit her. She would be satisfied enough if she could apologize to him at least, even if he never forgave her. She would continue to wait...and hope.

Rouge arrived back at the brothel an hour before the brothel was set to open, her mind mulling over her recent visit with Breezie. She was glad to see her friend had made such outstanding progress, and it filled her with hope that the two of them could put that dirty business of three years ago behind them. However, there was still the problem regarding Ray. It was obvious to Rouge that Breezie really wanted to make it up to the young squirrel, but no matter what she said or did, Ray just wouldn't go see Breezie. But she wasn't about to give up. She'd find some way to get through to Ray. In the meantime, she had a business to run.

She passed through the main entrance and was just making her way towards her office when she spotted Sally coming from the opposite end of the hallway accompanied by three women she didn't recognize. Possible applicants maybe? Sally was talking with the trio and then spotted Rouge.

"Rouge, good timing," Sally called to her as she made her way over towards her, followed by the three women.

"Hey, Sal," Rouge greeted her. "I just got back." She eyed the three women standing with Sally. "So, who do we have here? New recruits?"

"Possibly," Sally replied. "This is Tangle, and her friends Whisper and Jewel. While we were waiting for you to get back, I was showing them around. Tangle at least seems interested in applying here. I'm not sure yet about Whisper and Jewel though."

"Have they filled out application forms," Rouge asked.

"While I was giving them the tour," Sally said, handing them to Rouge. "I suggested they might want to come back tomorrow and talk to you."

"Hmm, well, there is still a little time before we open," Rouge said, glancing at the clock. "And since you ladies are already here, I may as well go ahead and talk to you. If you'll follow me to my office, we'll go over these forms."

Rouge headed off in the direction of her office, followed by Tangle and her friends. Sally was about to head off to her room when she heard a knock at the door. Turning, she opened it and saw four familiar faces: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Shadow.

"Well, hey, there, boys," Sally greeted. "You're a bit early. We're not opened yet."

"Yeah, but we thought we'd get here early and beat the crowd," Sonic replied. "Surely you could make an exception for some of your best and most valuable customers, right?"

Sally shook her head, smiling. "Alright, alright. Come on in, guys. You're lucky you are some of our most valuable customers, otherwise, I'd have you waiting right outside that door."

"You're awesome, Sal," Sonic said, as they entered. "So, word is your little establishment has some new girls. Is that true?"

"How did you find out about that," Sally asked.

"Ray told me via text message," Tails spoke up. "Six new girls in fact."

"Well, it's true," Sally said. "We do indeed have six new girls. In fact, they start tonight. You guys might want to check them out. Tails, one of them is a cute vixen named Zooey. You might like her. I already put in a good word for you."

"Thanks, Sally," Tails said. "I might just do that."

"Is Rouge about," Shadow asked. "I was thinking about dropping in and seeing her for a little while."

"She's here," Sally said. "But she's busy at the moment. We had three girls show up a little while ago looking to apply here. Rouge is interviewing them right now."

"Are they cute," Knuckles asked.

"I'm not saying," Sally replied, a mischievous smile on her face. "You'll just have to see for yourself. I know at least one of them wants to work the floor. The other two I'm still not sure about."

"I guess we'll see them soon enough," Sonic said. Then he turned serious. "Hey, Sal? Is Rouge still visiting Breezie? I talked with Tony the other day and he mentioned it to me."

"Yeah, she is," Sally said. "In fact, she just got back from visiting her. I guess the therapy sessions are going alright and she seems to be making good progress."

"I still don't know if it's wise of Rouge to be associating with her," Knuckles said. "They may have been friends once, but there's no excusing what she tried to do."

"It's been three years now, Knuckles," Shadow said. "If Breezie is willing to turn her life around and Rouge is willing to make amends with her, then I think it would be best, as her friends, to support her, regardless of how we feel about it."

"Shadow's right," Sally said. "As much as we don't like it, this is Rouge's decision, therefore we need to be there for her. Anyway, lets drop this for now. We'll be opening soon and the last thing any of us need is to be burdened by this. We're all here to have a good time. So, while we're waiting, why don't I introduce you to our new girls. Follow me, boys."

Meanwhile in Rouge's office, the brothel owner in question was interviewing Tangle and her friends. She glanced over the application forms and then looked up at the trio.

"Alright, then," Rouge said. "So, Tangle, you're definitely interested in entertaining the customers?"

"That's right, Miss Rouge," Tangle said. "I'm looking for a little action and I'm more than up to the task."

"Hm. I like your enthusiasm," Rouge said. She turned her attention to Whisper. "Now, what about you, Whisper? Are you interested in working the floor? Or was there something else you had in mind?"

"I'm...not much of a people person, per se," Whisper replied softly. "I don't think entertaining customers would be the right job for me. However, I did see that you have an opening for a security guard."

"Yes, one of our guards quit to pursue a different career," Rouge said. "I don't know anything about you, but you strike me as someone who could handle herself in a fight if need be."

"Whisper's one of the toughest girls I know," Tangle said. "If you need a security guard, she's the one to hire."

"Well, Whisper, taking your friend's recommendation into account, I suppose I could give you a shot," Rouge said. "Currently, our head security guard is Conquering Storm. She's a bit of a stickler for the rules and doesn't put up with any crap. But overall, she's a decent person and shows a fair amount of respect to her fellow guards, especially if you prove yourself to her. And I think you just might be able to do that. You'll also find the other guards to be easy enough to work with."

"Thank you, Miss Rouge," Whisper said. "I promise I won't let you down."

"Now, that just leaves you," Rouge said, turning to Jewel. "You don't want to work the floor, and you're certainly not cut out for security. As it is, I have a job that might be more to your liking. As it is, I'm in need of another assistant. With my business having expanded over the last couple of years, poor Ray is getting swamped with too much work for just one person to handle."

"That position was mentioned to me by your bartender," Jewel said. "If it's an assistant you need, then I will gladly accept it. Er, I hope your current assistant won't mind my help."

"Oh, don't worry," Rouge said. "Ray will welcome you with open arms. He's quite easy to work with and real friendly. I think you two will get along just fine. So, with that being said, welcome aboard, ladies. Now, as is standard procedure in this job, you can pick out rooms to stay in while you're here, that is unless you have a place of your own. There are plenty of rooms here, and they're all fully furnished, so feel free to pick one out."

"Great," Tangle said. "So when do we start?"

"Well, you're welcome to start tonight, if you want," Rouge said.

"Wait! So soon," Jewel said.

"No time like the present," Tangle said, standing up from her chair. "I suppose I'd better go pick out a room and get ready for the customers."

"What about me," Whisper asked.

"I'll take you to Conquering Storm and introduce you to her," Rouge said. "You'll work with her tonight and she'll show you the ropes. Jewel, I'd like you to come with me, too. I'll introduce you to Ray and then he can give you all the details and show you the ropes as well."

"Sounds great," Tangle said. "I'll see you two later. Good luck."

Tangle exited the office to go find a room of her own. Rouge stood up from her desk and beckoned the remaining two girls to follow her. The three women left Rouge's office to find Conquering Storm and Ray.

"Unbelievable," Tony muttered, glancing over the message on his phone for the third time. He pocketed his phone and glanced at the clock. Less than half an hour to opening time. "Why now? Of all the times to do this..." He sighed in frustration. "Nothing I can do about it now. Just keep it together, Tony. Focus on tonight. Then...well, one thing at a time."

Taking a deep breath, he resumed his position back behind the bar, readying for tonight. But deep down, he was worried about the message he had just received, and he had a feeling that very soon, all hell was going to break loose.

End of Chapter One...