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  When it arrived I punched the first number that came to mind. "15."

  Once the elevator came to a stop I hopped off into the receiving area and rang the buzzer. It took a minute or so before anyone answered. I could hear music and laughter coming from behind the doorway and I was just about to turn and head back to my apartment thinking that whoever lived there did not hear my ring over whatever was taking place within. Just as I started to turn though the door suddenly swung wide and there was a dark haired man about Penny's age standing there, a little breathless, with a huge smile and a look of complete surprise.

  "Emily," he hurried forward and threw his arms around me. "What are you doing here?"

  It started to come back to me and I remembered who he was as my mind raced for an answer, "I was feeling a little lonely and wondered if you were, too. I thought I would drop by and see if you could use some company."

  "Actually," the man glanced over his shoulder, "we were just heading out," he said apologetically. "We're playing tonight," he bit his lip and studied me, "but," he raised his eyes hopefully, "you're welcome to come cheer us on if you like?"

  "Oh, I don't know...Penny...and..."

  "Aww, come on!" the man seized my hand and pulled me into the apartment. "Hey everyone! I want you to meet someone – Emily," his smile full of charm, "this is everyone!"

  Someone turned the music down as we moved towards the small crowd of people. The apartment was laid out somewhat differently than mine with the living area off to the left and the kitchen off to the right. It was more open and beyond the kitchen looked to be the dining room as I glanced right and an office or study towards the left.

  I noticed that most of people gathered in the living area were couples. Some were ordinary people like me and Jesse and others were most definitely like Herrik. There were a few nods and hellos as we neared the group then everyone quieted down while Jesse introduced me to them one by one. I was terribly nervous and even though everyone was friendly enough my fear caused me to miss half their names.

  Once the introductions were over Jesse excused himself, "Just for a minute," he assured me and turned and headed towards the back of the apartment.

  I watched him go and stood quietly apart from the group, my eyes darting this way and that avoiding direct contact with any of the people I had just met.

  "So, Emily, where are you from?" one of the girls asked me.

  I turned her way completely unsure how to answer, "Oh, I...I...I'm a guest of Herrik's," it was all I could think to say.

  The room grew uncomfortably quiet and everyone seemed to suddenly turn away from me. My uneasiness intensified tenfold but fortunately Jesse had come back, "I think I'm going to go now." I quietly stated.

  Jesse's face fell, "Oh, no, please don't go!" he looked at me imploringly. "Please," he said again, "come with us," his face bright and earnest, "we're just going to Jax's to play a set tonight. You said you were lonely," he argued.

  "A set? Are you in a band?" I was intrigued by the idea and couldn't help perking up when I realized what Jesse was suggesting.

  I saw a look of triumph flash in his eyes, "Yep," he nodded. "Come. Come see us play!"

  More than anything that was exactly what I wanted to do but something was holding me back. I started to say no but then someone called out from behind us and we all turned to the voice, "Van's ready! Let's go!"

  Jesse pecked my cheek and I quickly lost my resolve. Before I knew it we were all being ushered from the living room and crammed into the elevator. We exited at the garage level and everyone dispersed. Most went to the waiting van, a couple to the motorcycles while Jesse and I piled into one of the sportier cars.

  I sat in the passenger's seat giddy and excited while Jesse drove. When we got to the gate I worried that the guard wouldn't let us through but the van went first then the motorcycles; it was clear that we were all a part of the same group and when it was our turn to exit we passed right through. Jesse made small talk during the short drive and about fifteen minutes later we pulled into an alley and parked behind the van. While the others unloaded the equipment Jesse took me in through the back door and brought me to the office.

  He rapped on the door and a moment later a somewhat slovenly, older man stepped out, "Good you're here. A little late!" he frowned.

  "Yeah, sorry about that," Jesse shuffled; his voice apologetic. "It won't take long to set-up and we'll give 'em a good show. Listen," he looked at me curiously, "I brought my...cousin and ...uh...can I get another pass for her?"

  "She's kind of young to be at a nightclub."

  "She'll stay in the back; watch from behind. No one will even know she's here," Jesse assured him.

  "Hmm..." the man squinted in consternation, "keep out of sight and any trouble...from any of you," he looked at me a long moment and finally turned his eyes on Jesse, "and you're out. Not just you," he pointed to me. "All of you! Understand?"

  "Of course," Jesse nodded.

  The man went back into the office and came back with the requested pass. He handed it to Jesse who looped it around my neck. Jesse led me to the stage and hopped down to the nightclub floor. He gathered one of the stools from a nearby table where the audience would soon be sitting and brought it to the stage. He set it up where he thought I would be beyond the view of the crowd and had me take a seat.

  Jesse jumped back down and walked the floor the entire length of the stage to make sure I couldn't be seen then came back up. He inched me back another foot or two, did another quick check then returned and said, "That should do. I have to help set-up, will you be alright? Is there anything you need?"

  "Nope," my eyes alight and my face flushed with excitement.

  "Great. Oh, here," he reached in his pocket and pulled out a small plastic baggy. He handed it to me and said, "You might need these," then smiled, kissed my cheek and quickly strode away. He immediately began helping the rest of the band with the various amps, instruments and so forth.

  I opened the packet and found that it contained some earplugs. Smiling I tucked them into each of my ears and though everything was suddenly muffled I could still hear a good deal of what was taking place around me.

  It didn't seem to take very long for them to finish setting up and once they were nearly done the curtains were drawn and the nightclub began to fill up with patrons. The band hurried through their sound check and just as the last of the seats were being taken Jesse approached the microphone.

  My heart leapt as the audience's lights were dimmed and stage lights began to flash. A long, drawn out cord echoed across the club and a cheer roared up from the crowd. As the sound faded I watched the drummer smash his sticks together to set the tempo then suddenly the curtains were thrust open and the band and their music came to life.

  I could feel the bass thumping through me and the guitars wailing a hard and edgy tune and Jesse's voice strong and melodic blending it all together into a mesmerizing harmony. I was on the edge of my seat as they all danced back and forth across the stage urging the audience to love and worship them and their music.

  Jesse glanced over whenever he could do it without being conspicuous to see my reaction and I knew there was no way he could mistake my smile and wide eyes as one song after another was belted out. There were breaks in between songs from time to time where Jesse would address the audience over their clapping and cheering then he would launch the band suddenly, almost unpredictably into something new. He was amazing and seemed to know exactly what to say and how to coax the audience into a greater and greater fanatic enthusiasm.

  One time a girl clambered up onto the stage and threw her arms around Jesse and kissed him full on the lips before one of the security guards could tackle her and drag her from the club. While she was being carried away she screamed terms of endearment back toward the stage, none of which could be heard over the music and the noise of the crowd. I laughed out loud at the crazy, zealous behavior but otherwise didn't think anything of it.

  Eventually
the set ended then Jesse and the others told the audience that they were taking a little break. "We'll be back in 15!” Jesse called out. The curtains fell closed and though it was still quite loud beyond the stage it seemed suddenly quiet where I was sitting.

  After placing the microphone back in its stand Jesse came over smiling, breathless and covered in sweat. "So what did you think?" he held his hands out and I hopped down from the stool.

  "That was amazing," I beamed.

  "I'm glad you're having a good time. Do you want a drink? A water, soda or anything?"

  "Actually," I glanced around, "is there a restroom anywhere?"

  "Yeah, sure, let me show you."

  I really didn't want him to come with me but couldn't think of any reasonable way to refuse his offer.

  "Right there," he pointed when we were close enough. "Do you need me to wait?"

  "No, I think I can find my way back," I said with a touch of humor.

  I was trembling with the excitement of seeing Jesse's band and my ears were ringing when I walked into the bathroom. In my mind I replayed the songs and pictured Jesse and the other musicians as they incited the crowd and their fervor. Smiling I found an empty stall and locked the door behind me.

  When I was done freshening up and ready to head back I walked out of the bathroom. "Now's my chance," I thought to myself and rather than turning toward the stage I started walking towards the office and the backdoor where we had come in.

  I took a hurried step then another and tried a third but couldn't seem to pick my feet up after that. I looked over my shoulder.

  "Avery!" I cried out.

  "Hello Emily," he said his face and voice both devoid of emotion.

  Chapter 5

  I tried fighting the hold he had on me and running. Avery gave a malicious little chuckle and I felt his grip loosen. I took several stumbling strides which brought me back towards the office and to my utter horror I watched as Carah stepped out of the doorway. Realizing my escape was barred in either direction I tried to scream and call for help.

  "None of that!" Avery grabbed me from behind and covered my mouth as he shuffled me toward the back door.

  I knew it was senseless to struggle so I gave into the inevitable and let them guide me away. I heard the music start back up as Avery ushered me out into the alley and wondered how long it would take Jesse to notice that I was gone. I knew there was nothing he or anyone else could do but I tried to remain hopeful.

  "Why didn't I leave as soon as I had the chance? I shouldn't have listened to Jesse and his band as long as I did. I could have been far, far away by now."

  Avery glanced at me in the mirror and gave me a look that seemed to challenge the thought. I clenched my teeth and instinctively emptied my mind as Carah plopped down beside me. Avery seemed surprised. "Interesting," he frowned and mumbled. He adjusted the mirror and without anything further drove us back to the canyon.

  Once we were in the elevator Avery brought us down to my floor and got off with me but Carah stayed on and I imagined she was heading down to Herrik's level to report that she and Avery had found me and I was back in my apartment. I figured Avery had stayed behind to make sure that I did indeed accept my fate and was safely delivered to my door.

  I entered the code and turned the handle then Avery reached forward and pushed the door open for me. I had to duck under his arm to get inside and once I was in he followed directly behind me. I glanced back once or twice as we walked toward the kitchen. I could hear voices and strained my ears to see if I recognized who they belonged to. As I listened I realized that it was Herrik and Penny. I could hear both their voices intermittently but they were speaking so low and hushed that I couldn't catch a word they said.

  Suddenly I was too afraid to walk any further and felt desperate not to have to face either of them but Avery nudged me along the hallway and there was no turning back.

  "Please," Penny pleaded, "it won't happen again," were the first words of their conversation that I could actually make out.

  "I'm sorry," Herrik said as I inched nearer and nearer to the kitchen. "There's nothing I can do."

  My heart was pounding as I watched them sitting across from one another at the island. Herrik was oddly calm and unemotional; unwilling to be swayed by whatever Penny was saying as she stared across the distance between them with her eyes full of tears.

  "No...no...no," Penny begged. "I can't leave! Not now...not now that Emily is here and after everything that has happened!"

  "Oh, God," I thought, "what have I done?!"

  "There are rules Penny; it's not my decision to make. You were supposed to keep an eye on her. By letting her leave you put Emily at a terrible risk. You put us all at a terrible risk. Exposing her could have exposed us all. What if someone recognized her or worse...?”

  Penny buried her face in her hands, "I know...I know...I wasn't thinking...I...I...she...I needed a distraction after all that's happened. It's been very emotional for me and she's been so...!"

  "You have to accept responsibility for what you have done and whatever consequences it brings. The rules are clear and there can be no exceptions." Herrik stood up. "Tomorrow morning," he said conclusively. Penny got up intending to see him out. "Stay. All of you," he met each of our eyes one by one. I could see how frustrated and remorseful he was and that somehow he felt responsible for the turn of events. No matter how determined I was not to regret trying to escape I lowered my eyes shamefully and at least for Penny's sake wished I hadn't done it.

  As he walked past I impulsively reached out and grabbed Herrik's hand. "Please don't send Penny away," I whispered. "It wasn't her fault."

  "I know," Herrik replied. He laid his hand on my cheek and tilted my face so that I was looking up at him. There was something...something strange in his eyes. My heart stilled, the throbbing in my temples; the pain, the worry, my fears...everything was fading, dulling.

  He started to say something, thought better of it and instead, "Get some rest, Emily."

  It sounded like forgiveness but certainly didn't feel like it. There was so much tension in his expression that I knew he hated me for what I had done. After he was gone Avery asked Penny if there was anything she needed. She shook her head no and a moment later he walked towards the front door and stationed himself directly in front of it just as I had seen him do at Herrik's apartment.

  I tried to apologize to Penny but she held her hand up to show how averse she was to hearing anything I had to say. "You should get ready for bed."

  "But..." I started to protest then quickly realized the futility of it and trudged down the hallway towards my bedroom.

  The next morning I woke quite late. I felt much better and tried to be optimistic as I encouraged myself to believe that things wouldn't turn out as badly as I imagined they would. I immediately went to the kitchen hoping to find Penny there but only found a note from her instead.

  There is fruit in the refrigerator and some cereal in the pantry. Eat some breakfast and get ready to start your day. I will be here soon.

  Love,

  Penny

  I pushed the note aside and found the fruit and cereal like she suggested. After eating and carefully cleaning up I went to my room and got dressed. I fixed my hair as best I could and went back to the kitchen to wait for Penny.

  The minutes passed and soon an hour had ticked by. Just as I considered going to the living room and watching TV while I waited my buzzer rang. I went to the door fully expecting Penny but Carah was the one standing there instead.

  "They're ready for you," she said without ceremony. "Is there anything you need to do first?"

  I nervously looked over my shoulder and shook my head.

  "Good," she stepped toward the elevator and I reluctantly followed her after closing my door.

  Carah didn't look at me or say a single word the entire ride down. When we reached Herrik's floor we walked down the hallway towards his apartment. I couldn't help noticing that there were no people alon
g the way. All the offices and other rooms we passed were completely empty. Herrik's door was wide open when we got to it and Carah led us straight in.

  I followed her beyond the living room and down the hallway past the garden and along another hallway. At the end was another set of doors and these were wide open as well. I could hear the hum of dozens and dozens of voices as we neared and fearfully slowed my pace then stopped.

  "What are you waiting for?" Carah glanced back expectantly.

  "What's happening?" I asked.

  Carah came towards me and tried taking my elbow but I shook it away. She moved around behind me and I thought she was about to shove me towards the doorway. Avery was standing just beyond and to the left of it though and when he saw us I immediately felt his strange grip again forcing me forward. I hated giving in but it was useless trying to fight them both. I stepped across the threshold then quickly scanned the crowded room.

  It was oval shaped and paneled in a dark, grainy wood that was shining beneath a heavy polish. There were seats circling and spiraling inwards towards a table set-up in the middle of the room. At the table, which was also oval in shape, were seated about 15 or so different people.

  One side seemed to be Herrik's kind and the other Penny's. He was seated at the head and there was an empty seat to his right and directly after that sat Artur. All the other chairs were taken and as I made my way towards the table I glanced at a number of the faces seated around it. On Penny's side I recognized Jesse and one or two other's from his band. Across from them sat Carah and someone I remembered seeing in the hallway the day Herrik had brought me to my apartment.

  Avery pulled the chair beside Herrik and had me sit down. Then much to my unease he stood directly behind me with his hands clasped in front just below his waist. I could feel everyone's eyes on me as I took my seat and the muffled conversations from around the table slowly died down.