Silent Scream

Thirty-One

Nicola Adamson took a sip of Southern Comfort. Normally, she didn’t touch alcohol while she was working but tonight she could not shake the stiffness in her bones. Her joints had been fused together and her muscles injected with cement.

The atmosphere in the club had been electric. A group of Swiss bankers had landed, flush with excitement and cash. The music was thumping and the laughter was infectious. The rest of the girls were busy mingling with the patrons, their smiles genuine and open. All the signs dictated it would be an enjoyable night for all. It was the kind of atmosphere whereby her work required no effort at all. Usually.

Nicola knew she was struggling to throw off the argument with her sister. It had started over something so inconsequential she couldn’t even recall but had developed into a massive row that had stopped short of physical blows.

Beth had predictably used the guilt card, quoting what Nicola had and what Beth had not. Eventually Beth had left the flat in a fit of rage and had not returned before Nicola left for work.

Although Beth was an adult and perfectly able to take care of herself Nicola knew she was still the big sister; the protector. Despite the animosity between them she was worried and she couldn’t help it.

‘Hey, Nic, you okay?’

She jumped slightly. ‘I’m fine, Lou.’

The club owner was an ex-wrestler, which was not disguised by the shirt and suit he wore every night to work.

It was his venue and one he’d started from scratch. Lou had had a vision of an upmarket club where attractive ladies danced for the enjoyment of customers. He’d had three principles from day one and they applied to the employees as stringently as the patrons: no nudity, no touching and no disrespect.

For his employees there was a fourth rule; no drugs. He himself chose to oversee the implementation of the first three and a monthly drugs test took care of the fourth.

His principles formed his business plan and his mission statement and he always led by example. No girl that Nicola knew of had ever been made to feel uncomfortable in Lou’s presence.

‘You’re not yourself tonight, girl?’

She considered lying but her boss knew her too well.

‘Just a bit distracted, Lou.’

‘Do you want to work the bar?’

Nicola shook her head, nodded and then sighed. Honestly, she didn’t know what she wanted to do.

He indicated for her to follow him through the door behind the bar. Once in the relative peace of the corridor he stopped walking.

Mary Ellen, an ex-model from San Diego, squeezed between them. Lou waited until she was out of earshot.

‘This got anything to do with your sister?’

Nicola felt her jaw drop. ‘How do you know about Beth?’

He looked up and down the corridor. ‘Look, I wasn’t going to say anything but she was here earlier today.’

Nicola felt her mouth dry up. ‘She was here?’

Lou nodded. ‘Demanded I let you go so you could do something more meaningful with your life.’

‘Oh, God, no,’ Nicola breathed. She could feel the heat climbing up her face. She’d never felt so humiliated in her life.

‘What did you say to her?’

‘I told her you were a big girl and perfectly capable of making your own decisions.’

‘Thanks, Lou. I’m so sorry. Did she say anything else?’

‘Yeah, she called me a few names and accused me of exploiting you. Nothing I haven’t heard before.’ He rolled his eyes.

Nicola smiled. ‘And you said?’

‘I thanked her for her comments and asked if there was anything else I could help her with.’

Nicola laughed out loud. It was a welcome release and an antidote to the tension that had built in her body.

Despite his good humour she was mortified that Beth had brought their family issues to her place of work.

‘Look, Lou. My heart’s not in it tonight so it’s probably best if I get home.’

He nodded his understanding. ‘I tell you what, out of the two of you I’m glad I got you ‘cos your sister is one pissed-off lady.’

‘I know,’ Nicola said quietly, while thinking to herself, you have no idea.

She began walking towards the changing room at the end of the hall.

‘Oh, and Nic ...’

She turned.

‘Watch yourself. I get the feeling that she’s really pissed off at you.’

Nicola sighed heavily and repeated her earlier thought.

You really have no idea.