Chapter 2

Across the sound system you could hear the DJ announce in a deep husky voice, “Please welcome to the stage, Ember.” Seemed he knew what was coming, but was enthralled as much as the other guests. Keegan’s vision seemed to narrow entirely on the beauty appearing within the smoke. She was swaying to the slower beat as she seemed to be dancing with the tendrils of smoke. Dark hair trailed down her back, but when she leaned back, her grip tight on the silver pole, it was like her hair came alight. All sorts of reds and golds appeared throughout a deep silky blackness that caressed her as she moved. A rounded face with a gentle slopping nose. Her eyes were closed as if she was in her own world.

Roderick nudged him, “Keegan, you ok? What’s going on? This is strange.”

“Where’s that smoke coming from? I don’t see any machines. No one else seems to be noticing it.” Hanson sat back trying to study the corners of the room.

Keegan couldn’t be bothered with them at the moment though. The girl, Ember, was doing a seductive spin upside down with one glorious smooth leg held out to the side as she then slithered down to the floor of the stage. He held his breath as she lifted herself back up arching her back. She never removed any clothes. She didn’t have too.

The air inside the building was growing hotter as she spun showing just glimpses of skin. As the music was winding towards the end everyone seemed to move towards the stage with bills in their hands. A growl escaped his throat. A hand seemed to reach out as if to touch her and the next thing he knew he was next to the stage to stop that hand, but the man already had that same hand held to his mouth like it had been burned.

The girl was standing there with wide eyes. She was the only one who seemed to notice he had moved that distance so quickly. She began picking up her money and backing off stage. Her plump lips turned up in a secret smile as she left the stage. Not once looking him in the eye but he could tell she was distressed. The music had change and a new girl was announced, but everyone seemed to be moving back to their seats as she entered. Feeling bad for this new girl he left a twenty on stage and walked away quickly before she jiggled something at him. That is going to be a tough act to follow. Taking back his seat Roderick leans over to him again.

“Hey, are you there, you still haven’t said a word? What was that?”

Keegan replied, “I’m not sure, but I’m going to find out.”

Chris called out for another round to Chesley as she was headed to the bar to drop off other requests. The smoke had dissipated and the environment was returning to normal. No one seemed to think anything strange had happened besides our group. Things were getting curious.