Chapter 4: Bang! Bang

Alex wandered there the airport where their plane had just landed, it was the famous 'Charles de Gaulle Airport' in Paris.

His black suitcase rolling behind him as he scrolled through his phone checking for directions to his hotel.

The airport was filled with bright lights and the sea of travelers moving in every direction made the place feel booth exciting and overwhelming especially for someone who's just doing it for the first time.

Just as he existed the terminal, his phone buzzed.

Unknown: You make it out of the airport alive, or do I need to send a search party?

"Wait what the hell? Who is this person and how did they even know I was in the airport? With! Or I'm I being spayed on?" Alex thought to himself before proceeding to reply the text.

Alex: Uhm! Sorry but who is this and how did you get my number?

Unknown: ooh sorry about that, I forgot to re introduce myself. It's me Captain Damien, and I got your number from your file.

"Ooooh damn, but why is he even texting me?" Alex thought.

Alex couldn’t help but chuckle. He hesitated before replying.

Alex: Barely. But don’t worry, I didn’t get kidnapped.

Damien: Good. Would’ve ruined my vacation.

Alex blinked. Vacation?

Alex: You’re staying in Paris?

Damien: Yeah, I have a few days off. Thought I’d enjoy the city.

Something about that felt... odd. Most pilots flew in, stayed overnight, and flew right back out. Taking time off in Paris wasn’t unheard of, but everything was just almost 2 good to be true.

He put his phone away as. Sleek black car pulled over just in from of him. The driver stepped out, checking his tablet. "Mr. Alex? He added. Your hotel transport."

“Right! thanks.”

He got into the car as they drove off into the city. He just sat quietly as he stared out the window, out at the Parisian skyline as the car sped toward his hotel.

Few minutes into the journey and they reach the hotel their destination. The Château Blanc Hotel was a five-star masterpiece, a towering blend of classic French architecture and modern luxury.

"Wow Alex lamented. "The airline actually paid for such an expensive hotel for their flight attendant?"

Alex almost felt out of place as he entered the grand lobby, his sneakers squeaking against the polished marble floor.

“Welcome, Mr. Alex,” the concierge greeted him with a polite smile. “Your reservation has been arranged by Captain Damien.”

Alex nearly tripped. “Wait, what?”

“The Captain booked your stay here for the next three nights. Your suite is on the 14th floor. Would you like any assistance with your bags?”

Alex stood there, processing. Damien had arranged his hotel?

Why? He thought.

After a moment, he forced a smile. “Uh, no, I’ve got it. Thanks.”

As he took the elevator up, he pulled out his phone again.

Alex: So… are you always this generous, or do I owe you my firstborn child for this hotel stay?

A few seconds later, a reply came in.

Damien: Nah, just your second-born. Firstborns are too much responsibility.

Alex snorted.

Alex: Seriously, though. You didn’t have to do this.

Damien: I know. But I wanted to. Consider it a ‘welcome to Paris’ gift.

Alex’s grip tightened around his phone. This man was going to be a problem.

He shook his head, stepping into his suite. The room was breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the Eiffel Tower, a plush king-sized bed, and soft golden lighting that made everything feel warm and intimate.

Dropping his suitcase by the door, he collapsed onto the bed with a sigh.

For the first time since he landed, he let himself relax.

But his peace didn’t last long.

His phone buzzed again.

Damien: come on, don't tell me you are really just gonna stay in your room all night in your first night in Paris?

Alex frowned.

Alex: Yes I would, what do you expect of me? I just had 8 yours flight and I'm stressed out, I need to rest.

Alex waited for up to 5 minutes even after the message has been read for a response but there was nothing.

Alex: Damien! Damien? Captain Damien are you there.

Damien: get your ass up get dressed and meet me at Lumière. One hour. Don’t be late.

"Hmm! Who the hell this nigga thinks he is? Meet me at Lumière like he owns me!" Alex murmured to himself.

It was exactly 9pm when Alex arrived at the place. It was an eatery but same time a bit if a bar, quite confusing but also seemed like a fun place to be at.

As he got inside, he saw Damien sitting down just across the room wearing a black button up and a white jeans.

He walked right up to him.

"So Captain! You asked to see me?" He said as he sat down.

"Yeah welcome, I just wanted you to come out and enjoy Paris while you are at it," Damien replied.

Just before Alex could reply, there was an announcement on stage. It was karaoke, there was a machine

"Wow karaoke! Let's go do same," Alex said

"Nah! I don't do that, I can't?" Damien added.

"But you just go ahead and do what you want to do."

"Alright, you don't know what you are missing, at your loose."

When Alex got to the stage he spoke with the person in charge and they set up everything. He choose a very funny song.

Alex: They say he likes a goodtime!

Crowd: My Oh My!!

Alex: He comes alive at midnight

Crowd: Every night!!

Alex: My momma doesn't trust him

Crowd: My Oh My!!

Alex: His only here for one thing

Crowd: But so I'm I...

Alex: A Little bit older, A Black leather jacket! A bad reputation, insatiable habits . He was on too me, one look and I couldn't breathe... I said that if he kissed me, I might let it happen."

Alex sang the last line while pointing at Damien, then immediately.

*Boom!*

There was a load exploding sound at the entrance. As everyone turned towards the source of the door.

It was five masked men, all fully armed with loaded guns. Before anyone could do anything the men open fire.

*Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!*