Chapter 9

She was in tears knowing she was too late. She had promised the girls she'll come for them both. Anna face chested her, embracing Tessa in return.

"We need to get out of here." Camila broke the reunion. Tessa nods at her suggestion.

"Quickly." Tessa trail on while she peep through the slightly open door. " The guards guarding the door are all dressing room. The only way out of here without being seen is through the basement, there's a tunnel there."

Hearing the basement Camila quickly rushed to the sofa. There a pack of cigarette and a lighter on top of it. She grabs the lighter made a run towards Tessa already out the door still holding Anna closer to her. They were conscious of each steps they walked through the hallway. Camila hadn't bother to put on the coat since it had blood stains now. That would raise eyes of suspicion. So she was still on her appalling underwear.

Men fueled every corner of the bar and stage where the strippers performed. The disco ball light toss flicker different lights of blue, red and purple. Few stole glances at Camilla's while others paid attention to their entertainment either on stage or in between their legs on their seats. The loud music plus the cheers had given way for distraction. No one took interest in the trio while they made their way to the basement. Even Boss' men were nowhere to be seen.

A hand grabbed Camila. She flinched thinking she had already been caught but it was no one than an aggressive wencher. Worse still, he was excessively uncoordinated and smelt of gin and vodka. Camila tries to shook herself free but the dirty old man would let her let alone loosen his girp. Right now, Tessa and Anna might have gone past the stairs leading to the basement. Camila raise her leg, kneel kicked the man on the balls. He fell to the floor while he winced and growled loudly with his hands still on his groin. It raised attention to himself. Moreso Boss and his men just came out of the dressing room and they were running towards her. If not not for the crowd of people by the stage and ladies who are still serving, they wouldn't have problem reaching Camila at all.

Camila made a run for it. She grab a bottle of an opened vodka from a serving lady tray before finally making it the corridor leading to the basement the door. Camila kick the door to the room of money open, quickly poured out the content of the bottle all over then flip the flame on the lighter. The flame engulf everything it torches wuthin seconds.

Camila ran for the stairs praying Tessa and Anna are still waiting for her. They were. In the pitch of darkness, they whisper yelled her name only that they are already at the entrance of the tunnel and Camila had not the slightest clue where. An old shelf had hidden the passage though it was slightly ajar for anyone to walk through.

The basement was sparse with alot of junks, sacks, wooden cabin etc. She flip on her lighter. Camila knew she had no time to search so she called their name loud enough for them to hear. Smokes from the flame were beginning to build up in the basement. Camila cough from the choking smoke, holding her nostril. Her legs threatened to give out on her from the exhaustion and lack of air. She could barely see now even if with the lighter. But then she heard their whispers. Tessa and Anna were calling out to her. She walk towards their voices with unsteady steps in the hopes she will make it out of here but an arm grabbed her, jerking her backward. She swayed almost loosing her balance.

It was Boss. He had manage to cross the flame from the corridor leaving his men in putting it out. "Come here." His grip was tighter around Camila upper arm.

Camila fought back so he would loosen his grip around her arm. She pushed him aside before running to kick his groin and face. But Boss caught up with her foot, pulled and pushed her in the stomach. Camila crashed on floor with her arms wrapped around her stomach. She winced.

By the sound of Boss' voice, Tessa knew Camila had been caught. They had to leave right now. Even if Anna begged wanting to wait for her, Tessa dragged her down the tunnel.

Boss' men had manage to put the fire off but there was nothing left than much burnt offering of notes. Even the cocaine was burned down. Boss fumed while he examined the whole room. All his money gone, all because of that slut. He will kill her for it. He came out pointing his revolver on her forehead ready to pull the trigger. Camila closed her eyes and waited. But the whole scenario got interrupted by Boss other goon. They rushed to announce of the death of two clients and that Anna is no where to be found.