Born to Die:V I P

Wednesday, May 10th 7:45 p.m.
Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Stacy's Apartment

**Fred**: **Leaning against the wall next to Stacy's front door, she waits for her friend, already dressed and ready for work. The sound of the sink running in the small bathroom inside as Stacy finishes putting her makeup on. As Fred's eyes wander, scanning the small apartment until they momentarily stop on a man's shirt, discarded next to the foot of the bed.** You still seeing that mechanic?

**Stacy**: **Her voice, higher pitched and louder than Fred's, comes from the small bathroom.** You mean Doug?

**Fred**: **She raises and eyebrow and waves her hand about, not knowing what his name was.** The mechanic. **She takes a deep breath and adjusts her purse on her shoulder, waiting for the response.**

**Stacy**: He was kind of an ass, so I dumped him. **The sink turns off.**

**Fred**: **She shakes her head and quietly whispers.** Of course. **She smirks a bit.** You ever date a guy that isn't an ass?

**Stacy**: **She responds almost immediately.** At least I *date*. When was the last time you were seeing anyone? That wanna-be sports caster from San Diego? You've been single for almost a year now.

**Fred**: **She raises an eye brown in mock confusion and responds with sarcasm.** I've never gone out with *anyone* from San Diego.

**Stacy**: If you ask me, I'd say you like keeping guys away from you. Stringing them along instead of committing. **She walks out of the bathroom, putting on one of her earrings.** You've been doing it to Marcus for like, *ever*.

**Fred**: **She looks even more confused as she looks to Stacy.** What the hell are you talking about? I'm not going to date someone from *work* that's *insane* -And he probably feels the same.

**Stacy**: How would you know, you're oblivious to every guy that looks your way at work, or do you really think you get bigger tips because of your all-star table waiting? **She walks over and grabs her purse and keys.** Marcus is super hot and super nice too.

**Fred**: **She rolls her eyes, Stacy's comments starting to get on her nerves.** Hurry the hell up, we're running late already.

**Stacy**: Look, all I'm saying is that you *always* seem lonely. **She puts on her other earring and heads out the door.**

**Fred**: Being with someone doesn't always mean you aren't alone. **She walks out into the hall.**

**Stacy**: Jesus christ, Fred, you always know how to say the most depressing shit, you know that? **As she walks out into the hall she turns around and locks her apartment. After a moment she sighs** ...But I guess I know what you mean.

**Fred**: I don't want to be in a relationship right now. **She looks at the stained carpet in the hall.**

**Stacy**: **She finishes locking up her apartment and looks to Fred.** Who the hell said anything about a *relationship*? Just find a good looking guy and use it, *abuse it*, then lose it, cause you look like you fucking need it. **She turns and looks at Fred with a raised eyebrow.**

**After walking down and out into the alleyway beside their apartment building, Marcus is waiting in his usual spot. Always ready before the two girls, he patiently waits to escort them to the Flagship, the most popular late-night bar and club in Santa Monica, where the three of them work graveyard five nights a week.**

**Marcus**: **Wearing much simpler attire, he has a black t-shirt with tight short sleeves and the word "SECURITY" in bright bold white letters. The back of the shirt simply says "Flagship" with a stylized pirate ship in white and blue.** Stacy, Fred. **He starts to walk with them down the sidewalk.** What took you guys so long? **He says in a serious, but friendly tone.**

**Fred**: Someone felt the need to lecture me while they were applying their make-up

**Stacy**: Well needed advice isn't *lecturing*, if you want me to *lecture* you I'll do it.

**Fred**: **She looks out at the street as then walk, a few cars driving by.** Fine, I'll keep your advice it in mind.

**Stacy**: **She looks to Marcus.** Plus, we're supposed to have some VIPs coming in tonight, so I had to make sure I looked extra-gorgeous, VIPs tip almost three times as much as our normal customers.

**Marcus**: **He smiles slightly.** You look beautiful. But the last time you were late with incoming VIP, Calypso nearly made you cry from the fit she was having.

**Stacy**: Yeah, well she insulted my make up too so fuck her. I'd rather be late and beautiful, than frumpy and on time.

**Fred**: Do we know who the VIPs are this time?

**Marcus**: They never tell anyone. **As they pass a particularly dark alleyway, he makes sure to keep an eye out for the odd bum, or worse, a thief that might try to prey on the girls.** I'm sure it's to keep people from harassing them.

**Stacy**: It better be someone who's actually important. Seems like all we've been getting lately is rich old men trying to be young. **She groans in a quiet frustration.** No matter how hard I try I can never get Peralta to spill the beans. He's a sassy ass bitch, but he knows how to keep a secret.

**Fred**: If he told anyone at work it wouldn't be you. You'd gossip to everyone that would listen. **She silently imagines Stacy looking at the yellow pages and calling random people.**

**Stacy**: Oh my *God* did he tell you?

**Fred**: What? -No. I'm the one who asked if we even knew who they were to begin with.

**Stacy**: It's a cover up. **She looks between Marcus and Fred quickly.** You both know who it is don't you? Peralta just told you *not* to yell me didn't he?!

**Marcus**: Neither of us know. **He shrugs a little and starts to walk a little faster.** We'll find out soon anyway.

**The Flagship comes into view as they turn the corner. Despite their run-down apartment, it's within walking distance of everything important in Santa Monica, or at the worst, a ten minute drive. Hurrying down the last block and inside the service door they can see the rest of the staff is already busy setting up the club for the night. Staff is moving tables and chairs from the VIP room and into the back. With the club set to open in about ten minutes, there's quite a commotion.**

**Acacio**: **The assistant manager and even planner, he's standing at the center of the staff as the move things around him to their proper place. One of the waiters catches his eye.** *Wait*! **Everyone suddenly freezes in place.** You! No -Not you -*you*! **He points to a young man with a silver platter meant for the VIP room.** What is this doing out here? **As everyone else continues moving and cleaning his eyes dart back and forth and he quiets himself, whispering loudly so that the nearby Calypso won't also notice the mistake.** This silver is meant for our V-I-Ps, dear. Don't put it in the *kitchen*. Put it in the V.I.P. room... **He looks to Calypso, the purple-haired manager is speaking to one of the bouncers at the front door.** Go-go-go. **The waiter quickly scurries off towards the stairs that lead to the upper level VIP room. He whispers to himself** Just keep it together Acacio. It's a big night and if you look stressed out then She thinks something is wrong. **He calms down for a moment before opening an eye and realizing the bartender isn't here. He quickly looks around to make sure Stacy isn't late, *again*. After a moment he spins around to find her, seeing Stacy, Fred and Marcus walking out of the kitchen area and onto the main floor.**

**Stacy**: Everyone calm down, calm down. We're here. **She walks towards the bar.** Just had some car trouble, that's all.

**Fred**: **She smirks slight. When it comes to work Stacy doesn't seem to even try to be a convincing liar. Everyone knows that they walk to work.**

**Marcus**: **He's about to head over to the frontdoor when Acacio stops him.**

**Acacio**: Marcus. You look wonderful, is that a new cologne?

**Marcus**: It's not-

**Acacio**: Doesn't matter. **He smiles and lightly pats Marcus's chest, admiring his strong pecs.** I have a very *special* job for you tonight that only someone as... *Strong* as yourself can manage.

**Marcus**: I'm watching the VIP door. **He looks towards it. They seem to always ask him to watch it when big names are mentioned.**

**Acacio**: **He gently slaps his chest and backs off.** So smart too. I'll fetch you the list, darling. **He passes Fred and sees she isn't smiling.** We've talked about that *lack* of smile before dear. So smile, *big* smile -Big pretty smile!

**Fred**: **A bright and sweet smile spreads across her lips as he passes her. It immediately fades once he's passed her.**

**Stacy**: I better get behind the bar before Calypso notices that I filed through the ball and chain she fastens to my ankle. **She sighs and heads towards the large bar.**

**Fred**: **She turns to watch Acacio vanish into the kitchen area.** He seems even more tightly wound than usual, they must've booked some important people. **She looks to Marcus and then heads for the back room to drop of her purse.**

**Marcus**: **About five minutes later he's standing in front of the VIP doors, looking through the small list of big names. As usual he doesn't really know these people are, or what really makes them VIPs in the first place, aside from booking the VIP room itself. He doesn't follow the lives of the rich and famous as much as the typical person does. He looks up from the list and isn't at all surprised to see Stacy idling nearby, slowly backing towards him as she makes sure that Calypso and Acacio don't see she's missing from the bar, even though the club has opened and customers are starting to file in.**

**Stacy**: So who do we got? **She's taking her ten minute break -five minutes into her shift.** Spill the beans big guy. **She tries to lean forward to peak at the list.**

**Marcus**: **He looks around and sees that Calypso is back in her office. He simply just hands Stacy the clipboard.** You tell me.

**Stacy**: **She snatches it quickly and looks down the list, her eyes darting back and forth as she quickly reads.** ...Natalya Nadrageel? Sounds weird enough to be familiar... *Thomas Durrance*?! He's that up and coming artist-model millionaire guy! **She seems to almost visibly swoon as she holds the clipboard to her chest.** He's really mysterious. **She looks to Marcus.** I think his parents died when he was a kid, so he's almost like Superman, you know? The brooding guys are just... Ugh... **She holds the list close to her chest.**

**Marcus**: That's Batman, Stacy. **He sighs a little. He doesn't read comics but he's unfortunately seen the movie.** Anyone else we should be worried about?

**Stacy**: This Natalya sounds familiar. **She looks back down at the list.** Nadrageel. I think someone from my hometown had that last name, might've moved there after I graduated... I remember my friends talking about some billionaire moving there. **She pauses in realization.** You know about three years back I think I went to a party or something at her mansion... One of her mansions... **She narrows her eyes.** Or maybe it was her son's mansion... I should call up my friend and ask her, she was there too. **She shrugs.** You know I had so much to drink I really don't remember, I just remember it was in a big ass house. **She looks back at the list.** These other people sound boring -Agatha? Grandma name, boring. Orion? Weird, isn't that a planet or something? **She holds the list out to Marcus.** The rest of these are lawyer-y names. Don't know them, so they're obviously not important.

**Calypso**: **Her raspy sultry voice can be heard coming from behind Stacy. She has pale skin and long purple hair that goes down past her shoulders. She's wearing a very elegant black and violet dress today that would make anyone think that she's a famous artist.** Oh I beg to differ. I believe every name on that list is important.

**Stacy**: **She lets out a long quiet sigh as she looks at Marcus, she smiles and turns around.** Calypso! How are you today, *love* that dress.

**Calypso**: **She closes her eyes for a moment as she talks.** Regrettably, as much as I enjoy the flattery, I don't pay you to kiss my ass. **She takes the clipboard from Stacy and taps the name at the very top.** I pay you to kiss hers. Miss Natalya Nadrageel. Do anything she asks, no questions. If someone asks for something that is in opposition of Natalya's request, you pick her choice over theirs. No exceptions. No food is too grand, no drink is too expensive. She *wants* it then we *have* it. Even if I have to send someone out to *buy* it and *bring* it here.

**Stacy**: **She doesn't seem to be paying attention to Calypso.** You know I think I know her nephew or something...

**Fred**: She quickly walks up to the three of them. **She's a little more dressy and doesn't have her purse or anything with her now.** Winston said a white and gold Rolls-Royce just pulled up outside... **She looks around for Acacio.** Figured everyone would want to know the VIPs are arriving.

**Calypso**: **She hands Marcus the clipboard.** You're always quiet and don't butt in at the *wrong time* **She gives Stacy a dark glare, then looks back to Fred.** And you're usually a hit with the V.I.P.s anyway, so I'm putting you *en-point* for them tonight. Make us proud -and *smile*. **She smiles at Fred and walks away from them, ready to greet the very very important guests arriving.**

**Acacio**: **He steps out of the VIP room, walking past Marcus.** Perfection. Not a speck of dust. Nothing out of place. Even the lighting is impeccable. I'm a genius. **He immediately gasps to himself when he looks outside and sees the Rolls-Royce just through the doors. He quickly straightens his posture and pulls on he hem of his suit to smooth out an wrinkles, taking a spot next to the VIP entrance.**

**Marcus**: **He looks towards the windows to see if he can catch who it is outside. Unlike everyone else, he doesn't get nervous on these kinds of nights.**

**Stacy**: Better get back behind that bar. **She turns and runs off towards the bar.**

**Fred**: **She looks from the front doors to Marcus.** You never get star struck like everyone else here. You play it too cool.

**Marcus**: I don't have a reason to. **He looks towards her and smiles a little.** They only pay me to look intimidating.

**Fred**: **She pats him on the shoulder.** Keep that stern outlook. **She sighs and turns to look towards the front doors. A tall woman in a long black dress and platinum blonde hair walks in, there's an older woman in a grey business suit walking in behind her.** All this commotion for a handful of people... Money really does make you important. **She furrows her brow a bit as she watches Natalya.** I better just stay out of the way. **She looks back to Marcus.** Seeya.

**Marcus**: **He nods and looks back towards Natalya, seeing Calypso almost bow slightly to her as she enters the Flagship.**

**Calypso**: **She rises from her bow and says nothing. She'll only speak to her if she addresses her first. If she wishes to walk past her straight towards the VIP room the way is already clear.**

**Natalya**: **She looks at Calypso for a moment, then seems to disregard her entirely as her strange eyes they look about the club. The neon lights shining onto the stage reflect in her pupils when they settle there. It's almost like she's never seen a place like this before. After a moment they dart to people talking and dancing on the floor in front of the stage.**

**Fred**: **She's walking quietly towards the kitchen, almost like she's sneaking behind everyone.**

**Natalya**: A bottle of Rose Champagne. I want it warmed. **Fred catches her eye for a moment, but the young waitress is already facing away and heading for the kitchen.** ...And a mixed platter of whatever food it is that you serve here... **She looks to Agatha for a moment, then to Calypso, locking her gaze.** The other guests have not yet arrived. **She seems to be asking if they've arrived or not, but it sounds more like she already knows.**

**Calypso**: **She isn't quite sure if she's asking or not.** You're our first arrival, Miss Nadrageel, and may I say we're all so very honored to have you here tonight. **Acacio is quickly moving towards the kitchen behind her as he catches Natalya's orders to tell Stacy and Fred so she won't have to wait long.**

**Natalya**: **She says nothing else and heads for the VIP room, knowing where and what it is, almost instinctually.**

**Marcus**: **He wordlessly opens the double doors that lead to the second floor VIP room.**

**Natalya**: **As she looks to Marcus her eyes catch the light, and flash a strange lime-color. After regarding him for a moment, looking him up and down, she passes through the doors and ascends the stairs, her movements so fluid that it looks as if she's gliding up them.**

**Agatha**: **She walks up to Marcus carrying a small briefcase. She's looking a little overwhelmed, like her night has been a long and difficult one.** I'm sure you already have the list of names that will be showing up tonight, I just need to double check that it's up to date. **She rubs the side of her head as she puts the black briefcase down.**

**Marcus**: Can I get your name, miss?

**Agatha**: **She lets out a very quiet sigh and shakes her head to gather herself a little.** Of course, Agatha O'Hara. I'm the VIP's assistant. **She rubs temple and closes her eyes as the thumping bass seems to affect her physically.**

**Fred**: **She walks wide-eyed behind Agatha, her brown eyes darting back and forth between Marcus and Agatha and as carries a large silver tray of food and glasses, a bottle of pink champagne resting one it. She makes a weird face, like she's feigning being nervous as she starts to walk up the steps towards the VIP area.**

**Marcus**: **He notices the strange face Fred is making before quickly looking back towards Agatha to hand her the clipboard with all of tonight's VIP guests.** Here you are, Miss O'Hara.

**Agatha**: **She takes a deep breath and grabs the clipboard.** ...There were many last-minute adjustments, and most of these people will *not* be allowed admittance. **She crosses a few names off of the list and seems to write in a few more.** If anyone with a crossed out name attempts to get in, please deny entrance, if they insist feel free to throw them out. **She shakes her head.** If Chris Courier or Orion Nadrageel make an appearance please inform me before you allow them admittance into the VIP area. **She hands the clipboard back and picks up her suitcase.** As we are discussing business that is of considerable importance, and it does not involve their input... May I get your name, just so we know who is keeping watch?

**Marcus**: It's Marcus, I'll be here all night to watch over your room. **He takes the clipboard back and glances through the changes.**

**Agatha**: **She sighs and picks up the briefcase and reaches into her coat pocket, pulling out a tip that's a few hundred dollars, and hands it to him. She looks to Fred as she slowly walks down the stairs.** Thank you Marcus, if we need anything else I'll be down.

**Marcus:** **He takes the money and nods, putting the tip away without counting it to not look disrespectful. He closes the doors behind Agatha to give her a break from the loud music before looking at Fred.** You doing okay?

**Fred**: That VIP lady's... A trip. She's got these wild eyes... Scary even, felt paralyzed when she looked at me. **She looks out at the dance floor.** Looks like they're generous tippers though, so I better keep my cool like you. Maybe I can buy myself a Rolls after tonight? **She shrugs and smirks.**

**Marcus**: **He lowers the clipboard and smirks back.** Nervous? Just do what I do. Imagine everyone in their underwear.

**Fred**: You imagine me in my underwear? **She raises an eyebrow at him.**

**Marcus**: **He tries not to smile as he looks straight ahead, pretty much ignoring her question.**

**Fred**: **She hits his shoulder and then walks off towards the kitchen.**

***About three hours later...***

**Three hours since arriving, the VIPs have requested that they be left undisturbed. With the night's band taking an extended break after Natalya complained about the music, Calypso has sent Fred on stage to try and set a moodier and quieter tone, hoping that the VIPs won't complain a second time, as Fred's personal style has always been somber and slower than what they usually book.**

**Fred**: **Her voice sings out over the club, quiet, but carrying a power with its mournful tone.** *...All the lights in Miami begin to gleam... Ruby, blue and green, neon too... Everything looks better from above, my king... Like aquamarine, ocean's blue...* **Her voice descends into a haunting humming, punctuated with Italian and words that set a mood rather than directly form a phrase. After this she continues into the next verse.** *...All the lights are sparkling for you, it seems... On the downtown scenes... Shaded blue... Beatboxing and rapping in the summer rain... Like a boss, you sang jazz and blues...* **Whoever is operating the lights seems to be on their game, as they shift from a deep red to a dark blue as she continues into another soulful bridge punctuated with the same individual words and phrases.** *...The summer's wild... And I've been waiting for you all this time... I adore you -Can't you see you're meant for me...? The summer's **hot** but I've been **cold** without you... I was so wrong not to doubt ...Your Medellín tangerine dream...* **As the song comes to an end there's light clapping, though most people on the floor just continue their slow dance in the dark. Fred seems to break from a trance and smiles a little before leaving the stage. Going around the dance floor as unassuming as she can, she makes her way towards the bar and leans on the counter. She seems a bit tired, performing tends to take a lot out of her.** ...Hey Stacy, get me a water with some Lime?

**Stacy**: **She walks over and sets a drink on the counter.** One of the VIPs ordered you a Rum and Coke.

**Fred**: **She looks down at the drink strangely.** ...Really? **She looks over to the VIP area's balcony. The silhouette of a man is looking down at her. She quickly looks back to Stacy.** ...I'm still on the clock, I can't drink.

**Stacy**: Yeah I know, so I made it Coke. **She pushes it towards Fred.** ...Mostly. After a song like that, you sound like you need a *drink* anyway.

**Fred**: **She sighs when she looks at the drink in front of her, hating it when VIPs buy her drinks.** It's probably some married old man.

**Stacy**: For your information it was *Thomas Durrance*. He must've liked your singing.

**Fred**: Who?

**Stacy**: Just drink the *damn* Coke! **She puts a tray of drinks and food on the bar in front of Fred.** And then take these up there, you're back on the clock. Maybe give Thomas a wink. He's the good looking guy with the blonde hair, even *you* can't miss him. **Someone calls out for a drink and she holds up her hand for him to wait a moment.**

**Fred**: **She reluctantly grabs the drink and drinks down about a third of it. Afterwards she puts her hand on her chest and burps silently.** Put some lime in it for me? **She grabs the tray of food and picks it up, carefully making her way towards the VIP area. She looks to Marcus as she's carrying the tray of drinks towards the VIP stairs.** How are guests doing? **She slows down so he can answer.**

**Marcus**: Very tame. If I were to guess the blonde guy set this meeting up, the others seem so out of place. **He opens the door for Fred.**

**Fred**: Thomas Durrance? He bought me a Rum and Coke. Does he seem like a creep? **She knows she should be taking the food and drinks up, but she seems hesitant.**

**Marcus**: **He shrugs slightly.** He didn't say much before going upstairs. **He looks back towards Stacy who's serving drinks to a couple at the bar counter.** Stacy said he's a "mysterious" guy with a lot of money. **He looks back at Fred.** Take that as you will.

**Fred**: Yeah, well, Stacy's opinion on men is sketchy. She thinks all of you are knights in shining limousines, ready to drive her off into the Hollywood sunset...

**Marcus**: **He motions for the stairs when he sees Calypso coming down from her office.** You better get going. And Fred, don't be nervous. This guy can't do anything to you while I'm here.

**Fred**: I'm not nervous, I'll just imagine him in his underwear. **She raises an eyebrow at Marcus and then heads up the stairs. After a few seconds she's in the VIP area, it's strangely quiet.**

**Natalya is standing, looking down at a young man with blonde hair that's leaning back on the couch casually. Fred immediately assumes he is Thomas. As she looks him over, standing there in silence for a moment, she wonders how accurately Marcus imagines people in their underwear if he hasn't actually seen them in their underwear before. Despite it already being very dark in the club, Thomas is wearing silver reflective sunglasses. He's looking up at Natalya as she speaks, not seeming to care about what she's saying.**

**Natalya**: We met here on the assurance that you would barter, yet you refuse to come to terms with what I *want*.

**Thomas**: **He leans back farther, almost into the darkness.** It's a matter of how *badly* you want it. You obviously have the resources, but if I gave it up now... **He looks to Fred for a moment and then back to Natalya.** ...I would lose any leverage I have over the situation. To both you and other interested parties.

**Natalya**: I assure you, Mr. Durrance, that your ilk will not keep you safe from what's to come. **She speaks coldly as she glares down at him.** I offer more than mere *wealth*, but also the protection that comes with protection.

**Thomas**: You'll have to do better than idle threats, Ms. Nadrageel... So long as I have it all up here **He lightly taps the side of his head.** -you and everyone else that wants it can't do *anything* to me.

**Natalya**: **She stares at Thomas for a moment.** Then we've no more reason to stay in this... Den of *noise*. **Agatha looks relieved and quickly grabs her suitcase, standing up.**

**Fred**: **She sets the drinks down, not having been purposefully listening in, she doesn't want to get in trouble if the VIPs think she is. As she turns to leave Natalya suddenly moves passed her with a strange swiftness, Agatha trailing behind her. Though Natalya is stone-faced, the older woman looks fed up with the young man they met with. They quickly make their way out of he VIP lounge and down the stairs. All that remains is Thomas and what appears to be a few guests he brought with him, but they're in the far corner seemingly enjoying themselves and not paying attention to what just happened. After a brief pause Fred moves to leave, but is stopped as Thomas speaks.**

**Thomas**: Did you enjoy the drink?

**Fred**: **She slowly turns to look at Thomas, he's taken his sunglasses off.** No offense, but I'm not supposed to drink when I'm on the clock.

**Thomas**: I assumed that, but thought you might enjoy the gesture, though that's not the reaction I saw when the bartender told you.

**Fred**: A lot of the VIPs buy me a drink after I sing... It... I'm sorry.

**Thomas**: Sorry? **He leans back against the couch.** Are you, really? Tell me the truth.

**Fred**: **She looks at him for a moment before she simply speaks.** No. It gets really old... **She looks away and wonders why she'd say something like that to a VIP.**

**Thomas**: So when will you be off the clock? I'll buy you something then.

**Fred**: I work until closing... **She shrugs a little.**

**Thomas**: **He stands up and walks towards her. He's much taller than her, and something about him almost entrances her suddenly.** ...I'm sure I can convince your boss to give you the rest of the night off... She wouldn't want to... Discourage someone like me from returning here.

**Fred**: **She tries to look away from him. She feels uncomfortable but attracted to him at the same time. A conflict of thoughts that she's not overly familiar with, as she looks back at him she looks him up and down, and Marcus' advice from early doesn't help her at all.** ...I... Really doubt it.

**Thomas**: **He moves her hair from her face as she looks up at him.** ...If you don't want to go out... Just say the words...

**Fred**: ...I... Didn't say that...? **Her voice sounds a little unsure.**

**Thomas**: So you'll grant me a night on the town with the most beautiful girl here?

**Fred**: **She looks at him with a trance-like confusion.** ...I don't think Stacy would say no.

**Thomas**: **He smiles.** You're different than most girls... Smart... But lonely. I could hear it in your voice while you sang... It's a... Beautiful loneliness... I've never heard anything like it before... I want to know it, if you let me...

**Fred**: **She blinks a few times in confusion again then looks away.** ...I... If Calypso says it's alright...

**Thomas**: **He turns Fred's face to look back at his and wipes something away from her cheek with his thumb.** I'll have a talk with you boss then. **He smiles.**

**With the the VIP guests leaving early, many of the staff members have a let out a collective sigh of relief as the tense atmosphere of having a billionaire in the nightclub fades away. However, Natalya left with comments of obvious disdain, causing Calypso to spend the rest of the night at the bar, having a drink every hour as she tries to figure out what they did wrong. Acacio, resigned to a depressive mood, has decided to clean up VIP lounge himself, feeling like most of his efforts were in vain as he truly tried his best to make the guests happy. Everything comes to a close at about 4am as everyone finishes cleaning up the club and gets ready to head home.**

**Marcus**: **When the VIPs left, Marcus was sent to the entrance for the rest of the night, where he kept watch. As the club officially closes, he decides to go back inside to look for Stacy and Fred to walk them back home, heading over to the bar counter first.**

**Stacy**: **She's wiping down the bar with a wet towel, trying to peel off nacho cheese that seems to have petrified. After a moment she pulls the towel away and then throws it into a tray under the bar. She lets out a tired sigh.** Alright, bar is clean. Glasses are in the kitchen. Bottles are thrown out. Trash is out. I'm going home. **She grabs a glass of water and finishes it off quickly before walking out from behind the bar.**

**Marcus**: **He looks around the nearly empty nightclub, many of the other staff members have already gone home.** Fred still in the kitchen?

**Stacy**: I didn't see her... Actually I haven't seen her most of the night now that I think about it. **She looks over at the far corner of the bar, Fred's mostly Coke with Rum is still sitting under the counter, waiting for her. The lime on it has dried out a little.**

**Marcus**: **He looks a little confused.** What do you mean you haven't seen her? She walks the club more than both of us.

**Stacy**: Umm... I dunno she went up to the VIP lounge. Haven't seen her since then. That was after she finished singing...

**Marcus**: **He looks over to the VIP area and then quickly makes his way over to it, calling up the stairs.** Hey Fred, you up there?

**Calypso**: She's not here anymore. **She's standing nearby suddenly, they didn't hear her footsteps as she took off her high heels. Despite having all those drinks tonight she doesn't sound drunk, but she's obvious tired.**

**Stacy**: Oh god, don't tell me she's *dead*. **She puts her hands on her hips.**

**Calypso**: **She looks very annoyed at Stacy's response for some reason.** She's not dead. **She sits down on one of the bar stools, and snaps her fingers, signaling Stacy to get her the usual drink before she keeps talking.**

**Stacy**: **She sighs, even though she's technically off the clock she turns and grabs a bottle off the wall.** Well what the hell happened to her then? **She starts preparing the drink.**

**Calypso**: I gave her the rest of the night off.

**Marcus**: What? **He looks confused again.** Was she sick?

**Calypso**: **She crosses her legs and is silent for a little again as Stacy prepares her drink.** Oh no, nothing like that. It was a request from one of our VIP guests.

**Stacy**: No *way*. **She puts the drink down in front of her boss and her eyes light up.** Did she actually leave with Thomas Durrance?!

**Calypso**: **She raises her fingers to her lips and then buttons them with her fingers, then takes a drink.**

**Stacy**: **She smiles at Marcus.** Oh, *oh-ho-ho*. She actually took my advice for once! **She pours herself a drink in a shot glass.** I'll drink to that! **She downs the drink immediately.**

**Calypso**: **She immediately takes another drink when Stacy does, just another reason for her to drink her sorrows away.**

**Marcus**: **He looks down, a little unsure of why Fred had to sneak out of the club with that guy.** I'm... gonna start walking home. **He looks towards Stacy to see if she's coming too.**

**Stacy**: **She nods, grabbing her purse.** Yeah I'm beat. **She looks at her boss for a moment.** Hey don't sweat it, they bought a *ton* of expensive drinks for how long they were here. That champagne was like seven hundred dollars alone! **She turns and quickly hurries after Marcus not actually wanting to get stuck talking with her boss.**

**Marcus**: **He leaves the front door open for Stacy while she catches up to him. The two of them start walking down the sidewalk together. It's a cold night and the streets are more empty than usual, both people and cars.**

**Stacy**: **After she catches up to Marcus she starts speaking.** I'm sure she's fine, Fred doesn't just go out with anyone.

**Marcus**: I didn't take Fred for the "mysterious millionaire" type. **He shrugs a bit as they start crossing the road to the next sidewalk. He knows he sounds a bit stupid since people usually like money anyways.**

**Stacy**: Is that a hint of jealousy I hear in your voice Marcus Linnel? **She looks back and forth as they cross the street, with few cars on the streets it really doesn't matter to even bother looking though.**

**Marcus**: I just have a hard time trusting those types of guys. **He looks annoyed as he remembers telling Fred to imagine everyone in their underwear, then quickly closes his eyes and sighs.** ...I'm so stupid.

**Stacy**: Yeah you are, if you wanted you've had like, a *year* to jump on it. Anyway, Fred's smart, I'm sure she'll be fine... **As they near their apartment she pulls out her keys.** She *needed* a night off with some new company.

**Down the alleyway near their front door, they hear some light snoring. There's a bum sleeping nearby behind some empty cardboard boxes. They can only see his legs but it's apparent it's a homeless guy.**

**Marcus**: **He just stays quiet, not wanting the guy to wake up and freak out, while Stacy gets the door open. This isn't anything new to them but it's still unpleasant.**

**Stacy**: **She opens the door to the apartment building and goes inside. She whispers.** Why are there so many damn homeless people in this town these days? **She goes inside the apartment building and starts walking up the stairs to their hall.** Where do they even come from- **She stops, seeing Fred laying in the middle of the hallway, passed out in front of her apartment. Her hair is covering her face.** Fred?! **She runs down the short hall to reach her friend, pulling the hair from Fred's face. She looks pale.**

**Fred**: **She mumbles something unintelligible, but looks really out of it, like she's incredibly drunk or she's been drugged.**

**Marcus**: **He standing over both of them, seeing Fred's clearly drugged pale face.** Fred... **Despite all the bad outcomes of what happened playing through his head his friend's safety comes first.** She's pale... I'm calling 911.