We spend the fifteen-minute drive in silence. Once we get closer, we can hear the music and feel the bass bumping.
Jacob turns down his music as he comes to a stop. People are milling about outside while a line has formed to get inside.
“Damn. This place is rockin’. You ladies don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Not that, that takes a lot off the table.”
“You’re such an idiot. Thanks for the ride.”
Hailee slips out of the car. I slide across to slip out behind her, but Jacob reaches out to grab my arm.
“Hey. Look out for her tonight. We might not have the best relationship, but I don’t think she knows how to handle herself. We both know you do.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure she has a good time but is safe.” I shoot him a wink.
He chuckles as I climb out, shutting the door behind me.
He pulls away as Hailee goes to join the line.
I grab her arm, ignoring the protests of the others in line, and walk right up to the man at the door.
“Well, what do we have here? You two looking to have a good time?” he drawls.
“We heard this is the best place for a good time. Got room for two more?”
He takes us both in. “I might, but it’s twenty dollars a head.”
“Shit,” I murmur.
“Too expensive? I could do ten dollars a head because you’re so hot. Or you could meet me around back and blow me and I’ll let you in for free.” He licks his lips.
I barely hold back the sneer forming on my face. This man is disgusting and smells of cigarettes.
I turn to Hailee, but she doesn’t look at me. She reaches into her top, pulling out a twenty-dollar bill.
“Here you go.”
The man frowns. “Man, I was looking forward to your plump lips wrapped around my dick. Maybe next time.”
He waves us in. As soon as we are inside, I can’t hear a thing. The music is amplified, echoing off the walls of the empty warehouse.
“Thanks. I’ll pay you back,” I try to shout at Hailee, but all she does is point to her ears indicating she can’t hear me.
I shake my head. I can tell her later. I lead her around the entire perimeter of the room, looking for any sign of Chase or Nate. Not seeing one, I lead her to where there are drinks being served. I find a corner and pull her into it, putting my lips to her ear.
“I didn’t see them, but there are tons of people here. Let’s dance our way into the crowd and see what we can find. If we get separated, let’s meet back here.”
She nods to me when I pull back, acknowledging that she heard me.
We move back toward the main crowd and dance along to the music.
It’s plain to see what most of these people are here for. Many have drink cups in their hand, but most of them aren’t even drinking them. Instead, their eyes are glazed over as they rub against one another.
Ecstasy.
It has to be. Amongst all the partygoers, I see dealers weaving in and out, slipping drugs to customers while covertly taking their money. It’s amazing how routine it all feels.
It isn’t until we make it to the other side of the building that I find what I’m looking for. I catch a glimpse of Nate as he moves off to a door down a side hall.
I pull Hailee closer.
