“So are we going to Dominion’s tonight or not?” a woman asked in a hushed tone.
There was a scoff. “Of course. Where else can we get wasted at those prices?”
My shoulders relaxed, and I pressed my hand against my mouth to keep from snickering out loud. Here I was, assuming a serial killer had actually taken the bait and came to find me in the women’s washroom, of all places. There were people around, and the man had eluded being found out for years; he wasn’t stupid enough to show up here and murder someone without having done some research first.
I waited a bit, but when both women didn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon, I flushed and left the stall. I glanced at the one next to mine and noticed the clogged toilet; that’s why they’d been waiting for me to finish.
The one with the steel-toed boots gave me a quick nod before sliding in after me, while the other woman with the short dress crossed her arms and waited by the wall.
The air conditioning didn’t work as well inside this area, and sweat had formed along my upper lip. I quickly wiped it away before turning on the tap and washing my hands. The cool water was nice for a second before it went warm.
The woman waiting for her turn rubbed the back of her neck and let out a sigh. “Are you sure we should go? I mean, we have to go by that shady area...”
“That’s why it’s cheap,” the other one chimed from inside the stall. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”
I finished washing my hands, then grabbed some paper towels to dry them; although, in this humidity, I wasn’t sure it was possible. I stared at the woman, unsure if I wanted to say anything. Part of me wanted to warn her about what to expect at Dominion’s since she looked a bit... innocent, was the only word that came to mind.
But it wasn’t my place, so I gave the girl a smile and then left. Again, the arctic air blasted me in the face, instantly making my sweat turn cold against my skin. I rubbed my arms a few times, trying to dry off, but I just shivered and picked up the pace.
Back in the quiet study area, I approached my desk, pulse throbbing in my ears as my gaze swept along the surface.
Nothing.
I let out a breath and grinned; of course there wouldn’t be anything. I’d hoped there would be. Maybe a note or something to show he’d been here, looking for me. But that was stupid. And a dangerous hope to have, anyway. With a small shake of my head, I grabbed the rest of my stuff and headed out into the cold recycled air, then outside into the scorching heat. This kind of sudden change in temperatures couldn’t be healthy, but with the way I was heading, there were deadlier things that would end up killing me.
As my footsteps echoed against the hot sidewalk, my mind wandered off to where it always went whenever someone mentioned the name Dominion’s. In my first years of university, I’d gone to the club often, always looking for someone who might show interest in me. High school had been lonely since I’d shut myself away, and by the time I found any kind of self-confidence, I was too awkward for normal human interaction. Still, I’d made some friends?including Martin?but I’d found something else too. A drug dealer by the nickname Lee. He’d given me a free sample of opioids, and soon enough, all the pain I’d felt in my life had vanished away with just half of a small pill.
And despite knowing how the drug worked?or didn’t?I was hooked. I’d given myself excuse after excuse to continue taking some. It was rare at first. Always half, even if it didn’t work as well after a while. Then I had to start paying for the full dose. It wasn’t cheap, and I didn’t have the disposable income. But Lee was generous. He accepted a lower amount of cash as long as I gave him blowjobs too. A few times, I had no money at all and desperately needed another dose faster than expected, and for that, he was as generous as ever. All I needed to do was perform the same on his friends.
That night I was passed around was the last time I went to the nightclub. Not because of the shame but because one of those new friends I’d made, Ginette, overdosed. Someone else died. Next to me. Because of me. I’d gotten her hooked just talking about the relief I’d felt when taking it. It was all my fault. Again. Death followed me everywhere as though I owed it my life.
It was that next morning I admitted to my social worker I had a problem. With her help, I was able to see a doctor and, from there, a psychiatrist who prescribed me small doses to eventually wean me off completely. I never went to the psychologist, though; bad experiences with them in the past. Didn’t trust them after I saw one at thirteen, and he didn’t believe what I told him.
I tightened my grip on the messenger bag as I approached Waller Street; if I turned down that road, it would bring me to Dominion’s. To that wonderful high that took away all my anguish.
But I turned around and took the next street. Toward home instead. If I fell into drugs again, I wouldn’t be able to write my report. Nothing was more important. Except maybe meeting the man I was writing it about.
5
Safe Space
“Great. Another power outage,” I muttered as I unlocked the door to the apartment complex where I lived.
It was so warm inside; I was sure everyone in the building had turned off their ACs and switched on their ovens instead. It was likely because it was an old place, so the electrical wires didn’t work as well anymore. Still, on a hot night like this, not having electricity really sucked.
I walked up the stairs to the second floor, then into the hallway lit only by the emergency lights. It gave the place an eerie feel, as though I wasn’t supposed to be here because it was closed or something. Sweat trickled down my back as I unlocked my door and stepped inside. If it was possible, it was even stuffier in my studio apartment. I locked the door behind me, sliding the chain in its place as I kicked off my sandals. The outside noise muffled through the windows and curtains; I’d closed them before leaving to keep the place as cool as possible, but it obviously hadn’t done much. How long had the power been out?
With a sigh, I pulled out my smartphone and tapped the screen until the little flashlight button turned orange. It would be good enough while I searched for candles, but I didn’t want to drain my battery for too long. This was my only alarm clock for mornings.
As I approached the island counter, my pulse sped as I noticed a folded piece of paper standing on the surface. With my light pointed at it, it seemed like the most threatening thing in the world. Goosebumps crawled along my arms and legs, and I held my breath as I picked it up.
I got your message.
I trembled as the air around me turned cold.
My heartbeat pulsed in my ears. The city sounds from outside vanished.
Everything behind me was a threat, but I didn’t dare turn around.
