So, I have to think about what I’m going to do and say.
The Dark Odyssey comes into view ten minutes later when I walk down main street.
The picture Amy showed me didn’t do the place justice. The building before me looks like it was plucked from the strip in Vegas and all that’s missing is the extravagant cascade of lights and excessiveness of Vegas. The similarities to one of the hotels and casinos on the strip is the design. I would never peg it for being a sex club, though.
I take my way up the wide steps leading to the door which is guarded by two bulky looking men who look like the bodyguards you’d see guarding a prison.
I join the line of people dressed in their lingerie and black masks walking into the joint.
As the tainted glass door slides open I step on to marble floors and sheer sophistication.
There are six couples in front of me talking excitedly and a reception desk ahead with receptionists who have trendy hairstyles and equally trendy clothing.
They hand masks to the couples who don’t have any and a little silver bag.
I return the smile the receptionist gives me when I get up to the desk and pay the two hundred dollar entry fee.
“Thank you and welcome to the Dark Odyssey. Are you here alone or meeting someone?” she asks.
“Here alone. I’m travelling and thought I’d check out the place,” I answer.
Her smile widens. “Don’t worry I’m sure you’ll have a blast. Here is your mask.” She holds up a little black mask with gold trimmings around the edges. “Wear it if you want to be mysterious. That way you can reveal yourself when you’re ready to anyone who catches your eye. Or go as you are if you want to be more daring.”
The nod she gives me suggests that’s what she would do, and I think I should do the same for the plan I have.
I don’t have time for mystery, so daring I shall be.
“I think I’ll be daring and go as I am,” I reply.
She chuckles. “Perfect. You must have this though. It’s club tradition.”
She hands me one of the little silver pouches I saw everyone else taking. Inside is a silver coin.
“That’s what you give to the person you chose to spend your night with,” she adds.
There’s an alluring edge to that that I’m amazed I find almost appealing. Enticing even, although this so isn’t my thing.
I take the bag and smile. “Thank you.”
“Follow the path straight down, there’s a cloakroom on the left at the end of the corridor. Opposite that is entrance to the club floor.”
“Thanks.”
I leave her and do as she instructed, trying to keep focused. Once I get on the club floor the next task is to find Aiden. I’m sure that will be easier said than done.
When I handover my coat I keep my purse and the little bag with the silver coin.
I stop before the large glass doors when my eyes catch a sign above the door written with gold letters on a black glossy plaque. It says:
Welcome to The Dark Odyssey.
We hope you enjoy our masquerade parties.
Our aim is to connect you with your wildest fantasies.
To thrill and excite you all at once in a place where you can just be you.
When the masks go on and the lights go out, you decide what happens next.