Hidden Darkness, Nightclub

By CJ Austin

David Wade and Chris Wesker had it all. Their dream nightclub in the sunny state of Florida, good friends and no money worries, that was until the past finally caught up with them. Hidden love, secrets and lies begin a whirlwind that places their friendship on the line as they fight to seek the truth. What was once their dream soon turns into a bloody nightmare and the fight for survival begins.
Nightclub begins an epic journey into a world of darkness and deceit as time is slowly running out to seek the truth. Will David and Chris be able to withstand the pressure and remain friends or will they turn on each other and become bitter enemies?
Pray you don't look into the eyes of your inner demons.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Titan InKorp
• Release date: Oct 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311519856

Book preview

HIDDEN DARKNESS

NIGHTCLUB

C J Austin is a former chef and father of one based in West Wales United Kingdom. Since early childhood he had a passion for writing, but never realised his potential until his later years. After retiring from the kitchen, he decided to spend his time with his family and finally follow the dream of writing. He successfully published his first book Stages later in 2012, which was a unique collection of poetry about his very own life experiences. Now he continues to focus to his first ever trilogy, Hidden Darkness.

BOOKS BY C J AUSTIN

Stages

The Final Stages

Hidden Darkness Dark of Night

Mythical Flying High

Hidden Darkness

By

C J Austin

SMASHWORDS EDITION

* * * * *

PUBLISHED BY:

C J Austin on Smashwords

Hidden Darkness

Copyright © 2013 by C J Austin

This book is a work of fiction. All characters within are completely from the author’s imagination and not based on actual persons. Any character within this book that may resemble an actual person is purely coincidental.

C J Austin has asserted his right under the Copyright, Design and all other related laws as the author of this work, including any other works that present itself under the Hidden Darkness trilogy.

This work is also the property of Titan InKorp to which the author owns all rights to the company as CEO. Permission is always requested to the CEO of Titan InKorp for any use of any manuscript under company contract.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Coming Soon

For my beloved family in this world and in spirit

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks to Melanie and my daughter Soffia for being an inspiration.

Thanks to my Mum Donna and Dad Ian for their constant support and encouragement.

Thanks to my sister Nicola for emptying my wallet twice a year.

Thank you to Norma for not quite understanding that you can’t read a book online without buying it.

Thanks to Doug for his continued support in my new career.

Thanks to Doreen and Gareth for their support and friendship.

Thanks to Rebecca for being the first to own one of my books and her support.

Thank you to everyone else who has supported me and continues to do so.

Thank you to everyone at Create Space Publishers for bringing my work to life and to those who market my work.

HIDDEN DARKNESS

NIGHTCLUB

CHAPTER 1

The light from the moon lit up the darkened backstreets like a torch on water. Not a whisper of wind could be heard nor a chill could be felt. It was August and London was facing one of its hottest weeks of the year. The days ending was drawing near. The streets were slowly becoming deserted. The noise that echoed through the air became silent. Wildlife was settling down for the warm evening of the very rare summer. The sound faded away like objects directly sitting in the sunlight of a window. This however was only a brief encounter. For the night was preparing to come alive. The streets were soon to be filled with crowds of people filled with joy and laughter. This was no ordinary night evening though. For this evening was a special one dedicated to two if its longest serving club owners.

Sitting directly in the centre of the now quiet town was a large building only known as The Den. It was the busiest nightclub in London’s Soho district, run by two of the most influential figures around. David Wade, originally born in Florida before coming to London at a young age where he first met and grew up with Chris Wesker.

Wesker and Wade grew up in Soho and eventually became the faces of town. Using the money that they had saved from previous low class jobs at a young age they secured a rundown building in the centre of town. Back then The Den was just an empty shell of a once thriving theatre. Years of hard work and finance created a transformation that now stands as The Den nightclub.

As the evening draws on, crowds of people descended the streets forming an orderly queue for the nightclub. This night however was special. It was the last night for Chris Wesker and David Wade as they run the club for the last time before moving over to the states to take over an even bigger club, a dream which both men had created since they were in childhood.

Oh my god I can’t believe this is the last night said an excited voice that echoed through the crowd. Laura, a club regular, was indeed sad and yet still seemed to be full of excitement. I know but it’s going to be one hell of a night, replied Kim, both self-proclaimed sisters.

Hey, you reckon we’ll get free drinks tonight? said Laura; her voice welling up with even more excitement. I don’t care as long as we party all night replied Kim. The sisters of nightlife began descending forward towards the bright red rope, closely guarded by two 6ft figures dressed in all black and neatly ironed suits. The bouncers were always very particular about who came in and who didn’t. The modern world produces all walks of life, including some that are never quite welcome. Behind them stood the tall building which was lit with neon blue lights. Have you seen Charlotte yet? asked Laura, still getting the night air buzz for what awaits her. Well, she texted me earlier to say she was running late, her boss made her do overtime, Replied Kim with a cheeky smile. Edging more to the front of the queue, the girls could hardly contain their excitement. Yeah I bet she’s going overtime all over him laughed Laura.

Finally standing face to face with the black suit bouncers who stared down at them with no expression, the girls reached into their small handbags, which overlapped across their shoulders. They quickly pulled out a gold foil type ticket, their entrance to an almost all night long party. The bouncers slowly took the tickets from the girls’ hands and studied the tickets as if it was evidence. Slowly scanning, looking for anything to suggest the tickets were fake but to no avail, the girls were suddenly stamped with a D mark on the top of their hands. In you go said a deep voice from one of the bouncers. The girls, overcome with excitement, rushed through the open black wooden doors. Suddenly the sound of music hit their eardrums like a foot to a ball.

This club is going to be packed tonight said Kim as she and Laura made their way up the red flight of stairs. Tonight is going to be sick replied Laura. As they reached the top of the stairs, they had reached the balcony. They approached the railing guarding from any falls and looked down to the massive dance floor. Damn girl, it is hot right now, shouted Laura. The dance floor was filled with bodies moving at a fast pace to the beating loud music. Smoke filled the floor whilst green, red and blue lights pierced through the smoke, creating a scene that could only be left to the fulfilment of the imagination. Hey, I think I see Jessie down there, shouted Kim. Laura began to scan the dance floor in search of the third nightlife sister. Yeah that’s her. Let’s get a drink and go see her, replied Laura.

The balcony circled the whole dance floor with 2 flights of stairs on either side leading down. In each corner stood a brightly lit neon blue bar with crowds in front of them waiting to be refuelled for the fluids lost with the energy they had burned dancing. The girls had made their way across the red carpet to the nearest bar they could find. Pushing through the crowd to gain entrance to the bar counter, Laura and Kim were eager to get their first drink. What you having baby? asked Laura. Kim looked beyond the bar staff and looked furiously for a specific beverage. Just get me a vodka and lime replied Kim. Laura reached into her small red handbag and pulled out a £20 note. Hey can I get a vodka and lime and I’ll have a chaser please thanks The barman in his traditional black and white uniform nodded in acceptance. So you planning on actually coming home tonight? said Kim. Laura, looking stunned paused for a second to let the question sink in. Hey I’m not that bad, said Laura. Kim began to laugh loudly then turned to see her drink in front of her. She picked up the crystal clear glass and slowly took a sip of the tinted green liquid contained inside.

The club began to fill with hundreds of eager bodies itching to move to the rhythm of the night whilst drinking excessive amounts to see them through until forgetting why they were really there in the first place.

Come on girl let’s go shake our booty on the floor, said Kim filled with excitement. Laura quickly took her drink from the bar and proceeded to drink it at a fast pace as if she were in a hurry. Kim began to edge closer to the glowing neon blue steps, which lead down to the dance floor. Bodies crowed the stairs as both girls tried to make their way past carefully.

The lights beamed down from the ceiling onto the dance floor creating a spectacular light effect. From all four corners of the floor, smoke began to slowly creep across through the crowd as if it was a scene from a foggy graveyard without the lights.

Hey Jessie, shouted Kim across the floor. Laura took Kim by the hand and squeezed through the crowds of dancers to get to their friend. Well hey, look at you two. Very sexy, shouted Jessie. The music was at such volume that even shouting at people sounded like a whisper. Not so bad yourself girl, replied Laura. All three began to dance wildly to the beating music being played. Hair flicking and hip’s grinding to the floor.

Above the dance floor in the corner stood a mirrored glass office that over saw the whole club. A glistening mirror reflecting the rays of lighting from the booth looked like an effect to the people inside, but to those inside the office it was a clear window to see everything that was happening in the club. With a full view of the dance floor and all four bars it was the perfect place to keep things in order. Inside, there were shiny black leather chairs with just a single bonsai plant between them. Chris Wesker and David Wade sat whilst they watched below. Pretty full for a last night in charge, said David. Chris gazed below, looking through the crowds with delight. You can say that again. Should be a tidy profit tonight, at least enough for us to have a little time out, David nodded in agreement as he slowly pulled himself to his feet. You know it’s gonna be weird after tonight. All these years we spent building this place up and we give it all up for another club, Chris smirked with excitement. Yeah but one slight difference; we’re swapping the great British weather for sunny USA, he laughed. David nodded once more before returning to his seat. Just remember one thing; it ain’t gonna be easy over there.

I know, but it’s not like we ain’t ever done this before, is it?

Yeah you got a point, still gonna be hard though man. Anyway, I think it’s time we got a drink.

Now that sounds like a very good idea. Both men stood up from their seats and headed to their private bar at the back of their office. David took a stride to get behind the private bar just big enough for two and pulled down a bottle of matured whisky followed by two glasses. He proceeded to pour a shot in each glass before handing a drink to Chris. Here’s to the future, said David as he raised his glass. Here’s to the future, replied Chris. A toast was made to celebrate the dream that was finally coming true.

Meanwhile, back on the dance floor Kim, Laura and Jessie had decided to head to the ladies toilets for their usual women’s talks. Marching in a single line through the crowds, the girl’s had made it up the stairs to find their way to the toilet, or in this case a private meeting place where most women in the club would go to discuss the men. They made their way through the black door leading to the mirror area, where some will put their makeup to review. So come on Jess, how did it go last night with Nathan? asked Kim with a hint of sarcasm. Jessie chuckled. It didn’t, she replied with a grin. Great dinner, went back to my place and he couldn’t do it, Jessie continued to chuckle. Kim and Laura looked confused. What do you mean he couldn’t do it? asked Laura.

He ummm, he struggled to get it up, Jessie burst into laughter. Oh my god are you serious? asked Kim, who also was filled with laughter.

I’m telling you, never again. Nathan might have a great body but if he can’t perform then I don’t wanna know, Jessie took out her make-up from her bag.

We best get you someone else then girl, said Laura.

I hear that babe, replied Jessie with the thought of it’s a must do situation.

Hey, we gotta say bye to the boy’s tonight. Can’t believe their leaving, said Kim. Why don’t we see if we can see them? asked Laura. Kim and Jessie both nodded in receipt of the question. Let’s go then, ordered Laura. The girls headed back out the toilet into the small hallway and headed towards one of the inside doorman who was leaning across the barrier looking down onto the dance floor. Hey you? Can you take us up to see Dave and Chris? shouted Jessie. The doorman slowly turned to face them with his expressionless face. They know you’re coming? said the doorman.

Ummm yeah they do, shouted Kim. The look of deceit was written all over her face. The doorman rounded the girls up and headed to through the bar until they reached a side door. Through there and up the stairs on your right, said the doorman. The girls were overcome with excitement as they went through the side door and up the flight of stairs that awaited them.

Back in the hidden office, Chris and David were back in their chairs sipping on their whisky. Keeping a close eye on what was happening in the club, not a single thing could pass them. After a couple of silent minutes they heard a knock on the door. David slowly stood to his feet before pacing to the office door beside the mini bar. He opened slowly to reveal the three girls standing there, each with a gleaming smile across their face. David stepped aside to allow the girls in without saying a word.

Nervous, the girls slowly walked into the secretive office clocking Chris looking out onto the floor. Hey baby, we come to say goodbye, whispered Kim. Chris turned with a unique smile on his face. Well now you’ve made my night; how you doing girls? he added. David walked past the girls to return to his seat. We’re all good and how are you David? Cat got your tongue or something? David turned to face the girls making full eye contact with each of them. I’m just enjoying my final hours but thanks for asking, David slowly grinned in amusement. Can I use your toilet? The girls downstairs were too packed, asked Jessie. Chris nodded before David commented. Out the door and down the hall. Can’t miss it. Jessie smiled before heading towards the door. Kim and Laura had made their way to the window looking down onto the floor. Wow, said a shocked Kim. This is great, she added. Jessie had headed out of the office.

The hall was dimly lit, which made it look long. She slowly walked past the wall lights, which were fixed to the deep red walls, until she reached a dark brown wooden door. She slowly pushed it as it creaked like an old floor board. Hello? said Jessie. There was no answer. The silence was eerie. Guess it’s just me then, Jessie often had a habit of commenting to herself. She slowly crept through the door into the dimly lit toilet. A simple box design which only contained a sink and toilet cabin; she pushed the grey cabin door open and slid inside quickly locking it behind her. She sat down and pulled her tiny mirror from her bag. Still got it girl, she whispered to herself. At that moment, a tapping sound occurred just outside the cabin door. Hello? shouted Jessie but there was no reply. A cold chill ran down her spine, making the hairs stand up on the back of her neck. Who’s there? she shouted with a slight shake in her voice, but still there was no reply. Jessie slowly dragged herself to her feet and began to pull the sliding lock back. She opened the door slightly to pear out but could see nothing. Must be the drink; god girl get a grip, she muttered. As she closed the door, there was another tap. Jessie jumped unexpectedly. Ok come on; who’s there? Kim? Laura? The room was silent and the air seemed to carry an uneasy chill. Jessie opened the door to look but to her amazement there was no one there. As Jessie was about to close the door once more, the dim lights flickered off leaving her in total darkness. Fuck. Ok who the hell is doing that. This isn’t funny anymore, Jessie was starting to panic. The darkness had completely surrounded her leaving her feeling very erratic. I gotta get out of here, she muttered as she started to take slow paces towards where she thought the exit was. As she edged forward, a cold chill once more came over her as if someone was standing behind her. In this darkness though, it was hard to see anything at all, plus the fact it was only Jessie in the room. Oh my god please, I just wanna get out of here. Jessie started to panic and started rushing towards the exit door. Before she could reach it, however, she stopped in her tracks. Frozen with fear, Jessie could not physically move. Her breathe was cold and her knees began to tremble. She managed to turn her head to look behind her to see in the far corner of the room a pair of blood red eyes staring at her. ARGHHHHHHHHHH help me, Jessie screamed. She was still frozen. The eyes started to move closer and closer and with Jessie not being able to move began to cry with fear. Help meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, she screamed but no answer came. By then the eyes were directly in front of her gazing at her teary face, blackened by the darkness that surrounded her. Then, there was pure silence. The chill had gone as were the mysterious red eyes.

So Chris can we come visit? asked Kim. Laura chuckled to herself. David looked up, confused. What’s so funny? he asked with content.

Nothing just, can’t believe you two are really going, you really did turn this place around.

Yeah, and it’s not like your moving around the corner either, it’s the other side of the world, added Kim. Chris turned to David and smiled.

You can come visit anytime you want. In fact we might even have a job waiting, said Chris with happy thoughts. David smiled with acceptance. Where’s Jessie? he asked. Laura turned to look at the entrance door. Good point. I’ll go see if she’s ok. Probably on the phone to her non-existent lover, said Kim. Laura chuckled. David looked at Chris with slight confusion in his eyes. It’s a long story, said Laura.

Kim started to make her way towards the entrance. Tell her the boys said we can come and visit anytime, shouted Laura. Kim smiled back as she walked out of the office.

As Kim made her way down the hall, the wall mounted lights flickered for a brief moment. Kim ignored it and continued to race down the hall towards the toilet. Everything around her seemed quiet. Not a sound from anywhere. As Kim made her way through the door, she paused. She reached into her bag to pull out a vibrating mobile phone. She opened it up to reveal a message sent by Jessie.

From Jess:

‘I’m sorry. I couldn’t see. I tried to call but no one came. I had to go, I didn’t want too but I had no choice.’

Kim looked confused. What the fuck has this girl been smoking? she muttered under her breathe. Still confused, she placed her phone back into her bag and continued to go through the door. Jess come on we got some drinking to do, and what the hell was that text about? shouted Kim. No answer, just silence. Kim was only halfway through the door. She looked around to notice the lights flickering. No sign of Jessie. She proceeded to go into the toilet area with caution. Jessie? she shouted. Again with no reply. The cabin door was shut. Jess are you in there? Kim started to move a little closer to the door but still without a reply. The eerie silence fell upon her, sending bad thoughts running through her mind. Jess this isn’t funny; stop fucking around she ordered. Once again no answer came back to her. Kim tapped on the door expecting Jessie to suddenly open it. That wasn’t to be. Jess? she said, this time in a soft voice. Kim slowly pushed the door open. Jess, she said once more in a tearful voice.

What the hell is that? asked David. Screaming echoed up the hall and into the office. Chris and David jumped to their feet and ran to the hall followed by a confused Laura. Kim? Jessie? David shouted as he ran down the hall towards to the toilet. Kim? he shouted once more as he burst through the toilet door with Chris and Laura behind him. Frozen, all three stood in horror as they found Kim curled up on the cold marble floor with tears streaming from her eyes. Something was wrong. Something was so completely very wrong

CHAPTER 2

6 Months on……..

Florida. A place where the sun shines its glowing rays of light down onto the hot streets below with people lazing on the golden sandy beaches, a place where the nights are as crowded as the days.

David and Chris were now set up in the south with their new nightclub. Set on one of the main strips of Florida it certainly is one of the biggest nightclubs there. Outside it is guarded by beautiful palm trees together with the light pink shaded path they sit on. The club itself from the outside was bright red with golden metal studs surrounding the entrance doors. The rays