Page 5 of Redeemed (Redeemed #1)
Emerald Nights is designed in a deep green and gold color palette.
The first floor holds a marble dance floor that leads back to the tallest DJ booth I’ve ever seen.
And the setting around the dance floor reminds me of a sit-down restaurant as the walls are lined with lush velvet booths.
There are gold oval tables big enough for two every five feet and beautiful chairs to match the fabric of the booths.
The same marble that was used to make up the dance floor, makes the bar stand out with its soft underlighting. The tall bar stools are lined with the same deep green velvet as the other sitting areas.
Tori leads me past the main service bar for this floor and we pass through a door leading us to the back of the lounge where various employees are preparing for the night ahead.
“How did this place become neutral ground for people with . . . less than savory occupations,” I ask as Tori guides me to an elevator at the back of the building and presses the call button.
“I’ll be happy to answer any question that I’m allowed to elaborate on once we make it to our floor,” she responds with a wink.
The door opens to the VIP section to reveal a more intimate set-up and design of the first level.
The atmosphere takes on a new level of luxury, from the jazz filtering through hidden speakers, to the woodsy scent penetrating the air.
There are no signs of the thumping bass pulsing through the dance floor below.
Tori leads me over to a table on the floor.
“Would you like a drink before we get started?” She gestures toward the fully-stocked bar behind her.
“No, thank you.”
She slides into her chair and folds her hands over the table.
“All right, let’s get right to it. As you know, this portion of the club is extremely exclusive, and we take pride in how we’ve been able to manage this neutral ground.
I have to be honest though, this meeting is a formality.
I don’t make the final decision on your membership.
You will have another meeting with my brother, the owner, at a later date.
At that time, you will be free to ask any question you might have, like the one you asked in the elevator. ”
My eyes narrow as I stare at the smiling woman across from me. If she can’t answer any questions, then why am I here?
“So . . . what, exactly, is the purpose of this meeting?’
Her smile widens before she answers. “I’m here to go over the rules, and let you know what the membership includes in the event that you do become a member. Also, my brother tends to trust my judgement with people.”
“The aura reading, right?”
“Exactly. But there’s a little more to it. There aren’t many rules for VIPs, but the ones we do enforce are strict and we have zero tolerance for failure to adhere to them. One rule broken means instant termination of membership and access to the premises.”
I lean back in my chair, settling in for more information. “Okay, let’s hear these rules.”
“No guns are permitted. We prefer no weapons, but we know our clientele tend to be on the skittish side when it comes to not having access to protection. You will pass through metal detectors upon arrival and could be subject to a search at any time.”
I chuckle, because of course a group of criminals are skittish.
“All VIP visits must be scheduled in advance, and any official meetings between other VIPs must be scheduled through the owner.”
My ears perk up at that tidbit. It may be easier to get in front of Michael Ellis than I thought.
Although, I can’t help but admit it’s rather odd she hasn’t mentioned the owner’s name, even though it’s her brother and business partner.
What secrets is he hiding?
“So, VIPs come here to just relax without actual business being conducted?”
“You’d be surprised. After all, there aren’t many places where criminals are allowed to relax without looking over their shoulders.”
That last line is delivered with a smile that I return because, again, she isn’t wrong.
“The last rule should be obvious, but I still have to say it. This is not a place for turf wars. This is neutral ground. Should a VIP member attack another VIP, membership is instantly revoked. And depending on the mood of the owner, there have been times when the offender’s existence is revoked.”
That last rule has piqued my interest more than I care to acknowledge. It’s clear that there’s more to Tori than meets the eye. She’s more than aware of the type of people she’s dealing with.
“When exactly will I be able to meet the owner?”
“There’s a chance you will get a call this week to come in, and at that time, he will approve or deny your membership. Should he approve it, contracts and funds will be due at the time of the meeting.”
“Perfect.”
Tori looks down at her watch. “The club is set to open soon. Let me give you a mini tour of this area and then I’ll take you out through the designated exit.”
She’s all business as we walk through the different sections of the VIP area.
Of course, there’s a bar to sit and watch whatever is being played on the TVs above.
The booths on this floor differ from the booths below as they are all high-back in semi-circles, giving the illusion of privacy.
This floor also offers full dine-in services with a specially-curated menu.
Lastly, I’m shown to private meeting rooms that the official business meetings are held in.
Then we’re back downstairs, walking through the hallway that I assume runs parallel to the alleyway I walked through to the entrance. I like that there’s a private entrance and exit. I’ll need to brief Cary on this place.
“This concludes our tour, Kennedy. I’ll be in touch later this week should a time slot open up for you to meet the owner.”
Her hand comes back out to shake mine, and I take it gauging her reaction.
“Thank you for your time. I look forward to coming back.”
“I’m happy to see that aura has brightened up. Be safe.”
With that, we go our separate ways. I step out into the fall night with a sly smile on my face and lightness to my step. Exploring the possibilities of this membership was definitely the right move.