Deadly Demented

Chapter 1
A Killer in the Crowd


Shauna Holden stared down at the dried bloodstains on her shirt and pants. She was already twenty minutes late for her shift at the Pleasure Cove.
“Oh just great.” she grumbled, as she turned on the windshield wipers. The local weatherman’s prediction of snow had been fulfilled. Well, it is North Dakota and it is almost Christmas. Grant will be so pissed I’m late again, weather or no weather. She turned the blue Ford Escape into a small driveway behind the gentlemen’s club. The designers of the establishment had transformed this once rarely used movie theatre into a playground for sin. The old fashioned and morality driven citizens of Marcona had been trying to close the place down since before opening night. Shauna parked in a parking spot close to the building.
Grant Nesmith, the entertainment manager for the ‘Cove’ as most people in Marcona called it, was positioned at the bottom of the stairs. Grant was medium height and had a very slight build. He ran his hand through his dark brown wavy hair as he approached Shauna.
“Why in the hell are you so late?”
“I had a patient who came into the Emergency Room and it took longer than I expected.” Shauna said, pointing to the visual evidence on her clothes.
“I told you before — be here on time… no excuses,” Grant said. He pulled out a pack of Delase cigars and lit one.
“Grant, I couldn’t help it… I do have another job,” Shauna said.
“And I remember telling you what my rules were from day fucking one.” Grant grabbed her by the arm and opened the door to the back of the club. “This is your last chance. Don’t think I can’t find another tall blonde who wants to dance and show her ass.” Grant loosened the grip he had on her.
“I’m sorry, it won’t happen again. I promise,” Shauna said. They were standing in front of the dancers’ dressing room and had attracted the attention of employees walking by.
Grant rubbed his chin and smiled. “Okay, no more shit. You need to decide if you want to keep this job, or if you don’t. It’s that simple Shauna…” Grant turned and left her there without saying another word.
She opened the door to the dressing room and sat down in front of the wall length vanity mirror. She looked at the face staring back at her. The sight was quite revealing. The tall, shy blonde girl her family and friends had grown up with, for all intents and purposes, had completely vanished. The heavy makeup and fake implants had replaced her girl next-door image, leaving almost next to nothing left of her old life. Shauna had originally taken this job, because the nursing career had not been what she expected. She also admitted to herself, the money the customers offered was almost twice that of her earnings at the hospital. She needed to take serious thought on what Grant had said. Maybe I will do that tomorrow, but tonight I need to dance.
Shauna reached into her tote bag and pulled out a two-piece white leather outfit she knew would get her some big money. She quickly dressed and made her way to backstage. She took a peek around the wall, noticing all the seats were filled. She was getting excited, as the current song came to a close. A combination of catcalls and clapping followed the previous performance. Shauna waved to the other dancer coming off stage, as she heard the speakers come to life around her. The energetic voice of Grant Nesmith boomed throughout the nightclub.
“Everyone, this girl is bad, she’s beautiful and not to mention, she is our favorite blonde… introducing Pleasure Cove’s main attraction, Jade Blue Omegastar!”