Abnormal Occasion

Damn it's hot!

Even though the sun's going down, the presence of the desert heat lingers on throughout the Vegas strip. The infamous Luxor beam cuts into the night sky. It's said you can see it from space. Technically spring although the current climate says otherwise.

The beginning of nightfall and still an easy one hundred degrees.

We come to a private suite on floor number thirty five inside an undisclosed hotel casino. Chef Shizz as his kitchen staff calls him gets fly in front of the full mirror.

A different type of fly though tonight. On this night he's going by SEAN on his grown up vibe.

Loafers, slacks, and expensive cologne. He moisturizes his hair and glides those medium soft bristles through his scalp with a brand new wave brush.

Random knocking at the door.

Three KNOCKS.

Knock....

Knock.....

KNOCK!

Sean glances with confusion. He's not expecting anyone. At least not now or here at his suite.

He takes his time walking towards the door and gazes through the peep hole.

NOTHING.

He opens the door and looks to both ends of the hallway as he stands the only occupant.

He does a double take before closing the door.

Moving down to the casino floor where the most of the fun happens.

The slots are lit, waitresses pace back and forth, and the crap tables are more than popping.

Gamblers place multiple sports bets.

Sean is spotted at the black jack table with a double shot of whiskey on the rocks playing a hand. Feeling the ambiance he lights his cigar, with a wooden match of course.

A mysterious woman walks up behind him. Sean feels the energy and turns to get a better look.

Decked down in black high hills and black dress. Hair with a personality of its own as the lights from the room bounce off with a glistening shine. The pleasant scent of olive oil hair spray releases.

This is VIKKI.

A baby gen-xer just as Sean.

"That a Cuban?" Vikki asked.

Sean pulls from his cigar and replies "D.R. actually."

Vikki nods her head and thinks to herself "Ok, he has taste."

Sean stands and opens a seat up for her. He gestures an invitation for her.

Vikki accepts and sits.

"What are you drinking?" he asked.

"Glass of Merlot." she responded.

"2015, 2018, or something vintage?" he asked.

Vikki smirks and answers "Eighteen is cool."

Sean signals to the cocktail waitress.

MOVING ALONG

As the night goes on and slightly cools off a bit we come to the outdoor pool area. Although a DJ is on site, the vibes go on.

Chill and mature vibes at that.

Sean and Vikki both enjoy Merlot as a bottle sits atop a table in between two lounge chairs they're seated at. Sean continues to appreciate his cigar, slow pulls for the flavor.

"Vikki DA Vlogger. Coulda neva told me this tonight." Sean stated.

Vikki laughs.

"So you out here chasing ghosts and shit or this a vacation?" Sean asked.

Vikki thinks to herself and responds "When you do what I do you're never really off the clock, even if you wanna be."

Sean nods in agreement.

"What about you? First time in Vegas?" Vikki asks.

"First time in a while. I go where the work brings me." Sean responded.

"What's your preferred dish?" she asked.

Sean chuckles. "I keep it simple for me. Lobster, porterhouse, baked potato, and asparagus. These high rollers a lil more bougie so I just throw down on what they want." he said.

"That's dope." Vikki replied.

Vikki pays attention to the surroundings. She observes everything in sight.

She notices a young woman near the bar appearing a bit off, early twenties maybe. The Young Woman seems nervous and edgy. The aura shifts immediately.

An extended pause...,

"This place is cursed." Vikki stated.

Sean thinks about that strange door knock. "You can prove that?" he asked.

Vikki remains focused on the offbeat behavior of this Young Woman. The Young Woman exits the bar area to return inside to the casino. Vikki chugs the rest of her wine and follows her.

Sean confused.

"You coming?" Vikki asked.

"Where we going?" Sean replied.

Vikki stops and stares to Sean.

"To get proof." Vikki said.

Sean holds the thought and puts his cigar out. Brings the bottle of merlot with him. They follow the Young Woman inside the casino.

They take an elevator to the highest point they can reach. Sean glances around and finds a door. His lucky day because it happens to be unlocked. He'd much rather get lucky at the crap table or playing black jack but this will have to do.

He nods to Vikki.

Inside is a flight of stairs that lead to the rooftop. Sean leads the way as Vikki follows.

They enter the rooftop, a lot more warmer up there.

Only them and The Young Woman stand alone. The Young Woman stands close to the edge of the building balling her eyes out facing the Las Vegas strip.

Still unaware anyone else is around.

"Can you leave her alone please?" Vikki asked.

The Young Woman turns around baffled. "Huh?" she responded.

"Not you sweetheart, the one inside. What's your name anyway?" Vikki asked. The Young Woman is terrified, can't spit it out.

Sean thrown off at this point, remains quiet though.

"You know what never mind...Sweetheart is your name. I'm gonna come a bit closer but not to close." Vikki stated.

The Young Woman nodded okay.

Vikki walks towards her. She gives six feet of space between them and begins a staring contest.

The Young Woman still crying. Vikki never budges.

Sean gazes on like wtf?

Suddenly...the Young Woman's cries become laughter. A SINISTER laughter!

Sean freezes. He knocks back some of the merlot from the bottle he's been nursing.

The Young Woman turns around prepared to jump. Vikki makes her move! She lunges forward and grabs the Young Woman by her waist and drops down landing back first on the rooftop floor.

She clutches her gently.

Sean checks on them.

The Young Woman cries hard like someone who woke up from a horrifying nightmare. Like being trapped inside another dimension without an exit for escape. A prison within her own existence.

Compromised by an evil spirit.

"It's alright, you're good now. It's gone." Vikki whispered.

The Young Woman buries her head into Vikki's arms.

Sean sighs. "I gotta smoke something yo." he stated.

Vikki glances up to him and asks "Want some company?"

Sean can only grin.

THE END.