fourteen

She lay on the opulent king-sized bed, watching cable, a nice buzz going from the drinks she’d been sipping all night. There’d been no sign of anyone all day, so she’d just chilled like they’d told her to do. The only contact she’d had with anyone all day was a phone call from a man who didn’t give his name, but he said he’d been at the shoot and they’d love some more photos tomorrow. Told her to stay put until she heard from him again. She’d glanced around the room and then said into the phone that it would be no problem to hang. He told her that she’d get a nice raise out of the deal, so just be patient.

She took another sip of her rum and coke. Smiled to herself. It was fun and empowering to be doing stuff like this. Way better than living with her parents. So Dad was mayor, big whoop. Fuck that. That was for old people. She’d had enough of old, white people.

She focused back on the TV, but after awhile it was hard to do. She wanted to get some fresh air, and she’d always loved the night air. She got off the bed and grabbed up her bag, realizing she would need a new phone but man, she had the dough for one now. A top-of-the-line iPhone was definitely in her future. That was a kick-ass piece of communication, for sure, and she’d get it totally tricked out.

Tracy checked once more around the room as she wondered one last time about her old phone. No go. Grabbed up the room key, then went to the door and pulled it open. Stepped into the hall and made for the elevator, hearing her room door click closed behind her. Heard another click behind her, but barely registered it. Found the banks of elevators and pushed the down button.

She suddenly heard someone behind her. Went to look over her shoulder but felt a slight stab in the right side of her neck. A pinprick, really. Then it was like God himself slammed the lid down on her.