PSS III

Tommy grabbed my hand and walked me through the back door. “You don’t need to see that.”

The place was empty except for a few musicians setting up outside. “You’re gonna be alright here.“ He leaned in close and whispered, ”don’t run.”

I lightly tugged on his jacket to assure him.

“Hey, Esther!! Keep an eye on her for me, will ya?” An old woman approached me with a bright smile and eyes of stone. ”Well, nah, ain‘t you a pretty baby? Come on, nah, follah me.” I took a seat at the bar, ordered a grilled cheese and watched Tommy head out the back door. Esther must have owned the club because she kept wads of money in her bra and used it to pay the band. She didn’t keep an eye on me, and was never seen again.