Chapter 32: Club Radiance II
Michelle was leaning against his Nissan as Augustus pulled up behind him.
Getting out, a small bag slung over his shoulder. "I’ve got $30,000 in the bag and another $10,000 in my pocket, just in case," Augustus said, with a faint smile.
"Good," Michelle replied with a firm nod, and the two of them steadily began walking toward the club.
At least from the outside, it looks normal, Augustus mused, his eyes lingering on the ’Club Radiance’ signage—neon letters flickering in violet and electric blue, buzzing faintly like a warning.
"Thanks, Michelle. I don’t know if I could’ve done this without you," Augustus said, glancing at Michelle, the nerves in his voice barely masked.
Michelle shook his head. "Don’t worry about it. Just focus, we can’t afford to mess this up," he replied, eyes fixed on the club.
Augustus nodded slowly, and they both reached the club’s entrance.
"ID, please," the bouncer said, glancing at Augustus while stepping forward to block the door.
Augustus handed him the ID without a word. After a moment of careful inspection, the bouncer grunted approval and stepped aside.
After entering the club, Augustus’s chest slowly began to tighten, as if a weight were building up second by second with each step.
Neon lights flickered across the ceiling, casting dizzy patterns over the floor. Loud bass-heavy music pulsed through the walls like a heartbeat. Women strutted past, in revealing clothes, trailing heavy perfumes that clashed with the acidic sting of alcohol carried in trays like performers in a surreal circus.