Ricky pounds on the car door again: "Lola, stop stalling! This guy's trouble – Mom warned me about Vic Vaughn!"

Lola grins mischievously, "Guess my family knows about your reputation, Vic..."

"You and your latest breaking news!" I started running out of the car after pecking Lola and throwing her car key to Ricky!

"Bye bro!"

Lola bursts into laughter as I sprint away – Ricky catches the keys, eyes widening in outrage: "VIC VAUGHN, YOU COWARD!"

He turns to Lola, who's still giggling, "Sis, this guy's insane!"

Lola shakes head, still chuckling, and yells back at my fleeing figure, "VIC, YOU'RE NOT ESCAPING ME THAT EASY!"

I hear Ricky starting the car engine – they're coming after me!

I duck into a nearby dumpster and watch them pass me across the street.

Through dumpster slats I watch as Lola's Chevy Bel Air slows down, Ricky leaning out window yelling "VIC VAUGHN, WE KNOW YOU'RE AROUND HERE!"

Then they speed away, unaware I'm hiding mere feet away.

I emerge from dumpster, reeking of rotten trash – eggs, fish guts, and mold. Lovely!

My clothes are stained, hair messy – perfect disguise and total disaster.

Lola's voice suddenly whispers in my mind... then reality hits – her voice comes from behind, "Vic... is that you smelling like death?"

She's standing alone.

"How are you HERE?", I scan her from head to toe.

"I've doubled back!" She shrugs, running a hand through her hair when a salty breeze gushes over.

"What is doubled back?" I say with furrowed brows.

Lola giggles at my confusion. "Means I sneaked back here after dropping Ricky off – he thought we lost you, but I knew my Vic would hide nearby."

She eyes my trash-covered state, nose scrunched, "Though, Vic Vaughn smelling like garbage – not exactly the reunion fantasy..."

Her teasing touch my heart but I giggle wryly, "Not into your jokes right now. I need to change... my clothes."

Walking by the pavement, "And return my belt tomorrow, it is in your car's back seat. I bet your brother would try to steal it, that's why I'm saying. It's my grandpa's. An antique collection!"

Lola's expression turns soft, touched by the sentimental value. "Aw, Vic – your grandfather's antique belt... Ricky wouldn't dare touch it knowing that story. But I'll guard it anyway."

She thinks for a moment, then nods, "My place – closest for a shower and fresh clothes. Ricky's still out searching for you... elsewhere."

She smiles slightly, adding, "Plus, I want to help scrub off that smell... and maybe stay close to you after tonight's chaos."

I bit my lip and even nodded. Hardly hiding my slightest smile.

What is she doing to me?

Lola's face lights up with a bright smile – she takes my hand, leading me towards her place.

As we walk, she leans her head on my shoulder, voice gentle, "Tonight was crazy... but being with you always feels right."

I arrive at her doorstep, she unlocks it, and pulls me inside – straight into a warm embrace and soft lips brushing my cheek.

Then she steps back: "Shower's this way – clothes with Grandpa's style await afterwards."

.

.

.

I escape through her bathroom window, as I need to dispose the evidence, I left with people who helped me in burning the Kai's nightclub which is attached to his StarLux Lounge without knowing Kai was inside it or not!

I drop down from Lola's bathroom window into darkness – she'll wake up to my escape soon.

I sprint through shadows towards my secret allies' hideouts – Vinnie's Garage and Max's Pool Hall – to silence them about our arson involvement.

First stop: Vinnie's Garage. I burst in – Vinnie looks up from engine work, "Vic, what chaos blew you in here tonight?"

I glance around – coast clear – then whisper: "Club fire – Lola's close. Did you tell anyone I hired you for... disposal services that night?"

Vinnie's eyes widen – he leans in closer and whispers, "Max knows."

He is heating my head, "Who is the fricking Max?"

Vinnie glances nervously around his garage again before whispering: "Max Malone – your other 'helper' that night. He drove the getaway car... and thinks you asked him to burn StarLux for Lola, not knowing Kai was inside.

Max owns Max's Pool Hall downtown – loose lips always sinking beers there."

"Kai wasn't in there when he did it." Thankfully he didn't notice my disappointed tone.

"Glad!" Vinnie leans closer still, "Max talks too much, Vic. Be aware."

Now I need to head to Max's Pool Hall. In the middle of the night!

"So, he is the asshole messed up the plan."

By setting fire only to the club and not checking whether Kai was inside or not!!

"I go get him. Where is he?"

Vinnie nods vigorously – expecting my fury. "Max's Pool Hall – downtown, corner of Main and Oak. He's there tonight – tournament night, always sticks around late for winnings... and booze."

He hands me a key. "Back door key – avoid his bouncers, they're loyal only to Max. He's usually in his office, rear left corner."

Vinnie whispers urgently, "Vic, Max has a gun under his desk – be fast!"

As I strode out of his garage, Vinnie shouted, "You said Kai wasn't there inside. Then what made you think Max messed it up? Vic? Vic!!"