Cat Fight (Diva)

I frown slightly when he says it's what he pays me for and check my watch. It's actually after my shift. I consider leaving but shake my head and get to work.

He then tells me I can't tell anyone. I simply nod. "Of course." I wouldn't tell anyone. There's nobody who would believe me, plus I wouldn't want my secret getting out. I go about my work and when it's clean I wipe the sweat from my forehead and look around. All done. I turn to my boss, "I'm done here. I think I'm gonna clock out and head out." I smile at him, I was just glad I could help.

The owner nods. "You did good work today, Ivory. Thanks for helping clean up."

The Grand Master stretched his back out. He poured himself a glass of water and walked to the office. Looking at the security camera feed, he grumbled and pressed a series of buttons, erasing the recording. His secret, and Ivory's secret, were safe.

Business was hurting, though. The people who had been scared tonight would think twice before coming back. The lioness, a sorceress named Bridget, had damaged the Grand Master's business quite heavily, and this was already a hard month.

He finished his water. How was he going to make back this money? There didn't seem to be any way to do it, legally. Locking the office door, the Grand Master held out his hand and summoned his spell book. He turned it to a page titled 'Mind Control.'


_____________

Lewis was running down the street towards the karaoke bar. He had heard of a disturbance here. Someone had turned into a lion. There may have even been a second shapeshifter who turned into a tiger. He had to make sure that Ivory was safe. As he got within a block, he saw Ivory walking out.

"Ivory!" He worried that he sounded a little too excited to see her. "Are you okay? I heard that some crazy stuff was going on here. What happened?"

I nod back to him and go into the back, clocking out.

I wonder if I'll get extra pay for working late. The other waiters and waitresses had left so I went ahead and clocked them out as well.

Probably not, considering he needed to pay for the things that got broken.

I stretch and think back to the fight. I'm glad he showed up when he did. I was half bluffing with the not even trying part. The truth is I was getting tired and hadn't exercised these last few weeks like I used to.

I roll my shoulders and grab my purse, walking out of the store in thought. I needed to start working out again. I could have been beaten by someone much less experienced today. The forest was always a good place, for there weren't many people there.

I was heading to my car when out of nowhere Lewis came running up! Well, not out of nowhere, I just didn't notice him.

I smile at him and wait patiently as he asks his questions, sounding a bit flustered. "Hey Lewis. I'm fine, a bit shaken up but I'll be ok." I sigh but keep up a small smile. I shake my head in answer to his last question. "I'm not sure what happened. Some girl shifted into a lion and I dove behind a counter."

There was no use telling him the whole story. He likely wouldn't believe me, and besides, I had promised my boss. "There was a lot of loud noises but I couldn't tell what was happening. She must have ran away at some point because eventually it went quiet."

I lift one shoulder in a half shrug. "After a few minutes I peeked over the counter and nobody was there, so I cleaned up and clocks out." I give another weary sigh. "At this point you probably know more about it than I do."

Unlikely. All Lewis had were rumors from people who had run away in terror. Ivory had been there the whole time.

But she said that she had stayed hidden. Lewis had no reason to doubt her.

He had been keeping an eye on the karaoke bar, trying to catch the owner doing something terrible. The man was a monster. Lewis had met him when he was still selling insurance. He had been treated awfully, and had seen some employees get treated awfully. But it wasn't illegal to be a monster. Lewis would catch him doing something terrible, and then ruin him. He had convinced himself that this was justice. Evil men needed to pay. It was only a matter of time.

"Well, I'm glad you're okay. I have to get back to work. I'm still on a delivery. We're still on for that date tomorrow, right?"

I smile at him and nod. "Yes, of course. You get to work and I'll see you tomorrow." I then walk to my car and get in.

I lean my head back against the headrest and let out a deep sigh. Time to go home. I start the car and begin the short drive home, ready to get to bed.