Big city life wasn't as easy as she hoped it would be. Then again, when had life ever been. Kari came from a farming town called Trinity. It was about thirty miles outside the big city and the major draws to the town were a Walmart and a Waffle House. As attractive as that life was, Kari had wanted more. She'd felt the call to the city since she'd first seen it. Her mom was completely against the idea of her living anywhere near that place..

After turning 18, she moved to the city and had started working at the Startled Crow Jazz Dive in hopes of becoming a singer. After the audition, she got hired in. Not as a singer. Turns out there were other levels of ability they don't teach in the choir. She'd have to settle for being a server.

As far as that goes, there was great money to be made. Kari was an attractive young woman. Not that that had mattered to the drunken patrons of the bar. They would hit on anyone. Most of them were at least respectful enough to not get handsy with her. For those few folks that were, the bouncers, Igor and Pop Tart, would deal with them as the situation demanded.

Today there was to be a meeting. Big changes Tony had told them all. Why were jazz dives always run be a guy named Tony? Kari was ready for it either way. She finished clearing the tables in her section.

"Have a good night, cutie!"

She turned to see Del walking out the door. He was an older black gentleman and the friendliest man she'd ever met.

"Thank you, Del", she smiled his way, "You be careful going home. I hear it's a bit chilly."

"I'm an old man, honey. I don't feel the cold anymore."

He waved and walked on out. She smiled to herself. This job wasn't that bad. The area had a bad reputation, but there were a lot of great people just trying to get by.

Tony walked out about thirty minutes later. He was an ok boss. Kind of sleazy. He'd made a couple of passes at her, but nothing that had caused any issues. He was a stereotype from head to toe. Pony tail. Good chain. Shirt hanging vunbuttoned to expose his Ron Jeremy looking chest. She didn't want to think how she'd ever found out about that likeness. The other girls she worked with were a bit deviant.

"Come on everyone! Gather around. I got big news."

Everyone gathered at the bar to hear the big news. Even Igor and Pop Tart. Those giants were also riddled with curiosity about this announcement.

"We're gonna be making some changes around here. Our benefactor, Jimmy the Seal, has been relieved of his ownership of this part of town. New guy named Simple Demetrius has taken over. They call him simple because his rules are easy. Pay your dues. Follow orders. That's it. Anyone who disagrees gets early retirement. So, as the new benefactor, he wants to add more spice to the place. Starting next week, we'll be having special presentations on the jazz stage. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, we will be having adult entertainment. I'm not allowed to hire anyone, so my serving girls will have to perform."

At the end of the bar, an older woman named Wanda asked the first question.

"What do you mean by ….. Perform?"

"You know exactly what I mean. You ladies are gonna dance on that stage to music and take off your clothes. Three nights a week. It's Demetrius's pet project."

The mumbling and protests started immediately.

"Now hold on. Before everyone gets bent out of shape, I'll give you Demetrius's rules. You all signed contracts when you started that state your are liable to follow the nature of the business. Anyone who can't conform, will be relieved of duty. One way or another."

He let threat hang in the air for a minute.

"Look ladies, I respect you as human beings. This is just business. You're not expected to go full nude but you gals gotta make it juicey. If anyone needs pointers, I'd gladly tutor you personally."

He smiled a perverted smile. Kari knew damn well what he wanted to teach them. He looked around the room and just turned to go back to his office. He looked pleased with himself.

"What the fuck is wrong with him?"

Kari turned to look at Wanda. She was livid!

"How the hell could that little troll sell us out like this?"

Protests broke out until Pop Tart's voice got all of their attention.

"I have been with Mr. Tony for a long time. He tries to be fair. He wants everyone to see him as in charge, but he isn't. This town is run by these syndicates. If Tony doesn't step up, he will be replaced. Simple Demetrius doesn't deviate from his rules. If he makes a decision, you obey. Those that have questions usually disappear. Otherwise he is a pleasure to deal with."

Everyone was stunned. Pop Tart didn't usually talk. It didn't change the situation though.

"I need this job,"another server piped in,"but I'm not sure I can do this. I don't want to expose myself…"

Most everyone agreed. Well all but Tiffany.

She smiled smugly, "Well,I for one, can't wait to see the money roll in when I show these boys my body."

One of the other girls laughed, but everyone else was lost in thought. Money was one thing but this wasn't even presented as a choice. They were objects who would have to literally dance the dance just to stay alive.

As everyone finally started heading home, Kari really wondered if she could even do this anymore.

© The Moonlight Bard