They exchanged a nod and started down the hallway slowly, Bunny's bare feet making no sound, while Caroline's stiletto boot heels ticked far louder than either of them was comfortable with. In the soundless corridor, it was almost deafening.
"Lower your gun," Bunny said after a few steps.
Caroline jumped a little, hazel eyes wide as she looked first at Bunny then at the heavy pistol she held in her outstretched hands. "Um, why?"
"You're making a target out of yourself," Bunny told her as she reached out and pushed the gun down to the other woman’s waist. “If someone did jump us, they could grab your hands or arms before you ever got a shot off. Not to mention, it’s not real likely they’re going to jump out in the direction you’re aiming, so having it up just means you aren’t ready. From down there, you can pull it up on a target quick while keeping a low profile."
Caroline looked down at the gun, then back at Bunny. "Got it. Sorry."
Bunny shook her head. "No need to be."
They paused to check the first door they came to, Bunny reaching down and turning the handle, only to find it locked. She knew the cold storage room for the various different kinds of booze Randy kept on hand was on the other side, and only he and Bruno had a key, but it never hurt to be sure. Slowly, the duo continued their trip down the hallway.
"Can I ask you something?" Caroline said suddenly.
"Depends," Bunny answered.
Caroline smiled a little. "Why aren't you still a cop?"
Bunny stopped for a minute, looking down the corridor, before turning to give her companion a shrug. "Long story. I'll tell it to you sometime, you know, as long as we don't die."
"Fair enough," Caroline told her with a small nod.
They stopped again, this time at the door that led up to the DJ booth. Bunny knew Carl never locked it, and found the handle turned easily in her hand. Pushing it open a little, she gave Caroline a quick look then swung it wide, lifting the shotgun. Beyond was the short flight of steps and with her breath hanging in her throat, Bunny started up them, Caroline covering her back.
At the top of the stairs was the door to the booth. Bunny grasped the handle, turning it slowly. This door had no lock to her knowledge, and opened for her with a soft squeak. Stepping back in the narrow space, she pushed it the rest of the way open with her foot, shotgun ready.
Inside she saw Carl's equipment and nothing else. Wary, she slipped into the room, checking for any sign of movement, falling back into her training so easily it made her want to laugh a little. To her left were the bay windows that let Carl watch the club below. From this view Bunny could see the entire establishment, including Sheila's still form on the far stage. Below the windows were his console and the chair he used, lying overturned. To her right were shelves, and a flicker of movement.
Bunny brought the shotgun to bear, finger easing the trigger, just as Carl stepped out, hands up. Beside her, Bunny heard Caroline curse softly as she lowered her own gun.
"Bunny," Carl panted, clutching his chest as soon as the weapons were no longer aimed at him. "Caroline. Are you guys alright?"
"Yeah, you?" Bunny asked.
Carl nodded slowly. "I think so. What's going on?"
"You seen Amy?" Bunny asked him.
"No," he said, shaking his head. "As soon as everyone started freaking out and screaming, I ducked for cover. I thought maybe the mob was raiding us or something."
"So, you didn't see what happened?" Caroline asked him.
"No, but I heard gunshots," he admitted.
Bunny leaned back against the console and laughed. "You're a real hero, there, Carl."
"Hey, I didn't want to get shot, okay?" he snapped. "Carl don't stick his neck out for nobody. Sorry if that don't get your panties wet, ladies, but that's just how the world works."
"Yeah, fine, whatever," Bunny said. "We're trying to find Amy. Randy and the others are locked in his office, and you should join them until we make sure it's safe out here."
"Better you than me," Carl said as he moved for the steps.
Caroline gave Bunny a snide look, rolling her eyes as Carl passed her. Bunny hid her smile, knowing what she was thinking. Carl, or Mr. Macho the Ladies Man, as he called himself, was nothing but a two-bit coward. Still, at least he was alive and not spewing blood everywhere. It wasn't much, but it was something.
"Hey, Marty," Carl said from the top step. "What are you doin' here?"
Bunny and Caroline looked at each other then at the doorway. Neither had time to react, only watch, as Marty leaned in and bit Carl's neck, ripping out a chunk of flesh. Neither would forget the sight, or the screams, for the rest of their lives, even if it was measured only in minutes.
Carl's scream lasted only a second, until Marty ripped away, taking a mouthful of Carl with him. Caroline's scream lasted longer, pouring out of her, a true and heartfelt reaction if ever there was one.
Bunny just stared, trying to force herself to move. Carl twitched in Marty's grasp, held fast by the janitor as he actually chewed on the meat in his mouth, his baleful yellow eyes locked with Bunny's, staring back at her with a blank, hungry gaze.
Shaking off the paralysis, Bunny swung the shotgun up and fired, hitting more of Carl than Marty. Snarling, what’d once been the friendly, slow-witted janitor threw the dying DJ at her, knocking her into the console. Bunny felt the shotgun slip from her grasp as she tumbled to the floor.
Marty slumped
