When they were in the lift, Shane suddenly thought of her safety.  “Who else will be there?” She asked in a concern tone.

“A lot of people that I hate to see.  Don’t worry, I have this, if necessary.” She replied casually and showed Shane a small gun that was kept in between her thighs. 

Shane’s eye widen.  “What?  You have a gun?  Quick hand it over.”  She was getting very nervous.

“What’s the big deal?  I carry it everywhere I go.”  She sounded like it was her lipstick only.

“From now on, I keep this.”  She took it and put it in her jacket’s inside pocket.    “Anyway, why are you here if you don’t like them?” She added.

“Because they hate to see me too.  I like to make them uncomfortable.”  She gave that mischievous grin again.  Shane starred at her, wanting to persuade her against it, but changed her mind and kept quiet instead.

They entered the grand hall, everyone was dressed for the party, there were couples dancing heatedly on the dance floor.

“Are there any government officials? Anyone from the traffic department?  As I owe them lots of parking tickets!” Shane was slight nervous.

“They are all wolves disguised in designer suits.”  Carmen whispered into her ear.  “All the gangsters in this region are here.” Shane’s blood went cold.

 “I am just an ordinary person, please don’t make do anything illegal!”  She plead.

“Networking is useful for future businesses.”  Carmen said.

“I swear I won’t deal with the devil.” She looked serious at Carmen.

“There are thousands of gangsters in LA.  Unless you stay at home all day, otherwise you are bound to be part of it whether you like it or not.”

“So do I have to cross over to the dark side?”  Shane asked.

“They call it ‘turning over a new leaf’ here.” Shaking her head, Carmen went to the bar and ordered a bloody Mary.

“I will have water, please.”  Shane ordered.

“Alcohol affects my judgement.” She explained to her.

Carmen sipped her drink and said while nodding her head, “My parents would love you.”