9 Could have been me...!

When the curtains rolled down on stage, the audience applauded, which made Agnes happy. She enjoyed the attention, despite her reluctance to accept it openly. The nightclub where she worked was not a cheap one but rather one where tasteful men and women gathered to be entertained by the dancers' beauty and expertise on stage. And she took immense joy in it.

Right now in the powder room, the women were changing their clothing when Agnes's friend, Amelia noticed her not changing.

"Six months in, and you're still shy about undressing in front of us," Amelia teased, her laughter soft but infectious.

Agnes managed a shy smile, her cheeks tinted with a faint blush. "Old habits die hard," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

A fellow dancer who was nearby, chimed in with reassurance. "You should let your natural beauty shine, Agnes. I bet you're stunning even without makeup."

"That is okay. I'm used to going home and taking it off," Agnes responded, uneasy about her appearance, and she put her things in the bag.

"You are a hideous child!" her father's voice echoed in her mind. "Bringing me shame!"

"Lola, how did you land a gig at Midnight Club? I tried my luck there but got nothing," Amelia's voice was laced with disappointment. "And to think, you won't be gracing this place tomorrow."

The woman named Lola, tossed her hair before laughing. She went on to say, "Well, the man wanted to recruit Agnes, but she declined. So he came to me, and I immediately accepted his offer. I mean, it's nice money." She then said to Agnes, "I am surprised that you turned down such a good opportunity."

"I enjoy working here and have become used to it. But I'm happy for you," Agnes offered a gentle smile. Even though Ricardo said she should leave, she couldn't.

"Well, your loss is my gain. Speaking of which, you're missing out on some serious love from the club owner," Lola joked, waving a diamond-studded hairpin. "I spent the night at his hotel, and let me tell you, he is quite the charmer. I got this little baby as a gift."

"Oh, my! How scandalous for a married woman!" Amelia mocked a gasp. As an attempt to bring the shy woman back into conversation, she asked, "How about you, Agnes? Are you seeing anyone?"

Agnes shook her head. "Not at the moment."

"It must be tough juggling work and looking after your brother," Amelia said sympathetically. "I know a guy in my neighbourhood who might be perfect for you. Want me to introduce you?"

Agnes politely declined. "Thanks, but I'll pass."

"You are always leaving from here alone, and it is not a safe route to return home at night. It would be beneficial to have someone look after you and your brother," stated another concerned woman who cared about Agnes. "Why not look for someone in another workplace? Aren't there any nice men there?" 

"I've heard it's best not to mix work and romance," Agnes replied, knowing things may turn for the worse. She didn't speak to any men in the Opera House, except Ricardo, who kept her company. He had always been nice to her since they met. 

"Agnes is more virtuous than you, Lola. Don't corrupt my girl," Amelia teased, lightening the mood, and Agnes couldn't help but smile. She lingered a bit longer in the cozy powder room before heading home.

When Agnes arrived home, she finally removed her makeup without standing before the mirror and changed her clothes. A long time ago, it had turned into a habit not to look in the mirror because she would hear her father's voice echoing in her head, which was mean and hurtful.

"I want to visit the fair," Marcello pleaded, interrupting her thoughts.

"No, Marcello," Agnes replied patiently as she prepared dinner.

"Why not? I promise I'll be careful this time!" Marcello insisted, his longing evident. It had been a while since he was allowed to wander the streets by himself.

"One, because it is night now. Second, because of what you did last time. Don't think I've forgotten about it," Agnes stated with a grimace.

The last time Marcello had gone out alone, he had knocked over a paper stand and accidentally bumped into a man, causing a commotion. Thankfully, Ricardo was there to diffuse the situation, though Marcello's carelessness left a lasting impact.

Afterwards, Ricardo, being his loud self, rebuked Marcello for being careless, which caused the young child to stop talking when the man was around. Marcello was an eight-year-old boy, and Agnes felt he needed to be around children of his age. She had also taken him to the park several times, but children's parents would pull their kids away while glaring. 

"But I said I'd be fine! Everyone else gets to go out," Marcello protested.

"Because they're adults, Marcello. You're still young, and I worry," Agnes explained softly, her concern evident. "I just want to keep you safe."

"Then... when can I go out?" Marcello repeated in disappointment.

"How about New Year's Eve? We'll plan something special," Agnes suggested, hoping to lift his spirits. "For now, tell me what you'd like, and I'll get it for you." 

"Okay!" Marcello cheered up, and Agnes felt relieved. 

The following week, when Agnes went to work in the nightclub, she finished dressing up and stepped out of the powder room when Amelia approached her.

"Did you hear about Lola, Agnes?" 

Agnes's eyebrows furrowed and she inquired, "What happened?"

"Two days ago, the scarecrow murderer killed her," Amelia informed, her voice heavy with shock.

Agnes's heart sank, her blood running cold. "H-How... How did this happen?"

"They found her body in the morning in the back alley of the Midnight Club, cold and bloody, along with the doll," Amelia explained. "The police were here, questioning the owner and Mr. Fletcher this morning. I hate to say it, but thank goodness you turned down that job offer."

Oh my God… Agnes thought to herself, her hands shaking in fear. 

Amelia was right, Agnes thought to herself. Had she taken the job, it could have been her, and fear crawled down her spine.