On Saturday, about lunchtime, I pulled myself from my bed feeling pleased with a show well done, and looking forward to some time off. I made a pot of coffee, and settled down to some indulgent internet time. I noticed I'd got some messages in my 'Dark Allie' inbox, and I took a look. Better-than-expected takings at Club Gehenna meant a welcome bonus payment. Another club wanted me to perform for them next month. And I had fan mail!
I get fan mail very rarely. My email address is on my posters and fliers, of course. But most people who've seen a show - even one like mine - don't rush to mail the performer. But this time, someone had. His name was Ricky, and he said he'd been at Club Gehenna the night before, and been impressed by what I'd done to Suzy. He wanted to know when my next show was - and he also asked if we could meet up.
I don't normally accept invitations from random men. But he seemed, from his writing, to be a sincere admirer of my work. Even so, I preferred not to take chances. Before answering Ricky's email, I called in a favour from a friend.