**This is the second installment of Jane and Diane's wild vacation. The real trouble starts in chapter 3. I hope you enjoy the buildup! Love, Chloe Hunt**
Collin and Vince escorted Diane and Jane back to their hotel that night. Their group was happy and tipsy as they strolled down the crowded street. The party on Bourbon Street really did go all night almost every single day of the week. Diane tried her damnedest to convince Collin to come to bed with her, but they were both too drunk to walk at that point. Vince and Jane pulled them away from each other and promised they could see each other again the next day.
Diane woke the following morning to a hangover. Jane woke with a sore crotch. It wasn't terrible, but she was surprised to feel soreness all the way up into her abdomen. She hoped she would be back to normal by Friday night.
The girls decided to have an easy Thursday and relax by the hotel pool. Collin made his appearance looking tired, but he brightened up when he saw Diane in her bikini again. He brought them some drinks by the pool and chatted with them for a few minutes.
Jane quickly became the third wheel in the conversation, so she pulled out her smartphone to research ghost tours. Local news stories popped up along with tour ads, and one story made Jane's jaw drop. A young woman had been murdered behind Belle Nuit while they were there.
"Holy shit!" she exclaimed, catching Diane and Collin's attention. "Do you know anything about this?" she asked as she showed the headline to Collin.
"Oh my god... I haven't heard anything about it," he said in disbelief. "I crawled out of bed an hour ago and came straight to work."
Diane grabbed Jane's phone from her so she could read the article.
"Jesus... that poor girl," she said in disgust. "She had burn marks on her body and satanic symbols carved all over her skin. They think many different people raped her. The murder fits a pattern they have seen before. For the past three years, different girls have gone missing and were later found murdered like this. Authorities believe the torture and rape happen in different locations. Then the girls are taken to their final destination somewhere in the city and murdered."
"Shit," Collin said, shaking his head. "That happened last year around this time. Two girls were murdered, and they couldn't figure out who did it. One was found by the river, and the other was found dumped in the cemetery off Basin Street. A body has never been dumped in the middle of town, though. It disgusts me to think we were so close to that shit last night," he said with a shudder.
"Ugh, me too," Diane said as she handed Jane's phone back to her.
"I'm suddenly feeling less interested in ghost tours," Jane sighed.
"Seriously," Collin agreed. "Well, I need to get back to work. You two stay together if you go out today. Don't talk to any weird people. Once this shit starts happening, it doesn't stop until at least two girls are dead. Three girls were murder the year before last. If you're out really late, call Vince or me to escort you back to the hotel. See you, ladies, later," Collin called before he hurried back to his post.
"He's so noble. His dick is really nice too," Diane sighed as she smiled at Jane.
The girls were ready for adventure again when Friday night rolled around. They had almost forgotten about Collin's warning as they set out early into the crowded streets. They were eager to find the Golden Rule Strip Club.
Diane was dressed in her tightest little black dress while Jane rocked her low cut red dress. They were drawing a fair amount of attention as they strolled up Bourbon Street. Midway through their journey, Jane noticed a familiar-looking band. They were playing on a street corner.
"Oh, hey, those are Vince's bandmates," she said excitedly as she hurried over to listen.
A different man was rocking Vince's guitar. He smiled and winked at Jane and Diane as they walked up. He was tall and handsome with dark brown hair and big hazel eyes. Jane and Diane were admiring him as they finished their song.
"Good evening, ladies," he announced. "Can we assist you in some way?" he asked.
"Hey, yeah, we're friends with Vince. I'm Jane, and this is Diane," she said as she held her hand out to the man.
"Ah, Vince has excellent taste. I'm Julian," he said as he pulled Jane's hand to his lips and kissed it. He was just as charming as Vince, but his eyes were more mischievous. "These are my bandmates, Conner and Tory," he said as he pointed them out. They waved politely.
"It's lovely to meet you all," Jane said. "Would you happen to know where the Golden Rule is? Vince and Collin are expecting us in the next ten minutes."
"I certainly do. I work there on and off throughout the week. I'll escort you, ladies, to the door myself. See you guys in twenty," he said over his shoulder to his bandmates.
Then he motioned for Diane and Jane to walk with him. They strolled up Bourbon Street, weaving through the normal drunk revelers. It was extra crowded that Friday night.
"So, has the French Quarter seduced you ladies yet?" Julian asked.
"It has," Diane said with a huge grin as she walked up beside him. "Does living here take away some of the shine?" she asked.
"Not at all. I've lived here on and off for ten years. I still love it. It takes getting used to, but it grows on you."
"I could get used to it," Diane said with a smirk as they passed a mostly naked fire juggler. "I wonder if he shaves his body hair or burns it off?" she chuckled as they stopped to watch him for a moment.
"He actually waxes," Julian said with a huge grin.
Diane and Jane burst out laughing before they continued walking. Julian led them down a few blocks that were less appealing than Bourbon Street. The most noteworthy establishment in that area of town was the Golden Rule Strip Club. He bid them a fond farewell once they were standing at the front entrance.
Jane paid the cover charge before they were led to the bar. The club was tastefully decorated. It had a Las Vegas shine about it. Collin greeted them with a bright smile when he saw them walking over.
"Hello, hello, hello! You ladies look incredible," he said in admiration. He immediately handed them bright red drinks in tall martini glasses.
"Wow, Collin. You look fuckably dapper," Diane said with a huge grin.
He was dressed in a sharp 1920's style striped suit.