A bitter wind sprays cold water in David's face as he speeds a small fishing boat towards an island in the middle of Sheppard Lake. As he continues his trek, David's mind drifts back to his suburban home 2 years prior. He, his wife and daughter are getting ready to attend his company's annual Christmas party at the CEO's estate. David smiles as we watches his wife descended the stairs.
"You look amazing Charlotte," David remarks while looking over his beautiful wife. She's wearing a long, dark green gown with spaghetti straps and thigh length slits on both sides. Beneath that, her legs are wrapped in white pantyhose. The dress and hose accent every part of Charlotte's tone form.
"Thank you dear, " she replies while slipping into a pair of black, closed toe heels. She gives her husband a light kiss and walks into the kitchen.
"Is Liz about ready?" David asks.
Charlotte turns from the fridge, "Almost."
A few moments later, David's daughter descends the stairs. A sophomore in college, she's back for Christmas break. Unlike her mother, Liz has more of a plus size frame due to her hitting books instead of the gym. Despite this, her black, long sleeved gown fits and flatters her body perfectly. Her gown has a single, thigh high slit and she's wearing sheer, black pantyhose. She gives David a light hug before slipping into her black heels. "You look great honey."
"Thanks dad," Liz replies with a shy smile. The family put on their coats and head out.
David shifts back to present as his boat approaches a dock. Slowly he eases next to the dock and cuts the engine. After securing the boat, David walks off the dock and onto a trail surround by woods. The trail is lit by spaced out lanterns on each side and leads to a clearing that reveals a huge log cabin lodge. The entire ground floor is lit up, but, only a few upper level windows have light. A sign in front of the lodge reads, "Sheppard Lake Sanctuary."
The image causes David's mind to drift back to he, his wife and daughter standing in front of The CEO's estate. The family is greeted at the door by a man in a tux. After taking their coats, he leads them to a ballroom where everyone is dancing and having a good time. Female servers float through the room handing out food and drinks. They are all wearing, black, tux like vests over white, long, sleeved, collared shirts. Beneath that they have knee length, black skirts, heels and beige pantyhose with black seams.
"This is amazing," Charlotte remarks.
David nods and motions towards the festivities, "let's have some fun." The family eats, drinks and dances the night away for hours on end. While doing so, David notices certain guests being escorted out. The ladies being led out all look intoxicated and are followed closely by any male partner they may have.
Charlotte notices this as well and shrugs it off while sipping from a wine glass. "Some people can't handle their alcohol." David nods and takes a drink of his own before dancing with his wife.
Near the end of the party, The CEO walks onto a stage at the front of the room to address his employees. At this point, David is so drunk that everything is a mumbled mess. Near the end of his speech, The CEO raises his arms and a large green disco ball sized orb lowers from the rafters. Tipsy from overindulging, David sees a bright green flash before everything goes black.
He woke the next morning slumped over the steering wheel of his car. A note on the dash distracts him from the cop tapping on his window. The words from the note echo in David's mind as he is hauled off to jail. "David, things might seem good, but, I have not been happy in a long time. As a result, I signed up for online dating and fell in love with someone from the site. Liz and I left your drunk ass at the party and we are leaving your life as well. Goodbye."
Once more, David returns to the present. 2 long years of following every lead and rumor has led him to this lodge. David takes a deep breath and walks inside.
