The Ace Club was bathed in darkness, broken only by the pulsing rhythm of colorful lights that swept across the crowd like liquid rainbows. The DJ was playing music at full volume a heavy bass that vibrated through the floor and into the bones of everyone present. The air was thick with the mingled scents of perfume, cologne, sweat, and expensive alcohol.

Youngsters filled every corner of the club. Some were on the dance floor, moving in perfect sync with the beat. Others crowded around the bar. A few sat in booths, huddled together in conversation, enjoying their drinks.