Vanished in Chicago (Vanished)

“If he is a transplant and is looking to make a name for himself, you’d think he would be leaving a calling card or something...” my brother says to me, standing by the door.

“And you have heard nothing of this?” He shrugs his shoulders and looks a bit sheepish.

“I was at Karolinka on Central Ave and overheard a sort of insinuation there was someone trying to be the new top dog, but I thought it was all talk. Seems he is trying to strong-arm the small businesses for protection from the gangs.” Typical. They all start off trying to nickel and dime the low man. That I am proud to say is something my family has never done.

“Seems he is trying to do more than make a name for himself. Jozef, I need you to take four guys and do some recon. I want at least two of his most trusted people here…alive.” I reiterate that last part because my brother can be a bit…overzealous. He smirks because he knows why I said it.

“Hey, what about me? I told you everything I know.” Turning my nose up, I nod my head. "You are right,” I say before I plug one into his head.

“Did the tech team get all my hardware installed and ready?” Wiping the blood that splattered on my face off, I look at my brother again and see him on his phone. “Zef!”

“Shit. Sorry, Jak. What’s up?” Something has had him distracted lately, ever since I sent him to New York for a pickup. I need his fucking head in the game.

“Zef, is everything alright? Is there something you need to tell me? I can’t do this without you, and I don’t want to, but if your head is not with me...”

“Everything is fine, big brother. I am sorry. You know I would walk into the pits of hell with you and for you. It won’t happen again.” I assess him once more, looking for any telltale signs of something wrong, but I see nothing but his determination and allegiance.

“Very well. I asked about the hardware I requested. Is it ready?”

“Yes. I took the liberty of making it…pretty if you will.” My eyebrow goes up, waiting for him to elaborate. “I know you, Jak, and I know this is more than a snatch and ransom. I can see it in the way you watch and plan. You think I don’t know about the additions to the mansion and the extra shit you have been doing. I know who she is going to be to you. With that being said, no woman is going to wear a piece of steel with no bling. So, I had them make it… pretty or whatever, so she doesn’t realize what it is. Oh, and I had him make it so that once you attach it, it cannot be taken off without a special unlocking mechanism or a code from your phone to the device.'' he shrugs like it is no big deal. Me, I am impressed, and a bit annoyed that I didn’t think of it.

“Well shit, little bro, remind me to call you when I need a personal shopper.” I smack his back before walking to the door. Looking at the mess that is left once again, I shake my head. “Call the clean-up crew. I have somewhere to be.” I also have someone to get.

TWO

CHIARA

“Stop fucking dodging your shadows, Chi!” I pull the phone away from my ear and stick my tongue out at my big sister Giulia, who is currently yelling at me on the phone. I don’t respond, though, because I know she is right and that she has a lot on her plate with trying to keep me and my twin sister Liliana safe, finding who murdered our father, and rebuilding his Mafia empire brick by brick while weeding out the assholes who won’t follow her because she is a woman. Instead of being a brat, I should be doing what I can to make it easier for her, and I know it. I guess this is my way of grieving.

My father, Giuseppe DeSantis is… was the Don of the DeSantis Crime Family. He, along with my five uncles, runs our syndicate around the world. Two weeks ago, my father, his cousin Angelo, and three other guys who serve as his underbosses and caporegimes were ambushed and killed. En route to secure my grandfather, the Godfather of the syndicate, we got word he too had been killed. My world changed in an instant. I went from being the princess of the most powerful mob family, aware of the life I was born into and the risks and dangers that came with it, but also unconcerned because my family always seemed untouchable. Now aware that no one is invincible.