Vanished in Chicago (Vanished)

“Is the room ready?” I walk through the foyer and admire all the decorator has done. I gave my mom the option of doing it, but she said no. She insisted she didn't want to install herself as the lady of the house when a wife of ours should be in that position. My brother and I both balked at her admission, but she was happy to be in the cottage on the grounds next to the garden. She has her own house built for one or a couple, fully functioning but with access to the main house and the rose garden. She has her own entrance and the main driveway splits into two. I wanted her in the big house, but she is happy with her autonomy and like she said to me, “You and your brother have taken care of me your entire lives, even when I was supposed to be doing it for you. You brought me here and gave me something no man ever has. Thank you, son.”

“Yes. Are you sure you don’t want to...” Zef breaks my thought and starts trying to have me bring her to the guest room.

“She is sleeping in my bed. End of.” I lay her on the bed, starting to make sure she is still breathing. You never know how chloroform is going to affect someone. When I see her chest is still steadying, I brush her beautiful blonde locks out of her face and rub her cheek that is currently pink and soft. “Be back soon, Tink.” With one last look I walk out of the bedroom door and lock it with a key only I have.

“How long do you think she will be out for?” my brother asks, jogging beside me down the stairs.

“Long enough for us to go to Karolinka’s.” I pull my gun from my side and check the clip. I know I haven’t fired it, but I always check it before I head out. Never can be too careful.

“Tonight?”

“Yes, now.” He shakes his head at me but gets into the passenger side of the car.

“It’s stupid to go unprepared, Jak.”

“Who says anything about being unprepared?” He eyes me tentatively before inclining his head and sitting back. One thing he should know about me is that I never fly by the seat of my pants. Well not before her. My need for her, to own her, protect her and fuck her is the most consuming feeling I have ever had.

When we pull up to the bar, ten of my men get out of their cars and my brother holds his hands up. “My bad.” I nod letting him know I accept his half-assed apology for doubting me.

“Listen up, Zolnierz, tonight is about recon and getting eyes in the vicinity. Syzmon and Filipe, you are in charge of planting the bugs without being seen. Stanislaw and Leon, your job is to keep watch outside for anything you deem suspicious. Alojzy and Anatol, you are going to be my intimidators today and finally, Jozef and I will create a distraction. Generate the buzz. I want to draw this fucker out, make him feel challenged so he shows himself. The coward is hiding behind others unlike us who choose to be seen. Let’s show him what the real Pruszkow looks like. Everybody knows what they are to do?” I watch as all heads bow and necks crack. “Swietny. Excellent. Let’s go.”

As expected, the moment I walk in the place quiets down, my face now a recognizable symbol of power. It is not what I expect considering it seems to be where slime hangs out. Despite that, the place is clean and well kept. Begs the question who is guarding it?

Zef and I sit on a stool and face the room. My eyes roam the space taking note of who is watching me and who isn’t. The ones watching are either sizing me up to see if they can take me, or they are scared I am here for trouble. The ones not watching are posturing, pretending they are not intimidated, giving off the aura of power and bravado when there is none. I am the biggest dick in the room. I’ll gut anyone who says otherwise. “Can you find anyone?” Zef asks in my ear, leaning slightly.

“No. You?”

“Not a guy, but the girl over there in the corner, the one with the bright red hair, I have seen her outside of the Arena… after hours.” My interest is peaked. The arena is what we call the place where Pruszkow hangs out when they are conducting business. Typically, women are not allowed near the arena after business hours. For her to be there, she is either someone’s lady, or she doesn’t know who she is tangling with.

“Do you know her name?” I ask him, my eyes tracking this guy who has slowly been shifting seats heading to the back of the bar. Fucking dumb ass. He thinks he is invisible, but he has made himself highly seen.