Vanished in Chicago (Vanished)

By the time I was done with him in my heart, I was pregnant with Zef. It took me a few more years and for his wife to give birth for me to really be done. When Jak was 10, I got a job at night, so I didn’t have to depend on Miko for anything. What I didn’t expect was for my son to fall into that life as much as he hated his father.” She turns to me and gives me a small smile. “The rest they say is history.” Wow. I could not imagine Jak treating me like that. Not as bad as he is trying to get me pregnant.

“Well, your sons love you, Paulina. They adore you, so whatever you went through, you obviously protected them and taught them to be real men.”

“Thank you, sweetie. I have to admit though that right now I am not happy with my eldest. I can see you are suffering and as much as he loves you, he is hurting you and I have had enough. So, who would you like to call?” What did she just say?

“I…I can’t.” I tell her in shock. I know what she said, but I can’t process it.

“It is my phone, and my sons know I don’t listen to them. So here.” She hands me her phone and I want to cry right on the spot. My eyes meet hers and she nods at me. Hands shaking, I dial the number for Lily. Almost like I think she is going to change her mind and take it from me, I hold my breath as the phone rings.

“Hello.” Oh my God. It’s really her. Hearing my twin sister's voice is like coming home.

“Lily,” I say her name low, and she gasps.

“Chiara!! Chi, is that you?”

“Yes. Yes, it's me.”

“Oh my God. Where are you? Are you ok? Give me your address so I can give it to Giulia. Are you hurt?” I can’t help but giggle at her usual overly dramatic self.

“Breathe, Lily. I am fine. Yes, I was kidnapped. I am not hurt. I can't tell you where I am, yet.”

“Why? Giulia is losing her mind. You have to tell me.”

“I can’t Lily. Trust me. But I am ok.”

“Oh God, has he brainwashed you?” Oh boy.

“No, I am not brainwashed.” Why is this so hard to explain? Just then I hear a man in the background.

“Lily, who is that?” I hear a muffled noise and then she giggles before she clears her throat. “Lily?!”

“Chiara.'' She mimics my voice and we both break out into giggles. I somber up because this is too much like being at home with her.

“I miss you, Lily. Are you safe in Florida?”

“I am great in Florida.'' Someone says something about being sweet. I hear a moan and then nothing for a few seconds before she comes back breathing hard. “I-I have to go. Promise me you will call Giulia. I love you. Call me later.” When the phone clicks off, I stare at it in disbelief. I think my sister was with a man. Holy shit!!

“How was that?” Paulina asks me.

“I needed that. Thank you.” She pats my hand.

“Do you need to call anyone else?”

“My older sister. I just…she is not going to be so easy. She is hard, you know, from living the life as my father’s oldest.”

“She had to survive,” his mom points out. It is true.

“Call her, Chiara.” Taking a deep breath, I dial her number and hold my breath yet again. Only this time, I know what waits on the other side of the phone. My mind is going back to this being a mistake, but before I can hang up, she answers.

“Who is this?” I should hang up. I really should hang up and trust Jakub, but my mouth and heart won’t listen. I hate for her to be out there worried about me when I can just tell her I am fine.

“Giulia.” I hear her gasp and then she shushes everyone in the car.

“Chi? Oh my God! Where the fuck are you? Give me an address right now and I will come and get you.”

“Giulia, listen...”

“Address Chiara. Where the hell are you?” I can hear the girls in the background, and I hear a man's voice.

“Giulia, wait. Please. I am fine, ok. I promise I am not in danger.”

“You were fucking kidnapped, Sopresa, so don’t tell me you are not in danger.”

“See I told you. Stockholm Syndrome.” One of the girls in the background says to her. Shit. I knew this was a mistake.

“I just wanted you to know I am safe. I love you.”

“I am coming for you.” Is the last thing she says before she hangs up. Shit. What have I done?

SIXTEEN

JAKUB

THE NEXT DAY

Seems our trip to the club paid off. One of the girls who works there has a brother who is a bouncer. He called Zef last night. He said the guy we were looking for sounds like a man with the last name Wozniak. He told my brother that on Fridays, he brings in a group of men, most of them older than him and they toast to a change in leadership to come. Something about having a grudge against another rival family and the old man running it. My blood begins to turn to ice. They are talking about my grandfather.