Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings etc are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owner's, creators or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
*Warning Rated M for Bad language, Violence.
You will notice that although first names are all the same I have changed some of their last names.
Chapter 2
"Salute," I raised my glass, high and proud, as I looked around the crowed room.
Faces of men whom work for me, and would die for me, looked back into my eyes with the same respect and pride that I bestow upon them.
"Salute," Their deep baritone voices yelled bellowed back.
I gave them all a nod, before turning towards the man that deserved the highest respect in the room, with his nod of approval we were all free to drink.
The room went quiet for a second or two, a moment to reflect and be grateful for where we stood in this life, before the gentle hum of conversations sparked up around me.
I could not help the genuine smile that graced my face. In this moment I felt like I was finally getting to the place that I had been groomed for my whole life.
I was a lost boy, an orphan with no family, in an unsure and scary world. I was not born into this life expecting to see my first birthday, but here I stand a man.
At a very young age I knew that the people I lived with weren't really "my People". They were not my Parents, my Aunts, my Uncles or even my siblings. I cannot really remember how I knew this, but I did.
Once I was old enough to really understand and to be informed of how I came to be, I rebelled.
I had no respect for anyone or anything. I was a thirteen year old boy with a huge chip on his shoulder.
I drunk the nights away and I fucked my innocence away.
If I wasn't in trouble with the law for fighting and stealing I was in trouble at home for fighting and stealing.
The man that raised me tried his hardest to make me see that I was heading for an early grave. He would yell and scream at me until he was red in the face. He would try to explain that no, I was not his blood, but that he considered me his son in every way that mattered.
But it didn't matter to me. I felt like I didn't truly belong.
All that begun to change when the only mother I had known became sick and died.
I knew that my real parents had died, but I didn't know them. And I was far too young to mourn them.
Rachel was the only true mother I had known. She took care of me when I was sick, fed me when I was hungry. She was my Mom when it mattered.
I slowly started to try at school, knowing I had a lot to catch up with if I was ever going to graduate. I started working out, putting my desire to fight into a proper ring against a willing opponent.
I wanted to prove to the man I considered my father, that I was the man he knew I could be. I wanted to make him see that I was not afraid of hard work and that I did feel like his family.
In return he invited me to join his other family.
A family where respect was earned and not given lightly, but once you had it, it was a great thing to own.
To the outside world we were an alleged organised crime family, La Cosa Nostra.
They read the papers, they hear the rumours.
They think they know us, but they don't.
We are a family, bound by Oath and blood.
"Congratulations Jimmy," William, an old associate greeted me as he handed me another drink.
"Thanks," I smiled, feeling honoured that he would even come up to me to say anything. He inclined his head and walked back to the party.
I smiled down at the amber liquid and thanked whatever god was watching over me. For making the deal we had just secured go our way.
No one was hurt, no threats were made and for us, hell for anyone in our world, that was a big deal.
I threw back my drink closing my eyes as the second shot of alcohol I'd had tonight awakened the blood in my body.
Tonight was a night of celebration. I could kick back and allow myself this reward.
I motioned for the waitress that was weaving her way through the crowd to bring me another drink, and laughed as her bony little body nearly bounced with excitement as she practically ran to the bar.
I smiled as I watched 'T' talk to some of his older associates. Gatherings like this, or weddings, funerals and christenings were the only time the old buggers get out. And when they did it was a great thing to see.
I hoped that they could see that I was not some young trigger happy jumpstart. I hoped after this, they could see I had grown up and was deserving of being the underboss, like Teaspoon told them I was.
I hope that they and the rest of them saw that I am not the angry young man I use to be.
Some of the men that fill this room are trusted, respected members of high society. They have legit jobs, families complete with the wife, kids and big houses.
It was up to me to gain their trust, their respect or they won't allow me to ever take over.
"Here is your drink Mr Marcone," The skinny waitress purred,
"Thanks legs," I smirked as I looked her skinny ass over. She had the skinniest legs I had ever seen, I should call them lucky, lucky they don't snap and go up her ass.
She giggled, as she pushed her chest out. I gave her a wink as I once again knocked back my drink.
I tried to hide my amusement as she stood in front of me unashamedly rubbing her thighs together.
I leaned into her, placing my lips to her ear. "Meet me out back," I whispered before giving her ear a gentle nip with my teeth.
"Yes," she moaned, her knees nearly giving out. I smacked her ass, telling her to get a move on then.
I actually did laugh when I saw her skipping out the room, throwing her serving tray at the bar on her way past.
"You did me proud today Son," A hand clasped my shoulder giving it a squeeze, and taking my attention away from the waitress.
"It was alright," I told Teaspoon, knowing that there was no way I was leaving this room to screw anyone now.
"Stop that shit and take the credit, you earned it Son." Teaspoon leant in as he whispered, "One day these men will be yours, working for you. You have just proved to them that you can take care of yourself and them, you hold your head high and you claim that respect."
"What are you on about 'T'? You're not going anywhere." I told him honestly, as I raised my empty glass towards another waitress. Luckily for me I got the bright one this time. She waltzed off to the bar and I could see Mike the barman looking over to me, before going ahead and making me a drink.
"You know as well as I do that time is catching up with me. I guess we will just have to see who takes me over that finish line first, age or you."
It was true, the man you had to watch and be fearful the most was the man that was by your side, your Underboss. What 'T' didn't know was that I considered him my Father; he is the only one I know and have known since I was a child.
"'T', I would never…"
"Change the subject," He demanded, and I wasn't about to disagree. The waitress came over with her tray. Her smile beaming as she passed me my drink.
"Thanks darling'," I thought for a minute I should tell her to go and get Legs from the back room, but decided she could use the cooling off.
"Lou all set for her wedding?" I asked taking a sip of my fresh drink.
"I hope so. She has cleaned out my pockets." Teaspoon joked before he took a look around the room. "Tell me, where is my Son in Law to be?" He enquired knowing damn well where he was, but just not wanting to admit it.
"You know the Kid?" I joked.
"I do. And I promise you this Jimmy, if that shit he's doing doesn't stop after his wedding day, I will kill him myself."
"'T' you don't mean that. Kid is like a son to you even without the upcoming nuptials. And you yourself…"
"I know Jimmy but she is my daughter, and I want the best for her."
"Just like Poppy's parents wanted the same for her." And it was true. Men in this line of work kept their wives at home, while they took their mistresses out. It is the way it's always been. Teaspoon was no different and when he married Poppy, a few years after he lost Rachel, he also had Mary by his side.
"Watch it," He clipped.
"Lou is a smart girl 'T'. She is not going into this with her eyes closed, she knows this life. She wants this life, let her live it."
"I just don't want her heart broken when one of his whores turns up pregnant."
"If that happens I will kill him myself. I won't let him hurt her 'T'." Teaspoon patted my back. He knew I loved Lou like a sister, hell her and I were raised together so we practically were siblings. There was no way I would see her hurt.
"Where's Sam?" I asked as I scanned the room for our old friend and trusted lawyer. He was what we called a Consiglieri, Teaspoons confidant and trusted friend.
"Taking Emma to the ballet and out to dinner." Teaspoon sighed as he finished the last of his drink. It has never been said, but it is common knowledge that Teaspoon cared deeply for Emma. He loved her more than life itself, but she could not and would not love this life, his life.
Emma is an amazing woman and did not deserve to be with someone who inadvertently will cheat on her. So Teaspoon stepped aside and gave the blessing for Sam and her, as much as it pained him. Well that was the story we were told. No one but them, really know the full story.
"Sam all set for Chicago?" I asked as my mind easily slipped into business.
One of our contacts had been taken down in a raid six months ago. He was one of our biggest arms dealers, but he got greedy and with greed came sloppiness.
"It is such a bullshit charge, should be a breeze." Teaspoon told me sounding put out about the whole situation.
I couldn't help but laugh. It was far from bullshit, the guy is an arms dealer, he got caught with selling and buying, he was guilty as charged.
"Fucker," 'T' hissed. "I really don't need this shit. I have the James boys breathing down my neck. I needed those guns." He whispered harshly.
I hummed agreeing with him. Timing was bad, but I never put all our eggs in the same basket, and was very close to securing another deal.
"I have a new guy I'm looking into. He's Irish, but I don't see that being a problem. He has no connection as such." I mumbled out quietly. "Give me another week and I will come to you with a sure thing."
"And this fuck in Chicago?" Teaspoons enquired.
"Sam will get him off, Cody will pop him off." The stupid shit had threated us, saying he would squeal if we didn't lawyer him up. The dumb fuck was dead either way.
I took another sip of my drink and for some reason chanced a look at the bar. I couldn't help but snort, as I saw Legs tapping her foot with her arms crossed over her chest giving me the evils. She was pissed.
"What is going on here?" 'T' enquired as he looked towards the crowd. I followed his eyes to see Cody pushing through everyone.
"Cody?"
"It's Wicks down in Jersey," Cody looked to me widening his eyes. I groaned knowing that my night was now over.
"The titty bar?" Teaspoon questioned with distaste.
"Yeah," Cody smirked, "He's saying the Russians have paid him a visit, roughed up some of the girls. Says he's going to sell up, in case they come back."
"I thought you got rid of that dump." Teaspoon voiced.
"It must have been bad. He's sounding scared enough to do it." Cody laughed in my direction.
"Has he forgotten that he actually doesn't own the place? The fucker is only there to run it. I own that shit." Cody couldn't wipe the stupid grin off his face.
"Whatever the problem, go sort it." Teaspoon told us as he slipped away. Being the boss he made sure that he didn't have to handle this mindless crap. That was what I was here for.
"Take some of your boys and go down there, make your presence known. Make those Russian fucks understand that is our territory down there, whatever their beef, they have no right messing with anyone or anything."
"You trying to start a war?" Cody chuckled seeming happy with the thought of that. Cody lived for confrontation and action. He became restless if nothing was happening, but then I guess I did too. If things were quiet then a storm was usually brewing.
"No I'm trying to put a stop to this before it goes any further. We cannot have them cross into our back yard and do this."
"The titty bar is tainted anyway. I say cut your loss and move on." Kid announced as he sauntered up to us as if he had been here all night.
"Why would you say that?"
"Got a feeling is all."
"You gotta give me something better than that." I told him frustrated.
"Last time I was picked up, the pigs asked me about some shit that I know was only discussed in that shit hole."
"And why the hell am I just hearing about this now?" I groaned at the Kids stupidity. This was the kind of thing that needed to be discussed.
"We haven't stepped foot in that cesspit in months I didn't think it would matter."
"I swear I have no idea where your fucking head is at half the time." I spat, "My name is on that shit hole, my fucking name, so if we have a rat on the inside I want to fucking know."
"Your right Jimmy, I didn't think." Kid agreed all too quickly. I gave him a questioning look. "What? I swear I forgot you were tied up in that place." He put his hands up in surrender.
Taking a deep breath in, I raised the rest of my scotch, before gulping it all back, "Well boys looks like we're spending a night in Jersey." I said with fake enthusiasm.
.
.
.
Over an hour and half later five of us were walking into the shithole that was 'Sweetwater'. Why it was called that, I have no fucking idea. The place was for all it was worth, a piece of shit.
Nothing sweet about it, not even the pussy was appetising. But yet it was still making money.
I had bought it in hopes that when we did dealings down here, we would have an office of sorts to come to. Plus I was young and the thought of free pussy at my disposal sounded good to.
But once I realised that the place was more trouble than what it was worth I hired Wicks to take over.
"Jesus Jimmy," Buck complained as he took a look at the state of the place.
"What is that god awful smell?" Ike asked as he covered his nose with his hand.
For Ike to say anything, I knew it was bad. That bald headed little bastard barely said two words on the best of days.
As I looked to Ike, I realised that this was the first time in years that we were all standing together. My boys had been made Capo's two years ago. They all had their own districts, their own Soldati's and their own lives.
Sure we still saw each other.
Once a week we had a sit down. 'T', myself and the Captiano's in the New York area. We all drunk and ate together two or three nights a week, but this was actually the first time in a long time we were looking at getting our hands dirty together.
I couldn't help but smile at that. These boys were like brothers to me. I loved them and trusted them, and for as sick as it was for me to admit this, I was looking forward to working with them on bringing down the Russian mongrels who decided it was time to play.
"Hey, if it isn't the big boss man," Garrett, the floor manager said as he held his hand out to shake mine.
"Garrett my man, what the hell happened to the place?" I asked as he and I both scanned the joint. "I didn't think it could get any worse than before. Guess I was wrong." I laughed.
"You telling me. Shit I have the girls complaining that they don't feel safe even sitting on the shitter. The place is dirty man." Garrett leaned into me. "Wicks is a prick Jimmy, a dirty one at that." Garrett was a straight up guy. This was his way of telling me to watch my back with Wicks. I wondered what else was going on besides turning this place into a dump. "Prick has already fled,"
"Any idea what the Russians wanted?"
"Na, man." He shook his head but looked around at his surroundings before whispering out the corner of his mouth. "Drugs,"
I shook my head and looked to my boys. It was one thing that we did not stand for. Drugs bought trouble like no other venture we dabbled in. So we made it a known fact that we would not get tied up in that. It was not how we made any of our money.
"Do me a favour big man. Send these horny fucks home and close this shit hole down,"
"Sure thing Jimmy."
The boys and I walked through the bar, bypassing the girls and the little patrons that had obviously chosen to stay.
As I neared the office I heard the music shut off and the sound of Garrett's big voice telling everyone to get the fuck out.
My eyes first landed on Dana. She was old enough to be my mother, and just like a mother she knew how to handle these girls. The scary thing was she still danced on stage.
My body did an involuntary shudder. But it is what it is.
"I'll meet you in the office," I told the boys before making my way over to the old dancer.
"Dana what happened here sweetheart?" She swung around to look at me.
"Oh Jimmy it was awful." She cried, "I was in the middle of my dance and they stepped up on stage and just grabbed me and dragged me to the back. I kicked and I screamed but the guy that had me was holding me so tight." She cried, as she pulled up the sleeves of her silk robe and showed me some nasty bruises that were already starting to form on her pale skin.
"Did they do this to your face?" I touched her cheek softly, trying not to put any pressure on her slightly swollen face.
"Yes. Two of the guys were trying to strip Sandra. I was scared they were going to rape her. I yelled for them to stop and kicked the guy that had me. I got free. But he back handed me before I could help anyone." She said sadly.
"Where was Garrett, Wicks?" I seethed,
"Garret was helping some of the other girls. I didn't see Wicks anywhere Jimmy."
"You did good honey." I told her, just as Cody was making his way towards me. "Dana sweetheart, you know anything about drugs in my club?"
She looked down at her shoes suddenly nervous. "Come on Dana,"
"I haven't seen any personally Jimmy. But I know some of the girls are using…and maybe selling."
"Fucking hell," I sigh. I can practically feel the cold hard steel around my wrists, when the cops barge through that front door to arrest my ass. "Who?" I snap, but regret it when I see Dana flinch. "I'm sorry honey."
"It's ok Jimmy."
"It's not, really it's not." I looked up at Cody knowing I needed to get moving. Standing here and yelling at Dana wasn't getting us anywhere.
"I want you to take a week off," I told her seriously.
"But Jimmy I have bills, kids…" I shook my head and pulled out my wallet giving her a grand.
"Take this, pay your bills shout your kids a meal." I placed the money into her small hand. I knew this woman, she was not a rat. I would stake my life on it.
"Thanks Jimmy, you're such a doll." She smiled before kissing my cheek.
Dana walked off leaving me with Cody.
"Bring the girls into the office one by one. I need to see who I have working for me."
"Sure thing Jimmy," Cody made his way over to the girls. Knowing he had it under control I walked into the office, once again cringing at the state of the place.
A dirty blue sofa that had tears in the fabric, and ugly stains all over it, lined the back wall. Nasty art work hung behind it. Buck and Ike were both sitting on the ugly sofa. "You boys are brave," I scoffed, "God knows what's been done on that disgusting thing."
"What we don't know won't hurt us." Buck smirked, as Ike nodded his agreement.
Kid sat on an old chair in the corner. His face was contorted in disgust as his eyes surveyed the room. "What's wrong fancy pants; ain't up to your standards?"
Kid laughed, "Is it up to anyone's standards?" Kid took another look around, "Jimmy the place is hideous."
"Yeah," I answered slightly embarrassed, "Cody is going to start sending girls in. I want to know who they are, what they saw, and what injuries they may have. Ike can you take note?"
"No worries,"
I opened one of the desk drawers finding a pen and some loose paper, passing them to Ike.
A soft knock had our attention to a beautiful blond standing at the door.
"Um…Hey sugar, I'm Dorthia. The gentlemen told me to come in here."
"Please Dorthia come in." I could see Kid in the corner of my eye straightening himself up. He was a sucker for a southern girl, especially one with big tits.
"Can you tell me what happened tonight Dorthia?"
"Well I'm not sure I'm going to be much help. I'm ashamed to say that I hid when I heard the commotion."
"Don't be ashamed, that was very smart." Kid told her sweetly, while I rolled my eyes in his direction. Fucker was always looking to score.
"Maybe, but I've seen the state of some of the girls. Monsters, that's what they were. Those are some sweet girls out there, they didn't deserve that." Dorthia whimpered.
"You're right Dorthia they didn't. So you didn't get a look at them or hear them say anything?" I asked her.
"No I did not see them. They weren't speaking English though. Not sure what it was, but it was not American."
"Thank you sweetheart," I smiled, "I'm giving you girls a week off, I want to get this place tidied up," I could see she was going to interrupt and I knew she was going to question money. "You will get full pay of course, but there won't be any tips sorry."
"That's quite alright sugar, though I know a few of these girls rely on both tips and wage."
"I will take care of it."
"Sure you will sugar." She winked.
"See you in a week Dorthia," She turned and walked out of the room, but stopped giving the next girl who was waiting, a soft squeeze of her arm, silently telling her that she was ok.
"Cody, who do we have here?" I asked, not knowing this girl at all. She was a pretty little thing, and I mean little. Surely she didn't even reach 5 foot.
"This is Pixie," He smirked.
"Pixie?" I questioned with raised eyebrows. Cody gave me a nod, before walking back out the door.
I looked the small fry over. What she lacked in height she definitely made up with attitude.
"So Pixie, is that your real name?"
"Yes. My parents were hippies." She shrugged as if no big deal.
"Well obviously they had high hopes for you. They gave you a stripper's name, and look here you are…A stripper." Kid laughed, like the asshole he can be.
"Fuck you." She snapped in his direction.
Kid flew at her, but Buck and I were quick and grabbed him before he could get to her. "Come on man, calm down." I laughed shoving him towards the infested sofa.
"Please," Pixie scoffed, "let him come at me," She laughed as she looked the Kid up and down as he wasn't a big threat.
"You silly girl," I laughed, "This fucker would kill you, take you, in that order, and not give a shit. I wouldn't push your luck." I looked to see both Ike and Buck were keeping him in check.
Pixie still looked like she didn't care, but shut her mouth all the same. "How long you been working here?"
"You're the big boss man shouldn't you know that?" I glared at her hoping she was able to tell I wasn't in the mood for her piss poor attitude. "Five months roughly." She snapped.
"Look sweetheart I heard some guys came in here and roughed a few of you up, I'm just trying to help, so leave the fucking attitude at the door." I snarled, "Understand?"
"Perfectly." She smiled, but it was as fake as her tits. In fact I couldn't see anything that I didn't find fake about her.
"Ike get this lady her last pay, we no longer require her…talent." I smiled not taking my eyes off of her.
"What?" She panicked, "That ain't fare,"
"I have no need for cold hearted frigid bitches in my joint. Collect your pay and leave."
Pixie stomped her feet and pouted out her lip before storming from the room.
"Why did you get rid of her, I liked her." Cody whined as he came back in.
"Bitch pissed me off; I'm not in the mood for that shit."
We went through six more girls dismissing two more and sending the others home for the rest of the week.
As the hours ticked on, the more I wanted this place tidied up. My name was on this shit hole and I'm embarrassed to set foot in here.
Not anymore.
After a feed and pulling the books out of Wicks file, we were ready to talk with the rest of the girls. I have gotten through this life so far with a keen sense of people. I know how to read them and I hope that my instincts didn't let me down in this case.
I had no doubt that the girls I had let go were bad seeds, and maybe a planted seed. Either way I had a good feeling in my gut that this place was now free of rats.
A low whistle from one of the boys caused me to look up from the books.
A beautiful dark headed girl stood in the door way. She was wringing her hands around each other as she bit into her lower lip.
I looked her over and could tell she was a healthy wee thing, but a big ugly grey jersey covered most of her.
She was beautiful, but not only that, she looked innocent, to innocent, under age even.
"Found her leaving out back," Cody smirked as he walked around her, his eyes giving her a good look over.
"No wonder profit has been up since we were last here," I heard Kid snort, but I did not look to him my eyes travelled over every inch of this girls body. I wanted to feel like a dirty old man, but I didn't.
"How old are you sweetheart?" Cody asked as he gave me a sideways look. He was obviously getting the young feeling.
"23" She spoke so timidly, it made me look at her more.
"You seem nervous," Kid stated as he took a step closer to the girl also. I knew he was just doing what we were here to do, but I didn't like him stepping up to her like that.
"She's not nervous, shy or timid," Buck observed as he watched the scene with piqued interest.
"Honey you are in a strip joint, you show your tits and pussy to any stranger that walks in here and here you stand trying to be shy." Buck told her as he stayed on the sofa, now looking bored with this whole situation. "I don't buy anything about her." He looked me in the eye and told me.
"I-I don't dance," her voice trembled slightly.
"What is it that you do then?" I asked.
"I'm…a…um…a waitress," Buck scoffed loudly at that.
I looked past her and stared at Buck slightly amused. Buck reads people better than anyone I know. Usually he doesn't voice his concerns in front of said person, but for some reason he isn't holding back with this girl.
"Really?" Cody asked sounding shocked. The girl nodded her head, "Well shit Jimmy, you could be making more money if she danced. What's the point in having the hot ones serving drinks?" Cody laughed in my direction before looking down at the girl, "I think you missed your calling sweet thing." Cody coughed causing the boys and me to laugh.
"Take off your clothes," Kid suddenly instructed all humour gone from the room in an instant.
The girl looked at him in shock, as did I. "I don't understand," she muttered.
"Did I stutter?" He hissed, causing Buck to get up off the sofa and ready to intervene once again.
"No but…." The girl looked around us all in a slight panic.
"Take your fucking clothes off then."
"Oi," I yelled at him, "Don't speak like that," I warned. There was no reason to treat her with such disrespect.
"Are you a cop?" The girl shook her head no. "Fed?" Once again she shook her head no.
"What is your name honey?" I asked her.
"Mia,"
"Can you show me your arms Mia?"
Mia looked confused but she pulled each arm out of her jersey and then pulled the jersey up and over her head.
She now stood in front of us in a tight singlet top and jeans that sat low and tight on her well rounded hips.
"You should never wear that baggy piece of shit again," Cody said as he sucked in his teeth looking the young girl over for the hundredth time since bringing her in here.
I picked up one of her hands and turned her arm softly so I was holding her hand with the palm side up.
Unlike a couple of other girls, her arms weren't littered with bruises, but she seemed to have a lot of scars that littered her soft skin. "Can you tell me what happened here tonight?" I asked as I gazed down into her big brown eyes.
Mia looked around the room to the boys.
"I'm asking darling, not them." I reminded her.
"Um…some men…"
"Speak up." I snapped not meaning too, but like Buck I wasn't really taking this shy act seriously. She was after all standing in a strip joint, even if she didn't take her kit off in front of the patrons she was still around naked people and dirty men, you had to have a back bone for this line of work.
"Some men came into the club."
"Were they rough with you?" I questioned.
"No not me. They really hurt one of the other girls." Mia looked up to me like she was deep in thought, "She's not here," she stated with concern.
I couldn't take my eyes off of her, "Sandra will be back next week," I told her to ease her worry.
"Well they hurt some of the girls, and they were also arguing amongst themselves." She told me.
I looked up as Garrett came into the office.
"What else can you tell me about them?"
Mia once again looked around the room seeming to be assessing who else was listening. That struck me as a suspicious. She seemed to like to be aware of her surroundings. She also observed a lot, which my mind was screaming at me "COP" but my gut didn't feel that at all.
"Well?" I urged.
"They're looking for someone and something." She once again surveyed the room, before her eyes locked with mine. "They were discussing a Louise and Emma." She said confidently making my blood ran cold as I stared at her in shock.
In the back ground I could hear Kid yelling, but I didn't register any of it. Mia still stood in front of me. Her body flinched with every profanity Kid shouted at her.
I knew one of the others was holding him back from ripping the girl apart.
I calmly looked over to Garret the floor manager, "Did you hear any of this?"
"No sir, they only spoke Russian," shaking his head profusely as he looked between me and Mia.
"You speak Russian?" Mia nodded her sweet little head at me. "What else did they say?"
"They just joked about what they wanted to do to the girls. But one of the girls willingly went with them. It looked like she knew them."
"Did they know you understood what they were saying?" Thinking cop or not this girl was in trouble if they did.
She seemed to think about this, which was odd. I mean she either knew or she didn't. "No." she gulped, which had me thinking she had no idea.
"Buck," I yelled wanting him to put someone on Emma and Sam.
"Already on it Jimmy." I nodded my head, and looked to Kid. He had Ike and Cody on either side of him, his eyes wild with rage.
"Kid get someone on Teaspoon and Lou. I don't think we should underestimate these fucks." He blinked a few times and looked my way.
"Four of your best Kid," His eyes were still not focused, but he was coming back.
I placed my hands on the tops of his shoulders and looked straight at him. "I need you…" He shook his head, clearing it and gave me a nod of recognition.
"If anything happens…"
"We won't let it." I assured him. "Now go."
Kid took off with his cell already to his ear. As much as the Kid fucked up, he loved Louise and would never let any harm come to her.
If only he could see that his sleeping around was doing just as much damage.
"Ike I want you to go through security tapes, I want faces." Ike got up off the Sofa and went straight to work.
"Mia where do you live?"
"Not far from here." She whispered vaguely, but I didn't push, not yet. For some reason I wanted to be sure before I let this one go.
"Thank you for telling us what you heard, you didn't have to."
"That's ok. I hope that Louise and Emma are alright." I felt like she was looking straight through me as she stared straight in my eyes. "That man looked worried…is that one of their husbands?" She asked carefully.
To carefully.
"No," I said truthfully. Kid and Louise were not hitched yet and I saw no reason for her to know.
I still couldn't tear my eyes away from her. Something was drawing me in and I wasn't ready to walk away.
"Jimmy you coming?" Cody questioned reminding me I had a job to do.
"Yeah," I sighed as I left Mia without another word spoken. I walked through the club telling Garrett that I didn't care if he had to sleep here, Wicks was not allowed through that door until further notice. I also told him that I would be sending a construction crew here as soon as I could. Until he hears otherwise from me, this place is closed.
I jumped into Cody's jeep and dialled Buck, who had already fled to Sam's.
I hoped that he was able to track down Sam and Emma. I knew they had been out this evening and I also knew Sam was going to be pissed that we were about to interrupt his evening.
"Jimmy I'm putting Sam on."
"Buck no…"
"What the fuck is going on Jimmy?" Sam roared down the phone.
"Unconfirmed, a threat has been made on Emma," I couldn't take the word of the girl for sure but I couldn't also ignore what she had heard.
Silence was all I could hear on the phone.
"Jimmy I'm due in Chicago tomorrow for Cyrus's trial." I swear I could hear the wheels turning in his head. "I don't want her knowing."
"Sam she is a smart woman, she will know."
"You will escort her to the Police Commissioners Gala tomorrow night. I should be home the same time it is wrapping up."
"Sam," I groaned. I hated those things.
"You will do this for me Jimmy. You will do this for Emma. I will not have her going alone."
"You know I will."