Downed and Drowned
As I lined up on my latest target, a flash of light burst right in front of my face, showering me with hot bits of shrapnel. The force of the impact was enough to knock me back and I lost my footing just as the train roared past. Then, darkness. Still, quiet darkness. My mind wandered through space and time, processing every decision which led me to this moment.
It had been a long journey since those terrible days in France. Despite every attempt, I had failed to find peace or safety. Now the thought occurred to me, my greatest fear might well have just come true. My sister would have to go on without me, as would me new family. They were in danger, yet I could not pull myself out of this one. The rolling current of the Missouri was pulling me down beyond the reach of moonlight. So I relaxed, and tried to accept what was to come in a few moments when I finally ran out of air.
"They'll never stop hunting you." Those words repeated themselves in my mind as time slowed to a crawl. Perhaps it was for the best that I died right here. There was a chance that everyone else could find their own haven. If they were only after me, then pursuing the rest would be a waste of time. When a hunter has killed its prey, they usually celebrate a job well done and go home, confident in their victory. If that was what the Green Ones were planning on doing now, I would happily let the river have me.
In my last moments of consciousness, a red glow appeared before me. I could no longer tell if I was suspended in water or in some void. Perhaps this was a mercy of the mind as it shut down? The red glow quickly took form beneath me. I recognized the symbol now; it was that spirit which had been following me since the Argonne. Was this my reward in death? Or was it punishment that awaited me? The judge soon presented himself as a tall dark figure of a feline with jet-black fur and piercing emerald eyes materialized from the inky void which surrounded me. With a red-hot spear blade in one hand and a hammer in the other, he was both craftsman and warrior.
"What do you want with me?!" I demanded. Silence was my answer. Perhaps this was a figment of my imagination?
The stranger instead looked up and faded back into darkness. The crimson symbols which now surrounded me began to fade as well. But then some force began to move me upward. With a sudden burst of energy, I found my body fighting for air. I now had a new goal, to survive! I wanted to live after all, death had not yet earned me. I broke the surface, gasping as my lungs yearned for fresh air. They were both filled with the cool night air as I found myself getting pulled along the surface of the water. The river had changed its mind about taking me.
Coughing up muddy water, I crawled my way onto a sand bar barely peaking out of the water, I collapsed and took in all that had just transpired. Things were making sense now. A bullet had ruptured the action of my rifle and set off the magazine. The cold air highlighted the damage. Not severe but still quite painful. The little shards of steel and lead buried in the skin around the side of my face were going to be a challenge to remove, but the pain was good right now. It confirmed that I was, in fact, alive.
I looked skyward at the moon shining down on me, and I prayed to whoever might listen that my family would remain safe. Sitting up to check over the rest of my body, I looked upstream and saw lights in the distance by the bridge. The river had sucked me under for three hundred yards or more. Anger began to rise up within me now. The Green Ones hurt and possibly killed Freckle. They almost succeeded in killing me. And the words of that one gangster came back to me in this moment, they would keep hunting Rocky and now he was more vulnerable than ever. My mind flashed to a possible future. The Green Ones all murdered, their many operations ablaze, the Chicago Outfit fleeing the city in fear of my wrath. But more rational thoughts took hold. As good as I might be with a rifle, one cat could not bring down the Green Ones. This sharpshooter that had almost succeeded in killing me was not lucky. No, I was lucky my exploding rifle didn't take my face off. I was also lucky that the river decided to show mercy tonight.
Checking my pockets, I pulled out the note I had written earlier. It was soggy, but still legible. With any luck, he would still be awake at this hour. Now all I would have to do is find a telephone…
Belly of the Beast
Two hours later, headlights found me on the street corner just outside the city. It's lights dimmed, revealing the vehicle to be a sleek black sedan which quickly came to a stop. The face which emerged from the car was not friendly, but still welcome.
"You are late, Mr. Kelly. Mitzi said you were to arrive hours ago." Mordecai said as he adjusted his glasses.
"There were some… complications." I replied, standing up, shivering from the cold. Mordecai looked me up and down before rolling his eyes.
"As long as you are still capable of eliminating targets, the offer remains open. There are dry blankets and a coat in the backseat."
Driving back, I could tell that Mordecai was less than thrilled with his late-night errand. "You failed to mention that you had fallen into the river." Mordecai commented as I dried myself as much as possible in the back seat. "And please remain clothed until we arrive at Santino's office."
I looked around in the dim light, realizing that I had tracked in more mud and slime than I had meant to. "You probably aren't going to like all the mud back here. This isn't your car, I hope."
"Thankfully, no. It is a borrowed car from Santino's fleet. Still, it is a shame to spread filth in such an exquisite machine. An eight-cylinder engine, three speed transmission, armor plating, and bullet proof glass."
"As great as that sounds, Mordecai, I have other things on my mind than the car."
Mordecai sighed, the fine craftsmanship of a machine which he appreciated was being ignored yet again. "So, what happened?"
"How much time do you have?"
"Approximately a half an hour but try not to ramble."
"The Green Ones ambushed us. A sharpshooter put a bullet through Calvin's side. Later, when we were attempting to get someplace safe, we were ambushed again. The sedan was shot to Hell so I took what ammunition I had and held them off while the others crossed the river and made their way toward town. A bullet caught my rifle, exploded the cartridges in the magazine, and sent me into the river."
"That sounds… unpleasant."
Was that his attempt to sympathize? Oh well I didn't need sympathy. I needed weapons and a plan. Mordecai then asked another question. "Was Alena involved in this disaster?"
"What? No, of course not."
"What is her current location? Is she safe?"
"Heller, I just walked three miles after taking a swim in the river, I don't kno—"
"Is Viktor's daughter safe?" Mordecai flashed me a look that told me he needed to know.
I sighed at the ridiculous question. "Yes, Mordecai, she's as safe as anyone else in this city. Last I knew, she was on the college campus. When Ivy joins her, they'll both stay at the university if they have a lick of sense between them."
"Good…" Was all Mordecai said in response.
"…what's it to you, anyway?" I asked.
"I… would not want to see her involved in this situation. Viktor should not have been involved either, his death was needless. History repeating itself would be nothing short of tragic."
"Oh God, please don't tell me I have to play therapist for you. If you need to see a shrink, surely you have the resources."
"I do not require psychoanalysis, Ethan. I was merely expressing concern for the safety of a former colleague's daughter."
"That's not really your thing though, is it? Caring about people."
"In this line of business it is often best to not get attached. If she and Mrs. Pepper are safe, then that is all I care about."
"Fine then, good enough for me. Let's change the subject back to more pressing matters." I said as I stuffed the towel into the seat behind me before using the other one to cover myself.
"Agreed. Shall we start with hardware? What materials do you require? Weapons, ammunition… trench knives? …Dynamite?"
"For the moment, there is one item I do need. Still know the way to Lackadaisy?"
Sneaking down the steps, I cracked open the door after wrestling with the keys for a few moments. Slowly opening the door, all was quiet in the speakeasy. It was now almost four in the morning so the place had been closed up now for two or three hours. In the dim light, blued steel caught my eye. Sitting on it's rest, ready for use in the field yet again was Viktor's rifle. Forty-three inches of cold steel and worn walnut was just the tool I would need, all maintained by yours truly just like a good soldier. Slipping the rifle off of the rack, I slung it over my shoulder. shut the door behind me, taking care not to wake anyone. Mordecai was less impressed in the car.
"Of all the weapons at your disposal, you needed that old thing?"
"This old thing is what killed twenty Marigold in a quarry. And it's taken out a dozen other targets since then. Besides, I thought you wanted a soldier? Well, this is a soldier's gun."
Night was fading when we arrived at Santino's office. From the outside it looked like any old warehouse in the city, but inside it was a bustling center of activities. Crates of all kinds were being moved about. No doubt most of the goods were illegal in one way or another. It was amazing how much crime was being committed right under the noses of the authorities. Of course, when you had the financial backing of Chicago, you can afford a few bribes.
The big man wasn't there, but his right-hand man was. I was still cleaning out mud from my ears when Mordecai brought me inside. I saw Fresina bent over a map of the city, clearly planning something big. He looked up and smiled at us both when we entered.
"Ah, Mordecai! Both a night owl and an early bird, I see."
"Not quite… but I have retrieved a new ally for Santino's alliance."
"Yes, and this must be him?" Fresina stuck a hand out. I looked at him for a moment before returning the favor and shaking is hand. He was well-dressed. One might even call it flamboyant, at least by gangster standards.
"Fresina, this is Ethan Kelly. A specialist as the Lackadaisy. Ethan, this is Carmelo Fresina. Santino's most trusted advisor."
"A pleasure, I'm sure." I said.
"No, the pleasure is mine! Your reputation precedes you. I hear all sorts of things from the streets and other gangsters. Tell me, is what they say about you true?"
I hesitated to reveal too much, but apparently Fresina knew who I was. "I am the ghost."
The room got still in an instant as others took notice. I looked around and could see something strange in all sets of eyes. Fear. Fresina didn't look afraid though. Instead he looked curious to know more.
"So, did you kill all those people in the old Sable pit?"
"…yes. Though I did have help."
"And you killed that detective? Moreau, wasn't it?"
"We had a history. It was resolved that day."
"And all those people this past summer?"
"—Mr. Fresina. I don't mean to be rude, but I would like to get to work as soon as possible."
"Ah, professional attitude! No wonder Mordecai wanted you to roll with us. Well, let's get to it, shall we?" Fresina gestured that Mordecai and I should follow him out of the conference room in the back. The tour would have been more interesting if I wasn't worried about the others. Even so, there were medical staff, armorers, mechanics, messengers, accountants, and all kinds of other staff present in the facility. Clearly, they weren't hurting for cash, supplies, or manpower. I couldn't help but think of what Lackadaisy could have accomplished with all these resources.
"It is impressive, isn't it?" Mordecai said as we stood there only half listening to Fresina drone on about their different operations.
"It is."
"You should have seen Lackadaisy in its prime. The operations here don't hold a candle to that place."
"Someone's nostalgic."
"I merely appreciate a well-run organization."
"Are you two listening?" Fresina asked, genuinely sounding hurt that we were having our own discussions.
"Apologies, sir, but every moment I am here my family is in greater peril."
"I see. Well, that is understandable. Heller, why don't you call in some backup from the Russos. I believe your two friends would enjoy the reunion."
Mordecai rolled his eyes. "I will see what I can do. Ethan, be ready in an hour."
Now alone with the mafia boss, he took me to someplace more private with the promise of ammunition and whatever else I might need. However, he had other things on his mind. "You're new here so I can trust you… as ironic as that statement is."
"Trust me how? And with what?"
"Oh, I just need your opinion, Mr. Kelly. Tell me, can I trust Heller?"
"I suppose that depends." I said, waiting for more details on what this was about.
"You see, we've got a spy in our midst. Some bird has been squawking to the competition and it got Frank Russo in a tight spot a while back. Would Mordecai be a double agent?"
"Well, he has turned his back on everyone he's worked for in the past. But I suspect that if the Green One's knew of Mordecai's treachery, then they would kill him instead of use him."
"So he wouldn't be a suspect?"
"Unless there was something else that I'm unaware of, I don't think you have to worry about Mordecai. So far as I know, his agenda aligns with yours. That's more trustworthy than anything else."
"True. But if that's the case, I'd like you to do something for me. If you figure out who this spy is, come to me with that information. Don't let word spread to parties who don't need to know."
"I think I can handle that."
"Good. Now, what do you need?"
I thought it over for a moment before answering. "You got any 30-06?"
Reunion
Mordecai returned exactly an hour later. I still wasn't completely comfortable working with him, but what options did I have at this point? At least Santino's gang was well-equipped. I now had a case of ammunition and stripper clips for days, even more than I carried with me during my first week on the frontlines.
"I thought you might appreciate this." Mordecai said as he handed me an oddball pistol I had not seen before.
"What the heck is this?"
"It's called a Webley Mark VI. Double action. It breaks open, so you can reload it quicker than that police special you carried. When you open the gun, it will eject the spent casings automatically. Ammunition is scarce, but one of Santino's specialists can load as much as you need."
I inspected the gun closely. It was sleek, blackened steel, and made by Enfield. I nodded in gratitude. Before Fresina interrupted us. "Now as I understand it, you and a couple of our guests have a history. So don't immediately shoot them in the face."
In walked two people I had never expected to see again. Wearing wicked smiles, Sera lit up a cigarette and tossed the lighter to Nico who did the same. I tensed up, rising from my seat. The gun was unloaded but I wasn't about to make it easy for them. Before I could rush in, Mordecai stopped me with a hand and shot me a glance of disapproval.
"Well, look at what the river dragged up! We heard you took a swim, cher." Sera said.
"I thought I ran you two out of town. What? Was I unclear?"
Nico laughed. "Oh, you was clear alright! But when we heard about this little reunion… well, we wouldn't miss it for the world!"
"You're late." Mordecai growled in annoyance.
"We arrive when we mean to. It's still early, you know." Sera retorted.
"This is just typical. You two don't have any concept of time or schedules. Has it occurred to you that there is a reason for this alliance? That perhaps Ethan and I aren't here to have fun?"
"Everyone just relax." Fresina said, kicking up his heels and lighting a fancy cigar. "The day is too young to start it off reopening wounds."
"Carmelo is correct." Mordecai said, adjusting his glasses. "We have work to do, so what's our first target?"
"Glad you asked, friend. The Green Ones are eliminating competition one-by-one. This is the big boss of them all, Vito Giannola." Fresina produced a photograph and stuck it on a bulletin board.
"Cuttin' off the head of a snake doesn't mean it won't bite." Nico commented, cigarette hanging from his lips.
"Our Cajun friend is correct. We need to work our way up the ladder, eliminate anyone who might step in to take Vito's place. This is where we thought your experience may come in handy, Ethan."
I looked across the board at all the faces to eliminate. I didn't recognize any of them. However, there was one rule that we tried to follow in the trenches…
"We need to break down the chain of command and disrupt their movements. But to do so we are going to need information."
Fresina smiled. "Santino floated the idea of an assault on their headquarters."
"No, you don't have the manpower for that." I countered. "And I don't have a plan yet. But my family is in danger, and you will only have my full allegiance when they are safe."
Fresina's smile dropped from his face, but he shrugged his shoulders. "Very well. Go track down your family. Maybe you'll find something useful while you're at it."
I walked toward the door before turning around to look at Mordecai. "If you care about keeping those girls safe, you'll help me."
He thought about it for a moment before sighing. "I suppose you could use the support."
"And as for you two, how'd you like to have some fun?"
Sera and Nico smiled and looked at each other. "I'll get the big gun." Sera said. I stopped them both at the door with a warning. "But just remember I showed you mercy once. Cross me, or hurt the people I love, and I will not show it again." I could almost sense a sly smile from Mordecai in the distance as he picked out a fresh vehicle from the fleet stored in the busy warehouse.
"Why Sable's residence?" Mordecai asked from the passenger seat as I gave directions to the estate to Nico.
"That's where I told the others to go. If they made it, they'll be there. That's the one, Nico. Biggest house in the neighborhood."
The two Cajuns were in awe of the mansion. Nico's jaw dropped at the sheer size of the place as he brought the car up to the front steps. "We should be calling this guy Maitre Sable."
"He's less arrogant than the property would have you believe." I said before stepping out of the vehicle. "This shouldn't take long…"
The butler answered the door but didn't seem to register any emotion. "Ah, Sable said you might turn up."
"Is everyone else here?"
"Well, the children are at least."
"Thank God!" I exclaimed, looking to the sky in gratitude. "Can I see them?"
"Of course, Mr. Kelly. And I'm sure they'll be pleased to see you!"
Both of them were in the kitchen eating breakfast. It felt like déjà vu seeing Riley once again. She flew out of her chair and was immediately in my arms, face buried in my chest as I let her down. "You promised not to do that again."
"I know, Riley. And I'm so, so sorry for breaking that promise."
A second bundle of fur hugged me as well, which was surprising considering that Joseph and I hadn't interacted much. "Rocky will be happy." He said, looking up into my eyes. "Does this mean we can go home?" He continued.
"I… don't think so. Not yet anyway. Now, where is Rocky?"
"He went to the farm." Riley said.
"The farm? Why? That place is probably being watched like a hawk."
"He was going to get our books and clothes."
The pieces suddenly started falling into place in my mind. This was a three-part ambush. I hoped I was wrong, but Rocky could be walking straight into a trap. I stood up and immediately went for the door.
"Wait, where are you going, Ethan?" Riley called after me.
"Rocky is in danger, Riley. I'll be back soon, just hold tight here."
Ain't No Grave
Bang.
Rocky slumped into the hole, eyes closed. He felt no pain yet could still think. Was this what death was like? Suddenly, something heavy fell on top of him. He opened his eyes only to find himself staring right into Elias' face. He looked up and saw Matt utterly shocked, trying to figure out where the shot came from. A second bullet pierced the cat's leg, sending him to the ground and out of view. Unsure of what to do, Rocky stayed in the hole, hoping that whoever this new attacker was wouldn't see him too. A face blocked the morning sun, casting a shadow over Rocky.
"I suggest removing yourself from the grave, Rickaby. We have need of it." Mordecai said as two other figures joined him, one with a large rifle and the other with a shovel.
"Heller?" Rocky said, confused.
"Indeed. Nico, help the boy out."
With one big motion, Nico swooped down and pulled Rocky out by his bound hands, letting him land on the ground. "This was quite unexpected, but why are you of all people here?" Rocky asked, spitting out some blood from getting smacked around earlier.
"We're with him." Nico said as he pointed with his thumb to the fourth member of their crew. A tall cat dressed in a dark coat. He bent down slowly to pick up the old campaign hat before dusting it off. It was Ethan!
Matt was almost to the vehicle, but a third rifle shot blew half is hand off just as he was reaching for the door. Screaming in agony, Matt rolled over and looked back at his attacker. In a last-ditch attempt to save himself, Matt produced a pistol with his left hand and tried to cock back the hammer, but a swift boot kick knocked it away. The dark-clothed stranger had a fire in his eyes and looked like death itself had come for him.
"Who are you?"
"You know who I am." I said. "I'm the man your crew sent into the river last night."
"But… I saw you. You got shot! How?"
"Didn't anybody ever tell you? You can't kill a ghost!" I growled. "And no grave can hold me."
I let it all sink in for a moment so the cat who was helpless beneath my feet could feel the existential dread I knew Rocky had been just subjected to. Yet, the cat's face hardened with defiance. "If you're going to kill me, just do it."
"Not before you tell me what I want to know. Now, who's the sharpshooter you had at the bridge?"
I felt a hand on my shoulder just then. It was Mordecai. "If you don't mind, Ethan, I will handle this."
"What, the good cop-bad cop routine?" Matt spat.
Mordecai looked down at his new prey with a predatory stare. "I am no amateur. I suggest taking notes, Mr. Kelly, because this is how you interrogate someone…" Mordecai's shadow loomed large over Matt as he saw his own horrified expression reflected back at him in the cat's glasses.
While Sera and Nico enjoyed watching Mordecai work, I turned my attention to Rocky, who was sitting at the edge of the field away from us. I approached slowly, making sure the rifle's safety was engaged. He was currently wrestling with his rope bindings, so I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small knife before kneeling down in front of him. "Here, let's get that damn rope off you."
"No need!" He replied, managing to slip one hand out followed by the other.
"Where did you learn that trick from?"
"The circus! But I never was good at getting out of traps with a time limit impos—" He stopped as dropped the knife and hugged him tight. I couldn't help but let out a rattled breath as the fear I had been holding back this whole time was let loose.
"I'm sorry, Rocky. You and Freckle are my family and I almost got you both killed. But I'm done being a fool. It's time to end this war before anyone else we care about gets hurt."
I could hear his muffled voice speak out from my borrowed coat. "I'm tired, Ethan."
"I know, buddy. So am I. We'll get back to Wick's place soon."
"Aces." He replied as I ran my hand through his hair. "I'll get the clothes and books I came for from the house."
"You do that, we should be good to go shortly."
Sera noticed that both Mordecai and Ethan had their backs turned, and she had her BAR loaded and ready. "It would be so easy" a voice in her head said. She looked back at Ethan and checked the safety of her rifle. Nico took notice of this and, anticipating what his sister wanted to do, he got in the way. They couldn't afford to have both the feds and this "alliance" coming after them. He shook his head no and Sera relented. He was usually content to follow her lead, but on the rare occasion Nico objected to something, it was usually for a good reason. Stowing her anger away, she turned around just as Mordecai waved them over.
"I have completed the task. You may do with this one as you please." He said, cleaning blood off of his hands. The Savoys both smiled as they realized what kind of a gift their former colleague was giving them. Mordecai didn't see the point in taking pleasure in other people's suffering, but he did understand the purpose behind letting a couple of hyenas have their fun now and then. It gave them a drive to continue working with him and this alliance.
Mordecai approached Ethan while wiping the last of the man's blood from his glasses. "The shooter's name is Henry. Or at least that's what name he goes by. Sounds experienced, I doubt he's using his real name."
"That Henry is going to continue being a problem for us until he's taken care of." I deduced. "He's at least as good as me with a rifle."
"Which means we'll have to be careful."
"Agreed. Anything else useful?"
"I procured this notebook. It has a list of pick-ups and drop-offs along with dates and locations."
"Ooh, that is useful, isn't it? See, coming out here was not a complete waste of your time. Thank you, truly. I know Rocky doesn't mean much to you, but if he had been killed today, I don't think any of us would recover."
"Tell Mitzi when you see her that this was a professional courtesy. She's fond of that one. And I hope this finally convinces her to close up shop."
"She'll take some convincing, but I'm not letting my crew run liquor for Lackadaisy if I can't protect them. You've got my full attention from now until this turf war has been settled."
"Excellent. Now, what do you propose we do next?"
"Someone will come around in the next couple of days. We should make it look like these two hired guns disappeared. We'll have to cause some trouble in town, and that'll bring the war back to the streets where you'll have an advantage. And what about the other matter?"
"I haven't made any progress lately. It appears that you and Rickaby were correct. The suspect list is simply too long."
"Well, since you've helped me with this mess, I'll help you with yours if you like."
"I shall keep that in mind. Now, what should be our next move?"
"Next move? I saw we regroup tonight. For now though, I should check on the others."
"Very well, Ethan. I'll see to it that the Savoys dispose of this car."
"No, my crew need new wheels and these two thugs owe us a car. I'll just swap the plates with the broken down one across the river."
One More Stop
Rocky and I were soon speeding down the river road, license plates successfully exchanged. It was sad to see that old sedan in such a sorry state. It was abandoned on a road to nowhere, all shot through with what must have been a hundred different bullets. Rocky especially was upset to have to leave it. Considering that at one point it was his home, that car meant a lot to him. Perhaps if I could get a tow truck out to the car before the cops find it? That might be for the best. If nothing else, we could dump it in the woods behind the farm fields.
"Ethan?"
"Yeah?"
"Did you know I was going to be killed when you showed up?"
"I had a sneaking suspicion, yes."
"I just realized that if you had been a minute late, they would have shot me."
"I know, Rocky. That's why I'm grateful I got here just in time."
"Why do I feel like I can't stop shaking?" He asked, showing me is trembling hands.
"It's a side effect of adrenaline. The first time someone tried to kill me, I had the same reaction."
"Really? When was that?"
"When I was fourteen, Moreau almost killed me right alongside my uncle. He was going to shoot me but didn't. I had never been so scared before in my life! My legs could barely carry me out of that alley."
"And yet you were so calm last night on the bridge…"
"Rocky, we all have to die someday. If I had drowned in the river after giving the rest of you a chance to escape, I would have been at peace with it. When you've stared death in the face enough times, the reaper feels more like an old rival than a spirit of nature. But now I'm curious about why you're asking all these questions. You've faced death almost as many times as me, Rocky. Did you really get spooked that bad by these guys?"
"I… I can't explain it." Rocky said. "Almost dying at the hands of a couple of rubes is just a normal Tuesday for me, but this time was different. I couldn't stop thinking about how much of a failure I'd be."
"Oh Rocky, all of us fail. But now you've got a chance to do some things differently. There's one mistake in particular I'm going to fix right now. Where does your father live, exactly?"
Ulysses wrote down everything that he was being told over the telephone. By the sound of it, Ransom had quite the evening! "This is perfect, Mr. Rickaby. We're going to get out there as soon as possible to try and figure out who your attackers were. This might lead us right some of the movers and shakers in the St. Louis underground. Terrible shame about Ethan Kelly though. He called himself the "Ghost of Charlevaux" at the bridge? Are you sure you heard correctly?"
"What else would that rhyme with?" Ransom retorted. I don't know yet if he's dead for certain, but the way Rocky described it, he got shot in the face then fell into the river."
"I'll have to send some people out to search the river for corpses then. Thank you, Ransom. Now, do you think you can get in with the other gangs?"
"Hard to say. Ethan was my ticket to the inside. They all wanted him and nobody else at Lackadaisy."
"Well, I'm sure you'll figure out something. Keep up the good work, you'll be cleared for parole in no time."
Ransom hung up the phone and pinched the bridge of his nose. The pain was almost unbearable now, and all that running last night didn't help matters. He made a note to see a doctor as soon as possible to figure out what was going on with the cancer in his gut. Looking out the window through the broken glass, he saw a strange car pull up. Was it the feds? No, he wasn't that high up the ladder. Instead, Rocky hoped out of the passenger door. "Ha, the kid got himself a new set of wheels already!" He smiled. His smile faded instantly when he saw who was driving.
Knocking on the door, Rocky could hardly contain himself with the good news that I had made it out of that shootout by the river. The door opened and out came Ransom, dressed in a bathrobe and a wifebeater shirt.
"Rocky, you found him! Alive and well, no less."
"No Dad, Ethan found me. But he's alive! Can you believe it?!"
"I am struggling to believe it, yes. Ethan, how did you-?"
"I got lucky. See?" I pointed at the scabbed over parts of my face that were littered with shrapnel. "A bullet set off the magazine. Whole rifle blew up in my hands."
"Well, this is good news, isn't it? So we'll be able to get down the speakeasy tonight for normal—"
"No, Ransom, we're not going to the speakeasy. Actually, Rocky and I are going to meet with Santino's gang. If you still wanted to come with, we've got room in the new car."
"So now you're willingly letting me tag along?" He asked, confused.
"Ransom, I need to apologize. My own father was a piece of work, and by all accounts you were no different at one point. But I've been letting my past cloud my judgement. Clearly, you've got Rocky's and the kids' best interest in mind. So, I'm sorry for how I've acted and I hope we can start fresh. I'd rather not have more enemies than necessary when I'm about to go fight the Green Ones on their home turf."
Ransom stood there, not knowing what to say. Despite all the odds, he was finally part of the in-crowd. Not only that, but he was going to be able to record conversations from the bosses of other gangs.
"Apology accepted. No hard feelings, right?"
"Correct."
"Aces!" Rocky exclaimed. "But you can't go off taking down the Green Ones without pants."
Ransom looked down at himself, realizing for the first time that day what kind of a mess he looked like. "Give me a few minutes to get dressed, and we'll get underway."
Soon the three of us were headed back to Santino's office. It was time to put the Green Ones on the back heel!