Page 23 of Retribution

“Have Topaz deal with her,” I told my right-hand man, Manuel, aka Manny.

I left the rocker and walked to the intersection leading to the main area. There were no doors here except for the restricted areas and the entrance. We had no women, or children here. This underground domain was mine and I made sure it remained free of the outside world. Cell phones did not work here, but we did have a telephone system, and electricity.

For entertainment there was a games room, a lounge, as well as a fiber optic network for television networks above ground. Our boxing and martial arts arena – the fight club – were for keeping the men in shape and hosting professional fights. There was even a canteen and a store. I had turned this section of the underground tunnel into a city, and I would be damned if some woman ruined it for me.

These underground tunnels were built in the early 1900s and were mostly located in Chicago. What most people didn’t know was that there was a secret tunnel that passed through Champaign. This was now my residence – my domain.

This was where all my work took place – the drugs and our printery. Therefore, I couldn’t risk my men getting involved with Dimucci. Topaz was an associate who did most of my work above ground, for a commission. He and his crew were not a part of my organization, but I could always count on him when needed.

The music from our lounge blasted through the spaces that carried sound so well. I looked down the winding path and beckoned to Amaz, who trotted over.

“Yes Boss,” he greeted.

“Find out all you can about a woman working with Dimucci named Ciara.”

I didn’t know how fast Topaz would act, but I wanted her information for safe keeping, just in case. After speaking with Amaz, I went to check up on my son who the doctor had sedated. There was nothing the doctor could do to save his eye, so he would need to stay here with me until he was healed. Micheal, I refused to call him by his street name, was sleeping peacefully.

I loved my son, but I wasn’t about to risk all that I’d worked for to seek revenge. So long as Topaz took care of her, I’d be fine. And so long as she didn’t touch my baby girl living in Urbana.

Our telephones worked only here and was not connected above; therefore, Manny would have to venture above to contact Topaz. It’s been twenty minutes since I gave the instruction so he should be close to the entrance by now. Manny should receive the message within the next ten minutes.

From my standpoint, the task should be completed within twenty-four hours. By tomorrow this time I should get word of her demise. If not, then she would definitely be a threat to me and my business.

* * *

Wack!

The cane landed on Bilbo’s cheek. He reeled back and fell on his ass. I advanced and he scrambled backwards, his arms coming to shield from another hit to his head.

It was almost twenty-four hours without a word from above and I was losing my patience. People were skimming off my business while some woman threatened my son.

“You worthless piece of shit!” I snarled. “How could you lose three kilos?” The tip of the cane next to his nose. “Next time I see you, I see my goods. Get outta my site!”

This was what I had to deal with on a regular basis. There was always one who didn’t fit, one you couldn’t trust. I couldn’t blame Bilbo for losing my pearl, he was just an idiot used as scapegoat.

Bilbo scrambled away just as Manny rushed in. “Boss!”

“Tell me something good.”

“It’s not good Boss.”

I closed my eyes and rolled my neck in frustration. Because of the shitting little nephew of mine I had to deal with Dimucci. And these incompetent little shits around had no god damn use. It seemed I had to come out of retirement to deal with this woman and the Dimucci clan myself.

“Tell me,” I muttered.

“She got Topaz, but she sent another message.”

“What is it?”

Manny fidgeted. “It’s one of Topaz’s men. He’s in the infirmary.”

I opened my eyes wide. “You brought a total stranger in my domain?” I lifted my cane and pointed it at his chest. “Have you completely lost your mind?”

“We covered…”

SMACK! The cane struck an elbow. Manny grabbed his arm with a howl.

“Boss…”