Sang
Once we touched down in Chicago, I smirked. This was my home. I was in control here. No one could cross me and I had people watching my back. I didn't show it, but in Charleston, I was caught off guard. We had been in their field and now they were in mine.
Now, I need to find Rocky. Luckily, it was already night, the time where all my friends come out of the shadows. I straight up ignore the boys. I explained how Chicago worked and what my plan, so couldn't they just shut up!
Annoyed at the bickering boys, I turn around, "Shut up already! You are making yourselves so obvious. I need silence, God dammit!"
That shut them up. I continued walking down the street towards the Southside of Chicago. Rocky enjoys spending his night at the Green Door Tavern which he owned. If you know how to get in, there is an underground level complete with strip dancers where he does business. It is well-known on the dark net.
Once we got close to my destination, I addressed the boys, "Don't do anything stupid. Stay close to me and say you're with me if anyone asks. Don't call me by my name. I don't go by Sang here. Do not cause trouble unless you are willing to kill them. That's how it is here. If you get into a fist fight, kill the person you are fighting because or else they will come back with a gun to shoot you. I am in charge. North is acting as the leader of you boys. He looks the part and that's all that matters on the street. Am I clear?"
A chorus of "I am willing and will obey," followed.
With that taken care of, I head into the Green Door Tavern. It honestly looks like a type of biker bar at first. I nod towards one of Rocky's men as his eyes widen in recognition. He immediately leaves his post to go warn Rocky. As I said, last time I was here, I had pissed off Ace and ran to Rocky. Everything smoothed over and Ace loved Mel, so everything turned out fine. But now everyone underneath Rocky seems like a sign for trouble.
I won't lie that is what usually follows me around.
The boys are getting weird looks from everyone around us. I mean if I didn't know them, I would too. They were so different, yet it was obvious they ran together. If I didn't know better, I would say they run their own gang. I guess the Academy is like the mob if I wanted to push the analogy.
I walk up to the bar, "Shot of whiskey on the rocks."
The bartender gives me the drink and I down it in one gulp. I need it to deal with everything that has happened. The only way I can keep moving and not have a panic attack is to not focus on the fact that a psychopath has my children. Don't focus on that, do not, do not at all.
I was on my third shot when Rocky's man came up to me, "Boss wants to see you."
I stand up, "I know the way. I am also bringing my friends."
He tried to correct me, "They aren't allow-"
I cut him off, "If I say they can, they can. Mind your own business."
The guy quickly flees and I motion for my boys to follow me. They all look uncomfortable as hell. This really isn't their scene. I mean they are used to it, but Chicago is a whole new ball game. It was my home when I was younger and now I try to visit often. It is good to have friends all over the world.
I walk into the illegal part of the Green Door Tavern. The difference stands out immediately. It gave a more club feel on this side. I move across the room easily while my boys keep running into the various dancers and people. I swear they are so clumsy except Luke of course. I have to wait for them to eventually catch up. We walk in silence to a corner and wait.
I see Rocky come over and say, "Rocky's girl, what have you been up to?"
The boys basically growl at his claiming me. I did warn them to ignore his mannerisms. He was a huge flirt when we met. Now, he's married though, so he doesn't mean what he says. It is really fun to see North's reaction. It looks like he is about to start a fight.
In a slightly bored tone, I ask, "Where is your wife?"
I can literally feel the boys relaxing. They still feel like they have a claim over me after all this time. I could have remarried by now! They could have too. The boys were lucky I hated when Rocky called me Rocky's girl. It reminded me of the past and the reason I first met Rocky.
Rocky pouts, "Rocky's sister never lets him have any fun."
I give him a look, "Where is your wife?"
He tilts his head playfully, "Why do you want to know?"
I sigh in annoyance, "It's business."
Ignoring my statement, Rocky notices my boys behind me and whispers, "Are those the deadbeat fathers? I can kill them, just give the word."
I turn to look at the Blackbourne Team, "No Rocky. That's not what I am here for. The fathers are here to connect with the kids."
Rocky frowns, "How did they find you?"
One word is my answer, "Volto."
His expression changes drastically, "Come with me to the back. Chloe is there. She will be excited to see you again."
I smile softly, "I wish I could have come back in less dire times."
Rocky starts leading us to the private section, "I know, I know. You are a busy girl. How is Mel doing?"
I cringe, "Not good."
He stops walking, "What do you mean? I'll kill the son of a bitch who tried to lay a hand on my princess. What about her brothers? They should have protected her!"
I continue walking, "I want to explain everything once in front of Chloe."
Rocky grumbles, "Of course, my wife is more important than I am."
I roll my eyes, "You know what I meant."
Chloe pops out of a room, "It's you! Where is the Phantom bunch?"
Everyone in the criminal underworld refers to my children and I as the Phantom Bunch, not a lot of people actually know who we are, but our name is known. They gave us the nickname because technically we didn't exist and I am pretty sure the person who started it was obsessed with "The Phantom of the Opera".
I push past her into the room, "I'll tell you the entire story."
Everyone entered the room. On one side, Chloe and Rocky were glaring at my boys who glared right back. They are used to fighting against thugs like Rocky, not with. Well, they'll have to suck it up for their children.
Chloe says scathingly, "Who are these men? If they are who I think they are, I can kill them for you if you want."
Gabriel groans, "What is with everyone wanting to kill us?"
I give him a warning look, "I warned you. And no Chloe, don't kill them."
Chloe pouts exactly like her husband did minutes earlier, "Aww..."
I sit down and pour myself another shot of vodka, "So, where to start?"
Owen prompts, "How about your kidnapping in Russia?"
I down my drink, "Well, that's as good a place to start as any. So, Volto made a reappearance. He got to me in Russia and the plan was to send my kids to their fathers. They made it there. Volto actually brought me to South Carolina, not even an hour drive away from them. Surprisingly, I escaped easily. I made it to their house only to discover that my babies had been kidnapped by who else than Volto. Something Volto said reminded me of Chicago, so here we are."
Rocky shakes his head, "Only you, only you."
Chloe offers, "What do you need us to do?"
I walk over to them, "I need a way to canvas the city quickly."
Rocky cringes, "That's a difficult task. With enough money, everyone is buyable in this town. We could ask Ace?"
I grin, "I was hoping you would say that. I haven't been to this new base since forever."
Chloe has a matching grin on her face, "My brother didn't tell you most likely because in his last one you accidentally set it on fire."
I shrug, "I needed a quick escape with my kids."
She grins even more, "I'll bring you to him."
Nathan interrupts, "Ace, the head of the Chicago mafia, is Chloe's brother."
Chloe corrects him, "We aren't related, but I am considered his sister. Like Mel is considered his daughter."
The boys all turn to me, "What do you mean his daughter?"
I roll my eyes again, "Ace is not married and I am pretty sure he is gay. Until he either gets someone pregnant or adopts another child, my kids are his heirs."
North spits out the alcohol he was drinking, "What?"
Owen raises one of his eyebrows, "Really?"
I smile once more, "Yep."
Chloe intervenes, "We need to get going if you want to see Ace. I can't wait to see what dramatic entrance you have planned!"
Dakota asks, "Dramatic entrance?"
She grins even more, "Yeah, she always pulls out something really cool. Last time, she drove a car into one of his walls."
Gabriel bursts out laughing, "Trouble, you are living up to your nickname."
I blush, "Shut up! Let's go Chloe."
Rocky gives Chloe a kiss, "Bring the bodyguards with you. Tell Ace I said hi and come home by morning!"
She gives him a cheeky grin, "Of course."
As Chloe heads out and I turn to follow, Rocky calls out, "Bye, Rocky's sister! I expect you to stay alive! The kids want to see their favorite aunt!"
I yell back, "Tell them I brought them grenades."
"You better be joking!" is the last thing I hear from Rocky.
The boys, Chloe and I go into two of her trucks. It was time to see Ace again.
I can't wait!