“How did that make you feel?”
“Like the fucking king of the world. Danny was my world. Everything to me. I never wanted anyone more until Danika. Sometimes, I still can’t believe he’s with me.”
Frowning, Dr. Jefferson asked, “Why would you think that?”
Before I could respond, Danika walked over and climbed into my lap and yawned.
As I held my girl close, Dr. Jefferson smiled. “I think that’s enough for today. Same time tomorrow?”
I nodded.
F.I.R.E.
New York City, New York.
There was a chill in the air as I wrapped my coat tighter around me and walked out the front door of the large mansion. A slow smile formed when I looked up at the night sky. I thought it was poignant, as tonight was the night for celebration. All around the world, families would gather and enjoy each other’s company in peace.
For tonight, a plague upon humanity would be no more.
Making my way down the driveway, I looked like any harmless young man out for a bit of fresh air. With my headphones on my head, I listened to the sounds of Beethoven as the sonata reached its pinnacle.
The streetlights cast long shadows across the snow-covered pavement, an interplay of light and dark that echoed the music in my ears. The crisp fresh snow crunched underfoot, each step a reminder of the fleeting nature of the season. I paused for a moment, breathing in the cool air that seemed to carry a hint of rejuvenation and the promise of spring to come.
As I continued my journey, I couldn’t help but marvel at the serene beauty of the night. The large houses around me, normally bustling with activity, stood silent and dignified, their facades bathed in the gentle glow of the moon. Every window seemed to hold a story, every door a secret waiting to be discovered.
Beethoven’s melodies transported me to another world—a world where emotions were laid bare, where every note spoke of triumph and despair, of hope and longing. The intensity of the music mirrored the emotions I felt within, a symphony of thoughts and dreams intertwined with the nightly solitude.
Passing by the houses, I noticed the silhouettes of trees swaying gently in the breeze, their branches whispering ancient tales to the stars above. The rhythmic rise and fall of the sonata’s crescendo seemed to guide my steps, each beat aligning with the pulse of the neighborhood.
Lost in the music and the moment, I found myself standing on the corner, mesmerized by the tranquility that seemed to envelop me while I waited for the final ending.
As the music built, so did the anticipation when the ground shook. Turning, I smiled when the beautiful house exploded into the night, raining down its fiery remains. The sudden eruption of flames and debris was starkly juxtaposed with the gentle melodies in my ears. I stood frozen, my heart pounding in sync with the chaotic scene unfolding before me.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The blazing inferno illuminated the night sky, casting an eerie glow that danced with the shadows of the trees. The once serene neighborhood was now a scene of chaos and destruction. Shouts and sirens pierced the air, shattering the tranquility that had enveloped me just moments before.
The sonata’s final notes faded into the night, leaving behind a profound silence that was both comforting and contemplative. In that perfect moment, I realized how rare it was to find such peace in the midst of everyday chaos. The world, with all its noise and commotion, seemed to pause for just a moment, allowing me to connect with the essence of life itself. As I turned and continued on, I carried with me a sense of renewal—a reminder that beauty could be found in destructive moments, if only I took the time to look. I knew that this night would remain etched in my memory—a beautiful symphony of light, shadow, and the absence of fear as I just killed the last remaining members of the Romano Family.
Reaching for my phone, I texted.
Contract completed. The last of the Romano Family is dead.
December 22, 2024
Ace
Soulless Sinners’ clubhouse, New York City.
“If you don’t get some sleep, you won’t be any use to anyone,” Matthew said, sitting in a chair next to me. “Got that you want to find the kid. We all do, but, brother, you haven’t slept for shit in days. You’re running on fumes.”
“I’ll sleep when I find him,” I muttered as I glanced to my left to find Charlie snoring away, his head thrown back and mouth open. Any other time and I wouldn’t think twice about fucking with him, but not now. I couldn’t lose concentration and so I remained focused as I typed away on my computer, searching for any leads that might lead us to who took Danny and where he was at.
I couldn’t give up. I would never give up.
I remembered when Danny was born. Like everyone else in the clubhouse at the time, we all anxiously awaited the news of a baby girl. Mom was sure this time she was gonna have that little girl she always dreamed about. Poor Mom was overrun with young rambunctious boys and club brothers. She just wanted one little girl to call her own and God help me, though I refused to admit it, I wanted a little sister too. But that never happened because when Dad walked out holding another blue bundle, I groaned. My disappointment must have been palpable, but Dad’s pride was unwavering as he presented my new brother like a precious gift to everyone around.
“Not another one,” I huffed.
“Your mom named him Danny,” Dad said proudly as he kneeled down, showing me my littlest brother.
