Closer Than Your Shadow

Phantom at My Window

November 23rd 5:24 p.m.
Gotham
19th street

I left work at and Dom bombarded me with calls and texts. He knew my schedule to a t. All his voicemails were along the lines of  'text me back or I'll change the locks'. Then the last one said, 'I'm at the bar off 19th street. Come at 6.'.

I knew that that meant if I wanted a place to sleep tonight, I had to go.

I pushed the chipped red door open and smoke drifted out in wisps. The place wasn't crowded yet, just 14 guys and a smell that made you want to hold your breath. All the way in the back two round topped tables were pushed together. They were seating about 10 Maroni's.

Two lower level guys I didn't know very well. Then the strays. Alex and Jacob, my friends, maybe that was a strong word for Jacob. And the family. Cano, Red, Remi.

Then Dom Maroni. The Don.

Tony Zucco and Arthur Rayford sat on each side of him. Both were creeps that never had the best reputations. Specifically, Rayford.

Drug dealer, women beater, murderer.

Tony Zucco was another story though. Tony and Dom were bestfriends back in the day. Zucco left Gotham for Metropolis after his son was born a couple years ago, Tony was back now.

In lots of ways, things changed when he got back. We had more jobs and less money.

Jacob was obviously drunk and barely able to sit up by himself. He was leaning next to the wall with a scowl on his angry sullen face.

Alex had a cigarette hanging off his lip and a beer bottle snug in his hand. He was talking to Red and making him laugh.

Alex was different than Jacob in every way.

Out of all the people I've come to meet in the Maroni's, Alex was the only one who felt like family. Real family.

He was a sweet kid. A little too immature for his age but that wasn't his fault. His mom was an addict and she ended up ODing a few months ago. He was on the street for a few weeks before Dom took him in. Jacob introduced them.

By time Alex came to Dom's house, Dom was already setting me and Jacob up in our apartments, but we all became quick friends, especially since we all had to attend family dinners.

Alex was like a puppy. He followed Jacob around but he never grew mean like my smirky neighbor. He was just a sweet boy who needed a home. And Dom was the only one to offer it to him.

"The princess has finally graced us with her presence," Jacob shouted over the table. All eyes turned to me and I could've melted into my sneakers.

"Thanks Jake." I looked at Dom first who didn't even greet me. He wasn't just displeased; he was pissed.

The air was thick with something, and I couldn't tell if it was the smoke or the tension.

"I said 6."

It was 6:04.

"I'm here, aren't I."

"I need the money you lost last night," he finally answered in a gruff tone.

Jacob started to laugh and tilted to the side waiting for my reaction like the older brother I never wanted. Alex nudged him and took the cigarette from his lips.

"You're trying to blame me for last night?" My arms crossed in response to Dom's hostility.

"You're the only one who's seen him. You were the only one to get away and you didn't take anything."