Stone Cold K*ller

chapter 1

25 years later.

Nicolai Stone

There are days that a knife to the juggler would suffice to ones peace. I was happily content with talking to my men in my den about what we should do to lead the Italians into a trap at a Gala that is coming up soon--too soon. I dispised social gathers but of course they are to be attending if ones Pakhan wanted to keep a high profile and to stay relevant.

It's like a popularity contest. A fucking pissing contest at most.

I needed their shipping contracts, because my 'stock' needed a fluid transportation route yet the Italians had to take most of the East Shore territory here in Chicago.

I knew their 'Capo', their lead Don, Edmond Galeon. For years now, he had not been fond of me...

I mean, I did fuck his sister before he become Capo.

Or that one time we got into it with the Siclin Security Company he partnered with. I had blackmailed the CFO with selling off my black market guns and ammunition. Edmond did not like that very much--so he came by my favorite Hotel I owned called, 'Evermost Height' and bombed the lobby whilst I was on level eight. The fucking building collapsed with me in it. I was fucking lucky, and the bastard was lucky too because I loved this game.

After that, I made it to where my Second in Command, Dimitri, who is very skilled in bombs himself... Rigged up a automobile box bomb himself for what I have plans for the Capo.

I flicked my zippo lighter open and closed as I sit here behind my desk, listening to my men argue.

"You fucking kidding me? Why do you have to be the one to do it!"

"Because I'm older! And wiser!"

"Fuck you are, you don't even know how to use a microwave let alone a bomb!"

"It was one time. I forgot to add the water."

"See! You are forgetful. So I'll be the one to bomb--"

My hand flicked open the lighter again as they continue. Did I mention they are twins? No well this is what I have to deal with...Sometimes shooting them would help the headaches they become, but they are my best men. Possibly crazier then me. Maybe. "How about Dimitri set the bomb and you Donovon can press the button." I say, flicking closed the lid to my zip lighter.

They both stare at me like that was the best idea. As if that hasn't occurred to them that one's bomb can make two play apart. "When does the Gala start?" Dimitri asks, eyes gleaming with excitement.

Setting my lighter on my desk, I straighten in my chair and pull the lapels of my suit down, "I will be donating a huge amount for a charity there. The Irish had made a meeting to be joined there in the Highlake Hotel. The Italians will be there aswell, so we must manage our time. I'll send you a message of the target when he leaves."

The plan I had was all thought out all I need was him to leave when the Irish leave. I didn't want them to think they were the target aswell, "make sure your unseen. I must seem alone at the party."

Both nod and left my office.

I had much to do. All day I've been kept in my office until the sun had set and the orange and pink hues of the light shone through my balcony window. Something about the silence had my mind set into a space of tranquility. I always loved the silence. Like the silence before a gun was shot, one before you drop a glass onto a hardwood floor. Like a calm before the storm when everything stands still until havoc takes its course. I lived and breathe in it like a static pulse meeting my stead fast heartbeat.

I probably won't get much sleep as always. Since I was little never did I have a goods night rest in my life. With a knife strapped beneath my lampshade beside my bed or my pistol I have under my pillow.

Many enemies yet none dare to touch close to me. They feared me and I made sure of it. All my life I was taught and told how this world is. Never trust unless blood was taken. I have all my men blood sworn to me with just a pinkie tip sliced off for loyalties.

Sitting back in my chair I heaved a long deep sigh. I rest my palms atop the wheels of my chair and push back from my desk. Wheeling myself towards the threshold of my den.

I had been in this wheelchair for two months--the Doctor I hired said I should get the feeling to my legs anytime now--yet he was wrong. That was three weeks into a month he had said that to me.

So a bullet between his eyes made up for it.

Edmond was going to get the last of this game we started. Revenge tasted sweet between my tongue at the thought.

I maybe be bound to a chair but they will still fear me. I won't let that weakness be my flaw.

My men won't ever see me as a flaw but a fucking monster. Because how else will my Empire rise?