Zephyr's Promise

6

"Sir. We have landed." I nod at my pilot's words, eager to exit the helicopter. A two hour ride from New York to Chicago is hardly something to complain about. Thinking about the fact that I flew from Murmansk, Russia to New York. Rested for only a few hours then took the ride to Chicago my irritability becomes more understandable. "We are stable on The Tower's helipad. You may exit Mr.Zephyr." Without acknowledging my longtime pilot I exit the helicopter.

No matter how many times I fly, the view of the world at such a great height always stills me. It puts into perspective how we are only merely a speck on this planet. Life is merely a circle that brings you back around to your beginning.

Standing on top of The Tower I shake my head. I can't believe I am actually back here. A place I said I wouldn't come unless there was a gun being pointed at my head. That is one of the very reasons why I sent Axel here to handle operations. I hadn't lived in America since my early twenties. Now at thirty I have become used to my life back home. The hectic side of business I tend to let Axel handle. While living in America I did my due diligence in that area. Now, I prefer to live a secluded life. Most men in my position would scoff at my hidden life, but it is what I prefer. Running around threatening, killing, and researching has lost its appeal. Thirty is a young age to retire from the spotlight of my career. When a person has put in the amount of energy, focus, and dedication that I have they would be exhausted. Realistically my work didn't start in my twenties. No, it started the summer I turned eight and my father took me to the farmhouse that summer. The year he started teaching me how to become a man. How to rule.

After spearheading my business and expanding it into America I moved back home to Russia. Expanding in America took much more time than I would have preferred. Before my expansion I had only spent short periods of time in the country. Learning American culture. Establishing important relationships so that I could expand within America. It was imperative to have an international expanse for my business.

While America and Russia have a critical historical relationship they were not keen on my entrance into the arms and weaponry business. The American government already had their suppliers. It took a year of finessing and dealings with a good show of faith before an official agreement ensued. Now they are my number one buyer. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff often calls my phone. Most recently inviting me to dinner with his family.

Just because I have not been back in years doesn't mean I don't know this city like the back of my own hand. Seared it to me as a second skin. Many people overlooked this city. They knew of the danger and immediately wrote it off. Chicago is more than that. It has culture and grit. The people worked and enjoyed what they could. Reminds me of home. My business would succeed here because of the people who live in this city.

There were nights where I studied this city. Committed every nook, cranny, and secret to memory. Those are the details that don't seem to ever fade away. Not even after almost a decade of avoiding the city. Admittedly I have dropped in for important meetings maybe once a year since moving home. Unfortunately this trip is not one of that nature. This one is much more nefarious in intent. I am here to hang a rat from the trap that I set. It is one of the few things on the short list of reasons as to why I would come back here.

Sighing I pull out my phone and send a text to Axel letting him know of my arrival. The only person that knew I was coming here was Alexei and Mama. If Axel caught wind of my plans he would try his best to convince me not to come. After the last report he has given me I know I can no longer ignore the rebellion rising in America. As much as I appreciate him taking the bulk of finding the traitors under our noses. From the time I started my business he has been right by my side. Without him more than half of the business operations wouldn't have been possible. I owe it to him to help discover the truth.