Crows

Ashes To Ashes

The house bustled with activity as usual; like a well-oiled machine. Everything was normal aside from the whispers I kept hearing, but it would never occur to an outsider that anything was off. Which was exactly how I liked it because in about an hour the leader of the local underworld gang boss, Markus Todd, would be arriving for a meeting with me to discuss business. He was dipped well into the dark world of murder and drugs, being the person I turned to mostly when I desired to have someone killed. Cold, quick, and untraceable, were how he did that business and in return I kept the heat off of him. A mutually beneficial relationship at best, but it worked for now.

Markus had been on top for nearly 30 years now and his age was showing. He was incredibly traditional and it was easy to underestimate him, but I knew that being on top of the underworld did not come without being strong and bloodthirsty, ready to cut down all who oppose him; in that respect, we got along well.

I pulled my hair back and tied it into a pony tail while looking at myself in the mirror. Today I wore all black in honor and my eyes looked as such, as I hadn't slept yet. I figured I should cover it up and look more presentable, less tired and weak, but I decided against it. The wear complimented my fierce, dark eyes and I liked the look of determination I was subliminally displaying.

With long strides I made my way to the grand staircase and looked out to the open front door. Gwen was greeting a man who was accompanied by two very large, goons on either side of him, who looked like they were pumped entirely full of steroids and ate protein exclusively.

I rested my hand on the railing as I slowly stepped down the stairs. The man looked up, his grey hair sparkling under the chandelier, and smiled widely exclaimed, "JoJo, my dear!"

I smiled back as I reached the last step and approached him. He was looking old with crow's feet wrinkled on the sides of either eye. His mustache was also a deep grey but thick as ever, twirled up on the ends like an old time villain.

I held out my hand and he lightly grabbed it, lifted it up, and kissed it, his mustache tickling the tops of my fingers. "And you're looking as beautiful as ever too."

I smiled again and said, "Thank you for coming out Markus, It's great to see you."

"Trust me, darling, the pleasure is all mine," He replied.

"Come, May I offer you tea?" I nodded toward Gwen who hurried away to fetch the tea.

Markus nodded before turning back to his goons who were about to follow him down the hallway, "Boys, I will be fine. Wait for me by the door."

I led him down the hall until we arrived at an intricately designed wooden down. I twisted the brass knob softly and opened the door to a room with a large table surrounded by chairs; that I personally picked out and brought in from Sweden because I detested doing business in an uncomfortable chair. Along the back wall were large windows, revealing the expanse of courtyard behind the estate. I motioned to Markus and he thanked me before taking his seat. I slowly sat down in the chair opposite of him and chose the position of one leg over the other with my fingers laced, resting on top of my thigh.

"How have you been, Markus?" I asked breaking the silence.

Markus sat in his chair with each elbow resting on the table. He twirled his mustache with two fingers as he spoke, "Pretty well, my Emily has been certainly keeping me busy. How has your dearest Felix been? I didn't see him, I certainly hope he isn't off getting in trouble somewhere."

I felt my eye twitch as I searched his face for some sort of hint that he was behind this. Could he have done it? I knew that he very well could have done it; but more so, did he? Is the question I was now desperately observing his features for. You know don't you, you son of a bitch. I kept control of my face before exhaling slightly forcing a genuine smile as I said, "Oh, I'm sure he's off somewhere making all sorts of trouble. It's what he does best after all."