The close to warm air calmed my nerves as I walked through the park. Spring was on its way to Chicago. I sometimes came here just to think, and reflect on recent events. On Haley, Melissa, the way Sanchez's face just disappeared, Juicy's release from the hospital after 3 weeks in intensive care. The doctors said that he may walk again, but only after years of extensive physical therapy. When the newscaster made that point I couldn't help but smile.
But the thing on my mind while I walked, hands in my pockets, was my recent transformation. What has happened to me God? I have killed men without a twinge of remorse. Have I become the monster in this situation? Have I turned into the type of man that I so desperately fight against?
I walked a little farther and smiled at the elderly couple sitting on a bench along the path. No. No I haven't. I have just evolved into the man that this city needs, a man that is willing to take action against the gangs, pimps and others that make this city a haven for criminals.
Catching a glimpse of the skyline through the trees, I stopped to stare for a moment. If only I knew where to find the rest of them, this city would be clean in no time. But, how to find them?
Suddenly the idea came to me and I smiled again. Walking to the convenience store near the park, I bought a disposable cell phone and dialed the number for the Chicago PD, asking for Detective Cortez.
“This is Cortez.”
“Ah Detective, how are you?” I asked, lowering my voice a few notches.
“I'm fine, who is this?”
“We met a few weeks ago. At the Booby Trap.”
I could hear his gears turning and then he gasped quietly “Ghost?”
Smiling, I replied. “That's me Detective.”
“Well why are you calling me?”
This was the hard part of the call. “I need your help Detective.”
“My help? For what?”
This was taking too long so I steeled my voice, dropping it to a growl. “Look Cortez, enough questions. Either you can meet me tonight, alone, or I can find another way to do what I must. But the city may be in shambles by the time I'm finished, if I do it myself. Is that what you want?”
His voice shook as he spoke. “No, no. Tell me where and when.”
“At 2 AM be at 909 Greenwood Rd in Glenview. It's a small plaza not far from the Booby Trap, park in the back, but don't get out of your car. I'll be there, but come alone. If I see another cop, I leave and you'll never see me again.”
Snapping the phone shut, I sprinted for my truck. Phone traces in the movies take minutes, but in real life they are instantaneous. I peeled out and raced down the street, planning tonight's meeting.
Standing on the rooftop of the plaza, I watched the street for Cortez's car. I had already scoped out most of the area and saw no police activity except the usual beat cops driving to and fro on the busy street. Suddenly, headlights turned into the parking lot and crept around the back of the empty building, and stopped in the back. Peering into the car I recognized Cortez and decided to wait to see if the police activity picked up. After five minutes I didn't see anyone else so I moved closer to the edge of the roof and jumped off. It was a small drop of around fifteen feet, but it still rattled my teeth as I hit the ground in front of the car, bending my knees to absorb the impact. Cortez was visibly startled by me in full mission uniform, Tac Suit, mask, Ninjato, and various knifes placed all around my body. I motioned for him to exit the vehicle and he slowly did so, hand on his gun the entire time.
YOU ARE READING
Ghost Skills
AzioneDaniel Stevens is a young man who spent most of his life training as a fighter. Alone in Chicago at nineteen years of age, he finds himself saving a convenience store clerk from being robbed and killed. After thwarting the robber in the only way he...
