If I had to come up with one word to describe me, it would be defiance. Some people work all their lives to just build defiance against society. While I on the other hand was born to defy everything. Even nature itself. From now until the time I was in my mother's womb. They told my mother I was going to be still born. Then they told her I was going to die early term. Then they told her I was going to have some deformity. At this point it just seemed like they were speaking bullshit to get her to abort me. Not many knew I defied even that. After my mother gave birth, I defied nature. I was born to defy. Maybe not intentionally, but my very existence screamed defiance. 

For some people, it takes years to get into a position to be able to defy. For me? It came naturally. My parents were loved by the peoples. People came to meet my siblings. Where as me? Oh people came to meet me alright. They came to either fight me, or adore me from afar. I was the bad boy. Girls loved that. Boys fought to push my buttons, to see how bad I was. Fathers hated it, thinking I was a disgrace. Mothers loved it, they wanted to pawn their daughters off on me. My parents however supported me. We were the mafia after all. In order to help our family, I became good at all things. I was given a private tutor. For history, arithmetic, writing, politics, society, reading. Business. Geography. I was even taught to dance, play instruments, I taught myself to fight. 

I was ridiculed, I learned to become a shadow, a ghost. To be seen, but not to be seem. Let the public think I was a role model, while in the shadows I carried out my revenge on others that thought I was push over. 

When I began to learn to fight, I looked six years old. Whispers began to go around, so my parents thought it would be best to move us to a different city. Where no one knows us. 

We moved away from everything we ever knew. But it was an adventure for me. 

My parents went off to war, and I however worked hard. I became quiet, indifferent. I became a shadow, a ghost. My siblings went off to boarding school, while I did my own thing. As a child of the mafia, I may have been quiet, I was wild. I learned to play chess. In many different forms, I learned to self and fix things. I learned many forms of art. 

When my parents left, I learned that I was born in darkness, I became friends with it. I learned that I could control the darkness, I could change. I became one with it. 

They say the more you look into the abyss, it tends to stare right back at you. I just think my inner demons were trying to figure out how to roam freely. But if there was a pair of eyes staring back at me. I wasn't afraid of it. But it was probably my own, or my own conscience, like looking in a mirror, trying to figure out who I am supposed to be. 

I couldn't study or learn qi until we looked or were the age of eighteen. But I defied that, I studied the ways of qi at an early age. I was living by myself after all. But I was older, so I could defy that rule. I began to work out, doing the basics, breaking the body beyond human limits. In the morning I did my morning running and my warm ups. Then I'd eat my breakfast while doing my classes, in the mid morning. At lunch I'd eat A light lunch and then do my studies then my qi meditation. 

In the afternoon, I'd train my body, then eat. In the late evening I'd finish my studies, doing beyond what they expect of me privately. 

All the while, I study, I wait, I watched, and when I had to I'd intervene in the shadows, like a proper shadow Or ghost. 

As I quietly grew, and waited for my enemies, I began to make plans of my own. I thought one by one I'd take them all down. I'm zayne and this is my dark story. This isn't a fairytale, there is no happy endings. Or even good beginnings. Even though my parents were good to me, I was the middle child. Looked down on by all. While being adored. I could feel the fake smiles upon me. While the whispers of snakes whispered through halls making their way to my ears. I knew every secret, every lie ever told. Every plan ever made. Ever build ever built, brick by fucking brick. Every bed ever fucked in, every dirty politician growing fat and deeper with greed. Drool dripping at the sides of their mouth. 

Yes I wasn't naive, I knew everyone involved in the war. I knew every cop who had a hand in our pockets. Every star wanting to make my acquaintance. I knew how the next diamonds were dropped, extorted. I even knew how pearls were found for jewelry. I knew how people were brought in and out of this country. Most had no clue. But like a shadow watching. I was like a beast in the shadows. hungry, ready to devour its prey. My eyes could be seen, they say when any monster is born, their eyes glow in the darkness. For me that was true. The defier. The monster. The best ready to devour its prey. Some say I ate souls. Some say I was the devil making deals. But I say, I'm who I want to be. No one would know who I was. If I didn't want them to. No one would notice what I do. If I don't want them too. I'd let them make a debacle of themselves. I do however love chaos. But sometimes if I'm tired of something I have to start it with embers and let the wood light up with an even bigger blame. Letting it burn everything in its wake. 

From all the past few years, I now looked like an adult. I was at the right qi level but now that I looked like an adult I was a little behind. I needed to fix that. After all, my enemies were getting stronger. How can I sleep, if my enemies were doing things during the night. 

As I open my eyes, laying in my bed, it's three in the morning. I sit up, as a grown man, and living alone. I slept baked because what man didn't. It was more comfortable, you didn't have to worry about turning and tossing and your clothes get all twisted and choked you in the middle of the night. As I sat up, I let my feet dangle over the side. Touching the hard cold floor. I leaned forward, and rubbed my face. Pushing my hair back, I got up and quickly went to freshen up and get dressed. 

I put black pants, and a black skin tight training shirt. I didn't like being seen so much so I stayed with black. I put on a light jacket and I put my hair in a ponytail with certain jewels and beads according to my heritage.

I then put on black socks and black boots. It was easier to maneuver around in boots than pricey ferragamos. As I quickly finished, the maids picked up the clothes as I went out. In a massive house, I could easily go through the back halls without being seen. So like a true ghost or shadow I could move from place to place without ever being the eye of the workers. I could also be in the know without ever having to ask questions. As I left me room, I took a left down the hall, and touched a statue, turning the hand, as the door opened. I stepped through, and I turned the lamp just right and the wall closed back. I could hear rumors of myself and others that didn't even live in the house. Talking about other families. Their companies, friends, family. distant relatives. Humans in general gossiped because they only knew how to talk. It was part of throwing information about. Humans have done it through the times of history and ancient times. 

It's how countries were made, even destroyed. Even politics. If they were rumors, it was often said, if a rumor is thrown around, there's one or two things. One there is probably some truth to it. Or two, it's false to put a distraction out in order to get away with something criminal. I often hear this statement between politicians. But most of the crowds don't think of this. Because most humans are immortals like me with a higher mental capacity Often noticed that humans can be moved or used like cattle. Even manipulated. Most humans don't notice this, because they are either too naive or in their own little world. Some humans who defy this law, are often called conspiracy theorists, or deemed insane. but those said conspiracy theorists, or deemed sane, are those that are not in the inner circles of the rich or the big and powerful groups of the criminal circle. It's said that it's part of life. But I think it's an excuse to try and control their fears so they can control the masses. I'm not saying I'm a hero or anything, I'm just saying I've studied life, Long enough to know that the type of living we live in is called a system. To conquer and divide. Put racism, and money into the mix. Among many other things.

I remember about a month ago, one night I had a dream about a man who did a public speech on how the devil would conquer America. Some say those types of dreams are visions. But the words the man spoke always stuck with me. And here's what he said:

““If I Were The Devil":

A Warning to America From Paul Harvey

“If I were the devil … If I were the Prince of Darkness, I’d want to engulf the whole world in darkness. And I’d have a third of its real estate, and four-fifths of its population, but I wouldn’t be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree — Thee. So I’d set about however necessary to take over the United States. I’d subvert the churches first — I’d begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: ‘Do as you please.

To the young, I would whisper that ‘The Bible is a myth.’ I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what’s bad is good, and what’s good is ‘square.’ And the old, I would teach to pray, after me, ‘Our Father, which art in Washington…

And then I’d get organized. I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting, so that anything else would appear dull and uninteresting. I’d threaten TV with dirtier movies and vice versa. I’d pedal narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. I’d tranquilize the rest with pills.

If I were the devil I’d soon have families at war with themselves, churches at war with themselves, and nations at war with themselves; until each in its turn was consumed. And with promises of higher ratings I’d have mesmerizing media fanning the flames. If I were the devil I would encourage schools to refine young intellects, but neglect to discipline emotions — just let those run wild, until before you knew it, you’d have to have drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every schoolhouse door.

Within a decade I’d have prisons overflowing, I’d have judges promoting pornography — soon I could evict God from the courthouse, then from the schoolhouse, and then from the houses of Congress. And in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion, and deify science. I would lure priests and pastors into misusing boys and girls, and church money. If I were the devil I’d make the symbols of Easter an egg and the symbol of Christmas a bottle.

If I were the devil I’d take from those who have, and give to those who want until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious.

And what do you bet I could get whole states to promote gambling as the way to get rich? I would caution against extremes and hard work in Patriotism, in moral conduct. I would convince the young that marriage is old-fashioned, that swinging is more fun, that what you see on the TV is the way to be. And thus, I could undress you in public, and I could lure you into bed with diseases for which there is no cure. In other words, if I were the devil I’d just keep right on doing what he’s doing.”

At the end of his speech, he said his name was Paul Harvey. His words stuck to me the most. As I walked through, I could hear the whispers. The changing of the tides. My house workers often spoke of me, whether it would be out of fear or admiration, my name always seemed to slip from their lips. As I took a turn, I stepped out. I had been walking down the back hallways for a while. I finally had reached my destination. It was another door, a secret door to the ungrounded gardens. I suppose I could have used the one in my room. But I had to grab a few things first. Along the walls of the back hallways had herbs and such that I might need. I finally went to the contraption that opened the door. I put the key in, it matched the door. It reminded me of ancient times. When I wanted to open a door, I had to use a small object that fit with the door manually. I turned it, the door opened. I took the key and stepped inside. 

Going down, the torches all automatically lit up for me. I walked in, and the door closed behind. Doing down the hall slightly, I took the stairs going down. They spiraled down. The temperature in the air began to get cold as I descended down the steps. 

Finally coming down on the last step, I looked up. Although it was old, it looked well taken care of. It looked luxurious, it had an archway. Flowers and herbs everywhere. They glowed in the dark. As I took a turn, I thought about which ones I needed. I walked around, taking six different variations Of herbs and flowers. 

I then walked further, taking a right, finally seeing bookshelves. 

I carefully walked over, grabbing many text books of cultivation techniques. I grabbed a few body and soul ones. I grabbed one for speed. And shadow. A few dark techniques. A few blade techniques. As I finished I went back up the stairs. Going back the way that I came, going back to my room quietly. 

As I went back into the back hallways, like the ghost I've come to be, I could hear the latest gossip through walls. Like it was bleeding words for me to see. As I finally came out and entered back into my room, a knock came to my door. 

“come in.” was all I said. 

It was my personal bodyguard, havanna. She came to give me the latest news of the house. Better known as the gossip. Probably nothing I haven't already heard. 

“Sir? You have a guest.” She said. 

I knew I had a few people coming today, but no one this early would be coming. I let MY head fall to the side, one brow raised in thought. 

“Alright, did they say who they were?” I asked, as havanna bowed to me. 

“Mmm, he said he has a gift that you've been wanting for a while.” She said. 

I nodded, “Alright, send him up, and bring him directly to my office. Also send for refreshments. Maybe breakfast. We might be here a while “ I said, as she nodded and left to do as she was told. 

I had began to set up my medicinal set up. I set up the pot. And the fire. I cut up the wood, splitting it. I started The fire with just putting the smaller pieces along with dried grass. I lit it up, and let it burn before putting bigger pieces on to make coals. 

As the fire burned, I began to ground up the herbs and flowers for different pills and tonics. this will get me through some levels of cultivation, along with proper body training. 

As I ground up some of the herbs, in the old fashion grounder. As I heard a knock, I set my utensils down. I turned around, leaning against the table, my arms crossed. 

“Come in.” I spoke a little louder than whisper. 

As the massive doors opened, Havana and the guest was escorted in. As he was seated, maid had just come in setting refreshments and food on the table before them. 

“Hello Zayne, it's good to meet you again.” The man said. 

“Indeed, James. What brings you by this early in the morning. The sun hasn't even risen yet.” I said softly. 

As James began to talk, my bodyguard left, closing the doors behind her. 

“So I looked into a few things that you asked me to look into.” He said, I nodded. 

“Well first I found out, that day your mother was almost killed, it was more than just her bodyguard around. Levi was undercover as a low rank bodyguard. the kitchen help was around during that time and one other. Sevena, the daughter of Thomas and Maria Lucchese. She was there as the friend of your sister supposedly. Given that might be something to look into.” He said. 

“I mean I don't really associate with her but why would you say that?” I asked, a bit worried. 

“Well if memory serves me right. At the last few events, her and your sister have been seen arguing. Sevena started it, however your sister ended it. So it's weird how they let her in. Unless she paid the door man or something?” James said, I nodded. 

I had remembered that, it was a little weird, even to me. Did he have snakes around him that he needed to check? Probably. 

“Then guess who the head guest was that night? Well the supposed host.” He paused to look at me from his files. 

“Who?” I asked. 

“you're father's client. The one you thought questionable. His name is Jack Davis. Or so he went by then. Now he goes by Taylor Dawson. It's odd that he goes by that considering he said the person under that name is dead and was his half brother. His mother is supposedly a Dawson And his father was a Davis. He worked under the Ortega family. They owned the butcher shops back then.” He said. 

“Interesting. Anyone else you can figure out that seemed suspicious?” I asked. 

“Yes, one other. Your oldest brother's friend. Jarred Taylor. It's odd, because he wasn't supposed to be there. But that night he said he was there with none other than guess who? Dawson. Blew your brother off that night.” He said. 

I nodded, because I remember their argument outside the party hall. 

“Yeah, I was there for that argument in the hallway in the corner. I want you to look into these people. Let me know if you need help, and I'll give you as much support as possible.” I said, James nodded. 

“Also the night the whispers started about you, it's as you suspect. It was started from someone on the inside of your fathers best friends' side. It seems related to the guy who killed him. Your Father's best friend's younger brother. The one you asked me to look into.” He paused and I nodded. 

“Uh Alexander. He's doing things he shouldn't. And the brother found out. I'm guessing he let the enemy in to get help. He wanted to take over. But one problem. He can't. The heritance goes to his daughter. From what the lawyer said, he wrote in a way that the only person who can be the holder until she is able to get her money is you. Or her inheritance. He didn't trust anyone else. He was going to set your father but your father chose you. They thought you'd be a better means for her protraction and it wouldn't be so obvious.” He said, I nodded. 

“Look into him, and figure out what he's doing, I want a full report on him as well. I want his bank accounts. His offshore accounts. His travel destinations. I want receipts. What he buys, I want to know who he talks to. Who he hangs out with. If he has any girlfriends. His jobs. I want everything you can think of about him. I also want his past too.” I said, he nodded. 

I leaned forward, and fixed up his and my tea. Setting it before him and myself. “I want this all done discreetly. If you need extra men to help you. Let me know.” I stated and he nodded. 

“Also I have the list of names who've been trying to put you under their watchful eye. As you can see a woman seems to be stalking you these days, her name is Julia. Or something. She was the daughter of lily and Philip Antonio, she's spoiled I guess. She Has the highest grades. Her college levels are up there. Also sir, she works for a law firm undercover. Then there's max, he's been trying to get in to see you but your secretary has been blocking them. Then there's the murderer of Arianna's parents. And uhm one other. your sister. I guess she was worried. The list is long. You might want to see who stands out. And if anyone stands out let me know and I'll do a background check on them.” He said I nodded. 

“James while doing this for me, be careful. This can get ugly. Remember I'm a shadow. But I'll find away to keep you and your mother protected. Why don't you move your mother to my home? We have enough rooms for her. She'd be taken care of. She'd have full vip to whatever she needed. What do you say?” I asked, as I grabbed a grape and ate it. 

“I think that would be good. Because I'm gone all the time. And I know she's a good friend of yours so I know she'll be safe. I worry because of the life I live. I mean I'm fine because I have your training and your bodyguards..but her? She's open for any attack. And she's alone in that tiny house. Anyone can just ..” He said, I nodded. 

“Yes, I was thinking about that the other day. How about this afternoon, I can send Havana and my sister. send a moving truck and some men to help. That way you can do as you please worry free. I can also give you something, a tag with my name on it. You'll have full access to my web of information, along with get away cars and private planes. You'll also have full benefits to my circles I hang out with. Along with research books, libraries. And the best restaurants, hotels. Even protection. What do you say?” I asked, although this seemed like I asked on a whim, I had been thinking about it for a while. 

“Would that be alright with you?” He asked, he seemed surprised, and possibly A little relieved. 

“Yes, I mean let's be honest, you're getting information for me, James. and you've made good on what I asked for. So why wouldn't I give my best workers the best?” I asked, raising my brow. 

He seemed to sigh in relief, I took a bite of strawberry as he took a sip of his tea. He then picked up a bagel and bit into it. 

“Alright, I'd like that thank you. That makes me feel more secure with what you're asking.” He stated, I nodded in agreement. 

As the important conversations were finished, we switched to lighter conversations, going from the weather to health, to art, anything that came out of thoughts to speak of. We ate breakfast, and it was actually enjoyable. James was a good friend of mine. He was my Intel guy when I need the deep and dirty stuff.

“You know James once your mother moves in this will be your home too right?” I stated more than asked. 

“Yes, I figured that much, after all that house honestly is took old to update. And it isn't safe.” He said and I nodded in agreement. 

“Is there anything you'll need for your search?” I asked, leaning forward. 

“Yes, I'll need some of your best men. I'll also need numbers to some of the people you talk to, or should I say the people you trust? Their Intel his more broadened than mine. And would I also get their protection if I ever need it?” he asked. 

“Mm, I'll have Havana give you a list…but yes any close friend of mine gets full protection from my circle.” I stated, he nodded in relief. 

“Well, thank you for breakfast. If I am to get these jobs done right away, I'll need to get going. thank you again.” He said. 

“James hold on, I need to give you something. A list of safe places where no one can find you. in ever country, state and city. I have more than one in each. And if you're ever alone and in need of help. Call for zilias. He's the best. Just give him one clue of where you are and he'll find you and bring you back safely. Am I understood?” I stated, he nodded and took the list. 

“Good, now have a safe trip. Always have protection on you and around. And remember to always stay blended in.” I reminded him, he nodded and left. 

As I looked off into the distance deep in thought, my kitchen maids came in to clean up the dishes wiping off the table and cleaned up the mess that was made. After they left, I got up and walked to my desk, finished up what I needed, I then walked over seeing the fire was at a perfect flame and temperature. I then began to make pills and elixirs and such things I needed for the first few realms of my cultivation. As I did this I thought about my next move. Knowing this stuff would take a few days, I know I had to keep an eye on it. 

As I finished, and it came time to wait, I then began my studies for the day. 

As the early morning turned into mid lunch, my doors were opened, and my kitchen maids walked in and began serving me lunch. I wasn't really interested but I forced myself to eat anyway. I was too deep in my thoughts. I wasn't anxious, I was excited, if that even was the right word. after lunch I'd be going after my first target. I could watch them during the day, but I couldn't kill him during the day. I'd have to wait until tonight to do that. But I could have it all ready for tonight. I then had Havana watch the medicinal stuff while I went out. 

I quickly Grabbed my bag, it had all the weapons and tools I needed, along with a briefcase of files I need, to figure everything out.

As he grabbed the bag, he then quickly left, his bodyguard walked with him to the door. The halls were huge, and the halls were long. He was on the second floor. The house was huge. As he went down the steps. My bodyguard talked to me. Asking me how long I'd be gone. After all I was their leader, I was a notorious immortal, and heir To a family inheritance. As I stepped out, the driver opened the door for me. He nodded, as I got in. My door shut behind me, Havana bowed, and the driver got in and drove off. 

As the car moved, the city seemed to pass by, people seemed to be moving fast, but they seemed it wasn't fast enough. Children playing and giggling. Childlike wonder, it must've been either homeless children or children in poor homes that couldn't afford to go to school. But when I looked at them, they seemed like their bodies couldn't move fast enough. Like time was their master, had full control over every bone and slice of muscle. Keeping them within the system built for them. 

Finally, coming to a stop, I opened the case file, and the name on the file was Eddie Harrison. The man looked to be in his early thirties. Check the papers on him, and he was, he was going bald. He was divorced. He had a girlfriend. or a woman he played around with. He had two kids. His kids were being taken care of by his ex wife. I raised a brow. This was the same man that gave my sister a hard time. How disgusting. He worked in an office building. It was an advertisement for cigarettes. from the papers he wasn't really good, he had been written up twice. As I looked through. He was only there to gather Intel. I mean it didn't say that, but looking at his case file you could read between the lines and know. 

After All his job was to hand out mail and letters, so it would be easy to look through it all and reseal it or walk by and grab a big piece of information, right off the desk. 

I sighed as I looked further through to his criminal record. I raised a brow. His little Intel guy was good. Eddie had a rap sheet enough to tell me he knew how to play with the system. He stole cars, to guns, even assault, rape. I was kinda surprised murder wasn't on it. 

Just as I look up, I check my wrist watch and see it's late afternoon 2:45 pm and I look to see my target. I look around to see my driver had stopped at a restaurant. I raised my brow in the overhead mirror. The driver just smirked, I shook my head. As I watched my target. He was at a booth near the window and someone was sitting at his table. 

“Stay here, I'll be back, I need to check and see what their saying.” I said, the driver nodded. 

“Actually meet in the back alley.” I said, he nodded. 

As I got put of the car, it was a cold winter afternoon. The light breeze, moving through my hair and the leafless branches. swirling Around dusts of snow. As I stepped out of the car, I quietly shut the door. I then walked up to the restaurant, as he walked in with a file in hand. Glad the bell wasn't at the top of the doorway. But some did look his way. He quickly dipped through the crowd, as a woman escorted him. 

“I want you to seat me at a table that can't be seen but I can see the man who's going bald at the window. I need to hear what he's saying.” I said, handing her a hundred dollar bill. 

“Yes sir, I can sit you in the corner seat right behind him, it's a VIP and it's private, you can see and hear him but he can't see you. Is that alright?” She asked. 

“That's perfect..miss..Susan.” I said look down at her name tag then back up. 

She then escorted me back, I scooted in, as she offered me a smile, she set a menu down for me and asked for my drink. She nodded, leaving him with a smile. 

I just sat there listening, being the shadow in the background. Leaning against the back of the VIP Booth. It was circular and tall, but I could see in the reflection of the window who was talking. 

“Timmy, this was hard to get. Why did you make me get this? It could have cost me a finger. I was also able to find out if the woman you asked about was seeing that guy. She's definitely flirting with him.” Eddie said. 

“Good, you got it. You can't ever get caught, or our boss will kill us both. Wait, you know for a fact? Did you see them for yourself?” Timmy asked. 

I had to think Timmy sounded familiar, he sound like a man named Timothy Nash. The very same man. I am sure he was a low ranked mobster. That was trying to sell cocaine in my father's city. I raised a brow, the fact that my father let him live was weird. No if I remember right, my father could never find him. This was funny, because he was sitting right behind me, stealing Intel from a company. 

“Yes I saw it for myself. I walked in on it actually.” Eddie said. 

“I'll let the boss know. Keep up the good work. This will help us in the long run. Make sure you keep a low profile. Even if it means they bully you. You have to endure it.” Timmy said. 

I raised a brow, as the server came back and set my tea down. 

“tell me timmy..are you sure this is gonna work? How do you know I'll get promoted for this and not killed?” Eddie asked, he seemed nervous. 

“Do you doubt our boss?” Timmy asked. 

“No, it's just this company is huge and these people aren't as dumb as you think. I almost got caught.” Eddie said. 

I looked at his reflection, he was chewing on his lower lip. I could hear the sound of his tapping against the floor. His knee was definitely moving up and down. I knew that reaction. I've seen it, time and time again. 

Timmy looked weird, like he was hiding something. Promotion my ass I thought, they were going to kill him as soon as their finished with him. Why? So they can hide the evidence, most people thought like this. If there is no body, then it didn't happen. But what most people didn't understand, dead or not. Evidence always came out whether they wanted it to or not. The dead talks, they had their own way of leaving trails. 

As Timmy got up, with a file in his hand, going out the back. I got up leaving a tip. I followed, seeing Eddie looking out the window as I turned to follow Timmy. He seemed to be going to the men's restroom. As he stepped in, I followed, he went to the urinal, after setting the file on the sink vanity. I leaned against it, picking up the file. As if I had a right. After all, I could do whatever I wanted, when I wanted and how I wanted. I didn't give a fuck about this man's opinion. I felt his eyes on me, I briefly looked up, and saw the man staring at me. 

I just gave a small smirk, I could tell my ghost tattoo was slightly showing from the color of my hood. The man stood frozen. As he finally cleared his throat, collecting himself, as he put his dick in his pants. I just looked through.

 “Hey..you aren't supposed to touch..” He started to say but I stopped him .

“or what? You'll kill me? News flash kid, do you know why people like you are afraid of me?” I asked. 

“N..n..no.” He stuttered. 

“I'm known as a shadow, I'm meant to carry out death. Some say I leave a trail, and others send me to kill the boogie man. You get what I'm saying?” I more like stated than asked. 

“Is that a threat?” He said. 

He tried to sound brave, he really did. But what gave him away was the sweat beads forming on his forehead sliding down his cheek. His fingers trembled. I watched as his face seemed to slightly pale, and I could see and hear his heart beating so heard I thought it would burst right out of his chest. 

“More like a promise. Let me put it to you another way. You can either leave here in one piece by doing everything I say. Or I could take you right here and now. Torture you then kill you. You pick.” I stated. 

I'm sure that made him take a step back in courage. But I had to hand it to him, he really did try. But you know I defy reality. And I've been around long enough to learn the ins and outs of how to scare someone without ever touching them. 

“First..I'd rather not be tortured.” He said, and to him I was being nice. 

you know, doing that makes it actually worse for him. Why? Well because I'm pretty sure his boss knows he met with Eddie. His boss also knows Eddie gave him the file. Timmy's men were stationed right outside. So someone ran to another place to call and confirm. After all growing up and being in the mafia for so long you tend to pick up on things, without ever being taught them. 

“Good choice Timmy. If you answer all the questions I have for you, I'll let walk out alive. And you can go run to your boss.” I said, I mean I was being nice, even if it was a false nicely.

“Okay, I'll do my best, if I don't them I'll say I don't know.” Timmy said. 

“Mmm. Who's your boss?” I asked as I closed the file and stuck in my coat. 

“Your father's friend's younger brother.” He said, and I nodded. 

“Why is he after this company?” I asked. 

“The girl owns this company. He fingers if he ruins it it'll shut down and then he could rebuild it and she won't be able to have.” Timmy said, I nodded figuring that's what it was. 

“Is this the first on her inheritance, he's come after so far?” I asked. 

“Yes.” He said. 

“What else is he after?” I asked, as I gave him a hard cold stare. 

“He..he's after her entire inheritance, he feels like it wasn't fair that his brother had it all and was given nothing.” Timmy said, he shrank back. 

“that's hilarious, considering he didn't do a thing but sleep around and gamble and drink. His older brother built everything he owned with his bare hands. Can you tell me why he tried to get her sold off to his brother's killer?” I stated. 

I don't know why I was even asking, cause I had my suspicions. But I still wanted to know.

“because she's in the way, he thinks she's a spoiled brat so he wants to teach her a lesson.” he said I nodded. 

“yeah, some lesson. Tell your boss I'm coming for him. And tell him to stop going after his niece and her wealth. If he does this again. I'll do more than kill him. And make sure you tell him his brother's best friends kid is a monster will you?” I said, he nodded. 

I signaled for him to leave. He walked back to the front, I then left out the back. I would deal with Eddie later tonight. I didn't need to know where he was going. I had his entire schedule for today. 

As I left out the back door, I looked at my wrist watch and saw it was 4:30 pm. I would wait until 8 pm, when he went to bed early. After all, he had to work. He didn't know I was going to kill him though. He didn't need to know, he'll figure all that out. Let him spend time with his kids. While he was doing that, the driver pulled up and got out, opening the door for me. As I got in, the driver closed the door. He got into the car himself, and drove off. 

“Where to next sir?” He asked, I looked our the window. 

“Take me to the cigarette company Eddie works at.” I said, and handed him the address.

I looked out the window deep in the thought as he drove out of the alleyway. Turning onto a road, taking a left, I saw people coming to a stop as my car pulled out. I raised a brow watching people and time. How it all seemed to flow hand in hand. But it didn't seem to be fast enough for them. It reminded me of my earlier thoughts. As I looked between the buildings I could see the sun was setting. It was cold but the sun was still slightly in the sky. Since it was winter, it seemed to get darker earlier. For me it seemed timed flowed slower in the winter and flowed faster in the summer. But it also depends on what I was doing. I watched as we drove past cookie cutter brick houses and cookie cutter apartment buildings. All brick, some in shambles, others fully holding up. I could clearly see how the times changed. Teenagers in high-school. Kids just getting home. The city rushed to go home, to get dressed to get dinner. 

As we finally came to a stop, I looked up blinking from my minor thoughts, I realized the door was being opened for me. I saw that we were at the entrance. As the door was opened for me, I got out. By this time the breeze slightly picked up. As he got out, he walked inside. Some workers bowed, opening doors for him. He walked up to the counter. His hands clasped In Front of him as the woman looked up to see him. She blushed. He ignored. 

“He..hello sir. Can I help you?” She asked. 

“Yes, you can go tell your boss that Zayne DaVinci is here to see him.” I said, she nodded and I leaned against the counter as she did so. 

She picked up the heavy set receiver and dialed out, calling her boss of the company. 

“Sir, there is a Zayne DaVinci here to see you.” She said. 

She seemed flustered and I just took it from her. 

“I don't have time for your discussion of who you let in your office Jeffrey. You're about to lose your company. I'd you don't let me in. So either let me in that dark dank office of yours or you can lose this place to my father's friend's younger brother. you choose.” I said, my voice was soft and handed it back to her. 

“Yes sir. Right away sir.”She said, and hung up. 

“Thank you. Otherwise I'd have a hard time later. He always does things like this. Instead of checking credentials or whatever. He just ignores and then I'm stuck in-between. I miss the old boss. Where he would send someone down to check.” She said. 

“Well technically he doesn't own this place. He just runs it. And your position will change soon. make sure you work hard and I'm sure the owner will promote you.” I said, and she nodded. 

She smiled and escorted me up stairs and to his office. The secretary tried to stop her until I gave her a hard look. She knocked on the door. 

“Come in.” The man said. 

“Thank you Lena. I'll let the owner know you've worked hard. You can go back now oh so give me your information. Maybe she'll use you as a secretary. I've seen your file. And when I go back down I'll take your information. And report to the original owner.” I said, she nodded and left. 

I stepped in, closing the door behind me. I sat down, on the chair. I crossed my legs like I was incharge because I was. I then pulled out a thick file and set it on his desk.

“Sir what's this about?” He asked. 

“This company is an advertising company for cigarettes and it never used to be just for cigarettes. Fix it.” I paused. 

“Sir you can't just come in here and..” He tried to say as I sped around the desk and grabbed his neck.

“Yes I can. Because I'm the holder of your now dead boss's daughter's inheritance. So you are a puppet. So you will do as I say. And you will be reporting to me until the new owner takes her place. Also you almost lost the company.” I said, he looked at me confused. 

“Sir, how?” He asked, clearly this man is low on intelligence or he was never fully or properly trained. 

“your security measures suck. You have a worker here by the name Eddie Harrison. You will fire him. These are classified documents of the company. Their schedules and their projects. This was pulled from the office earlier this afternoon. I came from a restaurant with two little rats. That is under the name of the uncle of the very woman you work for now. Get rid of him before the end of the day. If I come back and he still has a job here. I'll not only be firing you but all that supports you. Am I clear Jeffrey?” I stated cold but softly. 

“ye..yes sir, right away sir.” He said. I nodded. 

He opened the door. 

“Sarah send up an Eddie Harrison he works for the mail department.” He said and I got up and walked out.

I stopped right in front of him, “I'll have extra security here along with checking every single worker here. And you'll change back the variety of advertisements this company is supposed to do. Got it?” I ordered. 

“yes sir. I'll make sure it gets done.” He said and I left. 

As I came back to Lena, I saw rubbing her forehead in frustration at some asshole bothering her. I walked up and grabbed him the the collar and looked at her with a soft expression. 

“I'll take this along with the information I asked for. And I'll see you on Monday. I'm sure security is coming.” I said, she nodded, handing me a piece of paper and I stuck it in my pocket and grabbed the scum bag. As she packed up and followed me out.

Finally out, I look up and around and I notice it was late. I looked at my wrist watch and saw I was in there longer than expected. It was 7:30 pm. Lena's car pulled up as she bowed and got in. The car drove off, as I looked at the thing I was holding. 

“You will go home and leave her alone. If you bother her again I'll do more than just kill you. I'll have you begging for death. Am I clear?” I asked, my voice was cold and threatening. 

He nodded, and paled, I let him go and he ran off pissong himself. As my car pulled up, I could see the dinner rush. Finally driving off. I had to rub my temple. I had a slight headache due to an irritation. I handed the driver Eddie's house Address. as the car drove off, I put the bag of tools on the seat next to me. Then I watched as the city moved by. It seemed like I was numb. Watching humans faces turning pink due to being cold. Running to get home. Never stopping to take time to enjoy their surroundings. But I guess they thought they had all the time in the world. I wish I could be that naive. Be able to sleep and not worry if there is a real leader or if that position was empty. Spiraling like a hurricane in the middle of the ocean and the humans with high mental capacity were just trying to hang on and keep up with the latest information. 

As the car came to a stop in the back of the house, I looked around to seeing it was quiet. Cold but quiet. It was dark. Not a rat or a person in sight. So I got out, grabbing my bag, quietly closing the door. I quickly walked up the stairs being a light as a feather. I crouched down, I dug Into the hag digging our my lock picking tools. I then began to unlock the door. Moving it just right. The door lock finally clicked, telling me the door was unlocked. It felt like forever. But really it was probably five seconds. As I put it all way. I put the bag on my shoulder and quietly opened the door and walked in. As I shut the door. I grabbed the jug of oil and poured it all over the house. I walked into the bedroom, he was fast asleep. 

I gently picked him up and brought him into the living room. I quickly set up a contraption made of rope and his furniture. 

I tied his hands behind his back and tied his neck up just right. So he was on his knees and he couldn't move. I tied his calves to his thighs so he could stand. 

I then set out the torture tool, I took off my coat and set it on a spot that didn't have oil on it. I then rolled up my sleeves. As I finished, I grabbed a cup of water and splashed it on his face, after turning on a brighter light besides the corner lamp he had on. 

“Hey, the fuck do you think youre..” He paused. 

I sat down in front of him, as I picked up a tool that could rip his finger nails from his body. 

“If you answer all my questions honestly I won't hurt you..but if you shout again or lie..I'll break you..understand?” I stated.

He nodded, I could smell urine, I looked down to seeing a dark wet spot forming in his pants

 “I thought you were grown enough to be potty trained.” I stated softly. 

“ I am asshole.” He growled.

“oh yeah? Than what in the actual fuck is that?” I said pointing to the dark smelling stain formed on his pants.

“you tell me..you tied me up. Dick head.” He said, and I leaned forward and let the tool grip hid index finger as I pulled. 

As I pulled, it ripped and he screamed, “what did I say? I hate it when people scream.” I said, pausing. “also new rule..don't answer my question with a question. This isn't therapy.” I stated. 

He was gasping for breath, trying to calm down and ignore the pain, I almost smirked. 

“what is it that you want?” He asked. 

“you know, for a smart man..You're really stupid.” I said, and he looked at me confused. 

“what does that mean?” He asked. 

“tell me, do you think your friend is going to survive?” I asked. 

“I..i..I don't know. I don't have any friends.” He said and sighed as I leaned forward and he shook .

“wait..wait please…” He screamed as I ripped another nail. 

“such a blatant lie. I heard you talking to him earlier this evening at the diner. Timmy wasn't it?” I stated. 

“He isn't my friend.” he said as he gasped, his chest visibly moving up and down. 

“who is he then?” I asked. 

“He's someone I report to, my boss ordered me to get Intel and give it to Timmy and timmy gives it to him.” He said and nodded. 

“tell me, why that company?” I asked. 

“because it belonged to his older brother. Supposedly the man died.” the woman gasped out in pain. 

“did you know the new owner?” I asked. 

“no..no..they only thing I know is that he wanted me to get Intel and report back to Timmy. If I got caught I was dead. If I failed I was dead.” He said and I nodded. 

“and if you. Completed the task?” I asked. 

“ I was supposed to get made. He was going to raise my usual checks.” He said and I nodded. 

“how often did you meet timmy?” I asked. 

“this was the third time. We would meet once a week.” He asked, as sweet beads fell down his forehead. 

His fingers were bleeding, “how many projects did you give him and was this the biggest file?” I asked. 

“I gave him two smaller ones. Yes, that was the biggest file he asked for. He said he needed something bigger. Something about he couldn't find the boss’s niece so he needed to use all resources. Please. That's all I know.” Eddie said. 

I then sliced his throat, his eyes widened at me as he began to choke. I got up watching the life leave his eyes. His eyes once sparkling with life now become dull with death. They say that killing tears your soul apart. Takes your humanity. It's like selling your soul to the devil. But one problem. I was worse than him. As I stood up, I walked to the kitchen and cleaned my tool in bleach, since I had bleach in my bag. I cleaned it and packed everything away. I rolled my sleeves back down. I put my coat back on and lit a match. I intentionally dropped the match, letting it hit against the oil. I then walked out, walking back to my car. I quickly got in, as the first explosion broke the stuff in the house. 

I then got into the car as it drove off when the second explosion made the windows splatter outward. Everything burning in its wake. Chaos was one thing I loved. But like a shadow. I made sure the was also outside and it burned with the writings of death happens in the shadows. 

As the car then drove off, as the cops sirens came around the corner, completely missing them, my driver took me home..

To be continued..