This is a finished story.

“And why should we help you?” The shadowy figure in the dark scruffed. The voice was thick with an Italian accent. A puff of smoke drifted into the air. Bloodshot eyes fell on it, just barely able to be seen. Desperation had no limits when it came to this.

“You gotta help me, there’s no one else to turn to,” the desperate man whispered, hands dropping to his sides. “You’re the only one who can help.”

Another puff of smoke.

The desperate man looked to the side of the shadowy figure. A firm standing figure looked into the distance, shiny metal at his side. The dim light reflected off it, making it glisten. Silent pleas of help drew out through the desperate man’s head. He didn’t know where to go.

“Fine, my little friend. I will have my men help you.”

“Thank you, Tony.”

“That’s Big Tony to you. Now go little friend. I hope we’ll do business in the future.”

“Of course.”

Again with the smoke. A hand reached out, a gruff pale hand with rings on every finger. The desperate man glanced around, licked his lips, and took the hand.

A firm shake.

“Hey,” Zachary Hanson said as his brother, Taylor, walked in the room. Taylor nodded to him. “What’s up?”

“Nothing,” replied the 21 year old. Taylor walked over to the window, out from the apartment he shared with his two brothers in downtown Chicago. Zachary had been accepted to Northwestern University the previous fall, the same one Taylor attended as a junior. Isaac was out of college, he had gone to one close to home in Tulsa, but Taylor wanted to get away.

He had insisted at staying at the dorm, but his mother had other plans. Of course he couldn’t stay at the dorm, she controlled his life. Of course Isaac and Zac had to go out there with him, they had to get rid of their lives so he could go.

Taylor was eternally grateful to get out of Tulsa. This was his first year at the college, even though it was his third in an actual college. Every year since freshman he had applied, but had to spend two more years than wished at home. So now they were on their own, in Chicago, as happy as three mice in a cheese factory. Supposedly.

Isaac was in the main room, working on a report for his job. A stack of books was on the table next to him, some Zac’s but most Taylor’s. He took a break from his work to look out the window. Downtown Chicago. It was a hell of a lot bigger than downtown Tulsa. Bigger buildings, more buildings, busier streets. Couldn’t get anywhere with out being in an hour of traffic. From where he stood he could see the Sears tower, and to the suburbs. Out there was Melrose Park, Franklin Park, Hanover Park, smaller cities but cities nonetheless, in the suburbs. How he wished to live in the suburbs. But no, had to find an apartment downtown. Can’t find one near St. Vincent and Holy Innocence churches. Can’t be that far away. Can’t find the one near the sparkly sidewalk and a Jewel. Can’t find one near Johnny’s on North Avenue with the best damn hot dogs in Melrose Park. No…

Isaac sighed. He wasn’t happy. He’d do anything to have Taylor rubbed out so he could go to the suburbs. Tulsa was distant, he didn’t think of it much. He was happy to finally get away from mom and dad but he wanted that lovely yellow and brown house with the cool deck on McLean. But no. No one ever listens to Isaac.

Zac watched as Taylor stared into downtown with a smile on his face. Of course Taylor loves it in the cramped apartment. Thank God they found the only three bedroom one in the building. It was worth the extra money to have separate rooms. Zac couldn’t stand that boy. He was so happy with downtown. Zac wanted home. Zac wanted Tulsa. Even if he was accepted here to Northwestern, it didn’t matter. He never wanted to go. He was fine with home. He didn’t even want to apply! But of course, he had to and he had to go once he got in. Have to go with Taylor to Chicago. Have to watch over him so he doesn’t get lost in the big city. Tulsa was big enough for Zac. They’d visited Chicago before, that was enough for him. Didn’t ever plan on living there. No.

No one listens to Zac. Taylor gets everything. He’s the favorite. He’s the one that gets the girls, or even the grades (depends on which teacher he has to sleep with in this damn university). He gets whatever he wants. Isaac and Zac just get to follow along and watch out that he doesn’t get over his head. He was over his head three years ago, dammit.

Tulsa was perfect for Zac. His family, his friends, his life. Had to give it all up so Taylor could be happy. Well Taylor could go fuck himself. He didn’t want Taylor happy, he wanted himself happy. It was always for the blue eyed pretty boy. It was always him. Even after the fame was over, he was still popular. He could walk into anywhere and get something free. Isaac walked in somewhere, nothing. Zac walked in somewhere, nothing. It was always him. If Zac could, he’d just wipe the boy out for a chance at happiness.

Taylor smiled. He loved it here.

“Hey Zac, I’m gonna go for a walk. It’s beautiful out there. You wanna come along?” Taylor asked. Zac shook his head. Yeah, like I would wanna be seen out there with you.

“No, maybe later. I have stuff to do.” Taylor shrugged and walked out to the main room, thinking Isaac would wanna go.

“Hey Isaac. You wanna go for a walk or something? It’s really nice outside.” Isaac turned from the window.

“Can’t. I gotta finish my work. Bad enough I wasted time already,” Isaac said. Taylor shrugged and walked out the door. Isaac smiled to himself, grabbed his things, and put them in a box. Bye-bye downtown. Hello suburbs.

Taylor patiently waited as the elevator sunk from the 14th floor to ground level. He zipped up his jacket as he stepped outside. It had been cold the day before, and it was still relatively cool, but nice out. The sun was shining and the sky was blue. The heavy traffic was gone as of now, so the city was quiet. For once, the city was quiet.

Taylor passed the Sears Tower and the museum. He passed by the church and by the chili dog stand. Others that rushed to get to where they were going to avoid the weather gave him strange looks. He was happy, walking at a slow pace. As he passed the Harry Carey restaurant, it started getting cloudy. He didn’t notice. A sprinkle started. Taylor didn’t care.

“Hey Isaac, did you…what are you doing?” Zac asked, walking into the main room. Isaac was putting their stuff into boxes. “Are you moving out or something?” Isaac looked to Zac and smiled.

“Nope.”

“Then why are you putting your stuff into boxes? Wait, that’s Taylor’s!” Isaac ignored him and kept putting stuff into other boxes, and taping them up. “I would like to know what you are doing.”

Isaac walked over and put his hands on his brother’s shoulders, looking at him. “Zac, we’re moving to the suburbs. I bought that house that we looked at in Melrose Park.” Zac was shocked.

“Thanks for asking me. I don’t mind, but I’m sure Taylor won’t leave.”

“We don’t have to worry about Taylor anymore. He won’t mind. Trust me.” Zac didn’t know what to say.

“Why?”

It started to pour. Taylor had to duck into an alley in order to save himself from getting soaked. The worst thing was cold rain. As he waited for the rain to stop, a hand grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back. He was going to protest when something hit his head and everything went black.

“So what you’re saying is that we are going to move to Melrose Park and Taylor won’t mind?” Zac asked. Isaac nodded, smiling.

“It’s in the suburbs. I mean you were with me, it’s right next to the creek. It’s a wonderful house. It is near O’Hare Airport, but that makes it all the better. You don’t know how great it would be to live there.”

“I guess it would be.”

“Of course it would be, Zac! I’m sure you won’t mind the travel to the college, I know it’s gonna be more of a hassle but hey!”

“Okay…I’ll help you pack.”

Taylor woke up tied to a chair. In front of him was a large man with a cigar and rings on every finger. Next to him on both sides were two tall and thin men, both looking fierce. He tried to talk but there was tape over his mouth. He could barely see the large man in the dim lighting.

“I see that you are awake,” said the large man, getting up. His voice had a thick Italian accent. He walked over, taking a puff of his cigar. “I am Tony. Big Tony to you. But you won’t be addressing me at all, Taylor.”

Taylor gave him a strange look. How do you know me, he wanted to say, but thick duct tape got in the way. Big Tony smiled at him, then proceeded to crack his knuckles. It was still raining outside, Taylor heard it above him. A light bulb hung from the middle of the room, giving light to only Taylor. He could see Big Tony’s outline, as with the two men on either side of him.

“A man walked in here yesterday. He gave me an offer that I just couldn’t refuse. One hundred thousand dollars for your death. Of course I asked for the amount, he said he’d meet my price.” Taylor’s eyes grew. He wanted to know who would do such a thing. “He goes by…what was it Mickey?” Big Tony turned to the man on his left.

“Isaac.”

Taylor screamed into the tape. Big Tony laughed, a hearty, evil laugh. “I see you know who I’m talking about. He seems close to you. I’m curious now. Angelo, take off the tape.” The man on Big Tony’s right stepped forward and ripped off the tape from Taylor’s mouth. He moved around his jaw to deal with the pain. “What is Isaac’s relationship to you?”

“He’s my brother.”

Big Tony almost squealed as he rubbed his hands together. “Ooh, brother versus brother! Haven’t had one of these in a long time. How long has it been, Mickey?”

“Seven years, Boss.” Big Tony nodded and smiled. He stepped into the light so Taylor could see him.

“I’m gonna patch you up so no one can hear you scream.” Angelo put another piece of the tape on Taylor’s mouth. “Can’t have anyone come down before we get rid of a stiff.” Big Tony had a gleam in his eyes that Taylor feared. He had a cigar in his mouth and black circles under his eyes. His eyes were dark and his hair was jet black. “Pop him.”

“Well this is it,” Isaac said. Zac looked skeptically at the house that stood before them. He didn’t get it. “This is our new place.”

“It’s ugly.” Isaac laughed, agreeing. “If it’s so ugly how come you’re so happy with it?”

“Zac, this is my traditional suburban house that I’ve been wanting for a long time now!” Isaac said. “This is my project! I’m gonna spend all my free time fixing it up. It’s a really nice house, Zac.” Isaac smiled and unlocked the front door. Zac wondered when Taylor was going to come over. Isaac said that he had let Taylor know about the house and gave him the address. Isaac said he told Taylor to come over when he finished with his walk.

That was yesterday.

Isaac sat on the couch in the living room. He let the smell of the house sink in, closing his eyes and letting his head fall back. Zac still didn’t get why he was so in love with the place. There had to be something. Isaac seemed so comfortable with the place that he didn’t even worry about his brother. Zac had to question.

“Aren’t you at least a bit worried about Taylor?” Zac asked. Isaac let a smile cross his face, keeping his eyes closed. Zac took that as a no. He wasn’t worried at all. Dammit Taylor hadn’t come home from his walk that he took a day before!!

“Taylor’s a big boy,” Isaac faintly said. “He can take care of himself. Anyways it was his idea to come to Chicago in the first place. If he had any problems he’d let us know.”

“Well he went for a walk yesterday and he never came back. Aren’t you worried that something happened to him?” Isaac’s smile faded. That boy was pushing his limits. He stood his head upright and opened his eyes.

“Remember a couple of weeks ago when he found that girl and didn’t come back till the next day?” Isaac asked, annoyed. “He probably found a bitch and knocked her up! Taylor has that thing with women. They swoon over his every move.” Isaac spat out the words with pure hatred.

“Isaac?” Zac asked. “What’s gotten into you?”

“Don’t you realize it, Zac?” Isaac asked, standing now. “Everywhere we go, everything we do Taylor gets recognized and he’s got ever girl on the planet swooning over him. There’s something about him that they love. Do you have any fucking clue how many girls I lost to him?”

“Yeah but you seem so upset about it. It’s not his fault he’s like that. It’s not like he flirts with everyone…they swoon to him and he just responds.” Isaac gave his brother a cold look. He didn’t understand. Might as well have him popped too. He was just beginning to wonder what Big Tony was doing with him, if he hadn’t already popped him.

There was a knock at the door. Isaac walked over to the door and opened it. An officer stood there, a sorrowful look on his face. Isaac had to keep himself from smiling. “Yes, officer?” Isaac asked, trying to sound like a normal human being.

“Are you Isaac Hanson?” he asked. Isaac nodded, but his thoughts were nothing but cynical. No I’m Taylor…the cute one. Of course I’m Isaac!! “There’s no easy way to say this, but it’s my duty to say it anyway. Your brother, Taylor, had an interference with the Chicago Mafia and has been killed. His body is at the hospital. When you are ready we need to have you come in and confirm.” Isaac nodded, solemnly. Fake tears sprung to his eyes.

“Yes…well then I’ll come do that, once I tell my family,” Isaac said. The officer nodded.

“I’m very sorry I had to bring it like this. That Big Tony…he’s a tricky fellow.” Isaac watched as the officer walked off. He closed the door and let a smile enter his face. He saved himself from jumping for joy, but did click his heels before settling down. He walked into the living room.

“Uh, Zac, bad news.”

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