Chapter 2 Kidnapped

Springfield, Missouri

“Yeah, I just checked into a hotel,” Janet spoke to her aunt on the phone, making sure not to reveal that she was within walking distance of the Genovese casinos.

“Did you speak to your father?”

“No, he isn’t taking my calls or answering my messages.” She pressed her lips.

“Janet, if you don’t get a hold of him, just come back, okay? Do not take any step and land yourself in trouble.”

“Yes. I want to speak to him in person. I will only return with him if he agrees.”

“Alright, it’s already late, so just go to bed and forget about everything. I love you, okay?”

“I love you too. Bye.” Looking out of the window, Janet felt a sense of unease as she watched the throngs of people rushing through the streets.

“I have mourned over the loss of one father. I will not suffer the same fate again.” Determined to reunite with her father, she made another call to him. “If you don’t pick up, I’ll do whatever it takes to find you.”

Once again, the call remained unanswered.

Janet changed into black leather pants and a white silk shirt, and carefully applied dark makeup to conceal her identity. Putting on a black jacket, she shook out her long, glossy golden hair, letting it flow down to her waist.

She bravely ventured out of her hotel and strolled for several miles before coming to a halt outside the casino. Inhaling deeply, she strode confidently inside, passing by the casino tables on her way to the bar.

“Water, please?” She asked, and the bartender nodded. Biting her lips, she scanned the crowd, taking in the various faces and expressions. Although some men matched the description of the Mafia, she hesitated to approach them.

“Here, madam,”

Turning towards the bar counter, she flashed a friendly smile. “Thanks.” Taking a small sip, she scanned the surroundings.

“Looking for someone?” The bartender caught her attention again, and she swivelled her high-rise stool to face him. “Are you new here?”

Hoping to gain some valuable information, Janet flirted back with the young, handsome bartender who was showing interest in her. “Springfield is not new to me. But this is my first social call here. And I’m already liking it.” She swayed her body in sync with the music. “What’s your name?”

“Dane,”

“Janet,” she reached out her hand to him, and he accepted it with a smile.

“For newcomers like you, the Missouri Mule is a must-try. I’ll be right back.” As he left to get her a drink, Janet observed the man in the black suit, who had an air of mystery about him as he smoked his cigar and kept glancing at his watch. His forbidding appearance and intense hostility made the waiters nervous as he rebuked them.

“Here,” Dane appeared with a drink.

“Thanks.” As soon as she took a sip of the drink, she was impressed by its bold flavour. “Amazing! Thank you so much.”

“I know, right? So, what are your plans for tonight?”

Choking on her drink, Janet felt her eyes water as she looked up at him. “Sorry?”

“Oh, I mean, I can show you around if you like. Don’t get me wrong, I just love making friends.” He grinned in her direction. “Anyway, I didn’t intend to make you feel uncomfortable. Do you like this place? This is the coolest casino in the town.”

“In all honesty, I feel a little intimidated by the man sitting on your extreme right.” She took a blind shot and prayed it wouldn’t ricochet back at her. “I accidentally bumped into him on my way inside and he glared at me with an unmistakable intent to kill.” Janet noticed a shift in his expression from playful to serious.

“Steer clear of Genovese men!” Dane warned her. “Although Genovese claims they spare women and children, their soldiers are infamous for being merciless and unrelenting. Just a few days back, one of them murdered a woman because she trespassed the boundary. I wouldn’t recommend dealing with them.” He whispered.

“Wow. I am scared now. Should I go back home?”

“No. This is a cool place. Just stay out of their business.” Dane patted the back of her hand resting on the counter.

“But how do I identify them?”

“All the soldiers wear emerald rings on their thumbs.” He whispered.

Janet gave a nod while Dane’s eyes darted towards the entrance. “That’s the Capo of Genovese’s.”

He gestured towards the entrance and Janet’s heart started racing as she turned onto her barstool and saw her father standing there.

Dressed in a sharp black suit and crisp white shirt, he looked like a high-powered executive ready to take on the day. Janet observed him taking a step in the man’s direction she had spoken about to Dane.

“That’s Connor Blair.” He whispered. “You won’t find the ring on his thumb. Just in case you have an encounter with him tonight or ever. Avoid any kind of interaction. He is very dangerous and has many corpses up in his sleeves. And he makes no distinction between males, females, or children. Should you make an error, it’s more advisable to end your life peacefully than to suffer a merciless death at his hands.”

Janet blinked back her tears. Every word from Dane was like a dagger to her heart as she learned of her father’s cruelty. But to find him alive after three years of contemplation was overwhelming.

Connon was engrossed in a conversation, and his irritation was palpable on his countenance. It soon escalated into anger as he forcefully slammed his fist on the table and stood up.

Janet swiftly got off the barstool and opened her clutch bag to pay for the drink.

“Hey, it’s on me!” Dane’s voice made her look up.

“Thanks,” she thanked him, glancing at her father from the corner of her eyes. “I don’t feel safe here. But I will come another time.”

“Sure.” He flashed a smile and shifted his attention to the new customer.

Connor was making his way up the staircase. Janet rushed to catch up with him, but the guards blocked her. “Dad!” Standing at the first step of the stairs, she called out to him, causing Connor to halt in his tracks.

“Dad!” she called him again while restricted by the watchful eyes of the bodyguards.

Connor turned in a flash, and his face betrayed an understated sense of surprise. He was momentarily at a loss for words, unsure of how to react or acknowledge her presence. They stood in silence until the sound of a gunshot pierced the air, with the bullet narrowly missing Connon and striking the metal grill.

Chaos broke out and people frantically searched for a way out. The bodyguards left Janet to save their capo. They covered him to safely escort him out, but Connor pushed them away to reach his daughter.

Connor shot the man who fired at him and dragged Janet through a secret exit to a dark alley. “Janet, what the hell are you doing here?” He had an angry grip on her arms.

“What is going on here? You’re not taking my call. We haven’t heard from you in three years! I had no choice but to come.” She saw pain in his eyes before they turned cold.

“Go back home and never come back here!” he said in a deep voice, as the sound of gunshots echoed through the air.

“Dad, I…” Before she could finish her words, Connor dragged her out of the alley onto an empty road.

“Find your way back home. And never set foot in this vicinity again!” He turned to disappear into the dark alley.

“Dad, you didn’t even ask if I am hurt?” Janet shouted at his retreating.

“I just saved you. I know you’re alright. Go back home, Janet!” His face twisted with anger as he confronted her, and Janet caught a glimpse of the man pointing a gun at Connor from behind.

“Dad!” She rescued Connor, and the shot missed. Connor shielded Janet as he pulled out his gun and a loud bang echoed through the air as the attacker fell to the ground.

In the dead of the night, the attacker took control of the empty street as black cars came to a stop. In a state of panic, Janet’s heart raced as Connor tightly gripped her wrist and pulled her along, away from the danger.

“Dad!” she shouted as Connor dodged another bullet. One of the attackers rushed to grab Janet from behind, but she kicked him. Connor cast a fleeting glance at her before one of the bullets struck his shoulder, causing him to let go of her hand.

Janet observed him yelping in pain, but his fighting spirit was not broken, as if the bullet had only fueled his strength. The arrival of Genovese’s soldiers quickly turned the scene into a nightmare of gunshots, screams, and bloodshed.

Janet raced to assist Connor when the three attackers overpowered her and she was powerless against their brawny force. As she fought to break free, they covered her mouth and forcefully dragged her to the car, tossing her inside.

“Janet!” Connor chased after the car, but it quickly disappeared.

Janet was frantically banging on the window. “Where the fuck are you taking me? Who are you?” She shouted.

“She is Connor’s daughter. I heard her calling him dad.” The assailants conversed. “Boss will be pleased with our work.”

Before she could react, a sharp prick on her arm made Janet gasp, and gradually darkness engulfed her.