DEADENDS: How I Crossed Paths with the Mafia Don

It is noon. Sunbeams seethe through the blinds left half open. They say it is to let the light in, yet all it seems to do is reveal the dust and clutter that gathers in the office. Although it is almost missed by the naked eye, someone still seems to be bothered by it.

"Atchoo!"

A sneeze rips through the room, amidst the clacking of typewriters and tearing of pages for this week's issue.

"Ethan! Can you tell Mr. Hoffman to bring a feather duster in here? I like digging up dirt as much as the rest of you, but dust? The things trying to kill my sinuses!"

She rubs her nose and sneezes again. Her brunette hair slowly comes down from her high ponytail strand by strand as her sneezes continue.

"Tough luck, Austine. If your lucky, the dust might just kill you first before the widow you exploited for a saucy story does."

The man snickers as he dips into his pocket and hands her a handkerchief with the initials "E.S." on the bottom left. He looked clean-shaven and his eyes a tinge of green, a perfect contrast to his dark hair with strands of white.

"I know she killed her husband! I got a gut feeling about these kinds of things." She grabs the napkin from his hand and proceeds to blow her nose. A look of disgust and bemusement falls on the man's face at the sight of her snot.

"Take advantage of that gut feeling before someone pulls your guts right out of you."

As they bantered, the head office door swung open with a loud thud. A woman with dark hair in all black marches outside with tears streaming down her grief-stricken face.

"How dare you!" She points a finger at the woman on the desk. "I loved Abe. He's been the only man I ever laid with. We've been married for three years, the happiest I've ever been in all my life!"

"Happier than the moment you cashed in that sweet life insurance?

Lady, he was in his seventies with heart problems and you're in your twenties with the curves of an hourglass. Clearly, his time was up when he crossed paths with you."

"You bitch!"

The woman storms off with a huff.

"Some people can't handle the truth!" Austine raises her hands and stretches.

"You mean your truth?" Ethan interjects.

"Same thing."

Just then, a man steps out of the office. He's dressed in a worn-out three-piece suit with lines accentuating his already lengthy legs. His years are etched on his head and a five o'clock shadow covers his jaw. He inspects the latches on the door. One of the rusty screws came loose. The woman who walked out seemed to have ripped the door off its hinges.

"Great. A screw loose."

"I think the other screw just ran off, Mr. Hoffman."

Austine nudged Ethan and they burst out in laughter.

"You couldn't have bothered the woman a week after the funeral?"

The man sighs as he tries to put back the screw on the hinge with his nail.

"It was the most opportune time!"

"We have different ideas when it comes to the right time then. For example, I don't think it's the right time to interview a widow on the day of her husband's funeral."

He then rubs the temples of his head." Damn it, I know you're persistent and I admire you for it, Az. But can you please lay off the grieving next time?"

"Fine. If she did kill him though, I get dibs on the next case."

"Nice try. No more interviewing."

The man walks inside his office and shuts the door gently behind him. However, the door teeters off the side and hangs by the hinges on the bottom. A small gaping hole on the door frame provides a perfect view into his office as he sits and stares straight at Austine.

"That man is lucky his articles sell like hotcakes or I would've had to file for bankruptcy from all the cases against him."

He grumbles under his breath. With a pen in hand, he signs off on another paycheck entitled to the Rebel magazine's lawyer, Ethan Swerling.

"Hey Ethan, come in here and get your cheque!"

Ethan then stands up from his desk and winks at Austine before he enters the office.

"As long as you keep writing, the checks keep flowing. Ain't that right, Azzie?"

"Keeping you fed since 1943."

She shoots him a smile and finger guns.

They chuckle. He then sits in the steel chair inside the office across from Mr. Hoffman.

"Here's your check for that slander trial Az got herself into. It's almost a miracle how you keep pulling her out of messes like that."

"Technicalities, Hoffman. Plus, the dame can charm her way out of any situation." Ethan smirks as he flips open his lighter and lights up a cigarette.

"Taking a liking to her, I see. That might be a conflict of interest one day."

"The job is the job. Money is money." He puffs out a cloud of smoke and snuffs it out on the coffee cup on the table.

"Typical corporate sleaze as always." Hoffman rolls his eyes and hands him the check.

"Hey, before I get going. A little bird told me something, although you didn't hear it from me."

"What is it?"

"Some drug deal is about to go down somewhere. Not exactly sure where but it's best you ignore any tip-offs to the location. Things might get heated and we should leave it to the cops. Again, didn't hear it from me."

He then struts out of the office and stuffs the check in his chest pocket. "I'll be seeing you real soon, Hoffy."

"Not too soon, hopefully." Hoffman then chucks the whole coffee cup in the bin.

As soon as Ethan leaves, Austine bursts through the doors.

"Careful!" Hoffman shouts.

The door creeks for a moment and then stops. Before Hoffman could sigh in relief, a loud crash rings out and the door falls to the floor.

"Well, it was already falling apart when I opened it.

Anyways, I didn't mean to eavesdrop but..."

"I saw your ear through the gaping hole your interviewee left on my door. Now, that hole is the size of my door frame, oddly missing the door part."

"Past is Past, Hoffy. So where is this drop-off that Mr. Lawyer-man was talking about?" She then placed her arm on his desk and stared at him curiously.

"I don't know. Even if I did, I won't tell you." He then reached inside his drawer to get the case files available at the time.

"None of that boring, case closed, petty thieves, or troubled housewife cases." She lets out a groan as he places the files on his desk. "Where is the mystery? The suspense! The life for crying out loud!"

"I think you have the crying out loud part, seeing as that you troubled a grieving widow."

Austine grumbles under her breath.

"I know she did it."

"You don't have the proof. We aren't detectives. You'll write what's given to you with the facts laid out."

"Trendy articles don't win Pulitzers, Hoffy. We both know that." She stares solemnly at the cases. Each one of them was raunchier than the next. The cases were nothing new with the typical sensational headlines that seem to make even the dullest of stories alluring.

"Ah yes, local farm ranch owner Abe dies from a sudden heart attack, leaving widower and newcomer Desiree the estate and land. She definitely had nothing to do with it." Her voice was higher in pitch to make her sarcasm ever more apparent.

"I remember all the cases on that pile and that's not one of them.

I need you to focus on giving me articles, Az. It doesn't matter if they're your run-of-the-mill news. Journalists don't automatically get a Pulitzer-winning article on their first try."

"But I need a story that's alive."

"They are all lives, Az. They may be ordinary ones but it's the beauty of being a writer. It's up to you to add some intrigue.

Now choose one and get going."

He then shoved the stack of cases toward her and escorted her out of his office.

Austine takes a moment to scan the stack of cases on her desk, her eyes flickering over each file. The air in the office grows tense as she contemplates her next move. Finally, she selects a file and holds it up triumphantly.

"I've found it! The perfect story," Austine declares, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

Hoffman raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh? And what does this one entail?"

"A missing heiress," Austine answers, her voice filled with intrigue. "Elizabeth Kensington, the daughter of a wealthy tycoon, vanished without a trace. The police closed the case, labeling it as a runaway, but something tells me there's more to it."

Hoffman's interest is piqued. He leans back in his chair, folding his arms. "And what makes you think there's a story there? We can't just go around stirring up old cases."

Austine grins mischievously. "Because, Hoffy, I've uncovered a lead. A witness who claims to have seen Elizabeth the night she disappeared. They say she was with a mysterious man, someone who seemed out of place in her glamorous world."

Hoffman's skepticism starts to waver as Austine continues.

"The witness claims they overheard a heated argument between Elizabeth and this man. They believe it was about something scandalous, something that could shatter her family's reputation," Austine adds, her voice full of conviction.

Hoffman sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, Austine. If you think there's more to this story, then go for it. But I want you to promise me one thing."

Austine leans in, her eyes locking with Hoffman's. "What's that?"

Hoffman's voice grows serious. "Promise me that you won't let your determination blind you. Remember, we're journalists. Our duty is to seek the truth, but not at the expense of people's lives."

Austine nods, understanding the gravity of Hoffman's words. "I promise, Hoffy. I'll do my best to uncover the truth while being mindful of the lives affected."

Hoffman's stern expression softens into a smile. "That's all I ask, Austine. Now go, chase that story, but be careful. The world can be a dangerous place."

Austine gathers her belongings, her mind already racing with ideas and possibilities. As she heads towards the door, Ethan steps into the office, a curious expression on his face.

"What's going on, Azzie?" Ethan asks, noticing the determination in her eyes.

"I've got a lead, Ethan. A missing heiress and a mystery to unravel. This could be the story that sets Rebel Magazine apart," Austine replies, a mix of excitement and determination in her voice.

Ethan chuckles, a hint of concern in his eyes. "You never fail to find trouble, do you?"

Austine grins, her adventurous spirit shining through. "Trouble is where the best stories hide, Ethan. You should know that."

Ethan shakes his head, a fond smile playing on his lips. "I do know that which is why I'll be right by your side, navigating this tangled web of secrets and intrigue."

Austine's heart skips a beat, realizing the depth of Ethan's commitment. She reaches out, taking his hand in hers. "Thank you, Ethan. I couldn't do this without you."

With a shared understanding, Austine and Ethan embark on their quest for the truth.

Ethan drove his car on the way to work, it was a muscle car unbecoming of a lawyer to drive in, but nevertheless is his favorite one.

"Get in, we'll get there faster if we drive," he tells Austine as he revs up the car.

"You're telling me that you actually drive this thing? How do you manage not to get a speeding ticket." She looked on in awe as she examined the red outlines on the matte black car.

"It's called discipline and road safety."

He laughs and then retorts, "Also, I know the law well not to be messed with."

"Figures," she scoffed as she rolled her eyes and got in.

Austine and Ethan focus their investigation on the last place Elizabeth Kensington was seen alive-an upscale bar known as "The Velvet Vine." The dimly lit establishment exudes an air of sophistication, with plush velvet seating and a sleek bar that stretches across the room.

As they step into the bar,

Austine's eyes roam over the elegant decor, taking in the ambiance.

She turns to Ethan, a playful glint in her eyes.

"So, Ethan, what do you think? Ready to dive into the world of high-class intrigue?"

she teases, a mischievous smile dancing on her lips.

Ethan chuckles, his gaze flickering between Austine and the crowd. "I must admit, I'm more accustomed to courtrooms than swanky bars, but for you, Austine, I'm willing to make an exception."

Austine raises an eyebrow, a playful challenge in her voice. "Oh, is that so? I didn't know I had the power to sway even the most stoic lawyer."

Ethan's lips curl into a smirk as he leans closer. "Well, you've always had a way of turning my world upside down, Austine. Consider me under your spell."

They exchange a knowing look, the tension between them palpable.

Austine's playful banter fades as she regains her focus, her eyes scanning the crowd for potential witnesses. She nudges Ethan, a determined glimmer in her gaze.

"Enough chit-chat, let's dive into this investigation. Time to interview these socialites and see if they have any valuable information about Elizabeth," Austine declares, her voice laced with determination.

Ethan nods, his eyes scanning the room in search of potential leads. "Agreed. Let's gather some intel and see if anyone saw or heard anything relevant to her disappearance."

They approach a group of elegantly dressed socialites, engaged in lively conversation. Austine flashes a charming smile, introducing herself and Ethan as journalists from Rebel Magazine. She gracefully steers the conversation toward Elizabeth Kensington.

"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen," Austine begins, her voice carrying a professional yet approachable tone. "We're investigating the disappearance of Elizabeth Kensington. Have any of you had any interactions with her? Seen her here at The Velvet Vine?"

The socialites exchange curious glances, intrigued by Austine's line of questioning. One woman, adorned in a sparkling gown, steps forward, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Elizabeth Kensington? Oh, dear, I've heard of her. She was a regular here, always surrounded by an air of mystery. But I'm afraid I didn't have the pleasure of interacting with her personally," she reveals, her voice dripping with intrigue.

Austine nods, her pen poised to jot down any additional details. "Thank you for your insight. Do you happen to know if there were any specific individuals she associated with or any peculiar circumstances surrounding her visits to the bar?"

The woman's eyes light up, a mischievous smile dancing on her lips. "Well, my dear, there was one gentleman who seemed quite taken with Elizabeth. Tall, dark, and handsome. He had an air of mystery about him, always lurking in the shadows. They shared many intense conversations in hushed tones."

Austine's curiosity is piqued, and she leans in closer, her voice filled with intrigue. "Do you happen to know his name or any more details about him?"

The socialite smirks, her gaze shifting towards Ethan. "I'm afraid I never caught his name, but he certainly caught my eye. He seemed quite captivated by Elizabeth's every word and movement. It was as if they were entangled in a dance of secrets."

Ethan's charm and composure are evident as he meets the socialite's gaze, a polite smile gracing his lips. "Thank you for sharing that information with us. It's intriguing to know that Elizabeth had a connection with someone here."

The socialite's eyes linger on Ethan, her voice taking on a flirtatious tone. "If you ever need someone to dance with, Mr. Handsome Lawyer, I'd be more than willing to oblige."

Austine can't help but feel annoyed, they were straying from the investigation. She interjects, her voice laced with subtle teasing. "Oh, Victoria, you certainly know how to make an impression. But let's focus on the investigation for now, shall we?"

Victoria's eyes flicker between Austine and Ethan, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Of course, my dear. But should you change your mind, Mr. Handsome Lawyer, you know where to find me."

As Victoria saunters away, Austine turns to Ethan, her tone filled with playful banter. "Seems like our investigation has attracted some unexpected attention, Mr. Handsome Lawyer. You're quite the heartthrob."

Ethan chuckles, his eyes meeting Austine's with a mixture of amusement and sincerity. "Well, I must admit, Austine, you certainly know how to keep things interesting. But let's not get distracted. We have a mystery to solve, remember?"

Austine nods, a competitive spark igniting within her. "Absolutely, Mr. Handsome Lawyer. We won't let anyone or anything sway us from uncovering the truth."

Austine and Ethan approach Marcus, the bartender known for his discretion.

"Marcus, we're investigating the disappearance of Elizabeth Kensington," Austine begins, her tone sincere. "We've heard she had a connection with a certain gentleman here. Can you provide any insight?"

"Ah, yes. I remember her well. Elizabeth was often seen with a man named Damien Hartley.

Seems like you two are quite eager to uncover the truth. But I must warn you, valuable information doesn't come for free."

Austine raises an eyebrow, a mixture of surprise and annoyance on her face. "Are you suggesting we bribe you for the information?"

Marcus chuckles softly, his voice dripping with a hint of playfulness. "Let's call it a... small investment. Something to ensure my cooperation, you know?"

Ethan's expression remains impassive as he steps forward, his voice firm. "Marcus, we're here to uncover the truth and bring justice to those involved. If you have information, it's in everyone's best interest to share it willingly."

Marcus studies Ethan for a moment before a smirk plays on his lips. "Fine, I admire your principles. Tell you what, a generous tip would suffice. Consider it a gesture of goodwill."

Austine glances at Ethan, exchanging a brief silent conversation. Reluctantly, she reaches into her purse and pulls out some cash, placing it on the bar. "Here, Marcus. We appreciate your cooperation."

Marcus's eyes light up as he pockets the money, a satisfied grin on his face. "Pleasure doing business with you. Now, about Damien Hartley..."

Marcus leans closer, his voice lowering as he imparts crucial information. "Listen carefully, Austine and Ethan. Damien Hartley is not a man to be trifled with. He has his hands in various criminal activities, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, and underground gambling rings. The Crimson Court, his brothel, serves as a front for his illicit operations.

Remember, this conversation never happened. Be careful who you trust. Damien Hartley is not a man to be taken lightly."

Austine nods, a mix of gratitude and frustration welling up within her. "Thank you, Marcus. We'll proceed with caution."

They leave the bar, Austine feeling a mixture of accomplishment and dissatisfaction. "Can you believe Marcus asking for a bribe? It's infuriating, Ethan."

Ethan sighs, his voice tinged with resignation. "Unfortunately, these things happen, Austine. Some people are driven by their own self-interest. We can't let it deter us from our mission."

Austine nods, her determination resurfacing. "You're right, Ethan. We'll use this information to expose Damien Hartley and dismantle his criminal empire. No matter the obstacles we face, we won't be swayed."