Psychology says that there is reason for all behaviour. Physics says that every reaction is caused by previous action. Real life makes us ask “why” but usually we don´t find the answer.

“Thus, Serge Collins was paroled,” said David slowly. “With crucial proof missing, it´s not such a surprise.” Thoughtfully, he watched his right-hand man leisurely sitting in front of him. “But the missing itself is unexpected.”

Jack sighed and shrugged. “It was very simple trap,” he said sounding almost bored. “Those Panthers aren´t simple. I´m not surprised it didn´t work.”

Boss frowned a bit but nodded. Yes, it was simple trap. It lacked usual precision of Mafia´s moves. There were many other, more efficient ways how to get rid of a person. But was it what they seriously wanted to do?

“Should I kill him instead?” criminal asked his boss.

The answer didn´t come immediately.

“Not yet,” David said finally. Smoothly, he stood up and walked to window behind his desk. Frowning, he looked out as if watching the city outside.

“But it´s time to stop playing,” he continued darkly. “So far, we haven´t been serious. It has to stop.”

Jack silently waited, unblinking glance fixed on his boss.

“I really don´t want to start a war with the police so simply,” admitted David. He didn´t bother to hide tiredness. There was no need to pretend power. The loyalty behind him was undoubted.

“We´ll give them the last warning. The last chance to stay aside,” he said firmly, turning back to Jack only to find the later standing inches behind him. “If they refuse, I´ll write they names on the Black List.”

The Ripper coldly smiled. “Shall I take care about it?” he asked, amusement waking up in his voice.

But boss has already made his own plans. “No. You´re going to take care about Collins. Distract him. Make him busy. Do what you find necessary for keeping him occupied.”

Jack´s smile widened and he headed towards the door. “Is that all?”

“Actually, there´s one more thing…” David´s words trailed off but Jack stopped on the spot.

“Maybe we´ll have to remind Alexander that working for us isn´t the same as being one of us. He and his ´personal revenge´ are starting to get on my nerves,” added boss almost angrily.

“He´ll get chance to prove being useful. There´s still one thing we need Maria Satou to do.”

For a second, Jack looked really horrible. All his smiles withering. But then he controlled himself and turned back to his boss.

“And if he fails?” he asked in best attempt for casual tune.

“Why to employ incompetent people?” boss asked in return.

Jack´s lips twisted in grin, but it was only weak reflection of his usual wide smile. “I´ll do as you order,” he said quietly, his eyes colder than ice. Knowing that conversation is over, he turned and left.

Crimelord followed him with stern glance, but he was already thinking about something else.

There was really something they needed from Maria. And Alexander´s plan was indeed a clever one. Usually, few too faithful policemen wouldn´t be problem either. But.

There was but. Rene Satou.

* * * * * * * * * *

Rene was left alone again, trapped by nothing more than words. The deal worked as well as the iron chains, imprisoning him and weighting him down.

When David left, he took all warmth with him, leaving Rene feeling cold inside. Illusion of kindness didn´t fool him. It might look like he let himself to be manipulated, not struggling against his captor, but it wasn´t real.

Yes, he was polite, careful not to make boss angry, but how could he forgot being prisoner? How could he forgot bitter taste of non-freedom?

He was a cop, after all. Far too well he knew how few kidnapped return home alive. Far too well he knew that those who end up in hands of Mafia never return. Dead or alive.

But still… there was something that made forgetting almost temping. Strange kindness of Mafia´s boss. It would be so simple to forget how dangerous he is. That he´s a murderer.

Rene shivered and kept pacing through room as caged beast. Comfortable prison is still a prison. Nothing could change it. Why didn´t he try to escape?

He stopped, falling on cough. Indeed. Why didn´t he try to escape? Why his heart started beating faster every time he felt boss´s eyes on himself? Why? The eternal question…

If only they met in real life. If only David wasn´t a criminal. Heartless Mafioso. If only line of law wasn´t dividing them.

Why couldn´t I met someone like him in normal way? Not knowing who he is? I´d accept any kind of meeting. Anything but this!

I wish I´d have caught him for speed driving. He would have smiled and asked if we can deal other way that by fine. And that question would have thrown me off my legs but I´d have agreed anyways.

If only we met in the shop. I wished we´d argue who buys the last chicken. I wish it was that simple.

But… I can´t forget who he is. He´s my captor. He´s boss of Mafia. He´s all I´ve ever wished for. How can I think about escaping? Idea of not seeing him ever again makes breathing suddenly so difficult.

I can´t leave. He trapped me in the way no other could use. I´m lost. Or aren´t I?