Chaos Before Freedom

Chapter 11 - Chicago or Bust

Chapter 11 - Chicago or Bust

In Freddie’s Narrative

That fire was intense, and I can’t believe my stupid wife went into that fricking shed. I am not sure that the hell she was thinking, going into fires is a fireman’s job. She could have told a man about the child in the shed, and they could have gotten her out. They think she is dead, I doubt it somehow, I imagined that she made it out and ran the sneaky dame. I had a better choice of words for her, right now too many to list. Everyone is in awe of this woman, even deep down so was I would never admit it out loud. I wasn’t about to let that ditsy broad ruin this weekend for me, I was going to Chicago.

It was a long trip there, the whole time I scowled that woman over and over in my head. How dare she leave me; how dare she die that is if she was. She is just a broad but that is the kicker she isn’t just any old broad she is my wife… MINE. Trying to put her out of my mind so I could enjoy my trip, it wasn’t worth damning this weekend into misery. Once there I checked into my favorite hotel, the Drake, and settled down before my date tonight.

I was due to meet Maria in the restaurant here at the hotel and boy was I excited. Just the diversion I needed. Pulling out my navy-blue three-piece suite snaping it into the air as if to straighten any wrinkles. Looking in the mirror I thought I looked pretty spiffy, hoping it would impress Maria. She was a sweet cake, about Vira’s build just a bit bigger. Her soft raven hair, emerald eyes, and ivory like skin she was a true Italian beauty. I met her while doing some odd jobs for her father Alfonzo, only recently started to get to know her. She hadn’t arrived yet so I had the concierge arrange it so a simple red rose would be delivered to the table as soon as she arrived.

She was wearing a dark cherry colored beaded with black glass beads in an art deco fashion. It dropped a little past her knees, she was looking like the sheba she really was. They had perfect timing with that rose, it almost matched the blushing on her face.

“You look fantastic, Maria.” I stood put and helped with her chair. With my hands still on the chair she looked up and said “Thank you.” Dinner was delightful followed by going to a speakeasy for drinks and dancing. I could tell she was a little tipsy, and I had been hitting it harder than usual without noticing it. But I decided to make my move, I wanted to taste her wine stained lips. Pulling her closer by the waist I gave her a deep kiss, multiple times I just couldn’t seem to stop. It was all a blur after we left the club, the next I knew we were parked somewhere in a park it looked like. I was necking her uncontrollably, one thing lead to another I was now taking every part of her I could. I couldn’t tell if she was screaming or moaning with pleasure, but I kept going until finally finished. I passed out shortly after from the consumption of alcohol, I wasn’t sure when she left my side all I knew is that she was gone.

My head was pounding, I looked like a disheveled mess quickly I fixed my clothing and dusted off before going back to my car before heading back to the hotel. Upon my arrival I tried to contact Maria but there was no answer, she must be at her parents’ or her cousin’s house. I figured I would try again later, and I did several times with no answer. It was like she dropped off the face of the earth. I even gave it one more shot before I left for Omaha and still nothing.

Back on Oak Street, the dust was settled down and seemingly back to normal. I was extremely irritated that the flatfoots were no longer searching for Vira. Especially after they told me to go and let them do their jobs. I don't believe it they can't even find a body; the detectives have taken over asking me questions instead of looking for her. I didn't kill her; she has to be in that damn pile of ash somewhere. I doubt that she just left, she has tried that and was severely punished for it. She has gone to the police before. I had to tell them she was only a klutz and a ditzy one at that. After three or four months, she disappeared. I thought she had run off, but it was only to see him. Then she had the gull to say she wanted an annulment. I disciplined her in the way that I saw fit, separating her from her family, she was too weak to protest it. Not to mention she was also on medication from the sanitarium. I couldn't allow her an inch she loved him, always had over our two years together. She denied it not only to me, but to herself. I could tell and I hated her for it. I also hated any man that resembled him. If she truly was dead, then so be it. If not, she would be punished when found. She is still my wife; and she belongs to me.

Weeks had passed and still no sign. I wasn't going to waste my life any more on that broad. She had been a cold fish in bed as is, and I wanted more than just a housewife, I wanted something that would thrill me. To hell with her anyways, alive or dead, she was just a worthless woman, no matter how beautiful I broke and conquered her. Realizing she outlived my interest in her. And this rinky-dinky town wasn't doing it for me, this little crap wasn't as good as back home. It was time to go back to my beloved Chicago permanently.

Taking a week off from work, I made a trip home, booking a room at the Drake hotel. I had a great time in between making arrangements. The first thing I did was get my job back at the ironworks with the arrangement that I would need two weeks to clear things up in Omaha. I was pleased to find I was able to secure my old apartment for my return, continuing the week at the hotel. Might as enjoy the drake as I already paid in advance for the stay there.

It was just another Monday when I arrived back to Omaha, there was still no sign of her. Going to a divorce lawyer to begin the process of ridding myself, the connection to Vira being on top of my to do list. I sounded like a nut job wanting to divorce a presumed dead woman. But if she really wasn't dead, I didn't want her coming out of the woodwork now. Not when I am so close to getting my life back, my freedom of a ball and chain. The closer I got to it, the more I wanted it I no longer wanted my property labeled as wife. Not even being married to her entitled me to some of the benefit money from that blasted dinner they held. I wasn't going to waste any of it on a headstone, I told them I didn't want one even erected here for her. If her parents wanted one for an empty grave, they could where they lived with her maiden name on it. I didn't even want to give her that honor in death, a piece of trash like her was unworthy of it. I did send a letter to them simply, stating the following.

Vira is presumed dead, due to her going into a burning shed. No body was found. Finalized divorce papers will be mailed to you. If she is found, do not return her.

The next weekend, I held a yard sale for anything that was not planned to be shipped home, mostly her crap. Things that didn't sell I planned on just leaving them on the curb. The committee wives could just pick it up and take it to whatever charity they like. Doris purchased quite a bit of Vira's worthless crap, but that didn't take much. She really didn't have a lot. I asked Tom if he would watch after the place until it sold. He agreed with no qualms about it.

The divorce was surely quick, with all the requirements met. The judge bequeathed my freedom from that broad. He even allowed for her name to be changed back to her maiden name on the records. I got my way in every aspect of the event. I was overjoyed with that, leaving the courthouse smiling ear to ear. I was ready to move on, leaving behind any sediment of hers like she didn't even exist. It only got better once I got back to Chicago. I was back in the thick of it and loving every minute of it.

I went to my day job and at night that is when I did what I loved the most. Running packages for a couple of mafia families along with helping on heist jobs. Knocking around some fellas was one of my favorite assignments, the adrenaline was the greatest high. The smaller one I worked for on and off was the more profitable position. It was mostly just running packages back and forth, being muscle when needed. The boss’s name was Domani, originally some wine vineyard owner and merchant that is until prohibition started. On my off nights I spent with the dames, if I would get bored with one, I would just move on to the next. I didn't want to settle down with anyone just yet. Maybe after a few years I will when I meet one that is worthy of me. But for now, I am living it up.

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Vira’s Narrative

My wounds from that last beating from Freddie were healing nicely, mentally I knew that would take a little longer and I admit I was still skittish. But with Arthur’s help I knew I would become at least almost myself once more. Arthur, being a gentleman, started every night out on the sofa, as my nightmares lessened so did his nightly trips to my side. He had no intentions of pushing his way into bed full time or pushing me forward until I gave the word, I was ready for it. But for no real reason at all other than missing his presents in the bed I went out to the living room to retrieve him. Squatting down to meet his face, I placed a soft kiss on his lips, waking him up to return it. He looked a little bewildered as I took his hand into mine to help him up, urging him to follow me.

“Are you sure Vira?” he said softly, as he caressed my hand.

I nodded yes, as he rose to a setting position before getting to his feet. Hand in hand we made our way back to the bedroom. Once there, with one hand, he cleared my hair from my neck. While he was using the other to hold me against his strong body, kissing my neck softly. Running my fingers through his blond hair as his lips made them back to mine for a kiss. With each kiss they deepened with desire, our heart beats fastened as the passions rose. Sliding my hands under his shirt up to his fit pectorals, after caressing them teasing his n*****s. Finally slipping his shirt over his head, tossing it off to the side. He began to untie the ribbon on night gown, allowing it to fall to the floor. Taking me back into his embrace, gently laying my now almost naked body down on the bed. Making a tail of soft kisses on my skin down to my breast, creating delightful goosebumps all over. When he made it my breast he treated both equally taking the areola into his mouth as he rubbed the other. Flicking his tongue at the n****e causes it to harden. Once done with the first he made his way over to the next to do the same.

I softly ran my fingertips up his sides and down his back. As he moved from my breast, kissing a trail once more as he passed down to my inner thigh. As he slid my underwear off, flinging them onto the chair by the vanity he still was kissing my skin. To give me a jolt of pleasure he turned his attention to the special bundle of nerves causing my back to arch. Caressing my side with his left hand as the right adventured up to my breast to rub them. Just like a gentleman he made sure his lips were dry before bringing himself back to my lips. I took advantage of his new position slipping my hands between his skin and night pants. Pushing them as far down as I could, before I brought up my leg to use my foot to push them off, grazing his side as I did. I was unsuccessful as they stuck around his ankles, my struggle to get them off made us both giggle. But I wasn’t the only one to have issues with his stubborn pants as he too struggled a bit before shaking them off to the floor.

With nothing left to obscure skin to skin contact we explored each other’s body. My skin was bursting into a tingling enticement. Upon my cue that I wanted more, he slipped his member deeply within me, filling me completely with each thrust. I rotated my hips with his rhythm, at first slow, speeding up into harder thrust, each one with pleasure building. He moved one of his hands to still my hips as he pumped rigorously into me. With his ear being close to my mouth, I took his earlobe between my lips and began sucking on it lightly. He groaned with enjoyment which made me smile. Arthur lowered his lips to mine, moving his tongue into my parted lips, twirling his with my own. Our bodies surging with pleasure as climax throbbed, tightly holding onto each other riding out the release. With his seed being spent, he rolled off my body to spoon, continuing to kiss my neck and shoulder. Building up for round two that night, after which he would remain with me all night in each other’s embrace. Drifting off to the best sleep I have had in years. Before the morning sun could wake us, we completed a third round. Making up for lost time, I guess. Where there used to be distaste in s*x, it now was replaced by sweet passions and pleasure.

No longer sleeping on the couch, this happened more often than not during our nights in the bed he had bought. We started functioning like a normal couple, almost picking up right where we left off at. As if there was no marriage in-between our union.

For Thanksgiving it was just him and I, but we prepared the meal together just as we enjoyed it… together. We did have quite a bit of turkey left over, and for about a week of it we grew tired of the bird.

“Vira? How about we go out for lunch today?” He asked as we sat at the kitchen table drinking our morning coffee. Relived from his question I readily agreed. Pleased with my answer he widely smiled before going to the paper. It was now December so a good portion of it was cheery news, which he always read some of the articles that he thought we both would be interested in out loud. All of a sudden, he let out a chuckle before stating “I think I have something good here… It is titled odd news from Omaha.”

“Really?”

“Yup” He paused to take a sip of coffee I just refreshed when I did mine. “Omaha man divorce moves swiftly out of court, the reason for it is that the wife was not in appearance in court room. Her failure to attend is believed to be due to the presumption of her death earlier in November. She is considered the hero of Oak Street, saving a toddler from the flames of a burning shed. She is greatly missed, said one of her neighbors Doris Harris. But Fredrick Krouse apparently does not believe she is dead as he filed for divorce the week of Thanksgiving. The judge granted his petition of divorce, for his now ex dead wife’s last name be restored to her maiden name and the combined properties be granted to him. Strange if she is dead then why waste time and money for a divorce. He was not available for comment, however it is said he left the courthouse with a toothy grin that day.”

I could barely keep from laughing, thankfully when it busted through, I didn’t have coffee in my mouth. He really saw fit to divorce me… finally! Arthur joined in laughing right along with me. Not only being dead but also divorced, after that fact, had its benefits. However, a missing identity would’ve proven to be an obstacle. In our future, Freddie probably thought it would be some kind of insult or punishment. I didn't care to know his reason, nor would I make an effort to try and learn it. It was decided I would appear in front of a judge with my parents and Doris. For good measure, to identify me, sometime after Christmas. As that is the closest lawyer, we contacted to help with it thought would be able to be scheduled.

Not only did we stop by the lawyers before going out to the diner for lunch that day, but we also decided to start moving Arthur into the cottage. We were basically living together anyways, there was no need to have separate housing. I was surprised at how little he actually had; it wasn’t a bad looking place simplistic but nice. Arthur made arrangements for some local boys to deliver the bigger items.

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Arthur’s Narrative

It was about two weeks before Christmas and I decided to take Vira out for a tree. I wanted to surprise her with a warm and merry Christmas. Planning it all, including a reunion with her parents on Christmas day. Thinking that would be the best gift I could give her, that, and the ring I proposed to her with the first time around. It’s been burning a hole in my pocket since my return the second time. Thoughtfully Vira asked her father to hold on to it for me. I still remember what he told me when he gave it back “hopefully it will be back where it belongs one day.” I did make a few more changes to the scroll work and added a larger stone. They tried to sell me a diamond, but I refused to go with the trend and purchased her birthstone as traditionally given. I had them inscribed the words “phoenix”, the look on the jeweler’s face was entertaining. He apparently did not remember his mythology from school. I also bought a silver locket with scroll work that looked similar to the ring. It would be inscribed on the back “Through the flames of hell & back, I have loved you, always will”. On this trip I would get her a few other things, while letting her do some Christmas shopping without me seeing the purchases.

In the morning, while still cuddled together in bed, I stroked her hair then twirled a few strands in his fingers. Testing if she was wake, she smiled and said "good morning" as she rolled over to face me.

"Good morning darling. Would you like to go with me to get a tree?" I asked while tucking her hair behind her ear.

"Really a Christmas tree? I have not had a traditional Christmas for a while. I would love to go." She smiled as she responded.

Taking her tighter in my arms, "We also can go gift shopping while we are out."

"But I don't have much, Arthur."

"Don't worry about that honey, we are a couple again, correct? Unless you are not ready for that title.” My heart was dropping a little secretly praying that she was or some of my gifts would be too much too soon.

Vira squinted her eyes at me, here it comes I thought apparently, I began to hold my breath. “Arthur you can breathe already. Do you think I would share a bed with you if I was not ready?”

Taking a deep breath before laying a kiss on her rejoicing her answer. When parted I stated “I think we should pick up some gifts for your parents also, we can always ship them out to them." Still concealing my plans of their attendance on Christmas.

"That sounds great, thank you."

"Vira, I love you and it would make my day to give you a merry Christmas this year." She lightly blushed at his words, kissing me softly. Hearing those words from his lips only made her heart swell with joy.

"I love you too... I know now that, even while apart, I have always loved you."

Bring my lips back to hers to kiss her deeply. Breakfast would be delayed this morning as we spent the early hours in each other's embrace. Exploring one another's bodies, pleasuring every inch, tingles bursting with every tracing finger. Making love was so easy for us, it was always passionate, such as the fairy tales told of. Once we finally tore themselves from our cozy haven, we started out on our errands.

Outside it was snowing, the town was filled with the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. We did most of the shopping together, only separating to choose gifts for one another. Regrouping at the grocery store, to pick up things for Christmas dinner and ingredients for a snack platter on the eve. Last stop was the tree lot, picking a five-foot sprue for Christmas. Vira put on a phonograph record; we decorated the tree while listening to Christmas music. It was a joyful moment and Vira was savoring it I could tell. She still had no clue that the best was yet to come. We stayed up late just gazing at the tree in front of the bay window where big snowflakes were falling outside. The next fourteen days until Christmas day flew by in a snap. It was like a dream life as it should be. She even baked cookies just because she could. Of course, I loved sneaking them right off the cooling rack, sometimes that was not the best decision. Delicious but hot.

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Vira’s Narrative

On Christmas morning, I felt like a kid again and could barely sleep. However, I felt refreshed like I had slept the whole day before. Figuring we would open the gifts after breakfast, but Arthur kept making excuses to wait a bit longer. His surprise was on their way, he was trying his best not to blurt it out. Arthur’s anticipation almost caused him to jump out of his skin when someone knocked on the door.

"Hey Vira, could you get the door?" He said as he raced toward the bathroom before I could notice he was closer.

"Umm... Okay." a bit suspicious about how his voice sounded, thinking to myself he was up to something. I answered the door to see who it was, I busted out in tears of joy when right before me stood my parents. We hugged for what seemed to be hours. There was not a dry eye in the room. Doing some catching up over coffee and opening gifts, with no more gifts to be seen we started to settle to drink our coffee and visit.

"Well, I think that is it on the presents." Father announced.

Arthur replied, as getting on bent knee in front of me, "There is one more... Vira Daluth, I lost you once, and I don't want to chance that again. I love you and it would be my honor if you would become my wife?"

My eyes started to mist over, I could feel a smile spreading wide on my face, I began to nod before stated "Yes... Yes Arthur." Wrapping my arms around his neck to give him a hug. He kissed me softly and slipped the ring on my finger.

"Now that is the right match!" father loudly said while slapping his leg in celebration.

"Oh... Henry." Mother chuckled, while smiling at father.

It was a great day, laughter filling the whole cottage. Mother joined me in the kitchen to make dinner. For a while, the men cleaned up the mess in the living room and tried to sneak bits of the meal here and there. Asking if we needed any help at all. Mother knew her father well, scolding him each time he tried. His only reply was "Beth, you know I love a good meal. I can't help but taste test the vittles." She smiled at this and went back to cooking with me. That truly was one of the merriest of Christmases, full of emotions but most of all, happiness and joy. This was exactly what I needed, what we all needed. The spare room got some usage as my parents ended up staying a couple of extra days due to the winter storm. It started during Christmas dinner, but we didn’t really notice it at the time.

We decided to keep our original wedding date. We wanted to get married on July 7th. It will be on a Sunday this year, but it was a special day for us just the same. Until then we would just be “living in sin” as they say.