Meet Mickey O’Rourke

When the smoke cleared and Ethan could make out his face he couldn't believe it was no other than former captain of Chicago police department Mickey O'Rourke.

Mickey had been charged with embezzlement and corruption but the FBI never had enough evidence to indict him so Mickey was forced into early retirement. His ties to the Irish mafia, the Mulligan Family ran deep and his loyalties rested with them.

"Nice to see you Ethan, it has been awhile. You were always a good cop. You threw us all a curve ball when you left the force to become a gumshoe. You had just made detective and were climbing the ranks but that's a story for another day. I want to get right down to business as time is of the essence."

Ethan looked curious to hear what was coming next.

"You know the Mulligan family and Tollero family are huge rivals. When they heard of Carla's missing jewels they immediately thought The Mulligan family was somehow involved and they were right. I work for them doing "odd" jobs and so does Shortcake, who happens to be my neice," he continued. "You can imagine the high stakes both Vito and Shortcake faced when they were an item. Anyway, let's stay focused on the here and now."

Ethan was anxious to get to the heart of the matter. "I agree. Let's get to the point. Our history is water way under the bridge."

"Ok, I will tell you what you need to know. Telling you more would just put you in even more danger. Mama George was in love with Seamus Mullligan, head of the Irish Chicago mob. Together, they plotted a scheme to steal jewels from Carla as payback for some unfinished business Vito pulled."

"You're making my head spin. Can you get to the point?" said Ethan lighting up a Lucky Strike.

"Be patient, it's coming," said Mickey irritated and unaccustomed to being interrupted. "Ethan, Shortcake is in danger and while I can tell you she's safe right now, we don't know how long that will last. The thugs that Mama George think are working for her are actually working for Vito."

Ethan let out a long sigh and a puff of smoke. His heart always skipped a beat hearing her name. He had to rescue her from any danger and decide for himself if she's trouble or in trouble.

"Can you take me to her?" Ethan asked with a crinkle in his voice.

"We don't have to go far. Joe, can you do the honors?" he motioned to Joe who is loosely affiliated to the Mulligan family. He is very low level on the food chain and is rarely in the know. He got "connected" while dating Shortcake.

Joe got up and twisted the knob to another door in the room and out emerged the one and only Strawberry Shortcake. Her ginger hair, tousled beautifully, framing her porcelain face and her ruby red lips and sultry green eyes.

Ethan's heart went from an adrenaline rush to cardiac arrest as she was so stunning. He also felt this conflicting edginess and protectiveness at the same time.

"Shortcake, this is Ethan, the PI I told you all about. Now, tell him what you want."

"I remember you," her voice low and raspy-seductive. "I was impressed in Morocco and now that our paths have crossed again I need your expertise and will pay handsomely for it."

"What is it little Miss Shortcake?" unable to hide his curiosity and attraction.

"I want you to kill Vito. It is the only way I know I'll be safe. I double crossed him when we were lovers over the jewels and he wants revenge. Saying yes is you're only option. I want this done immediately and without a trace. What questions do you have for me?"