Life in the Shadows

By Michael D. Jones

The story follows the life of Mike Jones whose tumultuous past intertwines with his present as he grapples with the consequences of choices made for himself and his family. The tale begins with a chilling phone call that awakens him from a restless sleep, threatening the safety of his family and unearthing traumas linked to his previous life. Through vivid flashbacks, we explore his difficult childhood marked by familial estrangement, reckless youth, and life-altering incidents that shape his identity and relationships.

As Mike navigates adulthood, he becomes deeply involved in the shadowy dealings of his uncle, a figure entwined in organized crime. The narrative reveals the complexities of his dual life as a devoted father and husband while managing the demands of his uncle's business. His commitment to protecting his children intensifies when his wife expresses doubts about their marriage, leading to personal struggles.

Life takes a dark turn with the repercussions of 9/11, forcing Mike to reassess his values and the safety of his children, resulting in a move that emphasizes security and distance from his past. As he strives to create a stable home, he faces the lingering specters of his uncle's operations, family loyalty, and personal sacrifices. The tale culminates in a series of crises that challenge his integrity, forcing him to confront the moral ambiguities of his world.

Throughout the story, themes of familial loyalty, identity, and the quest for redemption play out against a backdrop of suspense and emotional turmoil. Ultimately, Mike seeks balance, wrestling with the shadows of his past while striving for a brighter future for himself and his children.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jones Literary Press, LLC
• Release date: May 9, 2025
• ISBN: 9798998609114

Book preview

Life in the Shadows

My Introduction to the Family Business

Michael D. Jones

Jones Literary Press, LLC

Published by

Jones Literary Press, LLC

5005 W Laurel, Suite 100 PMB1188

Tampa, FL 33607

United States

[e-mail]

©2025 Michael D. Jones. All rights reserved.

This copyright notice signifies that the work is protected under U.S. copyright law, granting the author exclusive rights to the distribution, reproduction, and modification of this book. Jones Literary Press, LLC retains all rights to the content, ensuring that it cannot be reproduced in any form—whether for commercial distribution, educational purposes, or personal use—without obtaining prior written permission.

The author and publisher have tried to recreate events, locales, and conversations from memories of them. In order to maintain their anonymity in some instances some of the names of individuals and places have been changed. Additionally, some identifying characteristics and details such as physical properties, occupations and places of residence may have been changed.

Cover and book design by Ginger Marks,

www.DocUmeantDesigns.com

Library of Congress Control Number: 2025909028

ISBN: 979-8998609107 (pbk)

ISBN: 979-8998609114 (epub)

This book is dedicated to my loving parents and family for the constant refuge they provided from my real world as I saw myself through their eyes.

Preface

Life is a tapestry woven with threads of joy, sorrow, triumph, and tragedy. In this memoir, I share my journey—a complex narrative shaped by the echoes of my past, the weight of family legacy, and the pursuit of love amidst chaos. As a child, I was thrust into a world of shadows, navigating the challenges of an unconventional upbringing marked by secrets and hidden dangers. I recount the pivotal moments that define me—the call from the dark that disrupted my peace, the reckless innocence of youth, and the harrowing responsibility of adulthood.

Through the lens of my experiences, I delve into the intricacies of familial bonds and the often-blurred lines between loyalty and survival. My uncle’s shadow loomed large, guiding me into a realm of growth, while posing a constant reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows. As I embraced fatherhood, the stakes rose, compelling me to reassess my priorities and reshape my identity—transforming from a boy seeking acceptance into a man fiercely dedicated to protecting his family.

While this memoir captures the challenges and triumphs I faced along the way, I hope it serves as an exploration of resilience and the unbreakable bonds of love. It is a testament to the power of choice, the importance of self-identity, and the continuous quest for redemption.

As you journey through these pages, I invite you to reflect on your own relationships, the complexities of family, and the enduring strength we find within ourselves when we confront the shadows of our past.

Join me as I reveal the battle between darkness and light, and the unyielding spirit that led me to forge a path toward hope, healing, and ultimately, the kind of love that allows us to rise above the chaos. This is not merely a memoir; it is an homage to the unbreakable human spirit and the beautiful messiness of life itself.

Introduction

Now that certain individuals, wielding considerable influence in my life, have passed away, I feel comfortable sharing my story. To safeguard the privacy of those who remain, I have excluded most names and job affiliations.

One ~

A Call from the Dark

The shrill ring of the phone pierced the stillness of the night, jolting me from a restless sleep. Groggily, I picked it up, struggling to comprehend the whispered voice. You’re no longer protected, it warned ominously. Your family is as good as dead. After the line went silent, I listened to the dial tone for what felt like an eternity, half-expecting the voice to return.

I’d received calls like that before; it was part of the life I had tried to leave behind. But it had been years since I’d been involved, and now my mind raced with confusion and fear, leaving me disoriented. Who were they, and why threaten me now? What did they mean by no longer protected?

Sleep eluded me as I spent the rest of the night checking every window and door, ensuring they were locked, and the security system armed. In the stillness, I sat in the dark, gripping my gun in one hand, an extra clip in the other, straining to hear any unusual sounds that might signal their arrival.

Would they come right away or wait for a better moment? I had to be ready, yet the uncertainty gnawed at me. I planned to make some calls to uncover what was happening, but for now, all I could do was wait in anticipation.

As I sat in the oppressive darkness, consumed by fear of the unknown, I found myself yearning for the innocence of my youth, a time when life’s complexities felt blissfully simple. I wished I could do it all over again and wondered if I would make different choices. Yet, that nostalgia faded as I recalled the pivotal moment that had led me here.

It was a warm, sunny Saturday afternoon when my friend Billy and I wandered our neighborhood and stumbled upon an ice cream truck. Its small frame housed a large freezer in the back and no side doors for easy access as children rushed to it, drawn by its cheerful music, like the Pied Piper.

As we drew closer, we spotted four brown paper bags resting on the floor in front of the driver’s seat. Each bag brimmed with coins—quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies—presumably for the driver’s change belt. We were surprised that someone would leave that much money unattended, glancing around to ensure we weren’t being watched.

A long sidewalk led from the truck to a red brick row house. We figured the driver was making a delivery or was checking on his wife. With no one else around, the moment felt ripe for adventure. Looking at each other, I quickly grabbed one of the heavy bags, and with Billy’s help, we scurried down the sidewalk.

We were rich! Our excitement soared as we laughed and imagined all the things we could buy. There were no limits to our dreams—all from a simple bag filled with …pennies.

What do you expect? We were six!

Two ~

Shadows of Innocence

As a child, I imagined my life was no different from that of any other kid. But gradually, I came to realize that my experiences set me apart. While my classmates cherished the comforting routines of family breakfasts with Mom and Dad and punctual dinners at six, those rituals were foreign to me.

At school, my classmates eagerly shared stories about their parents’ jobs. I remained silent; my father never discussed his work, and my mother did the same. I simply knew they both worked long hours and were rarely home.

Despite their absence, my early memories with them are vivid, etched in my mind forever. I recall playing in our backyard with my dad and my brother Steve, whom we called Del. He was four years older and often harbored the typical resentment toward me that older brothers have. According to the stories my parents frequently recounted, that resentment led to quite a few scrapes—even though I was less than five years old. One memorable incident involved him hitting me on the head with a metal dump truck, which resulted in a trip to the hospital and a few stitches.

That day, however, we were busy launching a water-propelled rocket. Its ascent felt like a mile, though it was likely only about forty feet. We spent hours in that backyard, laughing and cheering each time it soared into the sky.

One memory from a pitch-black night stands out. Our family had been driving for hours when we finally reached the beach. Dad drove as far as he could onto the sand, then said goodbye and walked towards the ocean, disappearing into the darkness. My mother sat silently for a moment, then we squeezed up front, and she began the long drive home.

Del and I decided to have some fun by crouching in the front seat, holding clear tubes filled with candy topped with floating, glowing skeleton heads. We laughed, imagining the startled looks on drivers’ faces as they approached us from the opposite direction. Eventually, we fell asleep, only to awaken in our own beds the next morning.

Large gatherings were frequent with my mother’s side of the family, but they were always isolated events at someone’s home without any friends or neighbors, and I observed the same dynamic each time: the men congregating in the living room, watching sports and discussing how much they bet, as well as their individual businesses and certain people they didn’t trust, while the women busied themselves in the kitchen, sharing concerns about their children and life’s challenges.

While Del and I played outside with our cousins, I always felt something was amiss. Where were the friends? It was always just family. The largest gatherings occurred at my wealthy uncle’s mansion, where the laughter seemed vibrant but felt oddly transactional. Though truly adored and appreciated, he was a pillar everyone relied upon for more than just love and financial support.

The extent of his generosity was evident: homes gifted to relatives, abundant holiday presents, and shared wisdom, all delivered with an unshakeable smile. Yet, during one extended stay at his house with my cousin, I caught a fleeting glimpse of something deeper. As we dashed out of the forest behind his property, screaming as we pretended to be chased by imaginary strangers and running towards him, I noticed a flicker of fear on his face. That brief moment made me question what demons lay hidden beneath that confident facade.

On Sundays, we occasionally visited my father’s sister, but the atmosphere was always chilly. They looked down on us, criticizing our lifestyle while their own family