32. Epilogue One

August: Four Months Later

The salty sea air hangs around me as I sit under the enormous umbrella with Oleg. We watch our family run around in the ocean as we drink our beers. We need this vacation. I watch Lina swing Vasya around in her arms in the water, his infectious laughter bringing a smile to my face. A girl, roughly Dima"s age, walks alongside him.

Oleg snorts, pointing out at his twin, who is tossing my sister-in-law into the water. "He is acting like a child. Whenever she is around, she brings out his soft side." Oleg isn't wrong. Whenever he is with Raisa, it's hard to remember that he is "Ubiytsa (The Butcher)".

I can't help but agree with Oleg's observation. It's incredible how Raisa can soften Ilya's tough exterior. Despite his reputation as one of the most ruthless members of the Bratva, Ilya transforms into a caring and playful man whenever she's by his side.

As I watch them playfully splashing in the water, I can't help but feel a sense of relief and gratitude for this much-needed vacation. Moscow, with its constant tension and danger, feels like a distant memory. Here, on this sandy beach, surrounded by the salty sea air, I finally have the chance to relax and enjoy the company of my loved ones.

Vasya's laughter fills the air, and I can't help but notice how much he resembles me at his age. It warms my heart to see Lina swinging him around in the water, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. The innocence and joy in his eyes bring back memories of the person I used to be before the Bratva took control of my life. Not that I would really change anything about our life.

Mila and Lina, with Vasya and Alexei in tow, venture further into the water, causing Oleg and me to lean forward in our beach chairs, keeping a vigilant eye on them. The ocean, usually a symbol of tranquility, now carries an undertone of caution, reminding us to remain alert and ready to protect at any moment.

As I am getting lost in my head, my phone rings. I search for it in our beach tote, finding it and scrunching my face at the number on the screen. I show the screen to Oleg. He lowers his sunglasses, his face gives the same reaction. "An international number." I raise my eyebrows and hit the green circle.

"Da (Yes)?" I reply, with a hint of annoyance in my tone. I informed all of my men to only call if things were falling apart.

"Mr. Igorov, or should I call you Pakhan?" His smooth American accent sounds distinct and clear.

"Who is this?" I rise, walking away from my family so I don't cause a panic. Oleg attempts to stand and follow me, but I wave him off and motion for him to watch our family.

"Let"s just say I am a concerned vigilante who has been watching your group here in San Francisco, and let me tell you, I am growing increasingly agitated. Pakhan, are you aware that a faction of your men here have been trafficking teenage girls and have dipped their noses in the local drug trade?" I can hear the disgust in his tone.

"Lies," I spit, my men know exactly how I feel about drugs and selling women. It has to be a lie.

"I. don't. Lie." The man grits out. "Especially when it comes to underage girls being trafficked for the sick pleasure of others." The man growls back at me. "Nor do I fuck around about drugs being moved around in my city."

I feel a knot forming in my stomach as I listen to the man's words. How could this be true? My mind races, trying to process the information and formulate a response. "I assure you, I don't know of any of my men that would go against my word," I reply, my voice trembling slightly. "I run a tight ship. I make it very clear to my men that we do not engage in such disgusting ventures."

The man on the other end of the line scoffs. "Oh, I'm sure you do. But let me tell you, Pakhan, the evidence I've gathered is undeniable. I have photos, videos, and witness testimonies that prove your Bratva's involvement in this. It"s just a matter of time until everything is exposed."

My heart sinks as his words hang in the air. I feel a wave of anger and betrayal wash over me. How could my men go against me and tarnish my reputation like this? "Listen here," I say, my voice firm. "If what you"re saying is true, rest assured that I will sort this out. I will find out who is responsible and ensure they face the consequences. I'm strongly opposed to the selling of women and drugs. This would have never been approved."

A silence follows on the line before the man speaks again, his tone softer. "I hope you're true to your word, Pakhan. These innocent girls deserve better lives. You hold the responsibility to correct this."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. "I will do everything in my power to rectify this situation. But I will need your help. Provide me with any information you have, and together, we can make this right. Will you work with me?"

He pauses briefly before answering. "Very well, Pakhan. I'll send you everything I have gathered, but remember, time is of the essence. Lives are at stake. You now have my number, Leonid."

I nod, even though he can't see me. "Understood. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. What's your name or am I just supposed to call you Vigilante?"

The man laughs on the other end of the line. "Well, I guess it would help if we were on a first-name basis. The name's Wes. I look forward to meeting you sooner rather than later."

The call ends, leaving me with a chaotic mix of emotions that I can"t make sense of. Within me, a storm of anger, determination, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility rages. I know this won"t be a walk in the park, but I"m hell-bent on finding the truth and looking out for the innocent.