Chapter Five

Kaleb

A fter breakfast, Kaleb told Jasha to meet him in his office to discuss his rules and expectations. The expression on Jasha’s face when he spoke to him displayed intense anger, something he hadn’t seen yesterday. Then, he’d only seen fear. Kaleb’s decision regarding the Kozlov situation was not only correct but in the best interests of all parties involved, including Jasha. The boy had no idea what his father was into. While his father taught Russian in high school, he also had reckless side jobs which had landed him in his current deplorable position.

Kaleb ushered Jasha into his office, a space he’d meticulously crafted to be both functional and imposing. The large room included a huge desk, its dark wood gleaming under the soft glow of a single arched window. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with leather-bound volumes. A lavish burgundy armchair sat in the far corner, inviting relaxation but rarely used. To Kaleb, it was a sanctuary, a place where he could focus and exert control.

“Have a seat,” Kaleb gestured to a minimalist chair across from his desk. As Jasha complied, Kaleb leaned forward, his tone sharp. “While you’re under my protection, there are certain rules you’ll need to follow.”

“I don’t need your protection at twenty-one.”

Jasha wore a pair of jeans and a purple T-shirt with white letters spelling out NYU. The room filled with the scent of his Christmas pine gel from his recent shower. His hair was impeccably groomed, as if it had just been styled by a professional stylist.

Jasha jumped, startled, as a loud knock reverberated through the room.

“Come in.” Kaleb made himself comfortable in his leather chair behind his desk.

Miss Nadia entered, carefully balancing a red rectangular tray. On it were two Santa Claus mugs filled with steaming hot chocolate, each topped with a dollop of whipped cream. There was also a plate filled with an assortment of cookies in various shapes. She set their hot drinks in front

of them, then placed the plate of cookies in the middle of the desk.

Her silver hair was neatly tied back into a bun. Her blue eyes, despite her stern exterior, twinkled with a warmth that invited trust. The sight of Miss Nadia in her freshly pressed, brand new Christmas uniform surprised Jasha. It was a deep red dress adorned with delicate white lace on the collar and cuffs. A small gold-embroidered apron was tied around her waist, and a matching cap perched on top of her head. Her black polished shoes and a sprig of holly pinned to her chest completed her uniform.

Jasha’s eyes widened as he studied the cookies. The candy cane ones had a smooth layer of white icing adorned with vibrant red stripes, while the Christmas trees were beautifully decorated with green icing and a generous amount of colorful sprinkles. The star-shaped cookies were covered with white icing, topped with a combination of red and green sprinkles.

She gave them each a red napkin, then turned to leave. “Enjoy your cookies and hot chocolate,” she said. “Anything else?”

“No, that will be all. Thank you.” Kaleb enjoyed watching Jasha get excited about the cookies. Hopefully, a little sugar might cure his sour disposition as the smell of freshly baked cookies filled the room, making it impossible to resist their allure.

“I really like Miss Nadia and all her cookies.”

“I knew you would. She has been with my family since day one. She has been like a mother to me.”

“Where were your parents?”

“Traveling without me. Did you sleep okay?” Kaleb refused to discuss his parents.

As Jasha sipped his drink, he clearly couldn’t resist the cookies, grabbing two to accompany it.

“I wanted to cover what I expect from you, along with a few rules and consequences.”

“Yes, sir.” Jasha rolled his eyes.

“First, I expect you to be respectful, honest, and loyal to me. I have your back, and you’ll have mine. This means no shit talking about me to anyone. If you break any of my rules, there will be consequences.”

“What consequences? Murder my father?” Jasha glared at him as he asked.

Kaleb was taken aback by the unexpected angry words spilling from Jasha’s mouth.

“Absolutely not! The only way that will happen is if you run away from me.”

Jasha’s eyes sparkled with relief, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “What consequences, then?”

“I’ll lock you in your room and you won’t be able to take part in anything.”

“Will you starve me too?”

“Your meals will be served in your room. Just don’t give me cause to lock you up.”

“Thanks for not starving me,” Jasha spoke in a mocking tone, dripping with sarcasm.

“Second, your location is confidential. No phone calls, no social media, no contact with anyone, and do not leave my home without my authorization.”

Jasha’s jaw clenched. “That’s ridiculous! Am I a prisoner? he spat.

“For now, you are. I’ll check your phone each night,” Kaleb countered calmly. “Third, and most importantly, trust me. I’m the only one who can keep you safe and your father alive.”

“When did it become unsafe for me?”

“I have enemies and now they’re your enemies.”

“Maybe I could go home, get a job, and set up a monthly payment?”

“No! That’s not an option. Do not call your father anymore. If you do, I’ll take your phone away.”

“You said I wasn’t being punished for my father’s mistakes, but not allowing me to talk to him is punishing me. I don’t suppose you see it that way.”

“I’m sorry it feels that way, but can’t contact him, period.”

“Because what you’re doing is illegal. Are you a loan shark for Russian immigrants in Brighton Beach?”

“My business is not your concern. If you need me to write the rules and expectations on paper, I can.”

“I won’t forget them. Is this meeting over?” Jasha’s entire face had turned bright red.

“Yes.”

Jasha popped out of his chair, quickly grabbed two more cookies, and fled the office.

Kaleb had to channel his anger into something positive. He called Adam to his office.

“Yes, sir,” Adam replied, standing straight with a smile.

“Do not drive Jasha anywhere unless I authorize it.”

“Yes, sir.”

“That’s all.”

Adam quickly snatched a warm Christmas cookie from the plate before leaving the office.

Kaleb went to the kitchen to see if Jasha was there, but he wasn’t.

“Have you seen Jasha?” he asked Miss Nadia.

“Yes, he was plenty angry too. He went upstairs.”

“He might be angry, but I’ll change that. We’re going to go skating, then Arlo and his boy, Frankie, will be here for dinner. He might like Frankie.”

“What’s not to like about Frankie?”

“Exactly. Jasha feels like a prisoner right now and I want to change that.”

Kaleb left the kitchen, climbed the stairs, and knocked on Jasha’s bedroom door.

“Come in.”

He opened the door and Jasha and Daisy were on the bed. “Daisy seems to like it here.”

“If she’s with me, she’s happy.”

“How would you like to go ice skating on the lake?”

“No skates.”

“Mr. Wells bought a new pair for you this morning. Can you be ready in an hour?”

Jasha nodded.

“Good. Meet me by the front door then.”

Jasha nodded again. Not much for talking. He was clearly still angry about his situation.

“Hand me your phone.”

Jasha retrieved his phone from the bedside table and passed it to him. Again, he said nothing.

“I’ll be giving you a new phone to use, so no one contacts you.”

“Please don’t throw it away. It has everything I need.”

“I’ll keep it until your father pays me, then you’ll get it back.” He really wanted to say, when you become my boy, then you can have it .