Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

B eckham

The Brotherhood.

The name alone evoked a sense of an alliance between several parties. Somehow, I had a feeling they were all considered dangerous regimes similar to mine. However, I was still miffed they'd arrived at my house, entering without my permission. I would think they knew better than to enter a man's castle this way. They could easily be shot.

Then again, in doing research, James had stumbled onto one of their firewalls. It was possible they'd managed to find the source. I had a feeling the members were not only powerful, but they also had connections everywhere.

There were several unknown vehicles flanking both sides of my massive aggregate driveway, at least eight soldiers carrying weapons standing on the side or in front of them. They didn't pay us much mind as we'd driven up, but I knew they were watching closely. Did they honestly expect a war at this point?

Who was I kidding? It was entirely possible after what we'd been through.

"Fascinating," I said through clenched teeth.

Jeff huffed. "I don't like this."

"I assure you they aren't here to start a war. Just the opposite in fact. We hear them out. Do not make them feel uncomfortable. Somehow, I don't think that will be in our best interest." I didn't hesitate to climb out, James immediately heading for me. The poor guy was anxious as fuck, beads of sweat rolling down both sides of his face.

"I'm so fucking sorry, boss. I was blindsided." He glanced at the circle of unknown men, paling almost instantly. The poor guy didn't have the stomach for confrontation.

I placed my hand on his shoulder. "Not your fault, my friend. Rest easy. Did you find anything else in your discover endeavors?"

"More red flags and get this. Have you ever seen the movie or the video game where the main characters get to a point or a certain level and a skull and bones appears, laughing maniacally as if the end is near?"

"Yeah." I laughed before he added additional information. "You're kidding?" I doubted that was a little game the Brotherhood was playing, which meant he'd managed to get to a level where the Death Squad was aware someone was looking for them.

"I wish I were. That kind of shit isn't supposed to scare me, but I have to tell you, I've seen some evil games being played on the internet over the years. Especially involving the dark web, but I feel as if a storm is coming." He even added a level of emphasis by glancing up at the perfect crystalline blue sky.

It would seem my entire force was comprised of drama queens. Then again, who was I to argue at this point? "Okay. Back off for now until I see if I can determine more of what we're dealing with. Make certain our systems are secure."

"Already done, boss."

As I headed in through the front door, I glanced at the set of stairs leading to the other floors. I wondered if Kenya had heard their arrival, doing what she could to draw their attention. Unfortunately, it would seem my plans had changed. My needs would be forced to wait.

That also pissed me off.

Jeff flanked my side, both of us remaining quiet. I unbuttoned my jacket, removing my weapon and arming it.

"You sure about that, boss?" he asked rather quietly, his usual gregarious personality suddenly taking a backseat. "I thought you didn't want to antagonize them."

"Sometimes it's vital for a man to make a point without needing to act on their desire for violence, Jeff. That's what all great leaders learn. That is if they're to become successful." Shit, I was more philosophical than ever.

He laughed. "I always learn something from you."

He was being more facetious than anything, but I couldn't blame him at this point. I took my time walking down the hallway to my expansive office, the place where I often found the most peace. I hated going to the city and into the office. I wasn't a clock puncher and had never been, even in my youth when dear old Daddy had insisted his three sons work minimum wage labor.

At least the experience had taught me work ethics.

Maybe that's why I was taking all of this very seriously. Whatever was going on, either hundreds of people stood a chance of awakening one day with egg on their face or they'd simply cease to exist.

As I entered the room, I took a few seconds to focus on what I was seeing. Four men were located inside, all with drinks in their hands even though it was morning, all four wearing expensive suits.

And all were equipped with weapons.

"Gentlemen. To what do I owe this pleasure?" If I'd managed to either surprise or worry them, not one of the four showed it. I only stepped an additional foot inside, ensuring they noticed my weapon as I'd done with theirs. I took another few seconds to lock eyes with each man. I could feel a permanent smirk on my face.

The four of them now glanced at each other, one of them lifting a glass before slowly walking in my direction, talking slowly and evenly as he did. "Beckham Kennedy, son of Gregory Kennedy, nephew to Mitchell Kennedy, the man often considered a contender for the top position in the White House. Sadly, your father and uncle are estranged, have been for years, and the blood feud is unlikely to end any time soon. You barely know your cousins, but I assure you, you wouldn't like them if you did."

"Tell me something I don't know about my own family. And you're right about David and Parker. They are carbon copies of my uncle."

The unknown man laughed, although I did recognize him, likely from pictures in magazines or online. Obviously, these men were all mafia royalty. "Well," he continued, "I could go on about your incredible education, including a degree from Harvard, the fact you've increased your family's wealth by thirty-two percent and that you have gained respect of all your employees and other crime syndicates through your decency and compassion. You also don't need to hear you are an accomplished, sophisticated businessman who thinks before he acts."

I did recognize Gabriel Giordano, which in my mind added credibility to the fact they were here.

And sadly why.

Now I lifted an eyebrow. "While I appreciate these… accolades, you're correct in that I quite frankly don't give a shit about what I've done in the past. It's what I'm going to do in the future if you continue to stand in my estate, the one you forced your way into, and pontificate about bullshit."

I wasn't certain if I'd caused a rift between us but if I had, too fucking bad.

The first man burst out laughing, two of the other three doing the same. Only one had his jaw clenched, glaring at me as if I'd just confirmed to him that I was his mortal enemy. I glared right back at him. While certainly not in the mood for any games, I also wasn't going to back down to any organization, no matter how powerful they considered themselves to be.

The obvious leader of the motley group stepped forward, extending his hand. "Forgive us for our intrusion but your father did mention it would be alright to wait for you until your return. Plus, you were making certain inquiries that were of interest to us."

"The Death Squad."

I could tell they were impressed.

"Yes," the leader said with his booming voice. "Dangerous fucks."

"So I know by firsthand experience." I huffed softly. Pops gave the okay? Yep. It was confirmed. My own father knew a fuck load more than he'd bothered telling me about. Was every goddamn mafia family that way?

I shook his hand, realizing there was no need for fury or bloodshed on such a beautiful day.

"I'm Constantine Thorn, Kansas City is my home where I was born and raised. This is Gabriel Giordano from New York, Maxim Nikitin from Miami and New Orleans, and last but not least Kraven Sokolov from Las Vegas."

Two Russians. I found that fascinating, Maxim being the angry one of the group, he didn't want to be here any more than I wanted any of them here. But my instinct was starting to kick in that I needed to hear them out.

"The Brotherhood. Let me formulate a guess. You're a group of the most powerful, influential, wealthy, and of course dangerous men inside this country and beyond. Perhaps you formed an alliance simply to ensure equality amongst our worlds, keeping the unwanted and brutal cartels in their places while offering support as needed to one another. Unfortunately, one of your main functions is to keep watch on vicious and harmful acts in society in general, perhaps hunting the members of what the dark web coined the Death Squad. From what little we've been able to ascertain, they are an extremely secretive group with members from the most prestigious parts of the world, folks who have some crazy wish to live on private islands while eliminating commerce as we know it. Shipping. Financial districts. Oil. Weapons. Politics. Commerce. Even the entertainment industry. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Yes?" I asked, locking eyes once again with all of them. "Maybe I'll toss in they have a list of targets a mile long they're going to slowly starting chipping through, eliminating anyone they consider a possible enemy. I do wonder if they also have an opposing list of those they're going to save. Perhaps they'll become slaves."

It was an interesting effect when you stopped a group of leaders from puffing up because they knew all that was going on and were shocked you did as well.

" Chertov mudak ," Maxim said under his breath.

"I may very well be an asshole but you're in my town, in my house, and since you've obviously heard my soldiers and myself were recently sent on a huge goose chase that could have ended in tragedy not once but four times, and you're drinking my liquor gives me the fucking right to say what's on my goddamn mind."

"Now, see. I like this man already," Gabriel said. He was someone whose reputation preceded him all up and down the East Coast. As the ruthless yet extremely fair leader of the New York Cosa Nostra, someone I'd thought about engaging in a meeting with over the years. Not that I could remember the reason at this point.

"Forgive my Russian friend here," Kraven said. "He's from the old school, hatched in Moscow."

Maxim promptly gave him the middle finger. "I just don't like arrogant pricks," he offered.

"That makes two of us." I refused to take my eyes off him. When he smiled, I wasn't certain what to think. "Forgive me for being pushy but why are you here?"

"You already know the reason, at least to a point," Constantine offered. "Yes, we call ourselves the Brotherhood, which is a somewhat formidable name for people of like mind, which all of us here are."

"Go on."

Gabriel sauntered closer. "We're expanding our numbers for the very reason you mentioned. Of course, given we've been attempting to track down the members of the Death Squad for years with limited success, you might understand why the four of us are surprised about what you know."

"Sadly, I don't know shit other than what I just mentioned. I've heard bits and pieces from a few sources, which prompted me to slide together pieces of a puzzle which I don't even know are from the same box. I do believe they have become aware they are being searched for."

"Not good," Constantine said quietly.

The liquor was starting to look better and better at this point. "I assumed as much."

"Then you really were attacked. Any idea why? Meaning what was the point?" Kraven asked.

"Honestly, I don't know. Why blow up a new recording facility? We weren't selling drugs illegally out of the facility. I gathered they were trying to rile me or have me on edge."

"Or check your level of security. They're famous for that," Giordano added.

I nodded, feeling used and like an idiot for allowing myself to fall into a rabbit hole.

"Why do I have a feeling you have some inkling what their ultimate goal is?" Constantine pushed.

"Unconfirmed thoughts only, as of today."

Gabriel and Constantine looked at each other. "We consider ourselves a think tank as well. Any assistance is appreciated."

I decided what the heck. Maybe one drink would take some off the edge. I headed to the bar, remaining quiet until I'd added two fingers of bourbon to a glass. I leaned back against the bar, preventing them from continuing to help themselves. "I'm going to guess you've put together a few pieces yourselves, which is what prompted you to insist on seeing me. I also suspect it has something to do with my family since you made that our introduction."

Constantine lifted his glass again. "Nicely done. Given the possible issues at hand, I suggest we don't waste each other's time and put our cards on the table. However, I would prefer we do this without an audience."

He was nodding toward Jeff, who had remained by my side dutifully. "Jeff. Go check on my guest. Ensure she's okay. Take her some fresh water. Let her know… I'll be there shortly."

"Yes, sir. If you're certain." He eyed them as I'd done before.

"Yeah, I'm sure." He closed the door behind him. I nodded toward Constantine.

Constantine had both eyebrows lifted. "A prisoner of war?"

"A casualty of need and desire," I answered, which was an interesting way of looking at it.

He laughed. "Very much understood."

"Go for it." I was already antsy.

"I'll offer you the quick version. The Death Squad is a real thing. Yes, the name sounds ridiculous, but they are capable of destroying entire societies with a ballpoint pen or the press of a button. They like playing games, which you've now been exposed to."

"Who are they?" I interrupted.

Gabriel took over the conversation. "They are exactly as you described, comprised of highly respected and accomplished business moguls, financial wizards, politicians, engineers, doctors, judges, and even some in the world of entertainment, at least one portion of their pyramid. They are the brains and money of the organization, allowing for expansion into every country, along with properties purchases including weapons facilities, media towers, gas lines. Anything that could add to their hold on power, they've quietly purchased up over the last two or three decades."

"A classic pyramid. Which means they have certain classes or ranks within their organization. Yes?" I pressed.

Maxim nodded. "Yes, their second tier are those who will coordinate and facilitate the needed brutality, taking out targets as you mentioned. As you might imagine, they have a significant list that we have been trying to get our hands on. They are comprised of less scrupulous members of third-world countries, expunged American military leaders, smaller cartels, and crime syndicates, including a high percentage of Bratva mob families."

"Because they're easy to control," I suggested.

Kraven laughed. "To a point, yes, but with the Russians, most of us will eat our young for a profit. At least Maxim will."

Maxim growled this time. "There are also other tiers that include scientists, engineers, and accountants but what we consider their second most dangerous tier are the assassins."

"All branded with the same emblem. Suicide assassins."

Constantine nodded. "Yes. You do understand."

"I guess I would know better than some. If they're just playing a game, is the reason to flush out issues in security and weaknesses?"

Gabriel lifted his glass in a salute. "That's our belief."

"Which means they do have some worldwide plan."

"Likely," Constantine added.

"And what does the Brotherhood think they can do against such a formidable army?" The four looked at each other again and I believed I knew the answer. "Exposing them."

Now all four lifted their glasses, Constantine answering. "We want their names, the properties they own, and the associates they keep exposed to the entire world."

"You mentioned members of the media are part of the group. If so, they could manipulate the media all over the world when and if necessary."

Kraven grinned. "But not at the same time."

I narrowed my eyes, trying to make sense of what they were saying. "So you're saying you're going to simultaneously coordinate a frontal attack exposing names and details to every media organization."

"Yes, while also actively sending the information to the various governments and law enforcement agencies in addition so arrests can be made." Gabriel was waiting for my reaction.

"What about their great assassins?"

"Well, we might have to take out a few hundred of those. They'll get the message shortly thereafter."

"O-kay. What do you want from me? I have very little that might help you, other than some possible confirmation they are expected to retreat to various private islands prior to whatever planned attack they have on their agenda."

Constantine rubbed his jaw. "If what you're saying is true, that offers another opportunity of tracking them."

"Whoa. Hold on. Does that mean you have a list of any of the tiers on this pyramid?" I glanced from one to the other.

Maxim's wry smile drew my attention. "One that's getting longer with every crack we find in their intel, and every hack into their highly secured computer systems."

I thought about the red flags James had gotten. It would definitely place a large target on our heads if our assumptions were correct and our movements had been tracked.

"As far as why we've come to you. Yes, Beckham, we believe your uncle aims to be the new illustrious leader of whatever new world these people believe they are building. We also believe he has a very strong Bratva behind him. Since the Russians are difficult to control, they should be considered of the utmost importance."

"I'll keep that in mind but not my uncle," I said. "He's nearing seventy. One of his sons is pliable. David is a hungry young man perfect to be molded."

"Make note of that," Constantine said to none of them in particular.

"Now, why don't you tell me the other reason you're here, gentlemen." I felt I needed to be direct at this point.

"I'll get straight to the point. The reason we are here is simple. We'd like you to join the Brotherhood immediately. We prefer having the strongest alliance possible, especially since it would seem we are headed into the kind of war this world has never experienced before and has limited ways of fighting. Your added support will ensure credibility amongst those we'll provide the information to us as well as add manpower for various areas of the country. And admittedly, we'd like to use Rye, New Hampshire as the Brotherhood's corporate headquarters. With its location, including easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, we'll have a prime position that we can protect and control. That doesn't mean we'll put all our resources here. We also believe you have a couple people in your employ with tighter connections to the dark web."

"Yes, I do," I said, curious how the fuck they'd learned that. I had a feeling it was just highlighting how powerful they'd become as an entity. "Let me venture a guess about using Rye. Just enough of a viable location that if they come knocking, they'll get a rude awakening but not so they can destroy the plan already in motion."

He nodded slowly, likely anticipating I'll tell them to get the fuck out. Maybe I should but I had a feeling what they were suggesting was a decent course of action, if not the only one. "Yes. We need every advantage."

"Okay, then I'd like to see the various lists."

"When you agree to become a Brotherhood member, then of course. You and your limited team will have access to everything we have. In turn, we'd like the same. We do understand you'll need to time to think about the offer."

"I don't need time," I said, almost interrupting.

Constantine seemed concerned.

"Yes, I'll join the Brotherhood. Yes, you can commandeer various properties owned by my family, including the Star Island family retreat and conference center. I also own a yacht where we could hold meetings if you feel that necessary. But I want full access as you just agreed to. And I want these fuckers on a silver platter."

Constantine nodded to Gabriel, who pulled a jump drive from his pocket. "Welcome to the Brotherhood. We're glad to have you on board. This will get you started. As you might imagine, there are rules and some protocol. Including sharing a drink together. Do you mind if I refresh?"

"Rules. I'm curious what they are." I took the opportunity to refill my glass, backing away so the others could as well.

"Gabriel. Do you want to do the honors?" Constantine asked.

Gabriel shook his head, obviously not amused. "Simple. We're kings of our territory. You don't shit where you eat. Got it?"

Maxim cursed in Russian. "You assholes made me recite the fucking shit. This dude needs to as well."

Constantine motioned for him to do the honors.

The terse Russian was none too pleased. "Stay your blade from the flesh of an innocent. Hide in plain sight. Never compromise the Brotherhood. And don't shit where you eat."

I laughed. "I think I can handle the rules." Why did I have a feeling my father knew this was coming or had facilitated the meeting? I pocketed the jump drive, eager to see what was on it as the others refilled their drinks.

"To the Brotherhood and our newest member," Constantine stated, lifting his glass first.

"To the continuation of mankind as we know it," Kraven added.

"To some fucking peace for a change," Maxim huffed.

"What's our newest member toasting to?" Gabriel asked.

"To continued challenges. I'm curious. Do any of you have what you consider a weakness, someone special these bastards could use against you?"

When the four of them looked from one to the other, I knew the answer.

"You must continue living your life, Beckham. We all learned that the hard way. If you found someone special, do not let a day pass you by. I can guarantee you you'll regret it."

Regrets.

Weaknesses.

Needs.

I knew which one was stronger, just like I knew the upcoming challenge would be life altering.