Chapter 24

Kraven

"You still look like hell but at least you're not covered in blood. How's your guest?"

Konstantin had arrived early, bringing a load of her clothes and even mine inside along with Remington's things.

"Yeah, I feel like hell. My guest is doing much better than I am." I'd tossed on a suit, although I'd refused to wear a tie. For all the years my tailored suits had been what I'd felt most comfortable in, today felt different. Much different.

"Yeah, most chicks are stronger than we give them credit for. Who are these guys you're meeting with?" he asked as he trailed behind me into my office.

"Another crime syndicate out of LA. They might have info on what's happening."

"That should be interesting." He pulled out an iPad, moving toward my desk and turning the cover into an easel. "I have some information that might help. It took four of us all fucking night to find the footage you were asking about since the assholes entered the resort early yesterday."

"How early?"

"Eleven-twelve on your a.m. dial." He pressed a couple of buttons then backed away, allowing me to see what he'd found. "It's not much but it proves you were right. They came in from two doors, dressed casually. The parking lots were too busy to catch them there. I wouldn't have thought anything about their entrance since they laid low, except for one detail that caught my eye."

I moved closer, staring at the two screens. "And what was that?"

"They were very careful to hide their identities, never looking in the direction of the cameras. That means they knew exactly where the cameras were located."

"Fuck."

"I said worse," he snorted.

Given our security was top notch, we wanted guests to know some of the cameras existed for them to feel protected but in truth, some of those were dummies. We hid the majority of them on purpose so we could keep more of a careful eye on every activity. "Somebody told them where the cameras were."

"Possible, but I don't think so."

"Why is that?"

"Just hold on," he continued. "Watch this first."

I wasn't certain what I was looking at except four men heading into the resort from two different doors. They did appear in military formation and they weren't talking. They also weren't looking at the cameras at any point.

"Wait for it," he huffed, holding up a single finger.

One of the four was almost knocked to the ground by an exuberant guest. Not only did he trip, pushed down onto his knees, but it allowed a single view of two things.

A weapon and a tattoo.

"Unfortunately, the camera lens is a little fuzzy at that point, but I'd bet on my mama's grave that's the same tattoo we saw on the iced guy. Anyway, it prompted me into using the facial recognition software you had our computer experts install and it came back with an eighty-two percent on the other seven. But this guy, a perfect match."

"To whom?"

"Some pretty bad dudes out of Mexico. They were all in the same prison together."

"They were recruited." It was typical, something that had been going on for twenty years.

He lifted his eyebrows, grinning. "Yeah. Now, I have no clue as to by whom. My guess is we might not know that answer, but they have the same tattoos as our other dead guy."

I thought about the new information and nodded. "That's good work."

"Not done yet. I was able to find them going into one of the laundry rooms later in the day."

"Did you find their fucking clothes?"

"Nope. They either tossed them in the dumpsters, which were picked up last night or in their cars. I have men right now canvassing the parking lot, but I don't think we're going to find anything. They were pros."

I shook my head, more frustrated than ever. "And the cameras? If not one of my men, then fucking how?"

"Our very best computer whiz figured out that the schematics of the install you had on lockdown was hacked. That was three weeks ago and before you ask, if Harry hadn't been looking, no one would have noticed."

I glared at him. This had nothing to do with Penny. I was glad to hear that but now that she had been seen in my life, it didn't make a difference. "Was anything stolen at all?"

"Not that we could find. As I told you before, I had a feeling David was paid to test the security system, but every penny is accounted for."

"Maybe they wanted it to look like a robbery gone bad."

"Maybe," he said. "Incidentally, it's going to take Misha some time to recover. He lost a lot of blood and oxygen. There could some permanent damage."

I'd called to check on his condition, learning that he'd been in surgery for hours. "If he needs blood, make certain every person in our employ with his blood type donates or I'll extract it from them myself."

"The boss I know and love."

I gave him a harsh look. "Don't fuck with me, Konstantin. He's almost like a kid brother to me. I want the best fucking doctors in the goddamn country." And he was, which was why my chest was tighter than normal.

"I'll make certain that happens."

Fuck this shit. Family. The word was so strange to me at this point.

"See if you and our computer techs can find any dirt on a judge out of DC by the name of Carson Withers." I'd looked both men up on the internet, finding enough to know the judge was highly influential, including being the go-to judge for a couple of prosecutors determined to clean several cities of organized crime. Jake was currently running for a smaller political office, which would mean he wouldn't want noise in the media about being abusive. "And if he or his son Jake have been to Las Vegas lately."

"Where is that coming from?"

"Just a couple guys I want to learn more about."

Konstantin knew better than to continue grilling me at this point.

My phone chimed, indicating a text. I pulled out my phone, knowing what to expect. "My guests have arrived. I'll be right back." I went to the door, waiting as the two guests and their secure entourage approached in three vehicles. As four burly men climbed out of two large SUVs, I opened the door, shoving my hands into my pockets. It was sizzling hot already and not yet ten in the morning.

As with the various members of certain mafia organizations, doors were opened as if the men inside were royalty. I usually preferred to drive myself, although until this shit was finished, I wouldn't be doing much of that any longer.

Two men stepped into the sunshine looking exactly like they had in their internet photographs. As if they were movie stars. Only where I was wearing a suit, they could have stepped out of… oh, yeah. A Miami Vice episode. I'd even looked that up last night during my foray into insomnia.

As Dante and Diego moved closer, their men remained like dutiful soldiers.

"Dante and Diego Santos, as I live and breathe." I said in jest more than anything.

"Kraven Sokolov, king of Las Vegas. I'm Diego. The happy go lucky one next to me is Dante."

While they were spitting images of each other, they'd grown up in entirely different worlds. And from what I'd heard, the man they'd believed their father to be wasn't; instead the brutal South American Cartel leader who was finally getting up there in age was. Emmanuel Santiago was truly brutal in a world where it was measured in gallons of blood and lost limbs.

"Welcome to my home." I backed to one side so they could enter.

"So, you had some trouble yesterday," Dante said as both men passed, entering the foyer.

I glanced at the surrounding area before heading inside, closing the door behind us. "Yes, I did. A group of assassins attempted to finish what a single man had failed."

"And it's likely they will try again," Diego said under his breath. "Nice place. It's been a long time since I've been to Vegas."

"It's been a long time since I've been to LA. Let's talk in my office. I have family and guests inside the home."

The two brothers looked at each other as if they already knew who and why. Of course we'd checked out our respective backgrounds.

I headed for my office, catching sight of Penny standing on the next floor landing. While I'd told her I had a meeting, I hadn't mentioned why. She looked perplexed. And worried.

"We can talk in here." As soon as I motioned them inside, Konstantin rose to his full height, nodding to both. "This is my counselor, Konstantin Morozov."

My guests looked at each other again, Diego doing the speaking. "No offense, Kraven, but what we have to say needs to be in private. At least at the beginning."

I lifted a single eyebrow, noticing Konstantin was immediately incensed. He was the epitome of a hot-headed Russian. I nodded for him to leave, which he was none too happy doing but at least didn't fight me. However, he did slam the door in protest.

"There isn't anything you will say that my second in command hasn't heard before, gentlemen." I allowed them to hear the irritation in my voice.

"You'll understand why in a few minutes," Dante said.

I had a sense they were probably right. "It's early, gentlemen, but after yesterday's near massacre, I could use a drink. Would you like one?"

"Sure. It's five o'clock somewhere, right?"

I wasn't certain who'd made the comment since they both sounded exactly alike, including in their voice inflections. There was something to that twinning thing I'd heard about.

"Scotch? Whiskey? Gin?"

They gave me their orders then moved to the set of couches I had opposite my desk. After bringing the drinks, I settled into the single chair. "What can you tell me about the two attempts made on my life?"

"I can tell you that they were planned. On the day of the first assassination attempts, three other prominent leaders of similar organizations were eliminated." Dante pulled out photographs from a file he'd been holding, placing them on the coffee table in front of me.

"You think they're all connected," I said.

"Yeah, we do," Diego piped in. "One was a prominent leader of a group in Canada, another from the Midwest, and the last was from Seattle but he had direct ties to one of the most powerful families in Italy. They were definitely targeted, their schedules located with ease and unlike you, there was no one there to save them. However, in two instances, one of the three assassins sent to each elimination was killed."

"How are you certain they are connected?" I asked.

"I assume you looked for any identification," Dante said. "And found none."

"Correct."

"That prompted you to have his body searched. Yes?" Diego asked.

"Of course. As well as the other assholes I killed just yesterday." My mind was already shifting to the tattoo and as soon as Dante pulled out another photograph, I pulled my phone from my jacket, finding the photograph Konstantin had sent me earlier. I held out my phone for both men to see.

They looked at each other and nodded but Diego addressed it. "Every assassin has that branded into their skin."

"My second on command was able to determine the ones who planned the attack in my resort were brutal Mexican criminals in some prison down there."

"Typical," Diego said, he and his brother nodding. "They hire men who are little more than heinous beasts, training them to be bloodthirsty assassins."

"Do you have any idea who they're working for? Or are we talking about various syndicates throughout the world?" My anger and lack of patience were only increasing.

The two men were thoughtful for a moment, but I sensed they were sizing me up.

"What we're about to tell you isn't widely known and it needs to stay that way," Diego added.

"As you might imagine, Diego, I'm not the kind of man to play games. If I'm a target of some asshole, I need to know by whom and why."

"While we're uncertain of their real name, in the dark bowels of the internet, they're called the Death Squad. Before you ask, we've been looking into the highly organized and very dangerous organization for almost two years," Dante started.

"They are some of the most powerful people in the world who formed an alliance well over twenty years ago to begin gaining more power in several industries: oil to world banks, the tourism and movie industry, the currency market and as you might imagine, defense systems and computer technology. They are well funded, highly secretive, and hire highly trained assassins to do their dirty work. From what we know, criminals are their favorites as often they have no family to worry about."

I glared at Dante, trying to resist bursting into laughter as I sat back against the seat, looking from one to the other. "Okay. You heard this on dark web chatter?" I couldn't believe they were buying a story like that.

"No, Kraven. We've had our own personal experiences with several of the assassins, which prompted us to look deeper into the organization."

"The members are?" I prompted.

"Anyone and everyone who enough money to buy their way into the organization," Dante said almost in passing.

That didn't tell me shit at this point.

"Fine. Let's say I'm buying this, which has yet to be determined. Why do they want me dead?" I was almost amused but could tell they were deadly serious.

"Because you're now the leader of one of dozens of powerful mafia families in the world. If our intel is correct, they're attempting to rid the world of certain elements in society."

"Do-gooders?" I teased.

Diego laughed. "No. They're merely targeting potential rivals."

I lifted my eyebrow as I studied Dante. "Really? That's a tall order. Why bother?"

"They are well aware of the danger in keeping us alive, Kraven. They don't want any complications." Diego was shifting his drink from one hand to the other. "I'm not telling you that all the issues you've experienced over the years have to do with them, but your wealth and control of this city is widely known."

After taking a sip of my drink, I still had no idea what to think about what they were telling me. "I've had some issues with Gray Death recently. So has a buddy of mine. Any relation?"

"We've had some issues as well as I mentioned," Diego said. "We're not certain if they are using that as a ploy or if it's nothing more than some of the smaller cartels trying to make an inroad into the United States. However, you should be cautious about selling the drug."

Dante's warning was well understood. "I have no intention of it, gentlemen, and you'll need to accept my apology if I call this horseshit. Or in my native country, konskoye der'mo."

Diego grinned. "Donkey shit. We heard you were quite formidable, which is why we've also come to extend you an offer as well as provide you with at least some information that might help keep your empire intact."

"I'm curious. How would you know that phrase? Do either one of you speak Russian?" I was more than curious.

It was Dante's turn to grin. "We have a Russian in our alliance who uses the phrase often."

The term alliance was used. Not employee. Not soldier. Not ranking men. "So it's true what I hear. You're both involved with a group of men in our line of work who have formed a friendly organization to help watch each other's backs. Yes?" When they seemed surprised, I laughed. "I pay attention to the dark web as well, although I must admit up until this point, I hadn't heard about this Death Squad. Catchy name."

"Very observant, Kraven. Yes. The Brotherhood is what we call ourselves. While it wasn't our brainchild, the group was formed years ago by the leader of the Kansas City mafia and a close friend of his. It's expanded over the years mostly because the alliance works, proving helpful in several ways but in our minds, now it's become necessary to continue expanding our ranks to battle this other group."

"A group you know nothing about other than what you've heard on the dark web."

Diego was smirking as he pulled a piece of paper from the same file Dante had. "Do any of these names ring a bell?"

There were names of politicians, corporate moguls, oil financiers, members of various foreign governments, and even Saudi princes. "Let me guess. They were all eliminated." I didn't go through all of the four pages. There was no need. They'd made their point.

"Exactly," Diego said. "Over time. I'm sure there are more. In addition, one of the alliance's contacts happened on a new list." He placed one last piece of paper in front of me.

I scanned it and sighed. "So they have a hit list including the three people in this room."

"Yeah, and more. They're removing any potential issues. That's why we'd like you to become a member of the alliance. We think your skills, your leadership qualities, and your attention to detail will make for an excellent addition."

While I could tell Dante was serious, they had to be kidding me. "No offense, gentlemen, but I don't think I'm interested. I have far too much on my plate."

Diego took a deep breath before speaking again. "Your parents were killed in a car accident. Yes?"

I immediately bristled. "Yeah. What does this have to do with anything?"

"Take a look at the list again," Dante suggested.

Before I bothered, I glared from one man to the other. But it wasn't long before I found what I was looking for. A moment of fresh rage rushed into my system, a memory from right after it happened rushing into my mind.

My little brother had been in the car, something I hadn't mentioned to anyone.

"They were following us. They had guns and they were going to kill us. You gotta believe me. Dad and Mom were so scared!"

He'd looked to me for assurance and safety and what had I done?

I'd blown it off since my kid brother had been afraid of monsters and bad people his entire life. I'd assured him alright. Only I hadn't believed him, telling him the wreck had been a terrible accident and nothing more. There'd been no skid marks, no bullet holes, no sign of tampering. Nothing. Just a wet road and a quick turn on a mountain curve. Or so I'd wanted to believe.

I also had a series of flashes. Their faces. The dinner we'd shared the night before when I'd tried my best to beg off it. And I'd been supposed to be on the outing with them but as I'd told them, something had come up. It had been a lie. I just hadn't wanted to go to another fucking event hosted by my father. The guilt had remained with me, an anchor that I'd wanted to keep secured to my neck.

After shoving the papers aside, I jerked to my feet. It was difficult to continue breathing, the tightness in my chest increasing. I headed to the window, uncertain how I wanted to handle this. "The entire family was supposed to die that day." It wasn't a question but a statement.

"Undoubtedly but you weren't in control at that point and my guess is the controlling members of the Death Squad were hopeful the regime would die with your father. That's not something we can answer."

Diego had sorrow in his voice. I raked my hands through my hair. "I had a suspicion."

"I'm sorry you had to hear about it this way."

"I needed to know. Your real father is from South America. Emmanuel Santiago? What is he saying?" I asked the question, which also surprised both men.

Dante chuckled. "We know too much about each other. Our birth father is at the point of finding another location to run his business. As you've probably heard, South America is a battle ground at this point. It's dangerous to remain there, no matter how powerful he is. Both the diamond industry and the sale of illegal drugs are being hit hard in the country but the reason the cartels are up in arms, fighting amongst each other is because one believes the other to be the problem."

"This secret organization is allowing the inmates of a perceived asylum to pick each other off one by one."

"A very nice analogy." Diego was laughing full out. "And yes. They can't do that here given the alliance. There are natural reasons why, including labs in Mexico making thousands of drugs like fentanyl and Gray Death an hour, which is taking a significant portion of business from the South Americans."

"That's fascinating this Death Squad issuing the very men the Mexican cartels might hire to defend their labs and passage of their drugs to other countries."

"Fitting if you ask me," Dante mused. "And well planned out. Once again, one will turn against the other."

"You have no names of the people involved with the Death Squad?" I pressed.

Diego shook his head. "We have suspicions and some leads, already compiling a list of possibilities, but they are very good at keeping themselves protected. We need to break the veil of silence and secrecy at some point, or every syndicate will be pitted against the other."

"Which will lead to bloody wars." I was the one who finished the statement.

"Unfortunately," Dante said, sighing.

I thought about all the pieces that were running through my mind. "On this list you've created of possible members, does either Judge Carson Withers or Mayor Sheldon Peterson ring any bells?"

Another look was shared. They weren't going to expose anything else unless I became a member. I couldn't blame them, even if it did piss me off.

"And they are?" Diego asked.

"One is a prominent judge out of DC. The other is the good mayor of this illustrious town. While Peterson has been fair up to this point, I have reason to believe he could be a pawn."

Dante sighed. "It would seem some high-ranking officials in various cities have been targeted as such. We'll check and let you know."

"Please do as both have some… personal interest." I was already thinking about the terrible things I wanted to do to Carson and his worthless son. "One last question. Have you heard the name the Butcher?" I might as well place all the cards on the table.

Diego whistled. "Yeah, but as you might imagine, there've been a lot of assassins who call themselves that. I can tell you that there is some concern about what the man is doing and if he's the leader of the assassins hired by the Death Squad. We're doing what we can to narrow down his whereabouts, but the organization has their own version of safehouses all over the world. Why?"

"I have a feeling this person is connected to the newly crowned cartel leader Emiliano Cabrera. I also have the distinct feeling he is vying for some control in Vegas."

"Now, he's a butcher," Dante offered, giving his brother a quick glance.

Their twin speak was getting on my nerves.

"Yeah, I know. He slaughtered his own father."

"Try his entire family," Diego growled. "Have you met him?"

"No. Why?"

Dante answered my question. "Because he also carries the branding of a Death Squad assassin."

"So he killed his own father to gain control only to become an assassin for these idiots?" I wanted to laugh but at least some pieces were falling together.

"Remember that the Death Squad is connected and wealthy and they're not going to entirely eliminate every syndicate. They'll train a few to control and use."

"Also interesting. Were you aware his father was once considered an enemy of my father?" Revenge was something that lasted often for generations. My father had not only clashed with the patriarch but there'd been more bad blood than I'd been told about. At least that had been my intuition. However, the attacks were starting to make more sense. Except how the fucker knew where I was and how his men had gained entrance to the resort and my suite.

Diego and Dante whistled together. "It would appear, my friend, that your family has had a target on your backs for years."

I glanced at Diego, trying to reconcile everything that had been said. At least by going to see the Morellis, I could potentially find out more about the man's plans. No wonder the assholes sent to kill me had been more highly skilled than what Sylvester or his dumbass brother could organize. Not that it made me any happier. And not that the newly discovered information was going to change anything.

"Nothing I can't handle. However, I'd enjoy any information you might have, including if there's something your birth father might be able to offer." I looked from one to the other.

It was obviously a slightly sore point between the two men. "I'll see what I can discover and let you know," Diego finished.

I wasn't certain what to think about the Brotherhood. "Thank you. As you might imagine, I'm eager to continue killing anyone involved in the personal attacks on myself and my men, but I do things very carefully. I need time to think about your offer."

"Understood. You should know that from what we've learned collectively over the years, you singlehandedly took out the highest number of assassins. That will further place you on the radar."

I glanced over my shoulder. "They don't know who they are fucking with, Diego."

"Maybe not, but we do," Dante piped in. "You're perfect for the Brotherhood."

"Who are the other members of this alliance?"

"As you might imagine, Kraven, anonymity is one reason we are able to keep the vultures at bay. There are formalities to joining the group, a nondisclosure to sign and rules to follow." Diego wasn't telling me anything I hadn't already suspected.

"Fine," I said in passing. "I will keep this meeting private. You have my word. But I will need to be provided with additional details if I am to wholeheartedly consider joining."

I had to admit to myself, I could see no real downside.

"We can tell you that as of this date, ten members are involved. While you might think that small, we all have our contacts that bring hundreds of resources to our fingertips. Every man was chosen specifically for skills, contacts, wealth, reputation, and leadership ability. We are the future of our world, Kraven. Ignoring the Death Squad, there are other prominent issues to deal with including the war on drugs and weapons, and something that we know is dear to your heart, sex trafficking, especially of minors, something none of us find acceptable."

"Like the Morelli brothers." I said the name in passing as I turned around, noting they'd given each other another look. "I understand and I don't take the offer lightly by any means. I simply need to ensure my guest and my brother are protected and my businesses not compromised."

"Of course. A word of advice," Dante said as he stood. "If the girl saved your life the first time, she will be a target for no other reason than target practice and to send you a message."

"Duly noted. But I assure you that no one will have the opportunity to get to anyone I care about ever again. Not once."

And I would make good on that promise.

I would burn down the entire city if necessary to find anyone else connected with attempting to kill a woman who'd managed to capture a portion of my heart.

When I did, they'd suffer a fate that sent them straight to hell.