Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

" L et us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them."

—Rabindranath Tagore

Nikolay

I'd been considered fearless my entire life, even as a small child. While I understood the meeting with Bernardi wasn't supposed to be contentious, when dealing with other syndicates, a lot depended on a man's mood. Especially when we were supposed to be enemies. I hadn't seen the man since Aleksander had proposed to Raphaella, the engagement party something special for social media.

Even if that hadn't been allowed.

Luciano had been cordial, albeit still uncertain of the alliance Vadim had already suggested.

"Anything unusual?" I asked as I headed to the sidewalk, glancing up and down the street. The restaurant wasn't in the best area of town but often the places with the best food were shitholes. Especially in New York.

It was funny being back in the Big Apple, where the vibrancy had once been a rush every time. Right now, between the traffic and noise, the volume of people was annoying. It would seem the quiet life better suited me.

Vadim shook his head. "Nothing. We'll wait and see what Luciano has. I ran down the Armenians and from what our sources and informants can tell, there's no real activity. It's some Armenian holiday or something. Huge celebrations planned in the street."

I found that interesting but not necessarily surprising. The one thing I knew about the brutal regime, other than they were pigs, was that they often used other nationalities to do the dirty work.

As if they were too good to be sullied by tawdry tasks.

Right now, not much was going to be solved. I was hopeful that meeting would help but not certain.

"Are we secure?" Aleksander asked.

"We are," Vadim stated. "We're just a group of friends having lunch. Let's go in."

Secure.

It was a funny thing about security. You could easily think you'd been secretive about a meeting or even a personal dinner out but nowadays, people were always watching.

Videos.

Pictures.

Especially tourists wanted to make their claim to celebrity fame. Not that I'd placed myself in that category, but I'd seen tourists take picture after picture after a horrific accident. And we were notorious crime bosses.

There was no shame.

I glanced at my phone prior to trailing behind them. Nothing yet from Tanner, which didn't necessarily mean anything. He knew the timing of the meeting. However, I was antsier to get back to the beach house.

More than I thought I would be.

"Nothing on the assassins?" I asked quietly as we walked in through the festively decorated front door. The music was loud and not unpleasant, but I wasn't certain how well an intense conversation would go.

"No, except I checked with sources I have throughout various military organizations," Vadim mused. "Believe it or not, their actions were more like the Armenian army than any other organization."

He seemed amused.

I was pissed off and glanced at Aleksander. Maybe he'd expected Italian or American special forces, but Armenian? You make a couple of assassination attempts then plan huge celebrations?

"Keep in mind," Aleksander said as we searched the small restaurant, finding the private room easily. "Training is key and anyone can be taught anything with enough time."

Which could mean the attempted assassinations had been planned for a long time. That certainly didn't make me feel any more comfortable.

Luciano was a formal man, completely from the old school. He'd had Raphaella when he was older, the girl's mother his second and much younger wife. I couldn't care less. He seemed fit, eager to talk with us, and likely the kind of man who preferred keeping the shock and awe of a conversation until the very end.

Vadim and I stood back, waiting as our brother took the lead.

While I loathed wasting time, it was fine as long as he had something useful.

"Aleksander," Luciano said as he stood, his accent thick.

They clasped hands before Luciano pulled him into a bear hug. The man had four soldiers with him, likely more shifting between the front and the back of the restaurant. The drivers remained behind, but I had both Danny and Maxim with me. Both seemed amused at the exchange. Russians weren't usually so hospitable.

No, we were considered barbarians, which always made the three of us laugh.

Given his status and the fact he had information to offer, we allowed him to take some time greeting Aleks. " La vita e l'amore sono stati buoni con te ."

I leaned over, whispered in Vadim's ear, "Life and love have been good to you."

And in truth it had. I'd never seen Aleks so happy.

"Mmmm… Yes." Vadim didn't seem that impressed. As required, Aleks made a response.

" Ottsovstvo, vino i khoroshiye druz'ya sokhranili tebe molodost' ."

Fatherhood, wine, and good friends have kept you young.

Luciano burst into laughter. "You train your men well, Vadim. A true delight. Please, sit down and we will break bread, further solidifying our strong alliance."

The table was meant for five, which allowed us some room. Two waiters appeared within seconds and offered drinks, chips and pouring cold water.

"Well, the three of us have been friends for a long time," Vadim said as he made himself comfortable, taking the menu even though we hadn't come for the food.

Luciano already had a drink in front of him. He folded his hands and leaned forward. "Friendship, sadly often like family, provides far too many targets and chances for betrayal. I know that better than most men." He lifted his arm to the point he could. It had almost been severed by a man he'd grown up with in Sicily, bringing him here and becoming his second in command. Luciano had been completely caught off guard, millions stolen from under his nose. He'd almost lost his arm completely. As of now, he had limited usage.

"Duly noted, Don Bernardi," Vadim said. Showing respect was good business. "We are careful."

He glanced at the door leading to the main part of the restaurant. "When drinks arrive, we will talk. Dante, make certain we are not interrupted until we're ready to order."

"Yes, sir."

The drinks arrived seconds later. Luciano lifted his glass. "To a continued powerful alliance. In the face of adversity, even an old man has realized having additional ruthless associates can be very beneficial."

"Agreed," Vadim said. "And to our continued business acumen."

We toasted, clicking glasses and I still felt uncomfortable. There was no real reason why other than perhaps what the man had said earlier. Trust was difficult in our world. The single time you laid your guard down, you could easily get fucked.

"Now, not to push things but what do you have? You heard about our attacks." Vadim always liked to be direct and to the point. All three of us did.

Luciano grinned. "I assure you on the same day, there was a similar attempt at my house in the Hamptons. Oddly enough, my wife and I weren't there. We had talked about going."

That was odd. "Had you changed your mind?" I asked.

"No. It was discussed a couple months ago but with everything going on, I didn't feel it prudent to leave the city. There's too much at stake."

"What do you hear in your grapevine?" Aleksander piped in. At least he had a very good rapport at this point with his father-in-law, which always hadn't been the case.

Luciano seemed reflective, taking another sip of his drink. "That what we're dealing with are the Italians. Giovanni Rossi is old school but younger, his father more brutal than mine. He's expected to take over this year, a demand made from what I understand. If he makes headway, then he will have not only his father's blessings but the man's entire business empire. Including his diamond trading business."

We'd heard rumors but nothing more. "Where?"

"From what I learned, the Democratic Republic of Congo." Luciano laughed. "Not necessarily the highest producing country."

"But the hopes are to get into South Africa," Vadim said.

Luciano nodded. "Which is why your shipment had been threatened. Is it secure in the United States yet?"

Aleksander shook his head. He was in charge of ensuring there were no additional hiccups.

"The cargo won't arrive for four days. No issues as of yet."

"Be prepared," Luciano suggested. "They enjoy striking closer to home so reputations are sullied. You know as well as I do how this city works."

"Noted," Vadim hissed between clenched teeth. "Have you heard anything regarding the Kaskov Bratva?"

Luciano cursed in Italian, full on and with hate. "One day I will kill that Pakhan, but he isn't intelligent enough to plan attacks of this nature."

"Then who could be?" I asked, Luciano immediately turning his head in my direction.

"It is possible we have a new player in town, but even I am uncertain of that." Don Bernardi took a moment to reflect and drink. His statement was a reminder that he truly believed he was top dog.

At least I sensed amusement in Vadim, not irritation. Every leader had their arrogance. Even my good friend. "We have checked up and down the East Coast and the lowlife cartels. Unless we're talking a player from afar, I have a feeling the enemy is closer."

We were running out of candidates. Although my father had always told me that often enemies were very close, enough to breathe on you.

"Honestly, while I do believe Rossi has plans on exterminating as many enemies as possible in showy way, I think those were simply meant to put everyone on edge, altering their normal plans. That allows for additional mistakes, a possible power twist." Luciano had given this some thought.

I knew what he was saying. If we were jumping through hoops, anyone loyal to Rossi had a perfect opportunity to keep better track plus find additional confidential information. I sat back, gazing at Vadim. It wasn't necessarily anything I didn't know. "I need to ask you more of a confidential question."

Vadim seemed surprised but knew what I was about to ask.

"We pride our alliance in not keeping certain secrets." Luciano chuckled. Both organizations had secrets. There was no way we'd shared everything. Why would that occur?

"As you know, my brother arrived in New York to have a business meeting with Rossi and the Armenian group. That was a surprise to me, but my brother has always ignored my business and basic concerns about danger. A wild card, so to speak. I don't believe it went as expected for him. Is there any chance you either knew or took a limited part in this meeting?"

Luciano snorted, looking from one of his men to another who laughed as if on cue. "You are a highly intelligent man, Brigadier Kuzmin, a man I admire and respect. However, to ask me if I would ever do business with the slimebag Armenians is a slap."

"No offense, Don Bernardi, but certain difficult questions must be asked."

Luciano chuckled. "I supposed. No offense to your family but your brother made some bad investments, the hole he dug for himself wide enough he will eventually get swallowed. Neither organization could have that liability on their hands. The rumor mill hasn't been good anyway within our circle. Not that Russians are well liked. From what I know, his offer was declined. If the Armenians have anything to do with this, they are hired guns and nothing else. That is a strong possibility. And allowing your brother into the fold might lead to leaks."

"Good point," Vadim said. "That doesn't bring us any closer."

"There is a group from Philadelphia I've been watching carefully. Perhaps they should be scrutinized by your experts," Luciano suggested.

"Not a bad idea," Aleksander said. "I'll handle that."

Why did it feel as if the man was throwing us a bone? Yes, we were laying down some of our cards, rarely a good idea, but this was something else. I threw Vadim another look and whether or not he felt the same I was uncertain of. I knew better than to push it.

I also knew the Italian meant no offense. They had particular names for us as we did for them. The old way. But our organizations were different in that Luciano still concentrated on his less than scrupulous businesses, sprinkling in a very nice casino that was relatively new. From what I'd heard from Aleks, his own daughter had asked that he shift gears.

Raphaella could run the casino after he was gone.

If Aleks would allow it.

Hell, the three of us were old school as well, at least in the way of women. I kind of enjoyed that more than I'd thought I would.

Aleks gave me a long hard look. "Don't worry, Don Bernardi, we aren't necessarily fond of the Italians either."

Everyone laughed.

"What kind of trouble did my brother find himself in?" I had an idea of course. All his adult life, my brother hadn't been able to keep from betting on the horse races in California. Up until recently, he'd won, keeping the bets to a minimum.

"The kind that usually results in broken bones and dead bodies floating in the Hudson River." Luciano didn't blink when he looked at me. "I could be wrong, but he was into both groups for a large sum of money. I heard it was to try and fund his failing company, but I could be wrong. If my sources are correct, the debt was forgiven because your brother provided repayment for the majority of what he owed but it left a bad taste in their mouths as well. They could have been expecting bloodshed that day. They are savages."

I rubbed my forehead. "I can understand. My brother is all glow and show, off-putting to many."

Luciano laughed. "I enjoy men who are over the top but only if they have full control. Anyway, I wouldn't worry about anything there. The two syndicates want nothing to do with LA. Why should they when the Big Apple is completely ripe for the picking? The old men such as myself are dying out, the new generations much like you. Power is something else entirely than when I was young."

Vadim snorted. "So they believe the Big Apple has real estate and the temperament to share. They don't understand the chains of command."

Luciano lifted his glass, nodding in respect. "No, they do not. We will teach them. You have the heart of a lion, Pakhan. It is no wonder people respect you."

"Thank you, Don Bernardi."

The love fest was getting freaking old.

"We need to continue providing additional communication so neither organization is blindsided," I piped in, which was the truth.

"Agreed," Luciano said. He coughed and all three of us looked at each other. "As I said before, I'm an old man. I won't be on this earth for long. I would enjoy getting to know a grandchild before I leave this world. I would also love to have him continue to be the bridge between our families."

Of course he was staring directly at Aleksander. We hadn't considered the fact it could be possible if he and Raphaella had a son, he could be considered the new Don of the Bernardi family. Even though half his bloodline and his last name would be Russian.

The thought was rather avant garde for an old school syndicate. But not a bad one.

Aleksander grinned. "I will discuss it with my lovely bride."

Luciano was very pleased, his smile glowing. "I will provide whatever additional soldiers you require if needed until this inconvenience has been handled."

Vadim lifted his glass. Protocol. Politics. It was still vital and necessary in this time of strife and unrest. "As always, Don Bernardi, you are full of grace. We may take you up on that."

Luciano lifted his glass, locking eyes with all of three of us. "Now, let's break bread. I am still a very hungry man."

At least another full hour had passed and as was typical, the three of us were ready to get back to work. Plus, I didn't want to leave Chantel alone for too long. And I had another meeting. Or so I hoped.

As we walked outside, I pulled my phone into my hands once again, restoring the sound. "Fuck." My hiss was followed by both Vadim and Aleksander studying me.

"An issue?" Aleks asked.

"I'm having a nice long chat with Sonya Oliov, which is Chantel's cousin. While she helped my girl with getting an apartment, food, etc., she also provided a warning about Vissarian in that the man wasn't well liked."

Vadim snickered. "Well, you know why. Anything else you hope to accomplish?"

"I don't know. I just want to cover all bases."

"He has a good point," Aleks said. "I'll do some sniffing while I'm here."

"Don't do anything stupid," Vadim suggested. "I know what Luciano said but you need to remember enemies can alter plans at any turn. Especially when provided with an unexpected opportunity. Plus, women are highly susceptible to shifting loyalties. I may force a mandatory meeting with the Armenian leader."

"Are you nuts?" I asked. "Balian is a true pig."

Vadim laughed. "Who has an affinity for a certain pastry. I know the owner and the man comes in every week at the same time. It'll be friendly. I want to know if he's heard anything. As you said. Cover the bases."

"Don't do anything stupid," I warned.

He gave me an amused look. "I said that to you, brother."

"Yeah. Yeah. I know, Vadim. That's why she's being taken to a secure destination of Tanner's choosing. I do not want to be interfered with."

Vadim sighed. "Okay, but just remember what I said."

"Yeah, I will. I'm heading out," I told them. "One way or another. Let me know about Balian." Vadim was more nervous than I'd originally thought.

"Hold on. Your guest?" Aleksander couldn't resist teasing me relentlessly.

I popped him in the stomach. "None of your business. How's the kid factory coming?"

He rolled his eyes. "Can you imagine Raphaella's reaction? She wanted nothing to do with the business. If her only son was suddenly Don, I think she'd lose her mind."

"Could be fun to see," Vadim suggested.

"The two of you are terrible friends. Terrible. I'm leaving." Aleks acted as if he was leaving in a huff, but we knew better.

"If you learn anything different, let me know. Take care," Vadim said. Being out in the open wasn't in our best interest, no matter what street the restaurant was on.

I quickly headed for the SUV, dialing Tanner. My patience was shot today.

"Fuck, boss. I'm sorry. It took me a little while to track her down and the little wiry chick managed to get away from me. She was positive I was a cop." Tanner laughed.

"You're on the way."

"Yeah. Don't you hear her muffled cries?"

"You gagged her?" I couldn't help but find myself amused. If there was one thing the man hated, it was chattering women.

"Tied the bitch down too. You know how I am."

I grinned as Maxim opened the back door, allowing me to jump inside. "More than you know. Text the address."

"On its way." I made certain he had followed through before exhaling.

"Okay. Don't touch her. Understood?"

Tanner snorted. "I do enjoy slicing and dicing but not women. Not enough meat on their bones."

"You're a sick man."

He just laughed, the sound fairly maniacal. You had to be a little nuts to enjoy this kind of profession.

Danny jumped into the front passenger seat, looking back at me immediately. "Tanner has her?"

"Yes."

"Does Chantel know?"

"She understands the situation is getting out of hand. And that I need to do what's necessary," I told them.

"Uh-huh," Maxim said. "He hasn't told her."

"Nope," Danny added.

"Very funny. Let's just get this shit taken care of." I sat back in the seat, grabbing my phone. I'd taken some highly provocative and entirely private pictures. For my eyes only.

Chantel was…

In my opinion, utter perfection.