Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

A leksander

Vadim had a way of pulling you out of whatever duties you were involved in. The trial was still ongoing, perhaps the only reason because of the highly secured information my assistant had provided. A couple of days had passed already and I had to agree with Jacob. It could be over with by the end of the week. That pleased the hell out of me.

I'd been the one to introduce the name of the unexpected witness to the judge, requesting a slight continuance. I'd shocked Jacob, which had been my intent. Fortunately, the judge had chosen not to go against me.

Good for him and his livelihood.

However, I only had a couple of additional days, less if I could swing it. The last thing I wanted was for the case to drag on. There was already a media frenzy around the situation, reporters waiting outside the courthouse. The defendant was quite the celebrity himself.

At least Jacob had been pissed for being thwarted and his reaction had made my day. However, there was no doubt the man would come swinging back.

I needed to grill the new witness, but Vadim had insisted I stop by his house after work. I didn't like the tone in his voice, the agitation that clearly meant stealing Bernardi's party favors and killing his men had poked a bear.

Exactly what I'd warned him about.

As I pulled into the driveway, I sensed Vadim had placed his security on high alert, another sign that a war was ensuing. I didn't need to knock on the door, but always did. With Caroline now in the picture, I valued their privacy as much as they did.

One of the housekeepers opened the door, the girl always happy to see me. "They're in the smoking room, Mr. Semenov."

The smoking room.

It was a man cave on steroids, a recent change in the house. He'd wanted his space. It was the only place in the house she'd allowed him to smoke his Cuban cigars. I had to admit, after the last couple of long days, I could use one and a couple of shots of whiskey.

I headed to the location in the back, noticing Nikolay Kuzmin first. He was the Brigadier of the Bratva, hallowed ground for the man to be on. He'd earned his place at the top of the food chain, his loyalty to Vadim unquestionable.

"I can see I'm late to the party," I told them both.

Vadim looked up from puffing on his cigar, already having taken his perch in his favorite leather chair. It had seen better days, but he couldn't care less.

"We have a situation we need to handle. It's likely to unfold into a war." Nikolay acted as if this was some surprise to me. I wondered if the man was miffed that he hadn't been invited the night before. Granted, Vadim was respectful of the fact a child had just been dropped on the man's doorstep.

"Bernardi didn't like our actions," I said as I poured a drink.

"Not in the least. His response was immediate. He killed two of our men in their beds last night. Not only did he slit their throats but had them gutted." Vadim's words were said coolly. We'd had this kind of shit happen before, although the level of brutality had been meant to send a statement.

"Well, don't say I didn't tell you." I grabbed a cigar and joined the two men, easing down onto the end of the couch. I knew Vadim didn't like being told anything but the three of us were required to be frank with one another or we couldn't continue being successful.

As I cut and lit the Cuban piece, Vadim scrubbed his face. "Yeah, I know you did."

"Plus, keeping his drugs adds another layer."

I could tell Nikolay had just heard of the second part, his eyes opening wide.

"What the fuck?" he demanded.

"As you know, several crates of high-quality heroin were found at the site last night. I decided to take it." Vadim was still cool about what he was saying, which was one reason he was considered a powerful leader. But his temper was tremendous, explosive always.

"Well, shit. Then we can expect an attack at any time." Nikolay was exasperated.

"He's right, Vadim. You might consider Bernardi a thug, but he has a decent army surrounding him, people who are extremely loyal. We don't need a citywide turf war."

Vadim took several puffs of his cigar, studying me intently. "Then what do you suggest, Harvard boy? That I break bread with Luciano or worse, grovel to him?"

The man liked goading me. Tonight, it was nothing more than an irritation. While I'd had a feeling I'd be put on the spot, other than a fleeting thought or two, I hadn't managed to think of a decent alternative plan. However, maybe I needed to think outside the box. I'd googled the man and his family just prior to coming over. One piece of credit I'd give the man. He was extremely protective of his children, refusing to have pictures taken of them or even their names to be released.

I'd searched every site I could find, only being able to confirm he had two daughters and a son, two of the three adults.

What I was thinking was completely avant-garde, but to my mind, it was the only thing that might work. "What do we know about Luciano?" I asked, passing the question to both men.

"He's power hungry. He wants more territory and clout, including with various city and state officials," Nikolay answered first.

"Exactly." I took a puff of my cigar, holding the smoke in while I studied Vadim and his reaction. He was paying close attention, merely waiting to see if I'd come up with a good idea or hang myself. "From what we've witnessed over the last few months, he'll do anything to get what he wants."

"Which is why the man needs to be destroyed," Vadim added in his reflective voice.

"You're thinking like your father," I told him. "The old ways. Sometimes, that's not in the best interest of families or the city. You've worked long and hard to clean up the Bratva. You have a wife now."

"Yes, but what are you getting at, that I should just let this go?"

"Not in the least." I'd been damn good at thinking on my feet and an idea came to me, although I wasn't certain about the fruition of what I was about to propose.

"Then what, Aleks? I'm eager to hear your idea."

"Marriage."

I thought both men were going to choke on the smoke.

"What the hell does that mean?" Nikolay was asking as he laughed.

"From what I know, Luciano has two daughters, both adults. If the man is so power hungry, then the best way to control him is by keeping him close. Toss him a few bones, maybe return his drugs if he agrees and is a good boy. And the two of you sign a treaty so a war won't continue." The silence almost made me laugh.

Vadim leaned forward, placing his drink on the table. He took another couple of thoughtful puffs before placing his cigar in the huge ashtray. "Marriage. Not to be a naysayer, but just who do you think will be offered up from our side like a lamb chop since I have no sons? And need I remind you that if I'm not mistaken, his son is underage. Not that I'd allow either one of my two daughters to marry an Italian pig."

"I am not volunteering," Nikolay snapped. "You both know I'm too busy."

"You have other possible candidates, Vadim. This could be the only thing that works."

My friend was surprised, something I rarely did with the man. We'd worked together long enough we could read each other's minds half the time.

"Or we just blow up his headquarters," Nikolay suggested.

I threw a look in the younger man's direction. "Imagine what will happen after that. There won't be a safe location within the organization. Our men will be targeted, their families as well. Your daughters, Vadim. Your son, Nik. Do you really want to chance that?"

Vadim closed his eyes. "Aleks has a decent point. Going back and forth with violence and brutality isn't in our best interest. But marriage. I don't know if I want a more permanent tethering to the man."

"Well, like with any other contract that would need to be drawn up, you can add various codicils and conditions. Such as the marriage must remain intact for a year, maybe more. Heirs could need to be produced. Trust funds established utilizing funds from both sides. There are creative ways of keeping the man at arm's length while on a short leash."

"Yes, an artform," Vadim agreed.

"An added benefit is using his connections," I told him.

"As he'd use mine. I'll need time to think about this," he told both of us.

"What about the attack?" Nikolay pressed.

Vadim exhaled and looked at me, waiting for my recommendation for the early stages of whatever would be decided.

"Let it go for now. You've both made your points. I realize the time can only be short lived but at least you can have time to yourself to think about my suggestion." I was a little surprised I'd thought of the arranged marriage in the first place. Yes, it was an old and rather barbaric practice. However, in certain applications within the crime syndicates, the alliance made some sense.

Vadim nodded after a full minute had passed. "I'll give it some consideration. What I also don't like is setting the precedent. I will never force Sofiya or Daniella into an unholy union."

"That's your decision, no one else's."

"Understood and not one I'll take lightly," Vadim added. "You both know I'm not any good at extending olive branches."

"Learn, my friend. If you want to keep your family perpetually safe. Learn." I meant what I said. Our world was still brutal in every aspect, the possibility of living a long, full life akin to winning the New York lottery.

Maybe the city had been at peace too long but in my mind, my recommendation was a solid one.

Only I was like Nikolay, refusing to volunteer. How could I stand a wife if I couldn't tolerate even the thought of being in a relationship?

Raphaella

If the drink had been anything other than a professional meet and greet with the new employee, Aleksander certainly hadn't shown it. The next two days had gone by in a whirlwind, working with the man more fast-paced than I'd envisioned. I'd learned a lot, eager to discover more.

The man was respectable, patient, and unfortunately, still good looking. The fantasies had expanded both nights. The two mornings I'd awakened hot and sweaty, the vivid dreams lingering in the forefront of my mind long after I came to work.

I was finally back at my desk, grabbing a bottle of water and a breather. I'd brought in a couple of personal things, already feeling like this was a good choice. The single picture was of my brother, sister, and me together a couple of years before. It was rare we'd been photographed together, my brother a typical teenager while Sophia was currently in her boy-crazy phase. I couldn't remember ever going through that. Granted, she was a few years younger, still trying to figure out what to do with the rest of her life. My brother knew and had since he was a kid.

A brilliant kid.

I stared at the stack of paperwork, some of which I needed to enter into the computer system, groaning at the volume of work. But I'd pressed the man, ensuring him I could handle just about anything. It was obvious he'd taken me at my word.

When my cell phone rang, I stiffened. The girls wouldn't call me while I was working unless it was an emergency. I had to look. Instantly, my blood chilled as I looked at the screen. Seeing my father's private line was likely to ruin my day. But it was much better to take the call than try to avoid it.

My father was nothing if not tenacious. "Hello, Dad." It was more of a clipped greeting than usual.

I could tell he sensed it, huffing in the background. "New job. New attitude?"

"Don't go there, Dad. I am working and very busy. What do you need?"

"Your presence at dinner tonight."

That request I hadn't been prepared for. "I have plans."

"Break them. This isn't a request. I'm telling you that you will be here tonight. Seven sharp."

"Is something wrong?" I always worried about my brother and sister, their youthful attitudes often getting on my father's nerves. He loved his kids. I knew that. He'd doted on the three of us while growing up. But there was something about the strain in his voice I didn't like.

"Nothing is wrong," he snapped. "I need to talk to you. That's it. Seven o'clock."

Before I could agree, he hung up. Shit. I loathed going home for dinner. I couldn't stand the pomp and circumstance of it or the dressing for dinner requirements. I was thankful I'd worn a dress with a suit jacket today. Maybe it would be presentable enough for his strict standards.

I tossed the phone and held my head in my hands. Something was terribly wrong. I could feel it in my gut. Now I would do little but worry for the next four hours. Great.

So much for getting away from family.