Chapter 41

Yaroslav

A pril 17 th , Savannah Seaport, South Carolina.

The cargo ship pulls into the dock right on time and my men quickly set about unloading the shipping containers and paying off the necessary people. It’s gone two in the morning. and the port is empty apart from my men and a few dock workers on my payroll. Despite it being pitch black outside, the port is well-lit with floodlights. I prefer to conduct these transactions at night, ports are operational twenty-four-seven, but there’s less movement from civilians, making it easier to carry out business without raising suspicion.

I have several men hidden around, should Roman Sharkozi’s men turn up, but I’m confident they won’t. I decided to change the port and time at the last minute and only let a select few know, I also gave out false information about several other new locations to try to catch the rat in my organization red-handed.

As I’m surveying the scene, a black SUV pulls up and Thomas Gillihan steps out. I’m surprised yet pleased that Gillihan has chosen to come here personally rather than send his men, it shows he’s taken my concerns about a potential attack seriously. To my relief, he doesn’t seem angry about the longer journey for the drop-off either.

“Gillihan, good to see you,” I say, striding over to shake his hand.

“Call me Thomas please, I think we’ve got to that point now, haven’t we partner?” Thomas says with a grin as he watches my men efficiently start to load up his vehicles with the merchandise.

I nod, “Thomas it is, and please, call me Yaroslav. Would you like to check the product is to your satisfaction?” I ask, nodding in the direction of the closest container.

“Lead the way,” he says with a smile, friendly clapping me on the back.

Inside the container, I break open one of the porcelain jugs to reveal the hidden contents. Thomas surveys the powder before pulling out a small flick knife, cutting it open, and sticking the end inside to put a small amount on the tip of the blade. He then proceeds to dab a small amount on his gums before sniffing a similar-sized bump from the blade. He sniffs loudly and his pupils widen almost as much as his grin.

“You weren’t lying my friend, this is high-quality shit!” he says happily.

“I’m glad you are satisfied,” I reply politely.

Inside I’m thrilled that he’s so pleased with the shipment, it means the chance of repeat business and an ongoing partnership is high. With the backing of the Gillihan Mob, the Volkov Bratva will soon be untouchable.

“I’m more than satisfied, my friend,” Thomas says reaching out to shake my hand, “I see this as just the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership.”

“Good, I do too, Thomas,” I agree.

“Bear with me a sec, I’ll send through the remainder of the payment to you now,” Thomas says, holding up a finger and pulling out his phone.

I take the opportunity to do the same, checking my phone for an update from Vova and Artem at their respective locations. Both have messaged me.

Vova: No sign of him here, Boss.

I open Artem’s, and a smile dances across my lips.

Artem: We’ve got him. We’ve got Roman Sharkozi.

Grinning, I type back a response to Artem.

Good job, take him to the holding cell and see if you can make him sing.

So, someone clearly told him about the original drop-off location. I’m glad I trusted my gut to move it. If someone told him of the new locations, it was either too late to inform him or he didn’t get to the new one in time. Although it’s a win finally having Sharkozi in our custody, I don’t hold out much hope for him talking. He’s old-school Russian Bratva, he’ll die before he talks. As much as I want information from him, I’m more than happy to oblige him with death.

“The money should be with you now,” Thomas says with a smile before adding, “I have to admit, I was surprised that you changed the location at the last minute. Anything I should be worried about?”

“You know how it is, you can never be too careful,” I reply noncommittally.

Thankfully, Thomas doesn’t press the issue, he smiles and nods. “Smart man, that’s why I like you, if you hadn’t suggested it, I would have done so myself.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” I reply, “I always want to work with smart businessmen and men with honor.”

As the men finish loading up the last of the cargo, Thomas turns to me. “How about a drink to celebrate?”

Usually, I’d decline, not wanting to mix business with pleasure. Still, given the relief I feel having successfully completed this much-anticipated transaction and apprehending Sharkozi, I decide to throw caution to the wind.

“Sure, sounds good.”

At least this will distract me from thoughts of Kim and my child she may or may not be carrying.