The Enforcer (Vengeful Empire #3)

Chapter 27

CHAPTER 27

C hristos

I’m falling hard for you. Letting you go will destroy me.

Those were the words I’d said to her. They were also the ones I’d thought about most of the night. I’d been unable to sleep, pacing the floor of my office, checking on her every two hours. I wasn’t certain if I thought she would attempt another escape, or I simply needed to be close to her.

Her thoughts of providing assistance also weighed heavily on my mind. She had a good point in that she’d more easily be able to have a conversation with her father. While he wouldn’t admit to anything, being placed on notice could put a few of the pieces together. I’d recommended she take risks, but this one was highly suspect as well as dangerous.

I’d spent more than an hour in front of the bank of screens that allowed me to see almost every square inch of the exterior of my home. Even as morning had dawned and I’d attempted to suck down a cup of coffee, my mind had been elsewhere.

Spending time with Davit today could provide answers. Or the information could condemn our family. However, speaking with him was necessary. At least Havros would be in attendance. So would several soldiers.

If Davit believed we would fall into his trap so easily, he would soon learn just how wrong he could be.

With Dimitrios close to being fully recovered, at least according to him, he had plans to have a phone discussion with Don Coppola since they had a friendly rapport. What I didn’t like was the uncertainty of when the other shoe would drop.

An expression I learned from Willow. Americans had an interesting way of speaking. I laughed softly. I’d told myself when I did finally settle down, I’d find a nice Greek girl. Here I was following in my brothers’ footsteps.

Fuck.

Maybe I should just send her back home. No, she had a target on her back. Of that I was certain.

“You’ve been a million miles away,” Havros stated. We were sitting in the back of the Escalade V with Elias driving, Jonas in the passenger seat. There was to be no mistaking our level of importance and power, which was why we’d taken the larger SUV, the special edition designed with the family in mind complete with bulletproof glass and reinforced steel panels. With weapons stored under the seats, we could protect ourselves against almost every situation.

But the Armenian was slick even if the agreed upon meeting location was in the public eye.

“She offered her assistance with her father.” I glanced out the window at the streets of Athens, the day as beautiful as the one for the wedding. I immediately tensed as a half dozen images tore through my mind of the damn day. While the shitstorm had already been returned to normal with almost no sign of another attack, I doubted my parents would return to the vacation home for months, if ever.

“Valencia?”

“Yeah.”

“Whew. Do you believe her?”

I turned my head toward him. “Yes. The question is why should I place her in danger?”

“Because if her father has anything to do with what happened or knows something, she may be the only person alive who can convince him to confess. From what I’ve read about the man, he is highly intelligent and respected. What did Pops always tell us?”

“Yeah, I know. Information is the greatest weapon. I get it, but I don’t want her hurt and she’s cocky. Do you believe she scaled the wall at my house in an attempt to escape? She skipped by the security system and almost made it.”

He laughed. “She reminds me of Kara. She wouldn’t take no for an answer when she decided I needed her help. Remember?”

“How did we get involved with formidable woman?”

“I take that to mean you’re considering keeping her.”

It was my turn to chuckle. “She’s reminded me about thirty times she’s not my possession and she certainly isn’t a pet.”

“You really do like her.”

“That’s the thing. I adore her, but I also like her. Her spunk. Her intelligence. The way she handles a difficult situation with a kind and caring manner. Yeah, I like this woman more than I thought possible.”

“Then let her help you. What I witnessed during the crisis isn’t something you can fake. She’s falling in love with you and if I know my brother, you feel the same. Whatever happens, whatever decisions are made about how we handle issues in New York and the assassination attempts won’t change the way you feel. If you’re anything like me, the strife will only strengthen your need to have someone to ground you.”

“Like Kara and Willow.”

“Maybe soon a kid or two.”

“Do not go there.”

We both laughed as Elias started slowing down. We would all be civilized by having an early lunch.

As soon as he cut the engine, I was ready to get the meeting over with. “I will allow her to assist me, but my way.”

“My guess is she wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The two soldiers in front opened our doors, allowing us to take our time exiting from the vehicle. From where I stood, I could see Davit sitting alone at an outdoor table, his two men waiting only a few feet away. The patio had been cleared of all other guests. Still, it was an interesting choice since the restaurant was on a busy street crowded close to the sidewalk.

Either he was very concerned we’d retaliate or was an arrogant bastard. Maybe a little of both.

Havros walked around to where I stood, buttoning his jacket. “How are we going to handle the situation with the package bomb?”

“There was no way of determining with one hundred percent certainty that the package he brought was the one responsible.” I threw on my sunglasses before fastening my own jacket. “But he doesn’t know that.”

“You were always a master at deceit. More so than Dimitrios and myself.”

“Never forget that, brother.” We headed toward the café, taking our time getting there. Given the design of the patio, we were required to enter through the main door. The girl at the hostess stand didn’t ask a single question. She knew exactly who we were.

After leading us to the patio, she closed the two doors heading into the restaurant. It was obvious Davit didn’t want to be disturbed.

He’d ordered ouzo. While a little early for me, I’d join in a glass in an expression of solidarity. While we’d remained on friendly terms over the years, I personally had never trusted the man.

“Havros. Christos. Please.” Davit didn’t bother standing, motioning to the seats on the other side of the table instead.

We took our places as Elias and Jonas took their spots behind us. While the protocol was typical, both sides fully armed, we both knew what could happen to innocent bystanders. Neither party was interested in entering into violence today.

Or so I hoped.

For his sake.

“Please, allow me to express how incredibly sorry I am at the tragedy you experienced. My wife and I are terrified at what happened. Havros, how is your lovely bride?”

“She’s a strong woman, Davit. She will overcome any emotional concerns as will the rest of the family.”

“Good. Good. Please. Let us toast to family and our continued alliance.”

He lifted his glass and I stared him directly in the eyes. For all the times I knew when men were lying, this wasn’t one of them.

“ Gia synechí kalí ygeía ,” I offered.

“To continued good health,” he repeated. “I agree.” He threw back the entire shot glass while I only took a sip. He suddenly appeared more nervous than I was used to seeing him.

“It’s fortunate you weren’t at the party. You never know if you could have been involved in the attack,” Havros offered.

“I have a feeling all three families were targeted.”

His answer surprised me. “Why do you say that?”

“Because I received a phone call that it turned out likely saved my life. However, the emergency turned out to be false. My little girl wasn’t in an accident.”

“Who warned you?”

“I don’t know, but if I’d known it was a hoax, I would have contacted your father.” Davit looked from one to the other of us.

“Why did they want you to live?” I asked, although the tone was more demanding than I’d intended.

“I have my suspicions.”

“And they are?”

He pushed his drink across the table. “Are you aware of the Armenian Power?”

“They are a United States based Armenian mafia. I understand they are heavily involved in Medicaid fraud.” I’d learned that before we’d made the determination to take our business into New York.

“Yes, and they are very successful. As well as dangerous. But given their particular choice of how they make money, they’ve never truly been on anyone’s radar as far as other crime syndicates. I have two cousins in the States, one who lives in New York. I found out he had the call made.”

“Meaning the New York Armenians are interested in killing prime members of three different crime families in Europe?” Havros did his best to keep from laughing.

“They are. And why? Because they’re switching gears.”

“They’re getting into diamonds,” I said in an off-the-cuff way as I sat back.

“Yes. They have an in with the diamond exchange in New York. They also own the ports.”

I glanced at Havros. That’s why Don Coppola had issued a warning. “I’m curious. Do they also own members of the Laborers’ Union as well as the Senate?”

He chuckled. “You’ve been doing your homework. Absolutely. My sources tell me various members were in bed with them for their racketeering operations, but the heat became extensive, including from a special committee formed by members of the judicial system as well as members of the Senate to crack down on defrauding insurance companies. They’ve taken great strides in doing so.”

My thoughts drifted to Valencia’s father.

“Then why eliminate three powerful organizations half a world away?” Havros rightfully asked.

“Because both the European Greeks and the Italians have determined the United States is still a ripe market. As far as the target placed on my family’s heads, we’ve directly opposed their tactics. They fear repercussions from various connections we have within the country. My cousin risked his life to warn me. Now, I’m warning you. If you continue look into doing business in the city or up and down the East Coast of the US, you will be challenged every step of the way.”

“Opposition doesn’t bother us,” I told him.

Davit leaned back in his chair, swirling his drink. “Perhaps not, but given the circumstances, a weakness was created.”

“Dr. Laurant.”

“Yes. I learned that only recently. When the story broke in the New York Times , the Armenians were salivating at gaining more control of your operation while eliminating their ongoing… frustrations.”

I knew what he was getting at. Karma had dropped an eight ball in their laps. “I appreciate the information. Were you aware a bomb was placed in a gift presented to the bride and groom?”

It took him a few seconds to determine what I was saying, his eyes opening wide when he comprehended the meaning of my words. “I assure you the package provided to Havros and his lovely bride was free of bombs. My wife wrapped it herself.”

I had to take the man at face value. I nodded in acknowledgment and in truth, I believed him. It would seem circumstances and luck had played a role in allowing the Armenians to gain some sense of control. “And Kane Jones? Have you heard of the name?”

He glanced away and shook his head. “Should I?”

“He was Armenian, the photographer.”

Davit dropped his gaze. “Be careful who you allow into your organization at this point in time. I assure you the Armenian Power has recruited many who are of different nationalities. We are a brutal group of people.” He laughed as if embarrassed by what he was telling me.

“So are we. Let your cousin know we will be acting on methods of retribution.” I was frank with my words. “We would appreciate any advice you can provide.”

“Happy to do so.” He offered his nod of respect to both of us. Whether or not the man was playing dirty was yet to be determined. “As a gesture of good will, I brought some documentation that you might find useful.” He motioned to one of his men who pulled an envelope from inside his suit jacket, immediately bringing it to Davit.

“What is this?” I asked.

“Names. Addresses and some fascinating correspondence between certain parties that can help provide you with the justice you seek. That can include being a part of their demise in various methods, including using the justice department to bring down the different organizations. Or… You can simply handle it as your father would have years ago. It’s entirely up to you.”

“I’m curious, Davit. What’s in it for you?” A man of his stature and leadership didn’t provide a gift of this magnitude without benefitting.

He grinned and Havros chuckled.

“Then Davit will be placed in charge of all American operations,” Havros answered for him.

Davit smiled. “You are very intelligent men. I know you’ll do what’s right.”

What was right was obtaining justice and peace for my family.

I accepted the envelope, not bothering to look inside.

But if he was part of the acts of deception, my father would necessitate his death.

Even at the risk of starting a war on our home turf.