Chapter 26 #2
“That’s my guess as well,” I answered for all of us. “Did you find any bugs like the one on the vehicles?”
Mikhail held up one hand with all five fingers flexed open wide. “And they’re not done searching. No one has made it to any of the executive offices at any of the hotels, so business hasn’t been compromised, but this is starting to get out of hand.”
“Anything from our computer people as to the origin?” Vissarian asked. He’d taken up a perch at one of the windows, leaning against it and staring out at the horizon.
“Russian, used by the military even today although the bugs discovered are an older version.”
Everyone standing in the room turned to stare at our Pakhan.
While we’d always had enemies through the years, some lingering from the days of our father leading the Bratva and eliminating anyone who got in the way of doing business, we hadn’t expected members of our own family to add themselves to the list.
We also hadn’t known that we had another uncle still in Moscow, running a very dangerous Bratva with a vendetta against the two brothers who’d escaped tyranny. So naturally, hearing that any piece of equipment had come from Russia caught our immediate attention.
“Are you suggesting the Russian Dmitriyev Bratva refuses to stay out of the US?” Sasha threw out.
Mikhail placed one of the bugs on the table.
“I’m not suggesting anything. However, as you all know, rumors flew after dealing with Uncle Yuri that we have a weakness.
That could be when Papadakis theorized he could best us.
I wouldn’t put it past the Greeks to believe if we were chasing our tails then they could more easily infiltrate and destroy. ”
The theory worked very well with what I’d heard about Liam and the O’Leary family.
“And the O’Learys?” Sasha cocked his head.
I’d done a little digging after Halle had finally gone to sleep, working a theory based on a hunch.
“About the time we started experiencing issues with the O’Shaughnessy family, the area surrounding O’Leary’s bar suddenly became very popular with several dozen Irish families.
Businesses changed hands. Apartments rented to Irish families.
Additional Irish eateries popping up. And from what I can tell, large sums of money were paid in exchange for the prime real estate on the twenty-block radius. Notice I said prime real estate.”
“What are you suggesting?” Vissarian chided.
I tossed him a glance, but Mikhail answered before I had a chance. “That it’s possible the O’Shaughnessy family has caretakers for an area of town speculated to be the next for redevelopment.”
Nodding out of respect, I had a feeling I was right. “However, as you know the O’Shaughnessys don’t give something for nothing. They would want something in return. And I bet if we look outward, we’ll find proposed transactions in the works for several additional properties.”
“Well, well. It could be that the Greeks and Irish are ganging up on us with plans of a new resort to rival ours.” Kazimir floated the thought.
“Even if they are planning something, why the ruse? The game?” Sasha had a good point.
“If the O’Shaughnessys are funding the project and using the O’Learys and the Papadakis boys, then this is about getting even.” My theory was met with head nods. “Or… the O’Learys could be proving their worth to the O’Shaughnessy clan.”
Mikhail grinned. “Very interesting thought. Just keep in mind, all the crumbs could be about leading us in the wrong direction. We need to be very careful. It’s business as usual right now.
We have a lot going on that we need to keep our eye on.
We made a point with Papadakis. If I would have to guess, I’d say he’s testing the waters, waiting for our next move.
Do I think we caught him by surprise? Only partially given the number of soldiers he had at the warehouse.
However, I don’t think he believed we’d torch the place. ”
“So you’re suggesting the bugs are worthless?” I asked. Given Viktor was slimy, I would definitely not put it past him.
He shook his head. “Not all of them. I think thanks to the ones in your vehicle and that of your houseguest, they were able to continue with their plans to rattle you. However, the ones found in the casinos and other areas of the resort would garner them useless information.”
I could tell my brother’s wheels were still churning. In the old days it used to be much simpler. The enemy attacked and either you won the battle, or they did. Now the players used games to try to prove they were top dog. We’d seen it more than once.
“A smokescreen.” Kazimir laughed. “Clever, but I’m shocked the Greeks had enough brain power to think of it.”
Sasha lifted his eyebrows. “Don’t underestimate them. The Papadakis family comes from a long line, their ancestors still controlling Greece today. They don’t like coming in second. That’s why when they suggested a contract, I was personally shocked and skeptical.”
I’d been as well, but they’d never been of any real issue to us and the price had been right.
They’d lured us in, learning what they could about our business.
But to what end? That remained the question.
“This still feels very personal, more so now that karma had a hand in bringing Halle and me together.”
There was little to say about my concern.
Maybe my relationship with Halle had altered not only the planning field, but the method of attempting to destroy us.
In my mind, that elevated the danger she and Emily were in.
I doubted Liam truly cared about his sister-in-law.
Especially now that he had her money pocketed.
Or spent on gambling. One thing I would ask Alessandro to do was to drill down on the money coming in and out of Liam’s accounts.
“So what now?” Vissarian moved closer, shoving his hands into his pockets. “We’ve established they’re playing a game and buying up real estate along with tormenting my cousin and his new live-in girl.” He grinned just to torment the hell out of me. “So what the fuck do we do?”
“First, I need to have a chat with the two people who kidnapped Emily.” I glanced at Mikhail who was rubbing his jaw. “Maybe they can shed some additional light on the little ruse being played.”
“Bad news, brother. I already thought of that and made a couple phone calls earlier today. Wouldn’t you know it, but the guards found them both dead in their cells.
One hung himself and the woman died of an apparent heart attack.
And before you ask, the security camera system had a glitch during the night. ”
“Fuck me. They were killed to keep them from talking.” God, I was hot. “That means we have Papadakis worried.”
“Yes, to both. What are your thoughts about the O’Leary family being involved?”
Exhaling, I thought about the question. “I’m one hundred percent certain they’re working with the Greeks.
There is no chance meeting Halle was anything but coincidental, but they definitely don’t want her associating with the likes of such a handsome fella such as myself.
” I grinned to break the mood and they all rolled their eyes.
“In all seriousness, with the money owed by Liam to the brothers, and presumably lucrative promises made, this is a perfect opportunity to take more control in the city. They almost have all the pieces in place.”
Although something just didn’t feel right to me.
“What is it?” Mikhail asked.
I shook my head. “I have a suspicion Sean O’Leary’s death wasn’t accidental.”
“Then we need to explore that option if possible.”
He was right although my gut told me we were running out of time. If I was correct, that was in most part based on Halle and I getting closer. Or someone having second thoughts.
“Do you know what bothers me?” Kazimir asked and from where I stood, I could see his mind churning out various tactics.
“Why now? We weren’t in dispute over contracts with Performance Food Group.
There’d been no pushback on costs, even when there were issues with the supply chain.
So why would Viktor Papadakis suddenly decide now was the time to try and overtake even some control of the city? ”
Mikhail lifted his eyebrows. “Good point.”
My phone chirped indicating an incoming call. Since it wasn’t Halle’s special ring, I had every intention of ignoring it.
Halle. Goddamn it, I’d left her alone. Where the hell was the closest toy store? Or maybe just a bookstore. They carried children’s books. Right?
Shit. She was what, five? What did five-year-olds read? Maybe if I remembered what I’d read to her that night, I’d figure it out. What the hell was the name of it?
“Maybe we just need to finish destroying Papadakis.” Kazimir’s suggestion was met with snorts.
“What’s the chatter on the streets?” Maybe one drink would calm my anger.
I headed to the bar, suddenly thinking about Halle.
I’d hated leaving her alone. While I felt secure in the protection offered by two of our best men, I couldn’t stop thinking about how abysmal and austere the surroundings were for a child.
Hell, for me. I’d spent such little time in the condo that I hadn’t paid any attention to my surroundings.
Plus, there was almost no food. I’d need to make a few stops before returning.
But only after talking with my agent to see what she’d come up with. If I could do a quick closing with all cash, perhaps by this time next week we’d be in the house.
Together.
As a little family.
I rubbed the scruff on my face, remembering the irritation on her inner thighs I’d caused this morning when feasting on her sweet pussy.
Resisting adjusting my already aching cock, I finished making the drink, taking a sip while my thoughts drifted to the goddamn Russian saying left in Emily’s backpack.
“Earth to Alexsey.”
“What?” I hated when my thoughts were interrupted, but I turned my head toward Mikhail.
“You zoned out. Did you hear my answer to your question?”
“I don’t even remember the question.” Which was truthful. “Not a word. I’ve had a few rough days.” The phone rang again. Goddamn it. Why was I so popular this afternoon?
Kazimir grinned. “Made up for by a few passionate nights?”
“Ooh-la-la,” Sasha growled, even offering a slight howl.
“Shut the fuck up. Halle is in danger because of me. Who the fuck kidnaps a child? Of all the shit we’ve done in our lives, all the stories we’ve heard about our dad and Uncle Ivan, not once had they harmed a child on purpose.
That’s barbaric behavior and I will kill the bastards responsible for putting Emily and Halle through that nightmare.
Period. And if any of you say a damn thing about the possibility she’s working with Liam O’Leary and Viktor Papadakis, you can fucking suck my dick. ” You bet I was hot under the collar.
A grin spread across Mikhail’s face very slowly. “Halle must be very special for you to defend both her honor and her life in one long sentence.”
I felt myself puffing up even more. “Stop right there, Mikhail. I know you’re my Pakhan, but—”
“Jesus!” he interrupted. “If you trust her then we do. However, Liam is far enough into debt with Viktor that it’s likely he won’t hesitate to hurt her or worse if ordered to do so. Keep her away from the O’Leary clan until we can figure this out.”
“I plan on it. Whether she likes it or not.” My brothers and cousins were all smiling. “And my love life is none of your goddamn business!”
All four of them were laughing.
Days like this I hated having a large, obnoxious family.
“My answer is that the chatter on the street indicates potential for increasing violence. Plus, a few people are talking about a new regime in town.” Mikhail kept his eyes locked on mine.
“New or combined?” I threw out.
Mikhail smiled. “Could be either. Your theories hold merit. Let’s explore every avenue. You know what they say about greed.”
“They will always make a mistake,” I answered. It was something our mother used to say.
“I can guarantee you that the Papadakis brothers are getting ready to strike in retaliation of the warehouse fire,” Vissarian said through gritted teeth.
Mikhail nodded. “If there’s anything gained by planting the bugs, it’s checking to see if everything is business as usual.”
“They’ll strike when least expected,” Sasha offered.
“Likely.”
Mikhail’s answer brought an idea to my head. “I have a suggestion of how we can handle them and it’s something they wouldn’t expect. If we handle it right, we’ll throw their plans into the trash. Either that, or the group playing a vicious game of poker with them will be forced into the open.”
The Pakhan grinned, turning his full attention toward me. “Since it would appear they’re about to play a game of Russian roulette, I’m all ears.”
Before I had a chance to say anything, not only did my phone ring, but I also received a text at the same time. Hissing, I grabbed my cellphone, ready to blast whoever was calling.
Until I noticed it was Mario. He wouldn’t call unless there was an issue with Halle. My instincts were flashing a red alert. That’s because in the back of my mind, I knew we’d just run out of time.
“Mario. What’s wrong?”
“You’re not going to like this, boss, but Ms. O’Leary has disappeared.”