Chapter 17 - Vadik
The drive to the Chernykh’s property was quick. I had to make time to spend with the boss’s children. With everything happening, I wanted them to know that I, or rather that we could be trusted.
Even though I had called the meeting, it felt like there was a large piece of rock stuck in my throat. I was nervous but knew we had to do damage control after being silent for more than a week. Plus, I felt like getting closer to the two eldest sons could prove vital in the future.
I parked to the side of the door to the massive mansion. Getting out I noticed the increased pressure of guards. They looked like a colony of ants parading around checking every bush and corner. I wondered what was going on but didn’t dare ask. They were a private family.
The two eldest sons, Iosif and Avgust, were waiting by the door. I met them a couple of times when I came to see their father about the jobs we were doing. “Hi, there,” I said lifting my hand as I walked closer. “How’s your father doing?”
Avgust nodded, opened the door, and stepped inside. Iosif just glared at me as I came to stand before him. He was the eldest and would be taking over from his father. “Follow me to the office, we can talk there,” Iosif said. I could hear the aggression in his tone.
I walked behind him with Avgust behind me. For a moment, it felt like I was a prisoner being led to the guillotine. I knew they were better than their father. He is a brutal man. But the couple of times I dealt with these two men had been oddly more pleasant.
We passed the indoor swimming pool, and I saw two young women lounging on the far side. I was sure these were their two sisters. Three other younger men were splashing around in the pool.
I hadn’t met all the children in person. But you didn’t have to be a genius to know these were all siblings. Hearing Iosif clearing his throat, I turned my attention back to him. He was waiting at a door just a couple of feet away.
Stepping in, I found myself in a more traditional office. This wasn’t his father’s office. Mr. Chernykh had a luxurious office on the other side of the mansion. This one was bare. It only had a desk, some cabinets, and four chairs. There were no photos or any other signs that it was used regularly.
This setting would appear cold to an outsider, but I knew these men. They weren’t cold and ruthless like the man they called father. Even though they grew up under his strict and evil rule, they were kinder and softer but only up to a point. I felt sure out of all of them Iosif may end up being almost as dangerous as his father.
Iosif leaned against the desk while Avgust stayed in the doorway. He was leaning against the door as if he was a guard. Iosif spoke, his strong demanding voice ringing through the room. “So, do you want to tell me why you called this fucking meeting as you know what’s going on?”
I knew this wasn’t going to be an easy meeting. Their father had an iron grip on things. Taking a breath, I spoke calmly. “I just wanted to let you know that I am here. If there is anything you need done, I’m here. I know I’ve been silent for a while, but I am ready to work.”
They looked at me suspiciously, their eyes narrowing as a deep furrow appeared on their brows. I knew I had to explain myself quickly. “What I meant to say is if you should need assistance with anything, any job, we are here for you all. You can call on us for anything that needs to be taken care of. I am here to aid you.”
I waited patiently as they shared an intense look. It appeared they were sharing their thoughts. I knew this wasn’t possible. Yet, one would think so seeing them. Deep down inside, I knew I would do anything they asked to protect my sibling.
Plus, I had to protect Tasha and her identity. I wanted her as safe as possible. If that meant I had to do a couple of morally compromising jobs, then so be it.
Avgust cleared his throat, bringing me back from my thoughts. “I can’t speak for my brother. But I am glad to hear that you are still loyal to us,” he said stepping closer with his hand outstretched.
As we shook, Iosif laughed. It was more of a hoarse chuckle and strange coming from him. He has never been the overly friendly kind. Thinking about it, I have never heard him laugh before. “Don’t look so tense,” he said taking hold of my shoulder and squeezing hard. “Come join us for coffee so we can discuss some work. I think there are some jobs you could assist with.”
Nodding at him, he let go of my shoulder and headed out of the office. I followed the two as they now both walked ahead of me. I marveled at the fact that they appeared much calmer and more collected than their father ever did. If something like this had happened to their father, the world would have been at war. He would have destroyed everyone left and right without thinking twice.
As we passed the pool area again, the two stopped. Iosif turned to me as he spoke. “I don’t think you’ve met our other siblings, have you?”
Glancing at the bunch of young adults in and around the pool, I shook my head as I replied. “No, I haven’t had the honor or opportunity to meet them.”
Avgust smiled. “Over her,” he said. “We have our three younger brothers.” The three exited the pool and came closer as he waved at them. “This is Lukyan, the eldest amongst them.”
Lukyan glared at me but reached out his hand to greet me. I was taken by how much he looked like their father. It was like staring through a looking glass at a younger version of the man. His eyes, oh, those evil eyes. I could only hope that with a different upbringing, and more input from his older brothers, he wouldn’t turn out like their father.
Once we had shaken, he turned and went back to the pool. Avgust shook his head watching his brother dismiss us so easily. “Then there is this handsome one,” he added chuckling. “He is Timofey, and last but not to be dismissed, our scoundrel, Elisse. He is the second youngest.”
The two other boys also shook my hand. Timofey had a strong grip and was going to be a good man. His smile was warm, and his eyes were honest. Lifting my gaze, I noticed the girls also strolling over.
Iosif opened his arms as he spoke. “And these two are our treasures, our beauties.” The girls stood on both sides of him. Iosif closed his arms around them hugging tightly. They had kind loving laughter. Innocent if I could put it in such a way.
“This is Misha, and this is Lena the baby of our family,” he announced proudly as he let them go. We stood watching them head around the pool back to the loungers.
“Nice to meet you all,” I said as we left the pool area. Most of them returned my greeting except for Lukyan. I followed them down the hall to the lounge.
We had barely taken our seats when a maid entered bringing the coffee. Once she left, Iosif spoke, “We appear to have a new enemy popping their heads up. Could you look into it for us?”
“Yes, sure,” I replied without hesitating.
“Father said he felt sure they were part of the Morozov family, but I don’t think so. I will be assisting you with this one if you don’t mind,” Avgust added.
Glancing at him, I wondered how I was going to work around having Tasha at home. Nodding, I considered my options.
“Great, then I will send you what I have, and we can talk details later?” Avgust asked as he got up.
“Yes, yes,” I replied hastily. The urge to get home was suddenly overwhelming.
Heading out I walked between the two brothers once again. Before we reached the door, Avgust took hold of my shoulder, stopping me as he spoke. “Wait,” Turning to face him, I noticed his phone in his hand.
What was happening, I wondered swallowing hard as Iosif pushed past me to join him. The look on his face was slightly worrisome as he turned his head staring at me intently. The room instantly turned into a sauna as I felt sweat forming on my neck.
“What’s wrong?” I huffed pulling at my collar.
“You got hitched? Is that true?” Avgust inquired. His voice raised slightly.
It felt like my body instantly went from overheating to freezing. I inhaled sharply. How did they find out? Taking a slow, steady breath, I calmed my mind. Looking down at the floor I replied in a soft tone, “Yes, I did.”
I could hear a rise in Iosif’s tone as he spoke. It was clear that there was no room for arguing. “You have to let us meet her.”
Cursing to myself, I smiled and spoke in a neutral tone. “Why don’t you come for dinner tomorrow evening?”
Glancing at each other, they grinned. It was an evil kind of grin and made me feel sick. “We would love to,” the two brothers spoke in almost perfect harmony.
With that settled, I greeted them and headed home. It felt like I had a hole in my stomach and my mouth tasted like metal. Sure, it was a hint of nerves, but I dismissed it.
Arriving home, I looked for Tasha. I found her in the practice room. She was working hard on her hits and kicks. Sweat was lining her forehead glistening in the late afternoon sun. I stood in silence watching her for a moment. She was getting better but had a long way still to go.
Walking closer to the mat, I spoke lightly. “We have a small problem.”
Tasha swung around throwing a punch in my direction. Catching her hand as it was about to collide with my jaw, I moved sideways. “Nice,” I huffed as she pulled back smiling.
“What’s the problem? Is it the new job?” She huffed bending forward to catch her breath.
“No,” I replied hoping the news wouldn’t scare her. “The Chernykhs are coming for dinner tomorrow.”
Tasha came upright instantly. Shock crossed her face as my words sank in. “Why? What does that mean?” Tasha asked. She sounded a tad hysterical.
“Calm down. They don’t know who you are. They heard that I got married and insisted on meeting you. So, we’ll have dinner together.”
Shaking her head, Tasha stepped back. “But what if they ask me things? Should I lie?”
Rubbing my chin I considered her questions. “Okay,” I said with a plan in mind. “We’ll talk it through and get you ready. Let’s go in.”
Tasha followed me into the house without a word. As I walked, I thought of questions and suitable answers. If she stuck to the script, we would be fine. She was brilliant so I felt sure we could pull it off.