Chapter 20 - Tasha
I had to find all I could on this new bratva group trying to make life harder than it was. Trying away at the keyboard, I knew there had to be some dirt to discover. I had to provide Vadik with something they could use to bring down this bratva group.
My fingers came to a stop as I heard the phone Vadik gave me ‘ping’. It was for emergencies only, or if I had to get hold of him. Picking it up, I glanced at the screen. There was a message from Vadik. Swiping left, I read the text. ‘There’s a door we need to get past. It has a digital code. Can you give me the code or unlock it from your side?’
‘Will check it, just a second, if I can’t get a code, I will unlock it,’ I replied as I browsed through the surveillance cameras. I found the code reasonably easy but also noticed there may be several other doors needing codes. Yet, I had always been at my best when challenged. Grinning, I sent the first code.
‘There is more to come, will send them in sequence,’ I added after sending the code. It took me a while, but every time I sent a code through, they had just arrived at the door needing it. Looking at the clock in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen I noticed we had been going at it for about fifteen minutes.
If I remember correctly, Vadik said they only had about thirty minutes to get in and out undetected. I felt sweat accumulating on my brows and wiped at it with the back of my hand. This was more stressful than I had imagined. I had three more codes to send when I thought I heard something. Pausing, I listened but the sound was gone.
Feeling sure it was my nerves getting the better of me, I continued. I had to concentrate and had no time for silliness, I reprimanded myself. Hearing a man clearing his throat behind me I jumped screaming softly. Turning, I saw two figures. The one was almost on top of me.
“Well, shit brother, you were right about who she was,” a deep voice said.
I recognized the voice. Shielding my eyes from the light coming in through the door, I could only just make out his face. “Avgust,” I breathed out as he grabbed my arm. I couldn’t see Iosif, but I knew he was there. Alarms went off in my mind. I had to get out before this turned into my funeral.
Without thinking, I reacted. My body seemed to move of its own accord. I used the most powerful hit; I could think of in the moment. Folding my fingers halfway, I hit Avgust in the stomach with all the force I had. Pushing from my foot up through my hip into my arm, I felt the power surging through me.
I felt his grip loosen and knew I had made an impact. Striking between his shoulder blades as he bent forward, I grinned. A sudden rush of adrenaline shot through me as my mind convinced me I was winning. I was about to hit him again for the final takedown when my hand stopped mid-air.
Glancing up, I saw Iosif holding my hand. His grip was overly firm, I could feel the blood draining from it. I stepped back grabbing my phone on the desk. But Iosif was much quicker than I was. He smacked the phone to the side. My mind froze as I watched it moving over the desk and connecting with the wall shattering to pieces.
It felt like everything had slowed down. It was happening at a snail’s pace as my mind shifted to neutral. My body moved on its own. I shoved with my free hand at Iosif. He stepped back, letting go of my wrist. Turning, I felt my Jello legs wobble under my weight as I headed out the door and down the hallway.
I knew if they caught me, it was over. They wouldn’t think twice about killing me. I heard them talking not far behind me. Glancing over my shoulder as I caught the banister and turned to head downstairs, I saw Avgust had recovered. The two brothers chased after me with determination.
Before fleeing down, I remembered that all the doors were locked. I had no idea how they came in. But then I remembered I could get out through my bedroom window. Shifting direction, I ran towards my room. I felt a hot finger streaking across my arm as Iosif almost grabbed me.
It would be the fastest way out of the house. Maybe my only way to escape. I was relieved to see the bedroom door open. Slamming the door behind me, I turned the lock. For safety I also pushed the only chair in the room under the handle.
Moving to the window, I remembered the first time. The scariest thing before me was that I would be doing this jump without a blanket, linen, or any form of rope. I heard them kicking and banging at the door.
“Come out, there’s nowhere to go,” Iosif screamed.
“Sooner or later, we are going to get through,” Avgust added as they kept banging.
Without hesitation, I stepped out onto the balcony and climbed onto the ledge. Hearing the wood smashing behind me, I glanced back as the door shattered. My time was up as I saw them storming towards me. Falling back, I went flying.
I hit the water with more force than I had anticipated. The back of my legs and arms were on fire as I sank down in the iciness. Swimming to the side of the pool I glanced up. The two men tapped each other and disappeared from sight. This made my blood freeze in my veins.
Pulling my cold body out, I knew there was no time to waste. I looked around and ran towards the forest. Why did I insist Vadik take all the guards? I ran until my legs couldn’t move. My muscles cramped and red-hot lava flowed through me.
Coming to a stop, I heaved as my lungs struggled to absorb the air I inhaled. Hugging one of the trees, I tried to listen. I couldn’t stand long. They would find me. Thinking, I knew there was only one place I could go. Only one place I would be safe.
Running and hiding in the woods caused a couple of bruises and bumps. As night started settling in, I could slow down and move with ease. It took me almost all night to get back home. Aleksandr pulled me into a bear hug as he opened the door.
I had never felt more relieved and happier to see him. But I desperately needed to get to a computer. Mila also hugged me tightly for a second. Pulling back, she held my shoulders as she spoke. I could see the fear in her eyes. “What happened? Where are they?”
Shaking my head, I felt the tears threatening to wash away my voice. “I need a computer,” I huffed. “We were in a mission when the Chernykh brothers came for me. I was almost caught. I must ensure the guys are safe.”
Aleksandr hugged me again. He whispered into my ear as he held onto me. “You have nothing to worry about anymore. The Vasilievs are in a full-blown war between the Chernykhs and their enemy. We have time to fortify the safehouse and protect you.”
Stunned at his words, I pushed him away. Glaring at him, I found my voice as anger shot through me. “They are still Nadia’s blood. We have to warn them!”
Anton appeared out of nowhere. “Hey, sis,” he said giving me a hug.
“Stop hugging me!” I spat as I pushed him away. “I need a computer! Are you all just going to stand here and do nothing?”
“Tasha,” Aleksandr said raising his hand. “Your safety is our first and only priority. Stay out of this and that is an order.”
I turned and looked at Anton pleadingly. “I’m sorry sis, I have to agree with Aleksandr,” he stated.
My fear had dissipated, and I felt my anger rising. I was stunned at their no-caring attitude. But with Anton’s next words, I felt my blood boiling. “They are getting what they deserve. We got payback and didn’t even have to lift a finger.”
Feeling the ticking timebomb growing, I grabbed a set of keys from the board by the door. “Where are you going?” Aleksandr asked as I stormed towards the door.
Opening it, I stopped and turned back. “I’m going to Abram’s house, and no one will stop me!” I spat at him.
“I’ll have the guards take you,” I said almost screaming at me.
I stepped back as Aleksandr came towards me at an incredible speed. Sticking his head out the door he screamed at one of the guards. I watched in fear as the guard came closer. I had never seen him this angry.
“Take her to Abram’s and nowhere else! Understand?” He aggressively ordered the guard.
The poor man shook his head violently in agreement. Aleksandr turned to me and grabbed the set of keys I was holding. “Now go,” he spat pointing out the door.
I wasn’t going to wait for a second invite or for him to change his mind. Bolting out the door, I joined the guard in the car. We drove in silence to Abram’s house. Biting my nails I hoped Vadik and his brothers were still safe, still alive.
The car hadn’t even stopped completely when I flung open the door and ran towards the house. Abram opened the door before I even reached it. I knew my brother had called him.
“Slow down spout,” he said as I reached him. “First give me a hug and then we can talk.”
Hugging Abram, I felt some of the anger leaving me. He had always been there for me, and I couldn’t take my anger out on him. “Abram,” I said as he stepped aside letting me in. “Please we have to contact Vadik and warn them.”
“Yes, I understand but first you need looking after. Take a bath, lick your wounds, and get some rest then we can see about them.” Abram stated plainly as he waved his hand. Glancing back, I saw the two guards coming towards me. “Take her to her room,” he added.
My mind whirled with shock as the guards took my arms and led me upstairs. I couldn’t even form any words to reply. It felt like I had stepped into quicksand, and I was sinking fast.
My heart felt heavy, and my chest felt like an eighteen-wheeler had parked on it. How was I supposed to explain to any of them what I was feeling? As the guards pushed me into my room. Turning, I realized what a clusterfuck I was in.
Sighing, I watched as they pulled the door closed. I knew I had to move quickly. I would do whatever it took to help Vadik and his brothers. Turning in a circle, I tried to focus. “Screw it,” I spoke out loud deciding to take matters into my own hands.
Opening the door softly, I skimmed the hallway. There was no sight of my brothers. As I headed downstairs to find Nadia, I mentally apologized to my brothers. ‘Sorry, this is something I have to do. I can’t just sit back and do nothing.’ There was too much at stake.
Sneaking into the downstairs lounge, I found Nadia reading a book by the window. “What are you doing here?” she asked surprised.
“I need your help, your cousins are in trouble,” I whispered glancing back at the door.