Chapter 6
SIX
T he Federovs have always been good at extorting money and loyalty. It’s why we found it so easy to target the businesses that Genovese should have been protecting. Until recently, Genovese was in California, so he never had time to monitor the activity of his establishments. Especially the ones we hijacked. Lucky for us, we saw an opportunity and seized it—or rather we took advantage of it.
His absence was noted all around the city; the lack of Italian presence wasn’t obvious at first, until word got out that the families were changing leadership. After that, it was easy to locate the weaknesses; the people who would rather fill their pockets than protect the ones who gave them something to live for in the first place.
Offering our services, pretending it was sanctioned under his authority, was all part of the plan. The Federovs are ruthless opportunists who won’t hesitate to act upon their new territory being taken from them. It sounds irrational, but that’s the game we play. It’s all about gaining the upper hand, owning territory, and disposing of anyone who gets in our way.
But now Genovese is back, and it’s stirring the calm waters. Konstantin isn’t one to back down easily, which is why I’m about ten seconds from tearing my hair out, trying to come up with a solution to our latest problem.
“I don’t know much,” Mason Aintree, our insider, tells me from the only other chair in my office. Though calling it that is a stretch, because it’s basically a closet near Konstantin’s that boasts a whopping two chairs and a desk. Still, I can’t complain because the Russians have given me everything I need to make a life here in the city. If it weren’t for them, I don’t really know where I’d be. Probably pencil pushing in some crappy office.
“Apparently Genovese already knew what was happening. He knows the Federovs are imposing, and I don’t know what he has planned exactly, but I know he won’t let you steal his businesses.”
Kai, who is standing behind Mason’s chair, folds his arms and huffs. “So they paid The Laundromat a visit. So what?”
My glare cuts through him. Sometimes I forget he’s still learning the ropes, and that spelling things out to him is a necessity. He usually comes across so confident in his logic that his arrogance masks his intelligence.
Leaning back in my chair, I rub a finger across my top lip in thought, ignoring Kai’s comment. “What about Black Jack?” I ask Mason. Since he’s the manager of the gambling den, I figure he’ll know what information would be valuable to us.
Though I can’t say Genovese’s presence has been missed, having him back in the city has definitely forced us to tighten our hold and remain vigilant. We might have been able to bypass Gambino and Bonanno’s surveillance, but with their friend back, I doubt we can keep it up much longer. Which is why we need as much information on The Five as possible.
“There’s been talk of moving the den. He wants to make it exclusive.”
I glance past Aintree, noticing the irritated look Kai gives him. We both know that even the slightest hint of Genovese taking away any of the Federov’s income will spell trouble for the city. Konstantin will make it his mission to make his presence known. Maybe the guy is getting greedy, or he just refuses to accept that men younger than him rule the city. Either way, I know nobody is safe.
“Thank you, Mason. I’ll make sure you’re rewarded for the information you’ve provided.” I nod towards Kai, who takes a step back to open the door.
Mason remains in his seat, his fingers rethreading over and over nervously. My instincts prickle athis stiff posture and the concern creasing his brow.
“Is there anything else?” I ask, giving him a pointed look.
“There’s been talk,” he begins cautiously.
“Of?”
“Moles in The Five.”
Kai snorts a laugh, shaking his head as his smile widens. We both know the irony of Mason’s words because he’s the damn mole he’s talking about, and I know exactly what he’s referring to. Instead of reacting, I fold my arms and wait for Mason to continue.
“I… if they…will you…” Mason stutters. The simmering fear in his eyes only reminds me how much this visit is costing him—and I’m not talking financially.
“Spit it out, Aintree!” Kai barks, causing Aintree to jump. “We haven’t got all day.”
“Am I protected?” he blurts out.
Now there’s a loaded question.
The truth is, he isn’t. Not from The Five, not from us but I can’t tell him that, because then I’d be jeopardising this whole operation. When Aintree walked into this office, he knew exactly what he was getting into. Money fuels greed. People like Mason Aintree—selfish men— are easy to manipulate because they have nothing, yet everything to lose; themselves.
I nod slowly. “You’re protected,” I confirm. Though my response should be filled with more confidence, it’s enough for Mason’s shoulders to relax, the man exhaling loudly as he sinks back into the chair.
If I had any respect for the guy, I’d tell him to watch his back. As it happens though, he’s just another pawn for the Russians to use and dispose of when they’re finished. I wish I could tell him that once he’s served his purpose we’ll have no use for him, but that’s not how we run things, and there’s power in offering false hope to those below us.
“Thank you, Milo,” Mason mumbles, standing up and running a hand through his hair. “Do you need anything else from me?”
I glare back at him. All he needs to know is that when we say ‘jump’, he does it, no questions asked. That’s the beauty of our reputation. Nobody dares go against the Federovs. As much as The Five own this city, the Russians have a reputation that rivals the Italians, and Aintree knows it.
“Keep feeding us the information and you’ll have nothing to worry about.” Kai claps him on the back as he guides him out of my office.
It’s a lie. Nobody is safe when in our world, and Mason should know better.
But whether it’s my problem or not, it’s a thought for another time. Right now, I need to decide what our next move will be. If Genovese is on to us, then Konstantin will want us to make a statement.
Footsteps clip against the marble floor, growing louder as they approach. I look up when they stop, locking eyes with Vadim.
He’s dressed in a grey pinstripe suit that does no favors for his stout physique. His hair is slicked back, accentuating the scar across his left eye, and his lips are pressed thinly as he glares at me from across the room. His stance is strong; it’d intimidate me if I was actually scared of the guy, but I know Vadim relies on his brother’s leadership to bolster his own authority. Out of the two of them, Vadim is more on the crazy side, allowing his greed for power to get the better of him. Konstantin is the smarter brother, planning methodically and masterfully. It’s why when Vadim steps further into the room, fisting his pockets, I’m not bothered about his presence. I don’t fear for my life like he wants me to.
“What can I do for you, Federov?” I ask in an even tone, masking my irritation at his presence.
He circles my desk and perches against it to face me. “Heard talk of an issue at The Laundromat.”
Of course he’s been listening in on our conversation. “I’ve got it handled,” I tell him with an impatient huff.
“No surprise there,” he retorts, plonking himself down in the chair opposite my desk. His beady stare is locked on me, the suspicion in his tone obvious. “I just find it convenient that you always have a solution.”
“I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t,” I reply.
“Genovese is back.”
Again, this isn’t information unknown to me, but I nod in agreement, remaining silent.
“Do you think he’s planning something?”
“Like what?” I frown. “Apart from The Laundromat, he doesn’t know shit, and I intend to keep it that way. Unless you want to make a scene.”
Vadim chuckles deeply, a sound so demonic and unnatural that it sends a subtle shiver down my spine. I hate the way he’s looking at me right now, like he’s trying to suss me out. “It’s almost like you know these things will happen before they do.”
My patience is starting to wear thin the longer Vadim pokes subtle accusations my way. But I’m conscious that even at this point, I need to watch my tone with him. He might not be my direct boss, but he’s still a Federov.
“Your brother chose me because I expect the unexpected.” I clasp my hands together and lean forward to rest on my desk. “Federov chose me because I’m the best.”
Vadim winces at the jibe, but quickly schools his expression, responding with a smirk. “Just making sure you were aware of the goings on.”
“Of course, I am.” Which is more than I can say for him. Vadim only has information because he lingers in the shadows. I can’t say anybody—not even his own brother—trusts him enough to impart any information to him. Though he’s not given anyone a direct reason for the distrust, he gives off a vibe that makes my skin crawl. If that’s not an indication to keep my distance, I don’t know what is.
“Of course, you are.” His lips curl deviantly. “My brother will be expecting an update so we can move forward with our plans.” He clears his throat and shifts in his seat. Tugging on the lapels of his jacket, he stands up and glares down at me. “Don’t let us down, Kyrovsky.”
I bite back my retort, watching Vadim leave my office silently.
As soon as he exits, Kai is back in my space, a concerned look etched across his face as he waits for the sound of Vadim’s footsteps to vanish.
“What?” I huff.
His brows are furrowed, lips pressed together as if he’s holding onto his words. When I raise a brow, he finally opens his mouth.
“Why did you lie to him?”
“Who?” I grumble as I rub my temples with two fingers.
“Aintree.”
My gaze snaps to his, confused about what lie I’ve supposedly told.
“You told him he’s protected, but you and I both know he’s a dead man once the Italians find out he’s been feeding us information.”
I relax into my chair, letting his words sink in. “Mason had a choice. Whether he made the right one isn’t up to us.”
Kai moves to the chair Vadim just vacated, crossing an ankle over his knee. He looks far too relaxed for someone in his position.
“Why are you so bothered?”
He shrugs in response as he taps his fingers over the wooden arms of the chair. “I’m not. But if we lose him, we lose leverage.”
I nod in agreement. While he has a good point, Aintree isn’t my responsibility. He’s replaceable, disposable, and I think deep down, he knows it. There are other ways to get information on the enemy, though the one that comes to mind is probably the most dangerous.
“Genovese is back, which means shit’s about to go sideways, Milo. We need a plan before the Federovs fuck us up like they did to Yuri.”
Memories of what I had to do hit me at full force. It’s the only part of this job I hate—other than lying, but that’s a different issue. I close my eyes, wishing the thoughts away. I’m still haunted by what I had to do to one of our own men, but that’s the price to pay when you’re in this life. No matter what I do, I’ll never be the good guy.
“So, what’s the plan?” Kai asks, causing me to dart my gaze back to him. He has a hopeful gleam in his eye, one that tells me he’s more than happy to get his hands dirty.
We both know the lengths the Federovs will go to if any businesses are taken from them. Sure, they weren’t ours to begin with, but that’s where Genovese should have been more careful. His absence is to blame. Konstantin will want to send a warning to the Italians. He won’t take kindly to Genovese reclaiming his businesses, so there’s only one thing to do. “I guess we need to pull some puppet strings.”
We’re lucky enough to have some cops in our pocket. One call to them, and we could have every single business owned by The Five closed down in less than twelve hours. Unfortunately that’s not an option, since the Federovs rely on Gambino’s clubs to get their liquor out. If we cut off their source of income, we won’t have much in terms of leverage.
I glance over at Kai, who’s wearing a smirk on his face that tells me we’re thinking the same thing. “I’ll reach out to our contact.”