Chapter 7 - Makari
We drove home in silence. Grace studied our surroundings without even looking at me once. I wished I knew what she was thinking. Pavel wouldn’t like having her here, but it was the only way.
Pulling up to the house, I stopped in my usual place. Turning to Grace, I spoke tenderly. “I live here with my brother. I will introduce you to him once we go inside. I have to ask you to excuse his manners. He can be a little paranoid at times and doesn’t like strangers. But give him a chance. He will come around.”
She smiled at me, once again lighting up the world. Getting out, I bounced around to her side and opened the door. Holding out my hand, I spoke in a light tone. “My lady.”
Grace laughed as she took my hand and hopped out. Turning to head in, I saw Pavel standing in the door. He had one hand on his hip and the other on the door. His expression spoke to me even before we got to him.
If he didn’t behave, I would put him in his place, I thought as we walked over. Stepping up to him, I gave him a warning look as I spoke. “Pavel, this is Grace.” Turning to her, I smiled. “Grace, this is my brother Pavel.”
Pavel stepped back into the house, holding the door open. Walking past him, we entered the small entrance hall. I spoke as I placed my arm around Grace. “Let’s sit in the lounge.” I held her close as I led the way. Pavel was on our heels, following like a new puppy.
Entering the lounge, I waved my hand at one of the double couches. “Have a seat,” I said, looking at Grace. “Would you like something to drink?”
“No, thank you,” she said, sitting down.
I noticed Pavel stopping in the doorway as I sat next to Grace. He didn’t sit down with us. Hell, no, he didn’t even bother to enter properly. I studied his composure as he leaned against the doorframe.
He folded his arms across his chest, clearly distancing himself from the situation. Feeling irritated, I pushed the anger, trying to surge through me. I would handle him later. For now, my priority was Grace.
“Okay,” I said, clearing my throat and looking at Pavel. “This is the deal. We’ll protect Grace until the problem is solved, and in return, she’ll assist in identifying the man from the docks.”
“Is that fine?” I continued, turning my attention to Grace.
She was thinking about it as she bit her lower lip before pushing a hand through her hair. She was so attractive, I had to swallow the spit accumulating in my mouth.
“Grace?” I asked softly. “Do you agree? Will you help us to identify the man you saw in exchange for our protection?”
She glanced at Pavel before turning to me. “Sure, I can do that,” she said.
“Excuse me,” Pavel spat from the door. “Can I see you in private, please?” As I rose, he turned and walked out.
“I’ll be right back,” I said to Grace, tapping her hand. Smiling, I walked out and quickly joined Pavel in the entrance hall.
He stood with his arms folded across his chest. As I reached him, he started going off. “How dare you bring her here? You know this is a big mistake, right?”
“No,” I replied, standing my ground. “This is a good, solid plan.” Taking Pavel by the shoulder, I tightened my grip. “This will work!” I insisted.
He shrugged off my hand. Pavel turned. He pushed his hands through his hair as he walked away. “Pavel,” I called after him.
He stopped, turned, and glared at me. I could see he was not convinced as he raised his brows. “You have no idea what you’re doing. Stop thinking with your small brain, brother,” he said sulkily.
“No, I do know what I’m doing,” I spat back. “This will work. Once we have completed this successfully, the Chernykhs will have to afford us some breathing space. This is a good, solid plan. Why don’t you believe me?” I huffed, stomping my foot on the ground.
Having said all I wanted to, I turned and headed back to Grace. I found her staring out the window. Carefully, I neared her. Placing my hand on her shoulder, I spoke softly. “Grace, are you okay?”
She didn’t turn or look at me. She simply nodded as she whispered. “Yes, thank you.”
“Alright, then,” I said. “Would you like something to eat before settling in?”
“No, I’m fine,” she replied, sounding distant.
“Okay. Give me a minute, and then I’ll take you up to your room,” I added as I stepped back from her.
“Sure, take your time,” Grace replied as I turned and headed out.
Moving outside to grab her bag from my truck, I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket. Pulling it out, I noticed it was Avgust, the second eldest sibling of the Chernykhs.
“Hi, Avgust,” I said, putting the phone to my ear. “How can I help you today?”
“Pavel, let us know if there was a change to the plan. Explain yourself, and it better be good!” he grumbled. I could hear his impatience coming through.
“Slow down, Avugst, I’ve got this. The witness is here with us. She can identify the man from the shootout. In exchange, I offered her protection until the situation at hand is dealt with.”
“Yes, yes, yes,” Avgust spat back at me. “My concern is that she is going to report us to the cops.”
“No, Avgust,” I assured him, keeping my tone even. “She won’t. I promise you that. She is scared to death and won’t go near the cops.”
“How can I believe that? What kind of fool do you take us for?” he asked. I could hear the irritation now clearly in his tone.
“Avgust,” I replied, sighing. “I promise she won’t report us. Have I ever let you down?”
There was a moment of silence before he spoke again. “Ok, but if she does, you promise me you will take her out. If you think there is the slightest possibility that it is going the wrong way, you take care of business. Promise me that, Makari!”
Shaking my head, I swallowed hard. I knew this would be one of the hardest missions we have ever done. “Yes, Avgust,” I replied. “I will ensure everything is handled properly.”
The phone line went dead. Staring at the screen, I wondered why he called and not Iosif. But I knew we couldn’t afford her going to the cops. It would not only put her in more danger but us as well.
Opening my truck door, I grabbed her bag and headed back in. I would figure something out. I knew I would. Walking up the stairs, I decided to put Grace in the room next to mine. I placed her bags next to the bed before leaving to fetch her.
“Grace,” I said, entering the lounge. She turned, smiling softly at me. “Come with me; let me show you to your room,” I added, holding out my hand. She walked over and took my hand. Her skin was so soft, and her touch warm. I found myself enjoying holding her hand as I led her upstairs.
“Here we are,” I said, stopping by the door. “This is you, and I’m right next door if you need something. You can call on me anytime.”
Grace walked to the middle of the room and stood for a moment, looking around. Before her was a big double bed with two bedside tables. To the one side was the vanity, a built-in cupboard, and to the other, a door leading to the en-suite bathroom.
“If you need anything, Grace, like I said, don’t hesitate to ask,” I repeated.
Turning to me, she smiled. “Thank you, but I’m really fine,” she said.
“Okay, can I help you unpack?” I asked.
Turning her gaze down, I noticed her cheeks lighting up as she blushed. “No, thanks, I got this,” she replied softly. “I know where to go and can see the bathroom through that door.” Turning and pointing, she continued, “And this is obviously the closet. I’m fine, see.”
Stepping closer, I just wanted to reach out and hold her. She looked so sad. I could hear it in her tone as well. I was tempted to touch her but knew I shouldn’t. Lifting my hand to wipe the tear down her cheek, I turned and headed for the door. “Alright then,” I grumbled. “Supper will be ready soon.”
Pulling the door behind me, I stood for a bit, breathing deeply. Avgust words kept mulling in my mind. I had to stay busy, so I wouldn't ponder too much. As I entered the kitchen, Pavel looked up. He was already preparing supper. “Can I help with anything?” I inquired.
“Really,” he spat at me, slamming the knife down on the counter.
“Pavel,” I said. “There’s no need for such hostility.”
“You’re making a mistake, Makari,” he insisted.
“Let’s leave that for now. Come on, relax. We need to get supper ready. We can talk in the morning, okay?” I replied, raising my brows.
He shook his head, picked up the knife, and continued cutting the vegetables without another word. Once supper was done, I set the table and went to call Grace. She was standing by the window again, staring out. All her things, including the bag, seemed to be packed away.
“Supper is ready,” I said, smiling at her. Grace nodded and followed me downstairs to the dining room. There wasn’t much conversation during supper, which was probably better. The atmosphere was thick, and I didn’t want to provoke Pavel.
But before we were done, Grace suddenly spoke. “Is it only the two of you in this big house?”
Pavel looked up from his plate, directing his attention to Grace. I could see he wasn’t interested in her questions as his eyes narrowed. Swallowing the bite of food, I replied before he could give a snarky comment. “Yes, our other brother used to live here as well. But he got married and moved into a place of his own.”
Grace smiled warily as she looked from Pavel to me. “So, if either of you gets married, are you moving out as well?”
For a moment, it looked like Pavel was about to explode. “It depends,” I added quickly. “Maybe, but at this stage in our lives, we are not planning on getting married. Things in our lives are complicated.”
“What are you getting at?” Pavel shot at her as he got up from the table. He moved so quickly that his chair toppled over.
Glancing at Grace, I noticed the fear in her eyes. “Nothing,” she replied softly. “I was just trying to make conversation.”
“Stop,” I said, looking at Pavel. “This is no way to treat our guest.”
He glared at me for a second before picking up his chair and sitting back down. Grace didn’t speak further. Once Pavel was done, he got up and left. “I’m sorry,” I said, smiling tenderly at Grace. “Sometimes he doesn’t think before he talks.”
Pavel was still not satisfied. But at least he didn’t comment any further, which I appreciated. After supper, I led Grace back to the room she was staying in. “If there is anything, please let me know,” I commented as she entered the room.
Turning back slightly, she smiled at me. “No problem,” she said. “Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure,” I replied before closing the door and heading to my room.
Laying down on my bed, I stared up at the ceiling. I knew my feelings for her were out of place. But there was something almost magical about her. Yet, I had a job to do. I had to focus on that. Tomorrow, we’ll take it as it comes.