Chapter 11 - Makari
Once the women were out of the booth, Avgust gestured for me to follow him. He walked to the back corner. As I joined him, I noticed his tense shoulders and aggressive look. “You really fucked up this time!” he spat at me.
Frowning, I spoke while trying to comprehend what I had done. “How, I don’t understand, Avgust. How did I mess up?”
“You should have killed her as we asked. But no, you had other plans, right?” He glanced over my shoulder at Iosif, who was still at the window, talking to Pavel and one of the other men. “As punishment, I’m sending you on an urgent errand. If her life means anything to you, you will get this done now.”
He held out an envelope as he continued. “Take this. The instructions are inside. Now go. Don’t be late.”
I was filled with rage as I listened to his arrogant demands. But I knew playing nice was my only option. “Avgust,” I pleaded. “This wasn’t on the week’s schedule.”
“I don’t care, Makari. You want her safe. You’ll do as you’re told,” Avgust replied. I hated the way he treated Pavel and me. But I knew there was no other option. Out of all the Chernykh siblings, I despised him the most. He was also the most likely to turn into his father.
I calmed myself, knowing that Grace would be safe with the sisters. They would take her home without issues. I could trust them and knew when it came to their brother, they didn’t take shit. They would stand up to any of them without a second thought.
Letting out a deep sigh, I spoke calmly and in an emotionless tone. “What’s the job that can’t wait?”
Avgust smiled, glancing at his brother. I felt a chill run down my spine as his expression changed. His upper lip was raised on one side, and his eyes narrowed. For a moment, he made me think of a psychopath stalking his prey. I knew this look meant trouble, and I swallowed hard.
He spoke softly, handing me a piece of paper. “One of our men had caught a guy. We believe he was involved in the latest sabotage. You know what to do, right?”
I sighed. Taking the paper, I nodded at him. He didn’t understand how hard this was for me.
“Now, Makari!” he huffed.
“Okay, I’m going,” I replied, rushing. Patting Pavel on the shoulder, I leaned in as I spoke to him. “Gotta run, see you later. Proud of you.”
I could feel Avgust eyes boring through my back as I left. I just wanted to get this day over with. I was ecstatic for Pavel but knew this evening's event would be work, and there was no time for play. I wish we could just once have a normal life for a bit.
Getting into my truck, I lay my head on the steering wheel. I have been getting frustrated more and more lately. I couldn’t be sure, but I felt positive it had something to do with Grace. Somehow, she grounded me, gave me purpose, and made me long for a different life.
Shaking my head, I pulled out, heading to the address given to me. Pulling up to the house, I noticed two of their men standing by the front door. I hoped they had the right guy this time. I didn’t want a repeat of the last interrogation.
Stepping up to the door, the men greeted me. Nodding, I reached for the handle but was almost knocked over as three of our men came blundering out. “Hi,” they said, moving to the side.
“Evening,” I replied, stepping past them into the house. I looked around for the two men in charge. Walking through the lounge to the kitchen, they were both seated at the table. One rose as they saw me entering.
“Good evening,” he said, extending his hand.
“Evening,” I replied, shaking it. “Where is he? Did you get anything from him?”
He gave me a slight nod as he replied. “Yes, we did. He gave us a photo, a name, and three possible locations.”
Shaking my head, I replied calmly. “Excellent, send it all to me, and I’ll take it from here. Is the man still in the back?”
The men looked at each other. Then, the other guy rose and spoke up. “Uhm, no, sir, sorry, he didn’t make it.”
Eyeing him for a second, I considered reprimanding them but decided not to. “Okay,” I replied. “But you know that’s not how it works, right?”
“Yes, so sorry,” the two replied in unison.
My phone vibrated in my pocket. Taking it out, I noticed it was the detail of the man I was looking for. “Right then, I’ll be taking it from here,” I said as I turned and walked out.
“Boss,” the younger man called out before I reached the door.
Turning back, I raised my brows as I waited for him to continue. “We weren’t able to verify the details, but we hope it helps.”
“Thanks, I’ll let you know if I need anything else,” I replied shortly and left.
Pulling up to the first location, I realized it had to be wrong. But for surety, I got out and took a look anyway. It was an abandoned warehouse. It appeared to have been empty for a long time. Some areas to the side hosted the homeless, but the rest were vacant.
With a sigh, I got back into my truck and headed for the second location. I could only hope it offered me a bit more. It was in a slightly remote urban area. Parking a couple of houses down, I thought it looked promising.
There was a light on in one of the side rooms. Yet, the front and back were dark. I only had the moonlight showing me the way. I slowly approached, unsure of the number of men inside or outside.
The porch looked clear, so I started towards it. There was a hedge on one side of the path to the door and a row of trees on the other side. About halfway to the porch, I felt a jab to my side. Absorbing the blow, I swung my fist blindly.
I successfully hit my target as the man beside me grabbed his jaw. Lifting my hands, I was ready to swing again, but he went down with a loud grunt. A pair of large arms wrapped around me from behind as another man stepped out from the tree line.
This was it, I thought. If I didn’t get out now, I wouldn’t make it. Using the man holding me as leverage, I lifted my legs and kicked at the man before me with all my force. This movement threw the guy holding me off guard. His grip loosened as he fought to regain his balance.
Spinning out of his grip, I lifted my leg. Gripping his shoulders, I pulled down as my knee connected with his stomach. He rushed at me, growling like a grisly bear. I stepped to the side, but wasn’t quick enough. The man grabbed hold of my arm as he moved past me. I heard a snapping sound seconds before I felt an intense fire shooting through my shoulder.
The door opened, and a light shone out onto the pathway. Glancing at the door, I saw three more men rushing at us. Turning out of the big guy's grip, I sprinted back to my truck. This was more trouble than I thought. Starting my truck, I headed out. I would come back with more men. Doing this alone was no longer an option.
Two cars pulled out as I took a left on the corner. Turning off the truck’s lights, I slowed and pulled into an alley. I watched as they raced past. Pulling out, I headed home. I rubbed my shoulder as I drove off, knowing it was almost dislocated. Something snapped. It felt like a raging fire, but at least it was still usable.
I was about two blocks from home when my phone beeped. Checking the message, I noticed Iosif had sent me four others already. I had left it in the truck and wasn’t aware of it. Checking the text, I swallowed hard. He wanted me at the party as soon as possible.
Glancing down, I knew I had to change. My shirt was torn, and I was a mess. I sent Iosif a message back to let him know I was almost there. Stopping at the front door, I quickly headed upstairs to my room. The house was too quiet. I wondered where Grace was.
Once I was changed and looked respectable, I quickly scanned the house. There was no sign that Grace had been there. There was a hollowness in the pit of my stomach as stress started creeping in.
I took out my phone, ready to call Iosif and let him know I wasn’t coming, and it dawned on me. The sisters must have taken her to their house. Yes, I felt sure that was what happened.
No more delays, I decided to get back in my truck. I would pick her up after the event. Iosif was a patient man, but only had so much of it. Stepping on the gas, I rushed to get to the event.
There were many cars parked outside. Pulling up, I passed the parking attendant. I parked my own truck. I needed to know where it was at all times in our line of business. Luckily, I found a spot not too far from the side door. I headed in quickly and looked for Pavel.
He was standing by the bar, talking to Iosif as I approached. “Finally,” Iosif huffed as I joined them. “I thought you were going to stand us up.”
“Never,” I replied solemnly. “Traffic was thick.”
“Well, get to it,” Iosif added as he moved to his brother sitting at a table to the side.
“That was a fantastic race,” I said, shaking Pavel’s hand.
“Thanks,” he replied, beaming. “You said so earlier.”
“I can’t ever say it enough,” I added, tapping his shoulder.
He beamed at me, speaking in a lower tone. “I felt so free; I love being on the track. It helps me forget all this horrible business we do.”
Feeling my heart bleeding for him, I squeezed his shoulder as I responded. “I know, I’m so sorry, but now we have to mingle.”
He sighed deeply, nodded, and headed to the other side of the bar. There were many new faces. Lots of people we have never seen before. Most were standing in little groups throughout the room.
Scanning them, I tried to find the ones that were looking for a special kind of business. After speaking to three groups of people, I was ready to call it a night. I wanted to go get Grace and go home. She was almost one too many during the race. I had fought hard to control the desire growing in me. But now, I had done my bit.
Turning around, I looked for the Chernykhs. They were still seated next to the bar. Avgust saw me staring and waved to summon me. I knew he wanted to know about the intel and the man. Walking toward them, I was determined to give them a summary of the events and leave.
“Avgust,” I said as he rose.
“Tell me!” He huffed in his usual harsh tone.
Clearing my throat, I leaned closer, so I didn’t need to scream over the music. “The second address is the one we want. But there are many men. I’ll take a team and return tomorrow.
“Okay,” he replied. “Now get back out there.”
Instinctively, I wanted to argue, but I knew it would be futile. Turning back to the room, I tried to find Pavel. I would let him know I was leaving and then sneak out. This way, he could cover for me.
As if my thought had summoned her, Grace appeared in the doorway. She was dressed in a tight blue evening gown with a slit up on her one leg exposing her left thigh. The dress hugged her breasts perfectly. She looked magnificent and, to my astonishment, appeared to fit in.
I felt my blood boiling as I watched my brother approach her. I stood frozen by her elegant beauty. I was practically drooling, but couldn’t let my emotions show. Letting out a deep sigh, I tried to rein in all the conflicting emotions, spreading like wildfire through me. Anger, pride, joy, concern, and even desire fought a battle like never before.
What was she doing here? Where were the sisters? I was filled with pride, realizing she had blended in and looked like part of the crowd. I watched in awe, unable to move. My hunger for her is at the point of no return. I wanted to strip her naked and devour her.