9. CHAPTER 9
9
IVAN
After Tyler left yesterday, Dima and Lev informed us all that we would be helping Carlos to locate his men and brother. Jules and Simon spent all afternoon and evening yesterday finding out information from our crews to see if we had any leads, and surprisingly, it was easier than I thought it would be. It turns out crews are gossipy little fuckers when they get together. Then, add in the girls they hook up with who also on the side have hooked up with some of Carlos’ men, who also like to gossip when half-cut and getting railed, you have yourself a lot of interesting information. You couldn't make this shit up. All of this has now led to us being where we are right now, at the docks waiting for Carlos to arrive so we can update him and see what he wants to do next.
Myself, Jules, Si and Lev are sitting in a damp smelling office, hidden amongst the array of containers. I hate the docks. It stinks and is fucking cold.
“Couldn’t we have done this over the phone?” I ask Lev as I sway from side to side, trying to warm myself up above a corpse's temperature.
“No. Stop fucking complaining.”
“I’ll stop complaining when I’m away from this shithole. Doesn't he have a house?”
“This shithole suits his personality,” Si mumbles next to me.
“You protest too much over him, Si. Just fuck him so it can be done,” I say, and Simon's head turns to face me so fast I bet he’s pulled a muscle.
“What the fuck did you just say?”
“You heard me.”
“Fuck you, Ivan. I'm not fucking anyone, especially that asshole.”
“I knew you liked him.”
“I don’t fucking like him!”
“You do.”
“I don’t.”
“Oh my god, will you two shut the hell up!” Lev barks, and I can't help but chuckle. Simon’s face is about to explode with how red it’s turned. Or it could be frostbite. I lean into Simon and whisper into his ear.
“You do.”
“I’m gonna punch you in a minute,” Si threatens, eliciting another laugh.
“No you won’t as you want to live, don’t you?”
“Are you threatening me?”
“No, just stating facts. Anyone who touches me like that won’t be breathing for long. I don't give a fuck who you are.”
“Fucking psycho.”
“You’ve no idea, sweetheart.”
“Dickhead.”
“Are you two finished? Is this what it's like to be an embarrassed parent? Can we act professionally?” Lev says and both me and Simon laugh. It's a rare sight from Si, but at least he’s not thinking about Carlos. Huh. Spoke too soon.
“Gentlemen, sorry for keeping you waiting,” Carlos says as he walks into the room, all snuggled up in a long black woolen winter coat with a deep red scarf. A look that does not fit into the scenery here.
“Well, be prompt next time. We’re freezing our asses off here and I ain’t your employee,” Lev says. Carlos nods and apologizes, and Lev gets right down to business.
“We’ve located your guys and your brother. They’re in a small house in the suburbs just outside the city. Your brother is apparently waiting for a contact to get in touch to arrange for him to leave the country. We’ve no idea who the contact is, but I recommend we go in now.”
“Wow, that was a lot faster than I expected. I’m impressed.”
“Crews are gossips,” I say, and Carlos smiles.
“Where do you want them? I’m not using our home for this as this is your mess,” Lev says.
“I agree. I have an empty property not far from Grinston. It has a soundproof basement previously used as a music studio by the previous owners. I’ll message you the address.”
“Good. Are you gonna be there or do you want us to run the show?”
“No, I’ll be there.”
“Okay, I’ll send Si, Jules, and Ivan to retrieve the guys. I’ll wait with you at the location. Tomorrow good for you?”
“Can’t wait,” Carlos says as he stands and shakes Lev’s hand before leaving, but not before he speaks to Si.
“See you tomorrow, little lion.”
Simon’s jaw clenches, focusing his stare forward, giving zero response. Yeah, he definitely wants to fuck him. Just as the door closes, Simon unleashes his emotions.
“That fucking arrogant, smug, annoying asshole. I’m gonna stab him if he keeps goading me, Lev. I’m serious. Can you send someone else?”
“No. Now grow the fuck up, and let's get out of here.”
I’m about to goad Si myself when he holds his finger up, stopping me from talking.
“Don’t say a fucking word, Ivan.” And he storms out into the cold night, a full tantrum in effect. That is gonna be one steamy angry fuck when they get down to it.