9. Cipher
CIPHER
I ’d been hiding in my office all morning. Hiding away from questions and away from her. It was for the best. After last night, having her so close, I knew that shit would hit the fan if I continued. I’d kept as much information as I could to myself, for the time being. But that all was about to change quickly.
Bulldog suddenly burst into the dimly lit office, followed closely by Ray and Ayana. The expression on their faces showed both urgency and anger, and Bulldog wasted no time getting straight to the point.
"Who the hell is the woman at the Inn, Cipher? And what are you keeping from me?" Bulldog's voice was a low growl, the frustration evident in his piercing gaze.
I leaned back in my chair, meeting Bulldog's gaze with as much of a calm exterior as I could muster. Inside I was shitting bricks. "Easy there, Bulldog. You can't just barge into the precinct demanding answers. Remember, I'm not an RBMC member here. Different rules."
Bulldog seethed with anger, his fists clenched. Ray chimed in, a tone of caution in his voice, "Cipher, you might as well come clean. Bulldog's not in the mood for games.”
Ayana shot a glance between Bulldog and I, her allegiance clear. "What exactly is it your keeping from us, Cipher?" she demanded.
“I think it’s time you tell them,” Ray uttered.
I narrowed my eyes on him. “Ever the coward,” I muttered back, his gaze dropping to his feet.
With a measured sigh, I began, "I've been following Mark Stepanovich's daughter. Trying to see if she brings us any closer to finding Yulian."
Bulldog's anger flared, realizing the danger involved. "Yulian's in Washington? Cipher, bringing someone new into the mix without telling us is reckless."
I leaned forward, my expression grim. "I didn't bring her. Tommy Junior did. And then he dumped her at the Black Pagan. I couldn’t just leave her there. I had to take her somewhere safe, and the Inn was the first place that came to mind.”
The room got quiet, tension emanating from each one of the people in the room, especially Bulldog, who’s anger intensified. “How long have you known about her?”
“Since the night I went after Yulian.”
“And you didn’t bother fucking telling us?”
“It wasn;t something you needed to know…yet. I needed to do my investigation without having anyone stepping in.”
He paced the small office, his frustration palpable. "I can’t believe you thought you could hide something like this from me? I put you here to be my eyes and ears, not to go behind my back! Yulian is a threat, and we can't afford surprises."
I tried to maintain my composure as I responded. “I’m not a kid anymore, Prez. I’m a Detective and I have my own set of morals and make my own decisions. I did what I thought was best for everyone without compromising my only witness who can put that asshole behind bars. If anyone gets close to knowing who she is, she’s dead, and there goes our chance to destroy Yulian.
Bulldog halted, his gaze locking onto me. "The fact that you didn’t trust…
“That’s not the case,” I shook my head. “I trust you and my brothers with my life. But if anyone steps in now, she’ll run, just like she did before. I can’t lose her again,” my eyes pleaded silently with him and a glint of understanding shone in his face.
Ray interjected, attempting to mediate, "Bulldog, Cipher's got a point. We need to adapt and make tough choices to stay ahead of Yulian.”
Bulldog's stern expression softened only slightly. "I get the game, but Mila could be in more danger here. If Yulian's in Washington, she's a target. We need a plan, not impulsive decisions."
Ayana, standing by Bulldog's side, voiced her agreement. "He's right, Cipher. We can't afford missteps, especially with an innocent involved."
I sighed, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "I know. I'll work on a plan, and we'll keep her safe. But understand, you have to let me do this on my own, the less you know, the safer you all are."
“What is it you don’t want us to know?”
I hesitated for a long moment and then I figured he needed to know, so he could protect us all. “The Russians are being watched by the FBI. There is a sex trafficking ring that surrounds all this. Mila is a witness to what Yulian has spoken of or done in the past year. She is the only witness who can help both you and the FBI. I can’t have you involved Prez, it’s too dangerous. You get caught up in this shit you may get locked up.”
Bulldog looked solemn as the realization of the situation hit. “I have to warn them-our brothers- they need to know what is coming.”
I nodded. “Fine. Tell them to keep alert, to watch their sixes, but I’m the lead on this case and on Mila’s security.”
The tension in the room lingered. “And what do you plan to do?”
“Keep a close eye on her for now. Being at Soul’s she’s on our territory. Let Yulian even try to take her.”
My threat over Yulian hovered in the air between us, the weight of what I had just demanded weighed down heavily on me.
Bulldog nodded, “You watch your back, son.”
I acknowledged his concern with a nod. “Always, Prez.”