Chapter 27 #3
His startled sigh was nothing I cared about except it told me that Mikhail had lost control and her death had never been part of the plan. Good to know.
“You were her… boyfriend for a few months, pretending to be Brian. Just another all-American boy. Too bad you were abusive to her. But we’ll consider that water under the bridge. So answer my question. Vardan is your employer. Yes?”
He nodded. “And his damn father as well.”
“Ah. Very good.” I’d suspected a family affair. With what the Chertov boys had in mind, the entire family would be handled by the current Armenian mob leader. He still held all the power.
I whipped out my weapon, taking a moment to screw on the silencer. I wasn’t interested in ruining anyone’s evening, soundproof or not.
“Please. I didn’t tell them much. Comings and goings.”
“Habits. That’s what you shared. Habits that are both very telling and highly dangerous.
That stops today. Because you’ve provided some needed confirmation, I’ll ensure your family has a nice severance package.
But I’m afraid I can’t allow you to walk free.
You see, no one fucks with the Chertov family. ”
Pop! Pop!
There was no need for additional conversation. We were moving around chess pieces on the great big chessboard of life. Nearing the end.
Nearing checkmate.
* * *
Kazimir was eager and hungry for the nightmare to come to a conclusion. As Pakhan, he certainly held more weight with other syndicate leaders. His charming methods were becoming legendary.
First the Italians. Then other Russians.
That was before coming to America.
The current Armenian mob leader was a savvy yet dangerous man. He’d lived through much in his life, including the tail end of the five families being in control of New York.
Which he hadn’t had a part of.
Maybe that was the reason he’d survived. Given the political climate and at our encouragement, he’d chosen to meet with us in a different location than the restaurant that catered to the wrong party.
I sensed he knew it. He wasn’t a stupid man, just caught in a new generation where his people were looking for a different way of moving forward.
That’s why sitting in Central Park created an understanding he knew he was facing the end of his authority whether he chose to accept it or not.
“Did you know some of the best deals and alliances of the last three decades were made right here in this park?” Kazmik was thoughtful, perhaps even more reflective than I’d been.
Kazimir laughed. “We had such a park in Moscow. My father used to tell me how deals were created in the wild.”
“Your father’s reputation, much like yours, Kazimir, precedes you. He would be proud of what you’ve accomplished. New York can be a tough beast.”
Kazimir smiled when he looked at me. “You are correct.”
As Kazmik sat back on the bench, he glanced toward the blue sky. “My time as leader is almost concluded. New blood. New ways. No one cares about the past. You can relate.”
“Yes, but only if handled without deceit,” I told him.
He pinned his gaze on me, nodding slowly. “So you mentioned. You’re suggesting Vardan is not who everyone believes him to be.”
“You mean a leader of the future?” Kazimir half laughed. “No, he is not. He was recruited, corrupted by promises made.”
“By whom? His father? Maybe you didn’t know but we used to be best friends, family. Now, we’re enemies. Such is life.”
“Family isn’t always to be trusted,” I admitted. “Our brother is responsible for the shakeup within your organization.”
Kazmik’s eyes opened wide. “So the rumors are true?”
“They are true,” Kazimir said quietly. “But it’s time that chapter of our life is ended. And I believe you would prefer that whoever leads your people is worthy of the job.”
“Are you suggesting my time is over?” Kazmik was genuinely curious.
“As you said, fresh blood isn’t necessarily bad. However, the old ways must be embraced and respected. That’s where you come in.”
“But not with Vardan,” Kazmik finished. “My people believe him the next messiah.”
Kazimir pulled out a jump drive. “I believe you’ll find everything you need to alter current beliefs. The proof you need Vardan is nothing but a puppet being controlled by a Russian faction that will eventually destroy everything you’ve worked to build.”
Kazmik appeared skeptical. “Why would you do this?”
“Because we have no beef with the Armenian people. We want to get along. We are businessmen and nothing else. I understand there is another challenger, young blood eager to learn the ropes. Be his teacher. His champion. Protect the old ways.”
“As you are doing?” he asked while accepting the jump drive.
“As everyone in my family, our wives and significant others are doing. Together. While respecting our heritage.” Kazimir stuck out his hand.
I thought for a moment the man wasn’t going to accept. When he did, he broke into a smile.
“Today is a beautiful day for change,” he said, laughing as if the weight had taken off his shoulders.
Now it was time to do the same for our family. Our regime.
And for the people we loved.