Chapter 5
Kirill
New York City.
The Big Apple was a far cry from Moscow and was different than I remembered from the single trip I’d taken well over a decade before.
The energy was the same, completely electric even at four in the morning. The people appeared even less attentive, going about their business with no sense of either reality or care about their fellow man.
With the influx of even more neon, massive sparkling lights and additional businesses, the atmosphere was garish and, in my mind, unpleasant. Perhaps it was simply a taste that I needed to acquire.
I certainly had plenty of time to explore the naked city, the planned stay for at least two months.
If there were a couple of things I did remember enjoying about the city, it was the entertainment and the food.
Given my position as Kazimir Chertov’s commander, second in command to the powerful Pakhan out of Moscow, I usually had little time to enjoy myself.
And I wouldn’t now, although the flight had been… highly enjoyable.
Not that I didn’t enjoy the work, including providing security when necessary. Or even eliminating certain… problems when they arose.
My reputation as a brutal right-hand man would be engraved on my tombstone. I did what was necessary no matter the situation. That’s why Kazimir and I were close and had been for years.
But a little rest and relaxation wasn’t something I’d shove aside even if I’d prefer doing so in Russia.
Maybe that’s why I’d enjoyed the flight here more than I thought possible.
The timing was due in part to both helping Kazimir’s cousin in showcasing the new hotel the Chertov Corporation had purchased, the renovation only recently completed. It was considered a five-star hotel, the original building allowing for ultimate luxury.
A legitimate byproduct of a potential move for Kazimir and his wife. Alongside Dimitri and the kingdom he’d acquired from his own father, the success story of the Bratva would be known far and wide. In truth, there was little to gain by remaining in Russia other than heartache and daily violence.
I still couldn’t believe the man was married. I’d thought he’d be a bachelor for the rest of his life.
Another reason for coming was to provide assistance to Dimitri Chertov, Kazimir’s first cousin and a man I’d grown to like even if he was much more Americanized than was tolerable. His father, Kaz’s uncle had brought the family here years before, splitting the family in two.
Now they were one big happy family and more important, considered the most powerful Bratva in the world.
Which meant there were additional enemies eager to crush the growth.
Dimitri had experienced several issues as of late and needed assistance. More soldiers would arrive as necessary after I provided a detailed report.
At least that’s what most of our soldiers and men in Dimitri’s employ had been told.
However, lingering in the back of my mind was the real reason for the change in venue.
Revenge.
Best served cold and when least expected.
As the city lights rolled by, I shifted in the backseat of the SUV, staring out at nothing.
There was no information on the Ghost and at this point, Kazimir didn’t want photographs of Mikhail circulated in public.
I understood the reason why. Doing so would indicate a weakness, our reputation taking a hit.
In a world where power and strength meant almost everything, we couldn’t afford to appear weak to anyone.
Least of all the person who’d made the mistake of attacking the Chertov family.
At minimum, Mikhail’s whereabouts needed to be discovered and forever tracked, something Kazimir hadn’t wanted to do when banishing his brother.
I closed my eyes, trying to relax if only for the drive. As soon as I did, images of Vivian rolled through my mind. An unexpected pleasure at a time when I’d needed something to quell my rage.
Her company had been a sheer pleasure.
What a pity I hadn’t found out more about her, including her last name. Sadly, indulging in anything more than the passionate fling wasn’t possible. But I could savor the moments.
I chuckled. If she only knew the filthy things I’d hungered to do. I continued to marvel at my behavior. A little risky, but I would do so again.
Out the windshield, I noticed a well-lit canopy stretching into the street.
The decorative lights were exactly as I’d expect to catch the eye of a traveler.
While New York certainly had its share of luxury hotels, Chateau Elegance had already hit the media with heightened anticipation, the initial reviews all five-star.
Including for the dining rooms and clubs nestled within.
I’d stay here for a couple of nights while Dimitri finished making arrangements for a house the corporation would rent. While the hotel itself was secure, twenty-four-hour guards on staff, the protection wasn’t enough when playing a dangerous game.
The driver pulled up and instantly, a bellman approached. Since no one other than Dimitri knew of my arrival, I wasn’t worried about being a victim. Unless we were talking about a random crime.
With a smile I stepped out, noticing all the beautiful people coming and going into the hotel lobby. I’d been provided with an itinerary of functions, including various music and movie stars making appearances, all well-paid of course.
The official opening was a true event even in a city where they occurred all the time. As I buttoned my jacket, mostly to hide the weapons I was carrying, I took the time to study the exterior fa?ade, including any locations where sharpshooters could perch.
There were enough that I’d need to find out how anyone could gain access.
I’d do a thorough walk around in the morning before making my security recommendations. Dimitri was a true visionary, but he sucked at matters of security.
I headed inside, immediately impressed with the surroundings and décor. No one would ever consider me a dreamer, more pragmatic in my handling of business, but I had a feeling the rich, vibrant hues and over the top decorations would please every female hotel guest.
Maybe it should have the Rafaela test.
Or perhaps the lovely Vivian. Hmmm…
“Mr. Aristov, welcome to Chateau Elegance. Shall I take your things to your room?” the bellman said.
As soon as he made eye contact, I made note.
He wasn’t a typical bellman. He was another layer of security.
Good to know. My guess was that he was in charge of several ‘special’ employees.
What better way to get inside a hotel suite than either a bellman or a waiter delivering room service?
No doubt Kazimir’s idea.
I glanced at his nametag, which of course didn’t contain his real name. “Yes, Michael. That would be perfect.”
“Yes, sir. I hope you enjoy your stay with us. Inside your suite, I believe you’ll find everything you need.
However, should you require anything else, please don’t hesitate to call.
” He offered a business card, which did have a number.
Something different that was being offered to very special guests.
A panic number.
Once the guest made contact, if there was a serious, life-altering altercation, the person would have any number of trained military soldiers at their disposal.
All for a generous cost.
That was my idea and to see it in action was… delicious.
“Perfect, Michael.” I even pulled out my wallet, grabbing two hundred-dollar bills for show only. I’d already exchanged money, making no connection to Russia.
Other than my name and face.
He nodded, only his eyes flashing in recognition that he’d passed a test.
With my thoughts still straying, I moved through the lobby constantly scanning the area. There was a trio of musicians in the corner, greeting guests with a quiet, almost passionate yet highly melancholy welcome.
Was this what people wanted to listen to when going on vacation? Or perhaps the hotel was considered a daytime attraction, more for use in a wicked affair. Another series of images tore through my mind, every one of them including my flying companion.
The moment I’d seen Vivian appearing lost, what little of a gentlemanly side I had had kicked in. I’d thought I’d simply enjoy a few moments in the presence of a true unassuming beauty. Little had I known our paths had crossed for a reason.
If only to get my rocks off before this… adventure was set to begin.
I stopped in the middle of the lobby, waiting until Cormac approached. He’d been assigned as my lieutenant, a man who’d been with Dimitri for a long time.
“I assume Dmitri is here?” I asked.
He chuckled as he flanked my side. “Waiting for you in his office.”
“The executive suite?” I’d seen a layout of the entire group of buildings including every amenity. Somewhere in my suitcase was a glossy brochure offered by travel agents, the pictures online on the website.
“He rarely goes to the executive floor. His more operational office. I’ll show you.”
As Cormac led me to the line of elevators, I noticed there were several only accessible by special cards. Typical and there were two such cards inside my package that Kazimir had provided.
As we stepped off onto one of several private floors, I was struck by the silence offered in the corridor.
We passed two men, both in plush and no doubt complimentary robes. With towels in their hands and wet hair, I could only assume they’d been to a spa.
“For executives and their… guests,” Cormac offered, obviously noticing my perfunctory scan for weapons.
“Am I to assume that there are various distinctions within our guest population?” I detected more security on the floor from cameras to listening devices.
He laughed. “You would be right. Our platinum club members are our highest priority. For their catered indulgences, they pay a premium and don’t mind doing so.”
“Or so you hope.” I should say ‘we’ at this point since I owned a significant share of the hotel. If this hotel was successful, the facility would be used as a model for others.