Chapter 19 | Katia
Katia
Leo’s father showed up a few minutes before he left for the bank. He entered through the front door and called, “Hello?”
“Hi,” I said, approaching with my hand outstretched. “Please excuse my face. I promise, it’s usually a bit more presentable that this. I’m Katia.”
He whistled at my appearance and shook my hand. “Tony. That looks like it hurts.”
“Like a bitch,” I said with a nod. “But I’ll be okay.”
He smiled, creating little crinkles around his eyes like Leo got when he grinned. They shared the same-colored eyes and looked alike, although Tony’s hair was almost completely gray.
“I’m not here to get in your way, Katia. My son just wants you safe, and I’ll stay out of your hair.”
“I’ve got some work to do on my laptop, and I’m going to use his office for that. You’re welcome to check in anytime.” I lifted my hand to my mouth and whispered, “I’m an accountant, so my work is boring. I’ll need the break.”
Tony laughed. “All right then. I’ll watch some TV and check on you in a bit.”
“Can you go for a walk around the neighborhood with her while I’m gone, Dad?” Leo asked, trailing down the stairs. “She needs to keep her circulation going to help her heal.”
I glanced at Tony. “Apparently, he’s a doctor now.”
Tony laughed. “Man, you’re funny. Keep this one, Leo. I like her.”
“I plan to,” Leo said, approaching me and giving me a kiss goodbye. “I’ll call you when we’re done at the bank.”
He waved and headed out the back door, leaving me alone with Tony. I set up my laptop in Leo’s den, determined to get to work and ensure Michael’s books were in order after my “break.”
After a few hours, Tony stuck his head in and asked me to walk with him. We strode around the neighborhood, getting to know each other better, and stopped by the deli to get two sandwiches for lunch.
As we were headed home, I felt the skin on my arm prickle. Drawn by an invisible tether, I looked to my right toward an older model Honda Civic parked along the street. Its paint job had seen better days, and one of the tires was missing a hub cap. Squinting, I noticed someone was inside.
Emitting a small gasp, I realized it was Dmitry. His eyes met mine and he placed a finger over his lips. I nodded, realizing he wouldn’t approach me if I was with a stranger, even if it was Leo’s dad. My heartbeat raced in my chest as I tried to figure out a way to return without Tony at my side.
As it turned out, Tony was an excellent bodyguard, and he wouldn’t let me out of his sight.
I thought about telling him about Dmitry’s presence outside, but I wasn’t sure if Leo wanted him brought into the situation more than he already was.
Things were already dangerous, and I would never forgive myself if something happened to Leo’s father.
Finally, Leo called me on the way home from the bank. Leaning back in his office chair, I answered, hoping they’d been able to squash any future investigations.
“How did it go?”
“Gerald is one cool cucumber,” Leo said. “He showed us the books, and he actually did report the fraudulent charges in the correct way. The home office signed off on the file closures a bit quickly, but nothing that would warrant further investigation or charges.”
“Thank God,” I breathed, holding my hand to my chest. “So, Michael and I are in the clear?”
“For now. Until more fraudulent deposits are made.”
“Well, I might have an update on that front. Dmitry might not be aligned with Oskar anymore. Or maybe that’s wishful thinking on my part.” I told him about his presence in the neighborhood today.
“Interesting,” Leo said. “And thanks for keeping Dad out of it. Once he goes home, we’ll stake out the spot together.”
“He probably won’t still be there,” I said.
“Maybe not, but maybe he left something behind.”
Leo arrived home about a half an hour later. His dad left, giving me a sweet kiss on the cheek and promising to return when Leo needed him to.
Once he was gone, Leo and I walked to where Dmitry’s car had been parked. Unfortunately, another car now filled the spot, and Leo didn’t find anything left behind.
We settled in for our second night together, and I hoped that Dmitry would return tomorrow. The fact that he’d approached us gave me hope, and I clung to it.
Leo and I had another pleasant dinner together before heading to bed. I crawled in beside him and dozed while he checked the police scanner report.
And later, when we made love, I made him leave the glasses on as he fucked me in that intense, emotional way that opened my heart in ways no other man ever had.
Michael
Chris drove the SUV into the private VIP parking spot at Teterboro Airport. The sun was rising, creating a gorgeous spread of colors in the sky as he parked. Turning to face me, Alexis and Joaquin, he asked, “Want me to come in too, boss?”
“No, you stay here,” I said, opening the door. “I trust this will be civilized.”
Alexis, Joaquin and I headed inside the terminal and straight to the private room I’d reserved. Alexis connected her laptop to the projector and pulled down the screen on the wall at the end of the conference room table.
“All set,” she said with a cheeky grin. “I’m ready to knock his socks off.”
The three of us waited, sitting in the nice leather chairs as we counted the seconds. The door opened and a tall man entered flanked by two bodyguards dressed in black suits.
He wore a dark navy suit under a perfectly ironed white collared shirt and cuff links that cost more than mine. Rising, I approached and extended my hand.
“Michael Caruso,” I said, giving him a firm shake. “Thank you for coming.”
“Thank you for paying for a private plane for me and my men,” he said.
“Have a seat here, and your men can sit there.” I directed them to sit around the table. “Alexis has prepared everything for us, and we’re looking forward to discussing the options in good faith.”
He faced Alexis and held out his hand. “So, you are Rossi’s daughter? The one who is almost as good of a hacker as Oskar’s cousin?”
“Uh, I’m way better,” Alexis said, arching an eyebrow. “But yes. Nice to meet you, Mr. Kersna.”
“Sergey, please,” he said, his Estonian accent noticeable.
He sat, and Alexis shared her laptop screen so we could all see it on the screen in front of the conference room table.
“I’m at the point in my life where I don’t want to deal with subordinates,” I said, lacing my fingers over my suit jacket as I spoke.
“Oskar is the bratva leader here in Brooklyn, but all of the bratva syndicates across the world report to you. Alexis carefully documented your organization’s activities from her late father’s files, and we have extensive evidence that could convict you in a court of law in most countries. ”
Sergey’s eyes narrowed. “So, you’ve brought me here to threaten me?”
“No, and I don’t want it to come across that way.” I held up a hand. “I’m just laying out my leverage because I want this to be an honest discussion. I have no time for deception or games.”
“All right,” Sergey said with a nod.
“Currently, our organizations are embroiled in a battle that I fear will make us both weaker.”
Sergey’s bushy eyebrows lifted. “One you started,” he said, his dark eyes boring into mine.
“I didn’t mean to start it, but I’ll take responsibility if that’s what you need to hear. I recently got married, and I assure you, I don’t relish fighting turf wars. I just want to spend time with my gorgeous wife, and figure out what I did wrong when she’s upset with me.”
Sergey emitted a soft laugh. “I need this trick with my gorgeous wife. Let me know when you figure out the puzzle.”
I smiled. “Absolutely. Alexis, I’d like you take over and discuss what you’ve created, please.”
Alexis lifted her chin and spoke with the confidence of someone much older than her twenty-three years.
“Dmitry is a fantastic hacker, but he doesn’t understand our world like I do.
I was raised in this world, and I realize that we need to be more than inconspicuous.
All of our transactions need to be invisible. ”
Sergey steepled his fingers against his lips as he listened.
“I’ve created a new program that encrypts both traditional banking and crypto accounts. It has wallet obfuscation, rotating wallets that can’t be easily traced, and dead-drop digital payment systems.”
Sergey glanced at me. “This is a bit beyond my technical prowess.”
“Agreed,” I said, grinning. “Basically, she’s created a way for us to bank in both traditional currency and crypto without having to house our money in traditional banks. It will make us untouchable and unable for the feds to ever prosecute.”
“Something I’m sure you’re in favor of,” Sergey muttered.
“Correct. I’m not a fan of prison.”
“This program will give you access to online ordering systems, crypto payments, distribution networks across multiple states and countries, and anonymous logistics,” Alexis continued, moving her pointer on the screen as she presented.
“Basically, it’s going to open up a plethora of new income streams for you. ”
“And you’re going to let me use this program out of the goodness of your heart?” Sergey asked sarcastically.
“Yes, with conditions,” I said, sitting forward and speaking with brevity. “I don’t want human trafficking in my area. That means Marco is out of the Northeast for good. I also want all fentanyl destroyed on site.”
Sergey scowled. “Those are my two most lucrative assets.”
“I understand, but how rich do you need to be?” Rising, I lifted my hands before beginning to pace.
“I’m a very wealthy man, Sergey, and so are you.
Both of us are almost fifty. I want to enter heaven with somewhat of a clean conscience, although it will certainly be grimy.
I’m willing to partner with you to control the ports and drug trafficking in the Northeast, minus the fentanyl.
I’ve spoken to Sal DeLorenzo, and he’s on board too.
I’m willing to give you sixty percent and take forty.
Sal will get half of my share. We’re both very rich men who don’t need more than that. ”
Sitting back in his chair, Sergey crossed his arms as he contemplated.
“My stipulations are that Marco is gone, human trafficking is eradicated, and fentanyl isn’t part of the drug trade.
I offer more than just a large share of profit.
I work with government agents who protect me, and that protection will extend to you.
You’ve conducted business in this country for a long time with minimal connections.
My network will not only make you untouchable; it will make you untraceable. ”
Sergey rubbed his chin. “And how will I upgrade my business to this new technology? My best hacker has defected because he has a soft spot for your Russian-speaking accountant.”
“We’ll get him back on board,” Alexis said confidently, “and I’ll train him on the program so we can work together for you and Michael. It would be a pleasure to work with him. He’s extremely talented, and I think we could make each other better.”
“Oskar is my leader here,” Sergey said. “I prefer Estonia and would leave him in charge.”
“That’s fine, but he needs to understand that I’m the boss on this turf,” I said. “I’m offering to partner with you, and only you, Sergey. Oskar will be the Brooklyn bratva leader, and I’ll honor that, but I’ll deal with you on important matters.”
“And if Marco won’t leave?” A muscle in Sergey’s jaw ticked. “He’s a stubborn asshole. I regret allowing Oskar to work with him, but you left us little choice.”
“If he won’t leave, we’ll make sure he disappears,” I said ominously.
“It’s an enticing offer,” Sergey said, slowly swiveling back and forth in his chair as he pondered. “I need some time to consider. I’ll get back to you in three days.”
“I can give you twenty-four hours,” I said, my tone unwavering. “I refuse to let Marco and Oskar’s actions linger without retribution. If we make a deal, I’ll consider Oskar’s debt paid...this time. He won’t get another chance. Defiance of me is not an option.”
Inhaling a deep breath, Sergey nodded. “I’ll let you know by noon tomorrow.
” Rising, he pointed toward the door. “I made a reservation at the hotel next door since my flight home is scheduled for early tomorrow morning. Do you want to have a drink with me before you leave? I’d like to get to know the man I’m considering partnering with. ”
“Absolutely. Alexis is pregnant, but I’d like her to join us.”
“I can do a virgin bellini. Love those suckers,” she said with a nod.
“Then, let’s continue this conversation at the bar.”
We packed up and walked to the hotel next door, and I felt relief for the first time since we’d discovered the fraudulent transactions. Partnering with Sergey would never be an ideal outcome, but it made sense and led to the best possible ending of our perilous situation.
Embracing the optimism, I sat down with one of the most notorious bratva traffickers on the planet and enjoyed a glass of Scotch.