“I’m sure. I was poor when I was young, but I’m not anymore. From now on, let’s not talk about money. Anything I buy you is a gift.”
That he offers to do this lifts my spirits like nothing has in a long time. Alexei won me instead of Egorov, and because of that, I’m going to be able to start a new life. I know that if Egorov had won me, he would’ve prevented me from getting my money and passport from Polasky. When the time comes, I’m sure Alexei won’t let Polasky cheat me. I’ll get all I’m owed.
I don’t care what Alexei says. America will be my dreamland.
CHAPTER8
Alexei
“Oh, my God,” Natalia whispers as we approach Fenmore, a pink stone castle that’s been converted into a hotel. “This, I likeverymuch.”
A sprawling green lawn slopes down toward the lake, and there’s an explosion of flowers lining the walkways. She darts over to admire them, so I stop and wait. It’s been a long drive, but her enthusiasm is impossible to resist. She runs her fingers over the blooms before strolling back to me.
“This is dreamland? Or real?” she teases.
I wink at her and guide her inside.
The young guy working the registration desk greets us and pours us glasses of wine from the vineyard. As he describes the spa services that are available in a side building, Natalia tries each glass he offers her. Then she whispers her questions in Russian to be sure she understands what he means as he explains the winery tours.
“Hey, Alexei,” a male voice from behind me says.
I turn from the counter and find Aiden Callahan. He’s another former Bloodsport fighter. He’s also part of the Irish Mafia in Boston. Aiden Callahan and I have worked together several times when he’s needed help getting shipments through New York.
“Aiden,” I say, extending my hand.
Aiden’s the reason I’ve been invited to meet with the members of C Crue, a modern crime syndicate that’s expanding. The C Crue is based out of a small city outside Boston. They’re known for making use of the best talent, no matter what the ethnic background, including expert hackers from around the world who help keep their businesses hidden and electronically impenetrable.
The crue is a splinter group from a branch of the Italian Mafia, but it’s not an Italian gang. It’s run by three men in their late twenties, two of whom have Irish last names like Callahan. One has a last name that’s Eastern European, possibly even Russian. I’ve never met them, but anyone with underworld ties has heard of them.
Callahan shakes my hand, and I notice again the Roman numerals tattooed on his hands and wonder at their significance. Callahan cocks his head, sending his reddish brown hair over his broad shoulders. He’s about my size.
“So what’s up?” Callahan points at my bruised face, looking amused. “I see the rumors are true. Back in the ring, huh?”
I nod.
Callahan was a champion before me. We never faced each other because he was overseas when I fought the first time. A couple of months later, when he was back in the U.S., he returned to the club, but strictly as a spectator. A fight between us would’ve been a good one. We were both long-running champions, and physically, we’re pretty well matched. I think I could’ve beaten him, but I think that about everyone I know.
“Heard you left the Serb lying face down in the ring and none too well,” Aiden says, a trace of an Irish accent coming through.
It doesn’t require an answer, so I say nothing to this.
“How was the drive from the city?” Aiden asks.
“Fine.”
“American small talks. I’ve heard of this,” Natalia whispers in Russian.
I’m not prepared to introduce her to the Irishman. Since Callahan heard about the fight, he may have heard that a girl was part of the winnings, and that’s not a topic I want open for discussion. His gaze flickers to her, but doesn’t dwell there.
“Yeah, well, I’m glad you made it,” Callahan says.
I feel something on my leg. Looking down, I see a tiny girl with a blue ribbon in her dark hair. She stands on my foot with her arms around my calf.
When she looks up she’s smiling. For a moment. Then she looks startled.
“Hello,” I say.
The little girl reels back and nearly falls. I catch her and lift her. She stares at me, her shocked expression a little fearful.
