Geliy nods. “Yeah! I heard he’s like some business tycoon.”
The balls on this man. Grigory would eat him alive. “Yeah, I don’t think that’s a great idea. He’s busy.”Killing people and ruling Vegas.
“Think about it at least. Maybe I’ll bump into him tonight and bring it up.”
Once we finish, we make our way back to my SUV. Inhale. Exhale. This man saved my life. I owe him and can do this.
I drop him off at some shady-ass apartment and give him the address to the Kremlin so that he can make his way there when he’s ready. Once he’s out of the SUV, I turn the AC back to where I like it and turn the radio off—again.
Eight. I’m already at a score of eight, and the day’s just fucking started.
I drive off. I have things to do, and I’m not going to let Geliy’s shitstorm of a life ruin my day.
Later, we’re seated around big trestle tables in the courtyard as we eat dinner. The main building surrounds us on three sides, while the open side of the courtyard looks onto the grounds, giving us an impressive view of the mountains in the distance. The rest of compound houses barracks for the soldiers and various other buildings. The courtyard is a relaxing space with lush palm trees surrounding us. It’s as different to Russia as you can get, but I like it here.
The conversation is low, filled with mostly talk about business and our plans. Soldiers come and go, but the core of us stay.
“So, where’s this guest of yours?” Matvey asks, taking a swig of his drink.
I shrug. “Getting his luggage, last I know. I got busy.”
“Still up for poker?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there,” I reply.
“Going to actually pay attention this time?” Nikolai asks.
“Maybe.”
“The game starts in twenty.” He gets up from the table, giving me a nod as he passes.
I finish eating in silence. Then pushing from the table, I make my way toward the rec room where the others are already setting up. Matvey and Nikolai are stacking their chips. I sit down across from them, piling my own chips as the others start to file in.
We’re one round in when a loud thud sounds from down the hall. Matvey, Nikolai, and I exchange glances before I shove to my feet, ready to deal with the threat.
“There he is!” Geliy’s voice booms, and I wince. “Sweet set up, man.” He brings his stuff in, dumps it out of the way in the corner by the bar, and pulls up a chair to join in the game.
Four rounds later, we’ve all lost money to him, and the men are pissed. Geliy is shamelessly cheating, and it’s clear that he hasn’tchanged much since I first knew him. He always used to cheat at cards then as well.
I decide to get myself a drink. But as I approach the bar, I hear a slight sound come from Geliy’s luggage. Then there’s a high-pitched squeak. And a red beam is suddenly shining at me.
“Fuck!” I yell.
Has Geliy brought some sort of weapon in here to compromise us?
Is this a fucking trap?
I sprint toward the pile of luggage with my gun drawn.
And point my gun at…
A baby.
What the fuck? Behind Geliy’s huge backpack, a baby is strapped into a car seat and playing with what looks like some toy that beams lights and shapes.
I lower my gun and take a small step closer.
But it—the baby—squawks, making me jump out of my skin.
