“The merchandise moved to the network within twenty-four hours. No issues.”
“Good. And the councilman?”
Silas’s expression darkens. “Still blocking the permits for the Midtown development. He says he needs more ‘consulting fees’ to push it through.”
“How much does he want?”
“Another two hundred thousand. On top of the hundred we already gave him.”
I lean back in my chair. “He’s getting greedy.”
“He thinks he has leverage. The development can’t move forward without those permits, and he knows it.”
“Then we need to remind him who he’s dealing with.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Nothing yet. I’ll handle this personally.” I check my watch. “Invite him to dinner. Tonight. Tell him I want to discuss the terms.”
“You sure that’s smart? Having him here, in your home?”
“He needs to understand that I know where he lives too.”
Silas nods and pulls out his phone to make the call.
After he leaves, I sit in my office and think about risk. About how every decision I make affects not just me, but Savannah. The baby. Alexi. Everyone I care about.
The Bratva operations fund the legitimate businesses. The legitimate businesses give me power and connections. The power and connections protect my family. It’s a cycle I can’t break without losing everything.
But maybe I need to start thinking about an exit strategy. A way to separate the criminal operations from my family. To give Savannah and our child a life that doesn’t involve customs inspections and greedy politicians and the constant threat of prison or worse.
Not yet. But someday.
Alexi and Elena arrive at four on the dot.
Elena is petite, with dark hair and sharp eyes, and has a confident handshake. She’s studying law at Columbia, and from the way she carries herself, she’s going to be damn good at it.
“Mr. Volkov,” she says. “It’s nice to finally meet you properly.”
“Call me Ledger. And it’s good to meet you too. Alexi talks about you constantly.”
“Dad,” Alexi groans.
Savannah appears from her office, and I watch as she and Elena size each other up. It’s subtle, the way women evaluate each other, but I see it.
Then Savannah smiles. “You must be Elena. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Same. Alexi won’t shut up about his stepmom.” Elena grins. “Though I have to say, it’s weird that you’re closer to his age than your husband’s.”
“Trust me, I’m aware.” Savannah laughs. “But Alexi makes it easy. He’s a good kid.”
“I’m right here,” Alexi says. “And I’m not a kid. I’m twenty-two.”
“Still a kid to me,” I say, clapping him on the shoulder.
We settle in the living room, and Marie brings tea and pastries.
Elena asks Savannah about her work, about Paris, about adjusting to this life. Savannah answers honestly, not hiding the difficulties but also sharing the good parts.
