After an hour, Alexi and Elena leave to catch a movie. Savannah walks them to the door, and I hear her telling Elena to come by anytime.
When she comes back, she’s smiling. “I like her. I think she’s good for Alexi.”
“I think so too.”
“He’s happy. You can see it in the way he looks at her.” She sits next to me on the couch. “You raised a good man.”
“I tried. Wasn’t always sure I was doing it right.”
“You did it right.” She takes my hand. “He adores you. And he’s turning into someone you can be proud of.”
“I am proud of him.” I pull her closer. “And I’m proud of you too. The way you handled meeting Elena, making her feel welcome.”
She leans her head on my shoulder. “I’m trying.”
“You’re succeeding.”
We sit like that until Savannah’s stomach growls audibly.
“Dinner?” I suggest.
“Please. I’m starving.”
“I actually have a business dinner tonight. A city councilman who’s been causing problems.”
Her expression shifts. “Do you need me there?”
“No. This is something I need to handle alone.” I stand and help her up. “But you should eat. Antoine can make you whatever you want.”
“Will you be late?”
“Shouldn’t be. A couple of hours at most.”
Councilman Richard Hayes arrives at seven sharp.
He’s in his fifties, balding, with a gut that strains against his expensive suit. He’s been on the city council for fifteen years, long enough to build a network of corruption that would impress even me.
Marie shows him to the dining room, where I’ve had dinner prepared. Nothing fancy. Just steak and wine and the illusion of a friendly business meeting.
“Mr. Volkov.” Hayes extends his hand. “Thank you for the invitation.”
“Of course. I thought it was time we spoke face-to-face.” I gesture to the chair. “Please, sit.”
We make small talk while Marie serves the first course. Hayes compliments the penthouse, asks about my businesses, and plays the part of a man who thinks he’s in control of this situation.
He’s not.
“So,” he says, cutting into his steak. “About those permits.”
“Yes. The Midtown development. You’ve been holding them up.”
“Not holding them up. Just making sure all the proper procedures are followed.” He smiles. “These things take time.”
“They take time when you want more money.”
His smile doesn’t falter. “I prefer to call it consulting fees. I provide valuable guidance through the regulatory process.”
“You’ve already been paid a hundred thousand for that guidance.”
