“Because if you’re going to be my partner, you need to understand all of it.”
The warehouse is on the east side of the city, tucked between industrial buildings that look abandoned but aren’t. Pedro pulls up to the loading dock, and Silas is already waiting with two other men.
I help Savannah out of the car. “Stay close to me.”
“Okay.”
Inside, the warehouse looks legitimate. Rows of shelving stacked with boxes labeled for various hotel supplies. Linens, toiletries, furniture. All real merchandise that gets distributed to my properties throughout the southwest.
But in the back corner, behind a false wall, is where the other inventory gets stored. The product that funds everything else.
Tommy Greco stands near the loading area, clipboard in hand, looking nervous.
“Mr. Volkov.” He forces a smile. “Wasn’t expecting you tonight.”
“That’s the point of surprise audits, Tommy.” I move past him toward the office. “This is my wife. She’ll be observing our operations going forward.”
“Ma’am.” He nods at Savannah, his eyes dropping to her stomach before snapping back up.
I lead Savannah to the small office that overlooks the warehouse floor. “Wait here. This won’t take long.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Handle a personnel issue.” I squeeze her shoulder. “Just stay in this office. Don’t come out unless I tell you to.”
Her eyes search mine. “Ledger?—”
“Trust me. Please.”
After a moment, she nods. “Okay.”
I close the office door behind me and walk back to where Silas has Tommy cornered near the loading dock. The other men have formed a loose circle, blocking any escape routes.
Tommy sees me coming, and his face goes white. “Mr. Volkov, listen, I can explain?—”
“Yes, I’ll need you to explain.” I stop a few feet away. “Explain how twenty kilos of my product went missing. Explain how you’ve been selling it independently and pocketing the profit?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t insult me with lies, Tommy.” My voice stays calm.
He backs up against the wall. “I needed the money. My kid’s medical bills?—”
“So you stole from me.” I step closer. “You took what was mine and sold it like it belonged to you.”
“I was going to pay it back.”
“With what? The profit you made selling my product?” I shake my head. “That’s not how this works. You know that.”
Silas moves to stand beside me. “Storage room’s ready, boss.”
“Good.” I look at Tommy. “We’re going to have a conversation about loyalty and about what happens when you steal from the Volkov family.”
“Please.” Tommy’s voice cracks. “I’m sorry. I made a mistake. It won’t happen again.”
“You’re right about that.”
Silas and the other men grab Tommy and drag him toward the storage room at the back of the warehouse. He’s begging now, promising to return everything, swearing his loyalty, but it’s too late for that.
