"Really? You're coming back tomorrow?" Her eyes lit up.
"If your mom says it's okay." I looked at Anna.
"Of course," Anna answered quickly, but I caught her eyes drifting to the window again.
My heart sank. I needed to know what the hell had happened.
At nine that night, I got home and immediately called Ivan. Ivan was my most trusted lieutenant and my cousin. In Russian bloodline families, blood relations usually meant the strongest loyalty.
"Pakhan." His voice came through steady and reliable as always.
"I need you to investigate something," I cut straight to the point, heading for my study. "Anna Parker, the journalist who lives next door. I need to know where she went today, whoshe met, what happened. Detailed report—what she photographed, who she interviewed, any potential threat sources."
"Understood. When do you need it?"
"ASAP. Also," my voice turned steely, "put two of our best on protecting her and the kid. Twenty-four-seven rotation, experienced guys, don't let them know they're being watched. Remember—their safety comes first."
"I'll arrange it immediately. What level of protection?"
Good question. In our world, "protection" had many levels, from simple surveillance to armed guards ready to eliminate threats.
"Full protection. Any threats, handle them immediately. I don't care who they are." My tone left no room for argument. "If anything happens to them, everyone involved pays."
"Got it, Pakhan. Tony and Vito sound good? They're both veterans, experienced."
"Perfect. Tell them this is top priority. Focus especially on any threats related to her work."
After hanging up, I stood by the window, looking at the warm lights from Anna's place. Through gaps in the curtains, I could see her cleaning up from dinner while Sofia helped. The scene was so peaceful and beautiful, hard to imagine any danger lurking nearby.
But I knew that in this city's dark corners, beautiful things were often the easiest to destroy. Whoever wanted to hurt them wouldn't succeed. I'd already lost Sofia's first five years. I wouldn't lose anything else.
The phone rang. Dmitri.
"Alexander, there's a private gathering tonight at the Empire Vibe Club. You need to be there." His voice carried urgency. "Some rumors are circulating about your... lifestyle changes. You need to show face, let everyone know you're still in control."
I'd wanted to refuse. With Anna potentially in danger, I didn't want to be far from them. But Dmitri was right—in New York's power structure, missing important gatherings often got interpreted as weakness or hiding something. In the underworld, you constantly had to prove your strength and presence.
Plus, these gatherings were prime information exchanges. Maybe I'd learn something useful about Anna's situation.
"What time?"
"You can come now. The party's already started, but you know, for someone like you, fashionably late is the right move." Dmitri chuckled. "Dress formal—tonight's crowd is high-end."
"Fine. I'll be there in an hour."
The Empire Vibe Club occupied a pre-war building in the Upper East. This was where New York's elite held their secret gatherings. The club's history stretched back to the nineteenth century, with members including politicians, businessmen, judges, and other influential figures. And of course, "special businessmen" like me.
Tonight's gathering was in the club's top-floor private room, with about forty people in the main hall. Italian crystal chandeliers cast warm light while servers moved through the crowd carrying expensive liquors. The air was thick with Cuban cigars and premium whiskey, low conversations and restrained laughter creating an atmosphere of power and money.
I'd changed into a charcoal Armani suit—these occasions required showing status without being flashy. In New York high society, subtle power worked better than showing off.
"Alexander!" Dmitri approached, wearing a navy tuxedo that made him look like he'd just left the opera. "Perfect timing. Federal Judge Harrison's been looking for you."
James Harrison, Federal District Court judge—a shrewd man who walked the line between law and morality. His friendship often meant certain legal issues could get "flexible" handling.
"What does he want?"
"New federal prosecution case, might involve some people you know. But now's not the time for that." Dmitri lowered his voice. "Tonight's about socializing, letting everyone see you're still in the game. Some rumors lately say you're... stepping back, focusing on personal life."
