“Can’t they just wait until the meeting with the men next week?”
“Apparently not.”
“D-Do you think they’re going to guilt us about not having a funeral?”
“I have a feeling it’s not that simple.”
With a groan, I replied, “Okay. I’ve g-got Aleks and Lev with me.”
“They only want the two of us.”
“All right. Just me. I’m leaving now.”
Once I hung up, Aleks and Lev stared expectantly at me. “What’s up?”
“Our d-deardyadyasare requesting a meeting with me and Dima.”
Sarah glanced between me and my brothers. “Are you in danger?”
“Just family squabbles.”
Aleks rose out of his chair. “We’ll come with you.”
With a shake of my head, I replied, “Dima said just me.”
Smacking Lev on the arm, Aleks replied, “I see how we rank in the pecking order.”
Lev snorted. “I’m glad. Father’s only decent sibling is Aunt Masha.”
“Look, I would g-gladly send you two jackasses, so that I could stay here and work.”
Rising out of her chair, Sarah said, “Don’t worry. I’ll leave the chairs and podium, and we can pick up when you return.”
“Thanks.”
“Will you two hang out until I get back?”
Nodding, Sarah said, “I could use the company.”
At my frown, Aleks and Lev laughed. “Look at him getting jealous.”
“I am not.”
“Yes, we’ll stay,” Aleks replied.
“And we’ll stay a respectful three feet from Sarah at all times.”
While Sarah blushed, I said on my way out the door, “Make it five.”
***
When I arrived at the compound, my stomach twisted and clenched. Maybe it was all the negative memories associated with the place. I’d told Dima I wanted to have a Russian Orthodox priest come and bless the place to try to rid it of the negative karma.
My mother had always preferred the penthouse Father owned in the city, so she’d moved all of her belongings here. It was a good choice considering it had been left to Dima in the will made before his shooting.
After walking through the garage door, the smell of Matvey’s cigar assaulted my nose. It was a double assault since he smoked the same ones my father did.
At the sight of me, Matvey gave me a tight smile. “Ah, there’s our other leader.”
