He studied me for a full minute. “Understood.”
“Good,” I said and clapped him on the back.
“Do you think there’s a chance my… I mean our father was murdered?”
I honestly hadn’t entertained the thought. “The coroner was convinced it was because of his love of cigars.”
“That’s almost the only thing I remember about him as a child. The scent of his cigars. I’ve hated him for so long. What he put us through. It wasn’t just about never having a decent meal or nice clothes. I loathed the man because my mother loved him so much. She fell in love with him the first time they met. The first time they made love. When they conceived me. He never apologized for what he put her through even after determining she was good enough to marry.”
“Your mother is good enough to be anything she wants and you’re very lucky to have her.”
I had a feeling he sensed my compliments were rare, any sentiment kept as thought only. I wasn’t a warm man by anyone’s standards, but he needed to feel as if he was part of the family.
“Thank you.”
“Of course. Now, I need to ask a favor. I have an important meeting in Italy in the next couple of days and Mikhail is goingwith me. I need you to assume the Pakhan position until I return.”
“Won’t that piss off Mikhail?”
“He made the suggestion.” I remained quiet, allowing him to make the decision without pushing him. His eyes opened wide as he searched mine.
“Bezuslovno, moy Pakhan. YA okazhu tebe pochesti.”
Absolutely, my Pakhan. I will bestow you with honor.
“Just don’t burn the place down while I’m gone. If you do, there will be hell to pay.” As I grinned, he took a deep breath.
I could already feel the wolves barely being held at bay. They were hungry for blood.
CHAPTER 2
Kazimir
The sale and trafficking of illegal weapons had been the bread and butter of our organization for years. While we’d dabbled in the sale of drugs, they were not nearly as profitable as we’d found in the business of arms deals. With our own manufacturing plants buried in the heart of Siberia, we produced quality items that had built our company’s stellar reputation throughout the world.
Our only true issues had been with secure transportation through various locations throughout the world. With such high demand for our products, my father had excelled in creating new avenues.
The Italians being one of them.
However, I’d heard Italians were prickly people, incapable of foreseeing the future, which made them terrible business partners. Plus, they were highly passionate, wearing their emotions on their sleeves. That was dangerous for everyoneinvolved. Smiles, laughter, and especially reckless behavior were all seen as signs of weakness.
In the case of meeting with Don Giovanni Pollizi, both his prowess and power had provided him with a solid reputation. I found him to be savvy and well versed in knowledge of our product.
Did that mean I trusted him completely?
Of course not.
Trust was reserved for very few, usually only certain members of the family.
However, I was confident we could work together. For how long would remain to be seen.
“Here’s to a great and long-term friendship,” Don Pollizi stated as he lifted his glass.
“Pust’ nasha druzhba budet okutana istinoy i protsvetaniyem.” Seeing his quizzical look, I smiled. “An old proverb as taught by my grandfather to my father and so forth. May our friendship be shrouded in truth and prosperity.”
It was my way of telling him if he crossed us in any way, he would pay for his sin with the blood of his family.
His eyes flashed, yet he half bowed as if offering his limited respect. “Yes, for without truth and trust, we have nothing.”
