Page 22 of Betrothed
I shook his hand, protocol such that Dante didn’t offer his. As soon as the four of us sat down, a waitress brought a silver tray of drinks, the clear liquid meant for a toast.
“You can’t get rid of me that easily,” I stated while studying the area.
“What makes you think I’d want you dead?” His eyes were twinkling even as the limited light danced in shadows across his face.
“Because I threaten you.”
“Challenge is the word, but that’s welcome.”
“What are we celebrating?” I asked while lifting the crystal.
“Well, Chateau Elegance of course.” Dimitri leaned in. “And that once again you saved the life of my cousin.”
“Billionaire Vodka,” I said, more amused than anything. The Russian vodka came in a bottle that was bulletproof, the interior of the box velvet encrusted with diamonds. At several million dollars, the luxury was ridiculous. “I’m not an expert with numbers but from what I’d seen on the financials, we’re several months away from this being offered as an employee incentive.”
He burst into laughter and sat back in his chair. The two of us had an excellent vantage point, able to see the front entrance while keeping an eye on the dining room and bar. While our relationship was caustic at best, I was cognizant of his relationship with Kazimir.
“I can happily say this was a gift from a Russian oligarch, who was one of our first guests. That’s how much he enjoyed his stay with us. How was your flight?”
“Remarkable. Let’s cut to business. Shall we?”
“I like your style,” he offered. “You have at your disposal Cormac, Dante, and a few others who are aware of the truth behind your visit. For my part, I’ll be heading to Boston for both a business meeting and to help with your cover in being here.”
I scanned the room while sipping my drink. “How long will you be gone?”
“Three days. Give or take. You have a penthouse suite reserved for you. Unfortunately, the house where you’ll be staying for the majority of your time here won’t be ready until the end of the week. But I’m certain we can find something to occupy your time.” His grin was meant to be hospitable.
I wasn’t interested. “Any word within the Russian community about the incident in Moscow?”
He laughed. “Not a word about Kazimir or the Ghost. Are you certain what you heard wasn’t a wild goose chase, because I’ve called in every favor and talked to anyone who might have an idea about the assailant’s identity.”
I shook my head. “You know your cousin. He went to great lengths to ensure accuracy about the information received. The Ghost is real and enjoying keeping the Pakhan on edge.”
“Has word gotten out Kazimir has left the country?”
“Not yet. Two planes left going in opposite directions. That might provide us with some information at some point. We go about business as usual for now.”
Dimitri leaned forward. “Do you think this has something to do with the Pollizi Cosa Nostra out of Italy?”
We’d all but destroyed the Sicilian Cosa Nostra who’d been behind Kazimir’s capture, torture, and imprisonment, taking over their territory, including a lovely estate where award-winning wines were produced. While we weren’t necessarily welcomed into the country where Cosa Nosta held tight reinswithin several prominent families, we’d yet to be attacked by any other regime.
That would come with time.
“I paid a visit to our vineyards in Sicily then onto Rome prior to heading to New York. All is quiet, or so it would seem. However, we have feelers on the ground in both areas.”
“You’ve thought of everything. In my mind, this vendetta has been brewing for a long time, perhaps even longer than the timeframe taken to ferment hatred in Mikhail’s mind.”
“Maybe. Or maybe this is nothing more than an attempt to keep the Pakhan from relocating to New York.” Perhaps it was a veiled threat. Perhaps not. However, both Cormac and Dante tensed.
Dimitri smiled. “I assure you if I’d wanted to keep Kazimir from spending time in New York, I would handle the insistence myself.”
I leaned back in my chair, studying him. “I’m certain you understand my concern.”
“Absolutely. I wouldn’t trust anyone at this point.”
“Who are you enemies with in New York? Other Russians?”
He laughed. “There’s always talks, especially within the old guard in Brighton Beach where a huge contingency of Russians lives, but they don’t have the numbers for a challenge. The Armenians are a pain in my ass, mostly on the low-level businesses we still manage.”
