Page 77 of Beguiled

“My accent gave me away.”

“No, Mr. Chertov. Your reputation did.”

While chuckling, I could sense not only was I being sized up, but there were at least three men who were checking the street.

“Don’t worry. I came alone.” While I made the statement to no one in particular, my deep voice traveled and the near silence allowed the entire room to overhear our conversation.

The bartender continued staring at me even though he’d unlocked a cabinet and pulled out a special bottle of scotch. The Macallan was over two decades old. I was taken aback. Enemies didn’t usually ply each other with ten thousand dollar a glass liquor under the best of circumstances.

“The question is why?” The bartender slid the glass across the bar then poured himself one. When the entire bar remained shut down, he grew annoyed. “Tstsek’ dzer alkoholy yev t’voghek’ mez hangist.”

Suck down your booze and leave us alone.

One thing was clear. He was a man of importance, his command followed instantly. Maybe that’s why he knew who I was. Men of power paid attention when a new dog was in town.

“Information.”

He laughed before taking a gulp. “Men of your stature don’t need to come to a sleazy bar for information.”

I lifted the tumbler, allowing the lighting in the bar to create prisms in the glass. “And you and I both know this isn’t a sleazy bar. This is a generational establishment, a location where decades of families have eaten good food, discussed important business, and kept control of their part of the city. All while nurturing future leaders.”

The corners of his mouth lifted and he rested his elbows on the table. “A Russian with class. Unusual.”

“You’ve had dealings with my cousin.” I pulled the glass to my lips, inhaling the incredible scent.

I was not only gifted with another laugh but also a deepening of the lines surrounding his eyes. “Let’s just say your cousin isn’t on our Christmas card list.”

“Like I said, I’m here for information only.”

He acted as if studying the crowd before answering. “Who are you looking for and why?”

“If I had to guess, I’d say your son, Vardan. Am I right?”

While he wasn’t thrilled I’d seen through his bravado, he did respect that I’d figured out who he was and the importance of this centralized business location. More decisions had been made here than anywhere else. With a slight drop and shake of his head, he chuckled.

“What do you want with my son?”

“A conversation. Nothing more.” If I could find a definitive answer regarding last night’s attack, I could at least know how to handle it. And perhaps confirm that the beef wasn’t with the Bratva.

Or I could be playing with fire. Either way, I wasn’t interested in turning last night into some game. We’d had enough of that when Mikhail had fucked with us.

He eyed me curiously. Men had no clue what to make of me with my glasses and sleek suit. “I’ll see if my son wants to talk to you.”

“Fair enough.”

While he backed away, grabbing his phone, I paid attention to the fight on the television overhead. Both were damn good MMA fighters, although only one would win. It was clear to see he wasn’t in the fight for the money or the notoriety. He was eager to win at all costs.

While I had no idea how long it would take to get my answer, I enjoyed the time alone, the entertainment and the drink.

“My son will see you,” the old man said. “Keep your word, Russian. Many of your kind don’t and that will not be tolerated.”

I had a feeling if my cousin had caused an issue, I would have heard about it. Which meant the other New York Bratva had likely created problems. A small but powerful detail I’d keep in mind.

I slowly looked in the direction where he was pointing. Nodding, I slipped off the stool, heading toward the back corner. In every culture, there were men ready to die to protect their leader, whether formally appointed or not.

That’s what moving into the future had lost the Bratva. We were corporate men who didn’t truly appreciate the value of loyalty. No matter how often I spouted it off to others.

The man stood, offering his hand. At least my reputation hadn’t been but too sullied.