Page 12 of The Darkness is Calling

My brothers gesture for me to put the phone on speaker so they can hear the conversation too, realizing it is important. So, I indulge them and place the phone on the desk.

“God knows. His adviser says that over the past month, he did nothing but handle preparations for his daughter’s wedding. A profitable arrangement for the organization, one that must be completed.”

A familiar thought moves through my body.

Something that comes with a memory shaped like a black pearl, but it disappears just as quickly when I realize his statement is decisive, meant to convey the importance of his message.

“When is the funeral?”

“Do not come.”

Yar and Sasha frown as hard as I do.

“Why?”

“The family wants something very private.”

“But we are family too,” Sasha says, like a child whose candy has been stolen. “Mikhail is like a brother to us.”

I am certain Father is not surprised by my brother’s presence in the conversation. He knows we are always together, and that there will never be secrets between us.

“It isbetterfor everyoneif you stay away. Until we know who did this, everyone is on guard.”

My instinct tells me Father is hiding something, but knowing him, he won’t tell me until he is certain I need to know.

I sigh, and I think he hears it, because his voice drops an octave, filling with grief again.

He has every reason.

He and Konstantin had been close friends since childhood.

“I hope we catch the bastards quickly.”

“Can we help?” I ask out of politeness, but his answer takes me by surprise.

“Yes.”

All three of us become suddenly interested.

More than that, we are hungry for the feeling of revenge Father gives us when he tells us we can help.

“Give us a name and we’ll handle it,” Yar offers immediately, thinking of the thing we do best.

Killing.

The corner of Sasha’s mouth lifts in a cruel way, his eyes gleaming with the desire to bury his knife in a traitor’s heart.

“That is what we’re best at,” the youngest adds.

“In the current situation, you will have to do the exact opposite. You will protect someone.”

I don’t even blink.

Yar goes as still as I do, while Sasha grimaces.

“Do what?”

My younger brother’s shocked question passes right by Father, who continues with the same determination.