Page 15 of Wayward

“He’s been expanding the legitimate side of the business so fast, he had to take out loans because he knew there were illegal things you would not do.”

My father and I had many discussions and meetings with others over the years about what he thought would be beneficial to our bottom line. But human trafficking and drugs and selling guns were not things I would approve. Hurting those who were already corrupt, that I had no issue with. Taking advantage of the weaknesses of powerful men was what I liked best. But selling a child, putting a gun in their hand, or pumping them full of drugs was a hard line for me that no one dared cross. I’d made certain to have my own safety measures in place so that no one would ever be able to override my vote. Or thought I had. Lev was supposed to be my most steadfast support system. It had never even entered my mind that he would turn on me.

“Tell me,” I prodded him.

“Your father borrowed money from Kolashkov that he was supposed to pay back in favors and influence with Pasha.”

That made sense. Trade on something no one else had, a fully legitimate golden goose of a son.

“Wait.” My brain felt sluggish, and it was taking me some time to process, likely because of the drugs. “You said was supposed to? Not anymore?”

“Even almost dead, you listen better than anyone I know,” he praised me. “Last week, your father had Lev take out Kolashkov, both his sons, and the others in his circle. There’s no one left to oppose him as he and Zeljko Constantine take over the business.”

“No,” I rushed out, horrified over what he was telling me. “My father hates Constantine. He’s a beast who sells women and children and makes junkies of parents and—”

“It’s done,” he told me, wiping his hands together. “And your father knew you’d never agree, and he was certain that too many of the men were loyal only to you.”

My father had always told me I was too close to my people. But I ate with all of them, not only Lev, Adrian, and Stas. I gave out bonuses for all the holidays. I checked on their spouses, parents, and children. I made certain that everyone under me was taken care of.

“You’re saying my father had me killed?”

He reached out and took hold of my shoulder. “Yes. Lev hired men to do it and killed the two who didn’t die in the crash. I’m sorry, moy malchik.”

I chuckled, and he jolted in surprise. “Come on, Sava, I knew that already. Who else would, or could, give that order?”

“But it looked like—”

“I was kidnapped by out-of-town thugs trying to make moves on the Lenkovs.”

“Yes.”

“And then, of course, with tensions running high and the men looking to avenge me, my father can send them after his enemies and clean up any loose ends.”

“You saw it all?”

I grunted. “Hardly.”

“But then, how?”

“In retrospect, it’s all clear as day, the plan to get rid of me was well thought out. That’s got my father’s fingerprints all over it.”

He was quiet for several moments. “How long did you know you were on your father’s hit list?”

“Oh no, you’re giving me too much credit. I had no idea.”

“But…”

“That night in the car, Stas said the old man wanted to make sure I was dead. That’s how I know.”

“Okay. Good.”

I shot him a look.

“No, not good like… Just good that you only knew then, not before.”

“Why?”

“Because if you knew the whole time, Maks, and took no precautions to protect yourself, then you’re a fuckin’ idiot, and I never took you for one.”