Page 58 of The Arrangement

"So, what happened to him?" I ask, curious despite myself.

My father smiles, a touch of sadness in his eyes. "Life happened, Maksim. We went our separate ways, but we kept that truce. He passed away some years ago, but I never forgot the lesson from that night."

The story settles over me, a parallel to my own struggle with Aleksey. The conflict, the potential for resolution—it's all there, a blueprint laid by the past.

"Father, I can’t see such a way out with Aleksey. He's crossed a line I can't ignore," I admit, feeling the burden of my next words.

My father nods, understanding etched deep in his features. "I know, son. And I'm not saying you should back down. We protect our family, always. But remember, there's strength in choosing how to fight this battle.”

The urgency of the situation makes it difficult to stay still. My father's observant eyes are on me, a quiet strength in his gaze. "I know you're not part of this, Father. You've always been straight with me."

“I know what I know. But you’re correct. So, tell me, Maksim – what’s going on with your brother?”

He nods, a signal for me to go on. So, I lay it all out—the abduction, Aleksey's threats, and his dark intentions for Tory. Sharing the details feels like unloading a burden, yet the weight of reality remains.

“I’ve fallen in love with her, Father. She’s a part of my life, and Adelina’s,” I confess. “She’s more than just a woman I’m seeing.”

“I see.” My father lets out a heavy sigh, a mix of concern and a certain weary disappointment. "I've sensed the growing rift between you boys, but this..." He shakes his head, clearly disturbed. "Dragging a man's family into business conflicts is cowardice. It's a boundary we never cross."

"Aleksey didn't just cross it; he's taken it to a whole new level," I reply, the frustration evident in my voice. "He's got Tory, and he's made it painfully clear he's willing to use her to get to me."

Hearing this, my father's demeanor shifts, a hardened resolve taking over. "Aleksey's always pushed the limits, but involving Tory, that's beyond the pale. We Morozovs, we have our principles, our honor. What he's doing isn't just an affront to you; it's against everything our family stands for."

I nod, the solidarity in his words bolstering me. "That's why I'm here. I need your help, Father. To get Tory back, and to deal with Aleksey. Before things get even worse."

There's a long look between us, one of understanding and agreement. "Of course. We'll sort this out. Aleksey seems to have forgotten the values we uphold, but we haven't. And we'll make sure he remembers."

The air in the kitchen becomes charged with a new energy as my father and I hunker down over the table, a makeshift war room. He starts, his voice low but firm, "First, we need to consider who we can trust. Aleksey's influence has spread, and we can't afford any leaks."

I nod, absorbing his caution. "I've got a few guys who've been with me through thick and thin. They're loyal. They’re at the house watching over Adelina and Irina."

"Good," he approves, then moves on. "Now, potential hideouts. Aleksey's not a fool; he'll have taken Tory somewhere off the grid, somewhere he thinks we won't find."

I lean in, focused. "There are a few places I can think of that Aleksey's mentioned in passing. Old warehouses, a couple of secluded properties."

My father's eyes light up with strategic fire. "We'll need to scout them discreetly. And Maksim," he adds, a stern edge to his voice, "we must be absolutely sure before we make a move. The last thing we want is to tip Aleksey off or, worse, walk into a trap."

"Understood," I reply, feeling a semblance of control returning. The path ahead is fraught with danger, but with my father's guidance, it seems less insurmountable.

"And Tory," my father continues, his expression softening. "We have to consider her safety above all. Any action we take, we need to ensure it doesn't put her in further danger."

His emphasis on Tory's safety cements my resolve. "We'll get her back, Father. And we'll do it without giving Aleksey the satisfaction of seeing us break."

As the planning phase shifts into preparation for action, I glance at my father, the weight of our next steps heavy in the air. "There might be bloodshed," I admit, the reality of what lies ahead settling over me like a shadow.

My father meets my gaze squarely, the lines of his face etched with the hard wisdom of years. "I understand, Maksim."

The thought of Tiffany crosses my mind, her unwavering warmth and how this conflict could shatter her world. I can't bring myself to voice my concerns about her; the potential fallout is a wound too painful to probe. But there's another pressing need I can't ignore. "I need men. Trustworthy men – men ready right now."

He doesn't hesitate. "Take Viktor and Michael. They've been with me for years, loyal and steadfast. They've never sided with Aleksey, rejected his methods outright. You can trust them."

The relief at his quick decision is palpable. "Thank you," I say, the gratitude deep and sincere. I'm spared a goodbye to Tiffany, for which I'm silently thankful. The less she knows now, the better for her.

Viktor and Michael are already outside. I brief them on everything—Aleksey's actions, his threats, and what Tory means to me. Their reaction is immediate and decisive.

"Let's go get your woman," Viktor says, his voice firm, the determination clear in his eyes. Michael nods in agreement, his expression grim but resolute.

Aleksey has made a grave mistake, one he'll soon come to realize.

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