Page 61 of Lord of Debauchery

He laughed. “Very much understood.”

“Go for it.” I was already antsy.

“I’ll offer you the quick version. The Death Squad is a real thing. Yes, the name sounds ridiculous, but they are capable of destroying entire societies with a ballpoint pen or the press of a button. They like playing games, which you’ve now been exposed to.”

“Who are they?” I interrupted.

Gabriel took over the conversation. “They are exactly as you described, comprised of highly respected and accomplished business moguls, financial wizards, politicians, engineers, doctors, judges, and even some in the world of entertainment, at least one portion of their pyramid. They are the brains and money of the organization, allowing for expansion into every country, along with properties purchases including weapons facilities, media towers, gas lines. Anything that could add to their hold on power, they’ve quietly purchased up over the last two or three decades.”

“A classic pyramid. Which means they have certain classes or ranks within their organization. Yes?” I pressed.

Maxim nodded. “Yes, their second tier are those who will coordinate and facilitate the needed brutality, taking out targets as you mentioned. As you might imagine, they have a significant list that we have been trying to get our hands on. They are comprised of less scrupulous members of third-world countries, expunged American military leaders, smaller cartels, and crime syndicates, including a high percentage of Bratva mob families.”

“Because they’re easy to control,” I suggested.

Kraven laughed. “To a point, yes, but with the Russians, most of us will eat our young for a profit. At least Maxim will.”

Maxim growled this time. “There are also other tiers that include scientists, engineers, and accountants but what we consider their second most dangerous tier are the assassins.”

“All branded with the same emblem. Suicide assassins.”

Constantine nodded. “Yes. You do understand.”

“I guess I would know better than some. If they’re just playing a game, is the reason to flush out issues in security and weaknesses?”

Gabriel lifted his glass in a salute. “That’s our belief.”

“Which means they do have some worldwide plan.”

“Likely,” Constantine added.

“And what does the Brotherhood think they can do against such a formidable army?” The four looked at each other again and I believed I knew the answer. “Exposing them.”

Now all four lifted their glasses, Constantine answering. “We want their names, the properties they own, and the associates they keep exposed to the entire world.”

“You mentioned members of the media are part of the group. If so, they could manipulate the media all over the world when and if necessary.”

Kraven grinned. “But not at the same time.”

I narrowed my eyes, trying to make sense of what they were saying. “So you’re saying you’re going to simultaneously coordinate a frontal attack exposing names and details to every media organization.”

“Yes, while also actively sending the information to the various governments and law enforcement agencies in addition so arrests can be made.” Gabriel was waiting for my reaction.

“What about their great assassins?”

“Well, we might have to take out a few hundred of those. They’ll get the message shortly thereafter.”

“O-kay. What do you want from me? I have very little that might help you, other than some possible confirmation they are expected to retreat to various private islands prior to whatever planned attack they have on their agenda.”

Constantine rubbed his jaw. “If what you’re saying is true, that offers another opportunity of tracking them.”

“Whoa. Hold on. Does that mean you have a list of any of the tiers on this pyramid?” I glanced from one to the other.

Maxim’s wry smile drew my attention. “One that’s getting longer with every crack we find in their intel, and every hack into their highly secured computer systems.”

I thought about the red flags James had gotten. It would definitely place a large target on our heads if our assumptions were correct and our movements had been tracked.

“As far as why we’ve come to you. Yes, Beckham, we believe your uncle aims to be the new illustrious leader of whatever new world these people believe they are building. We also believe he has a very strong Bratva behind him. Since the Russians are difficult to control, they should be considered of the utmost importance.”

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