Page 109 of The Pakhan

How many times had I been called into my father’s office so he could express his disappointment with me? So many I couldn’t count them up on two hands and my feet. Maybe that’s why pink hair had been the perfect color. Still, I was furious, so angry I wasn’t certain what to do.

Here I was standing in a wet bathing suit, enjoying an incredible afternoon around people who treated me like family and this… fuckhead of a human being was planning on destroying so many lives. No, I didn’t understand all of what I’d read. And no, I shouldn’t talk about my father that way or jump to any conclusions, but it was tough.

I’d sensed my father was capable of evil doings, but this was… I had to wonder how deep this group of men setting out to control all of New York went.

I chewed on my lower lip as I paced the floor of the bedroom I’d been given. This was my private space filled with my shitty rathole clothes, as my father would say. I’d wanted and tried to please my parents over the years, but it hadn’t mattered that I’d graduated from high school a year early, college the same. It hadn’t mattered I’d been valedictorian of both or that I’d been awarded several scholarships on my own.

No, nothing mattered. I remained a fuckup to the man and likely to my mother as well. She’d spent her entire life kowtowing to him, preferring all her fancy clothes and jewels to protecting her own daughter. Damn her.

The light rap on the door made me suck in my breath. Of course, I knew who was standing outside. I was no fool. Then again, I wanted Vadim to comfort me.

He didn’t wait for me to decide whether or not it was okay to come in, doing so with his usual flair. The only difference was that he looked entirely different with a bathing suit on. I’d been shocked seeing him in one and that he’d dared enter the pool. I would never have thought in a million years he’d take the time, let alone enjoy something so… non-powerful.

I guess it was time for me to stop judging a book by its cover. I’d obviously been wrong about a whole hell of a lot of things and people.

He walked in, larger than life as usual, and I could tell by my hesitancy to look in his eyes that I was devastated. When he gripped both my arms, I shuddered from his touch alone. “Are you okay?”

“I’m not entirely certain how to answer that. However, while I was shocked to have my father’s atrocities shoved in my face, and I’m certain what I saw was just the tip of the iceberg, I’m not surprised. I’ve always known in the back of my mind he crossed the line of right and wrong a long time ago to get where he is in business and in life. I just hope the bastard is crucified. And whoever crony friends he’s working with. I assume you found them out. If not, I can go hunting.”

“Whoa. You’re not doing any hunting, but you don’t need to. My computer expert was able to find enough damning information, I could use it to blackmail several men or bring them down in other ways. Joe is still putting together some of the data.”

“What are you thinking about, killing them?”

Vadim laughed. “While I do enjoy acts of brutality more than some and refuse to accept traitorous activity, it wouldn’t be in my best interest to go on a killing spree. There are too many high-ranking officials involved, more to be determined.”

My eyes opened wide. “So what are they trying to accomplish, a world takeover? World peace? Domination? What?”

“Well, I think they are building an entirely different set of operations in various wealthy countries, which will allow them to ignore certain rules for construction required here in the States. In addition, I think they believe they can push the various crime syndicates off their axis points, which will gain them further clout. And perhaps they could pick up some crumbs when our businesses crumble.”

“You can’t allow that to happen. Don’t you talk with these other mafia groups? Maybe you can work together.”

He was laughing, his eyes shimmering intensely. “You have no idea how intelligent or perceptive you are. I’ve already had a discussion with the three other leaders in my arena.”

“I’ll be damned. You thought this all along. You’ve been planning.” I rested my face into his palm, savoring the few seconds.

“I’ve been around the block a few times, my cherished one. I can smell a skunk or a weasel from miles away. Now, I need to ask you a question. Do you want to warn your father I’m coming for him, which will give him an opportunity to back out and cover his tracks?”

I was shocked he was asking me that. “Seriously?”

“I don’t tend to kid about business, my sweet. I am being very serious. With what I have in mind, your father’s entire world will be destroyed, which will mean whatever inheritance or trust fund you have will be at minimum frozen if not taken altogether.”

“I can’t believe you’d consider doing that for me.” I looked away. I did understand what he was saying and while I didn’t want to be rash, I also wasn’t going to be treated badly any longer by anyone. “The answer is hell, no. That bastard has been holier than thou his entire life, pretending as if people like me are bad seeds. Well, guess what? I don’t need his money. I don’t care if I need to live in a tiny, cramped apartment for the rest of my life. At least I can do it with my head held high. Of course, I’ll have to start from scratch, but I don’t care.”

His laugh was sweet versus anything else. “I assure you that you won’t want for anything, zavetnyy.”

“And you know I’m not looking for handouts. I will work like a dog for everything I get.”

“Shush, little one. A plan needs to be made. I think this group is working through a few minor details and plans on launching whatever their final desperate plan is. I’m not going to allow that to happen.”

“So what did you have in mind?”

“Something a bit… out there and perhaps something they won’t anticipate. But… I will need your help.”

“Whatever it is, I’m game.”

“You’re certain? Once in, I’m afraid you won’t have the opportunity of backing out.”

I arched my back, placing my hands on his chest like I’d done in the pool. At that moment I’d wanted the rest of the world to disappear. Right now, I knew the people he trusted and cared for, I could as well. Maybe being so comfortable in this house for so many years should have opened my eyes, telling me something.

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