Page 31 of The Pakhan

I was more shocked than I cared to admit. The fact the Armenians were also attacking us from the inside out likely meant they’d joined forces with the fucking Italians. However, the fact he wasn’t certain meant there could be more going on with the situation. Often, when things appeared too easy and clear were because deception was involved. I had to keep that in the back of my mind.

It would seem more prudence was in order. I took my hand off the lever, clapping Tanner on the back. “You need to keep in mind I never give out second chances. You’re a lucky man. Use your newfound life wisely.”

I now owned him.

“You are one wealthy man with a healthy retirement fund.”

I chuckled and glanced up at my financial advisor. He was an expert in wealth management and the only man I’d wanted to talk to about my holdings. He was also trustworthy, his family having advised my family financially since we’d arrived in America.

“Well, that’s good to hear. I’d hate for some of my funds to be slipping away. I do want to retire in Boca Raton.” It was a standing joke, but he still always looked at me strangely. “Kidding, Jim. Just kidding. Incidentally, how are the stock values on the Armenians’ food manufacturing corporation?”

He eyed me even more warily. “Let me check.”

While he allowed his fingers to fly across the keyboard, I sat back, thinking about my options on how to handle the fucks. I could either destroy them, taking out their soldiers in a blitzkrieg or do something a bit more… conniving. I was a businessman after all. Then again, the nagging feeling they weren’t behind Tanner’s forced position also stuck out in my brain.

“Up thirteen percent in the last month. On track to make record profits this year.”

“Open stocks?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then make plans to start buying up as many shares as possible over time. Make certain and use the dummy corporation to do so. Don’t draw any red flags.”

“Why are you doing this since you usually target technical manufacturers?”

“Oh, I have my reasons.” I stood, buttoning my jacket.

“I need to disagree on this choice, Mr. Chernoff. It’s not particularly likely to stay profitable.”

I held out my hand as soon as he stood as well. “I pay you twice the going rate for your advice, Jim. While I’ve appreciated your recommendations over the years, there are some reasons why I made decisions that are quite frankly none of your goddamn business. Do I make myself clear?”

He paled, accepting the gesture. “Yes, sir. I’ll make this happen.”

“See that you do.” I was barely to the door when my phone rang. Noticing it was Francois, one of the three men I’d sent to guard the two women, I was instantly on edge. I walked out into the hallway before answering. “What is it?”

“We have an issue,” he said in a winded voice.

“What do you mean issue?”

“I mean I’m trying to get to the girls now. Sofiya enacted the escape plan through the mall but we got ten guys after us.”

Fuck. Fuck.

“Get them out of there or face my wrath.”

“Trying, sir. I thought you needed to know.”

Hissing, it was all I could do not to toss my fucking phone. How the hell had this happened? Once I found out, the person responsible wouldn’t be so lucky as good ole Tanner.

Now I was angry.

CHAPTER 9

Caroline

“Come on. Don’t stop running!” Sofiya said as she yanked me through a mall access doorway. We’d dodged the men as best we could, hiding in stores until they passed. But I was fearful they’d seen where we’d gone.

We were speeding down the wide corridor, passing by back entrances to several of the shops. When we heard the clatter as the door leading into the mall was pitched open, we both shoved our bodies against the cold wall.

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