Page 76 of The Pakhan

What a fucking night, both horrible and amazing. Who the fuck had tried to kidnap Caroline? When I found the person, they would learn what facing consequences meant.

“The interesting thing was that from what I’d been told, the governor had just left the room, the district attorney as well, and the majority of celebrities were on the other side from where the bullets were fired. Other than two waiters, an accountant who stumbled into the room looking for another party, and the police commissioner, no one of any consequence was shot and every injury was non-life threatening.”

“And Stefano?”

“Not a scratch on him or his two boys. But they appeared shaken. I noticed that when everyone was fleeing the room. He was yelling orders to his sons in Italian, acting more frantic than I’ve ever seen or heard from the man.”

“Don’t you find that odd? If you order your people to come into a prestigious party and let the gunfire rip, wouldn’t you be aiming for someone?” I twirled my glass. Perhaps drinking right now wasn’t in my best interest given my aggravated mood, but fuck it. My leg ached, my heart more so.

“Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. So you’re thinking abducting Caroline was the real reason the party was trashed,” Aleksander said more in passing. “A little far-fetched.”

“What I’m thinking is that Stefano had nothing to do with the attack. He isn’t the kind of man to play his cards that early or easily and his men are crack shots. He would have ensured a few key personnel were gunned down in cold blood to send a message.”

“Like you would do.”

“Like I would do. I think we need to widen our search of possible candidates. That’s why I want you to use your connections and your finesse to set up a meeting with Marino, Narke Barsamian, and Shane O’Rourke.”

He was instantly silent. “What did you say? I know I didn’t hear you right.” Putting all four of the most ruthless crime syndicate leaders in a room was unprecedented, but this wasn’t the stone age. We could either fight like cavemen in the streets to increase business or handle it like professionals. As much as we disliked each other, we were motivated by wealth and power just like anyone else.

“You heard me, Aleks. At this point the game needs to be brought full circle with me back in complete control or we’re all going to need to work together to determine what the fuck is going on.”

Now he whistled. “You got balls, my Pakhan, but it’s not a bad idea. When are you suggesting this illustrious meeting occur?”

“Tomorrow. Late morning.”

He coughed this time, which made me grin. “I’m no magician.”

“You don’t need to be. You are a damn good influencer. You have a special way of handling difficult personalities. I am certain you’re going to do a bang-up job in making this happen for your Pakhan. Won’t you?”

“Fuck me. I mean yes, sir. I’ll see what I can do but you know I can’t promise anything. The three men are Neanderthals.”

“Let’s put it this way. I’m certain they say the same thing about me.”

“Good point. What are you doing in the meantime while I’m performing miracles?”

“I’m still on the hunt for the man who almost took Caroline from her apartment and from the party.”

He also seemed surprised. “She’s certain it’s the same guy?”

“Pretty certain but in this instance, she scratched him enough to draw blood.”

“Whew, it’s a tall order to find a man in a city of this size.”

“Not if he works with me.”

“Ah, shit,” he whispered. “Let me dig into the guest list. Maybe I’ll find something.”

“I want these bastards on a silver platter. Period. Any red flags whatsoever and I want to know.”

“Yes, sir. We’ll get them. Get some fucking rest and stop calling me. At least I still have a few hours of peace left. Even if tomorrow is Sunday, my day off, looks like I’ll be working. So for the love of God, allow me to enjoy a few more hours.”

I chuckled. “Enjoy, my friend. Just remember who keeps you in the manner to which you’ve become accustomed.”

“Very funny.”

But true. I paid my people well. Some would say too well. As I ended the call, tossing my phone aside, I placed my hands over my face.

And just like the thunder had before, the anger rolled.

---