Page 14 of The Councilor

“There are reasons for both, Mr.… I mean Aleksander.” Another flush swept up from her neck, but it was obvious she hated me. She had a flawless complexion and extremely long eyelashes. What little makeup she allowed herself to wear included mascara, which highlighted her eyes even more. She was more complex, multi-layered than I’d expected. However, it remained to be seen whether she had enough of a backbone to do this work. And I would test her.

That was part of my tutelage. And it was what had driven my other assistants away.

“True. I suspect you’ll learn in this job which you’re better suited for.”

“Aleksander,” a voice came from behind me, a hard clap on my back next. “Good to see you out and about.”

I stood, not necessarily out of respect either. I enjoyed lording my size over men who believed they held more power, which in fact they didn’t. “Senator Young. I understand you’ve recently rebuffed some controversy. The labor union, I believe?” He’d held his position in the union over Vadim’s head, even though it was supposed to be a secret. There was many a man doing double dipping, claiming loyalty to one organization when holding court for another. This politician was no different.

He seemed almost miffed but shook my hand. “Yes, well, you know how the press can be. Vultures.”

“That I do. Good to see you again.” I had no intention of giving him but so much of my time. He was a backstabbing jerk who would do anything to find evidence of corruption within the Bratva. It was never going to happen.

“You’re a popular man,” she said in a slightly lower voice than before.

“I wouldn’t call it popular. Most people are just fearful of me.”

“Why? You don’t seem scary to me.”

It was as if she had no idea about the second life I lived. Well, perhaps given her age and obviously being from a more protective environment she didn’t. “Because my tactics are ruthless and what some would call unscrupulous.”

For some beautiful reason, that brought a smile to her face. “Are you ready for tomorrow?”

“I have a bad feeling a witness is going to pop up out of nowhere. I don’t like surprises, Raphaella. That is something you should know about me.”

“No one does. I’m curious. I looked over the case file. I hope you don’t mind. I just wanted to get a feel for the cases you were working on.”

It was my turn to smile. No wonder she’d been at the office early. “Not at all. You have full access to all my files.” What few knew, including my partner, was that I had two computers at home, one for doing work from the office and a second for my work as the Councilor of the Bratva.

“You do know there’s another credible witness recently discovered by the police. Right?”

“How could you possibly know that?”

She shrugged, another gleam in her eyes. “I have my sources too. I emailed you the information thinking you might need it.”

“You just might be a godsend. Now, no more business for tonight.” To say I was shocked was an understatement. However, I had a distinct feeling I’d need to find out if Jacob was aware. My guess was that he was. Anything to win against me. The man would need a hard lesson. “Tell me more about yourself.”

“There’s not much to tell. I live with two roommates, all three of us just trying to make ends meet. I adore the city but often wonder if the crime isn’t becoming too out of hand. I know it well, adore the foods and cultural events. But one day I hope to own a big house on a beach somewhere.”

“Sounds lovely.”

“And not the Hamptons. I hate entitled people.”

“Then we have something in common.”

During the course of the next thirty minutes, while she certainly managed to keep much of her personal life to herself, I found out enough I was even more intrigued. However, I would keep her at arm’s length as I sensed she would become a valuable tool in my work.

“What are your interests outside of beating every one of your opponents?” Her question was laced with a laugh.

“I do enjoy that very much, but I love to hike, box, and spend time with good friends.”

She seemed surprised once again. “You don’t seem like a hiker.”

“We all carry around surprises we prefer to keep private. Your sculpting provides you with a sense of peace. For me, it’s getting out in the middle of Mother Nature, enjoying sunlight and a more rugged aspect of life than living in posh surroundings.”

“Where do you hike in New York?”

“That’s just it. I do go to the Catskill Mountains but prefer the Adirondacks. The rocks are more jagged, rough enough that I can get my hands dirty.”

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