Page 1 of The Councilor

PROLOGUE

“When your mind is mainly in a dark place it is difficult not to think in shadow.”

—Charlie Hasler

“Come out, come out, little fawn. I promise I won’t hurt you.”

Terror skittered through me, my mind a horrible blur of disgusting images. Blood pumped through my veins as I raced away, ignoring the man’s cries. As I headed down the alleyway, I prayed there would be someone, anyone at the end to help me.

I sensed he was behind me, lurking. Waiting. Determined to break my soul.

No one could do that. No one.

There was so much to live for, so many reasons to survive.

Even if no one was coming to help me.

I heard his dark, evil laughter in the distance, momentarily disoriented by the rush of adrenaline. My feet were heavy, but Ikept moving, ignoring the rain as it pelted against my body and face. I was close, so close to freedom. Nothing was going to stop me.

But as with so many aspects of my life, nothing was supposed to be easy.

A sudden blinding light enveloped the darkness, removing the shadows. But in its place was another wave of sheer terror as a monster wrapped his arm around my throat, pulling me against his hard body. And in a sickening flow of slow motion, the harsh light flickered across a knife.

There was no doubt I was going to die today.

CHAPTER 1

Aleksander

“I swear to God, you’re going to get me disbarred,” I snapped as I took long strides beside Vadim. Even though he was my best friend and a man who paid me well for my counseling, I was also constantly irritated by his growing need to have me more involved with his unscrupulous activities.

Not that I hadn’t crossed a few lines over my lifetime. I wasn’t a good guy. I was a ruthless savage who feasted on the fears of others. But I’d never taken murder lightly. As an attorney, I’d taken an oath to follow the letter of the law.

However, as the chosen Councilor for the most powerful man in the city, I’d pledged my allegiance.

“Give me a break,” Vadim Chernoff said as he flanked my side. It was dark, more so on the street we were on. The area was well known for recent renovations, most commercial businesses trying to get a new lease on life. “You’re half owner of the most prestigious law firm in New York if not the East Coast. Plus, I own half the police department. You’ve never had an issue.”The Pakhan had always been sure of himself, the man a true powerhouse inside the Big Apple.

Then again, I wielded a hell of a lot of weight myself.

“Yeah, well, it’s the other half I’m worried about.” My grumble didn’t stop me from removing my weapon, ensuring I had a full magazine of ammunition.

“Stop worrying. I need someone I can trust and Sergei is on vacation, much needed, I might add. And Maxim is visiting his mother in the hospital. I’m a cruel bastard but I’m not entirely heartless.”

He was good to his men, his two Capos well paid for protecting their Pakhan.

Three additional soldiers trailed along behind us, but for tonight, we were the enforcers. “Fine. Let’s just get this over with,” I told him.

“Hot date?”

“Yeah, a heavy deposition to deal with.”

He laughed, his deep tone reverberating in the repulsive alley. “You freaking work too much. You should learn to enjoy the spoils of all your diligent work. Look at me. I enjoy my time off, relishing my spoils of war after working a long, savage day.”

His Russian accent was heavier tonight, which usually occurred when he was angry. And tonight, he was enraged. We’d be lucky if we didn’t start a blood war, which I’d need to help clean up, but I did understand his rage.

No one dared cross the Chernoff Empire and lived.

“Uh-huh. That woman of yours has you wrapped around her little finger.”

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