Page 19 of The Councilor

The man liked goading me. Tonight, it was nothing more than an irritation. While I’d had a feeling I’d be put on the spot, other than a fleeting thought or two, I hadn’t managed to think of a decent alternative plan. However, maybe I needed to think outside the box. I’d googled the man and his family just prior to coming over. One piece of credit I’d give the man. He was extremely protective of his children, refusing to have pictures taken of them or even their names to be released.

I’d searched every site I could find, only being able to confirm he had two daughters and a son, two of the three adults.

What I was thinking was completely avant-garde, but to my mind, it was the only thing that might work. “What do we know about Luciano?” I asked, passing the question to both men.

“He’s power hungry. He wants more territory and clout, including with various city and state officials,” Nikolay answered first.

“Exactly.” I took a puff of my cigar, holding the smoke in while I studied Vadim and his reaction. He was paying close attention, merely waiting to see if I’d come up with a good idea or hang myself. “From what we’ve witnessed over the last few months, he’ll do anything to get what he wants.”

“Which is why the man needs to be destroyed,” Vadim added in his reflective voice.

“You’re thinking like your father,” I told him. “The old ways. Sometimes, that’s not in the best interest of families or the city. You’ve worked long and hard to clean up the Bratva. You have a wife now.”

“Yes, but what are you getting at, that I should just let this go?”

“Not in the least.” I’d been damn good at thinking on my feet and an idea came to me, although I wasn’t certain about the fruition of what I was about to propose.

“Then what, Aleks? I’m eager to hear your idea.”

“Marriage.”

I thought both men were going to choke on the smoke.

“What the hell does that mean?” Nikolay was asking as he laughed.

“From what I know, Luciano has two daughters, both adults. If the man is so power hungry, then the best way to control him is by keeping him close. Toss him a few bones, maybe return his drugs if he agrees and is a good boy. And the two of you sign a treaty so a war won’t continue.” The silence almost made me laugh.

Vadim leaned forward, placing his drink on the table. He took another couple of thoughtful puffs before placing his cigar in the huge ashtray. “Marriage. Not to be a naysayer, but just who do you think will be offered up from our side like a lamb chop since I have no sons? And need I remind you that if I’m not mistaken, his son is underage. Not that I’d allow either one of my two daughters to marry an Italian pig.”

“I am not volunteering,” Nikolay snapped. “You both know I’m too busy.”

“You have other possible candidates, Vadim. This could be the only thing that works.”

My friend was surprised, something I rarely did with the man. We’d worked together long enough we could read each other’s minds half the time.

“Or we just blow up his headquarters,” Nikolay suggested.

I threw a look in the younger man’s direction. “Imagine what will happen after that. There won’t be a safe location within the organization. Our men will be targeted, their families as well. Your daughters, Vadim. Your son, Nik. Do you really want to chance that?”

Vadim closed his eyes. “Aleks has a decent point. Going back and forth with violence and brutality isn’t in our best interest. But marriage. I don’t know if I want a more permanent tethering to the man.”

“Well, like with any other contract that would need to be drawn up, you can add various codicils and conditions. Such as the marriage must remain intact for a year, maybe more. Heirs could need to be produced. Trust funds established utilizing funds from both sides. There are creative ways of keeping the man at arm’s length while on a short leash.”

“Yes, an artform,” Vadim agreed.

“An added benefit is using his connections,” I told him.

“As he’d use mine. I’ll need time to think about this,” he told both of us.

“What about the attack?” Nikolay pressed.

Vadim exhaled and looked at me, waiting for my recommendation for the early stages of whatever would be decided.

“Let it go for now. You’ve both made your points. I realize the time can only be short lived but at least you can have time to yourself to think about my suggestion.” I was a little surprised I’d thought of the arranged marriage in the first place. Yes, it was an old and rather barbaric practice. However, in certain applications within the crime syndicates, the alliance made some sense.

Vadim nodded after a full minute had passed. “I’ll give it some consideration. What I also don’t like is setting the precedent. I will never force Sofiya or Daniella into an unholy union.”

“That’s your decision, no one else’s.”

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