Page 61 of The Brigadier

At this location, the well-hidden cameras were infrared, the capabilities to see long distance military grade. They were in three dozen locations, including several located on special poles off the main portion of the property. That also included past the dune. There was nothing but additional beach for miles, including the thick, natural mounds of sand. I was thrilledthe dunes were there to provide some protection against the southern winds and additional privacy.

However, the vacant area was also perfect for allowing an enemy to plan and execute a sneak attack, even if cameras had been installed to try to prevent one. The one dangerous thing about living at a beautiful beach environment with cold weather, gales, and blowing sand was the corrosion it eventually caused the cameras. Let alone the lenses were often covered in sand.

While my office was positioned where I could see over the dune to a degree, it wasn’t clearly enough in my opinion, at least not for some master masquerade artist.

Vadim had established a Zoom call with Aleksander from the Pakhan’s office in what was considered more of a safehouse. While still an extraordinary location, that one had mountain views. While only one hundred miles outside the city, the Catskills offered both protection and natural beauty. And Caroline seemed to adore being there much like Chantel did with this house.

“Good to hear. There was an attack on Aleksander not long after the one at your place.” Vadim was reflective, even drumming his fingers on the desk.

I glanced from Vadim to Aleksander, who was obviously pissed. “Where?”

“I’d gone to my law office to grab a few things. When I stepped out, you’d think all hell had broken loose. The entire lobby was demolished from the number of bullets flying.”

“Was anyone hurt?” I asked, even putting my feet up on the desk. I could hear little feet running down the hallway and was certain Chantel wasn’t far behind. I don’t know why, but I remainedshocked how much my kid had changed in a few short days. It was almost like a miracle.

Aleks shook his head first. “No.”

“Which means they were issuing a warning with you.” Which could also mean I was the intended target.

“Yeah, I would agree. However, the damage done was in the hundred plus thousand-dollar range. And there was a drive-by at the house. No shots fired but I’m fairly certain it was the same crew by what was witnessed by my men. Raphaella is already settled at the cabin. I’ll head there in a few. Tomorrow we have that meeting with Luciano Bernardi. He was none too happy being pushed but I helped him understand the circumstances.”

There was a gleam in Aleksander’s eyes. He could be just as brutal as I was if pushed.

The various sites had been strategically chosen for the three of us, the equipment’s abilities shining given the locations. We could run a goddamn country war between the three of us. Plus, we had the capability of tracking danger at every location, including those in New York City from where we were positioned.

“Così è la vita in tempo di pace e in tempo di guerra.” I said rather quietly for the level of anger I continued to feel.

“Your incredible knowledge of the Italian language could be considered treacherous,” Vadim said as he laughed. “So what the hell did you say?”

“I just said that such is life in times of peace and those in war. And make no mistake. These blatant acts I consider to be the start of a war.” I was dead serious.

Both men nodded. How else was there to think about the situation? Someone was gunning for us.

“We go to the meeting tomorrow and see what Luciano has to say. I honestly have my doubts he’s behind this. I just don’t think he’d break the alliance,” Vadim said thoughtfully.

I wanted to disagree but Luciano was as calculating as anyone else. “What about the Kaskov Bratva?”

Aleksander snorted. “They are bragging they will soon be the big fish. It isn’t them.”

Maybe at least we were ruling out a few candidates.

There were dozens more.

“With the attacks, there’s more chatter on the streets. Still, no one is taking the blame openly.” Vadim suddenly jerked up from his chair, heading away from the camera.

“That could mean a number of things including an outside syndicate or cartel or someone that doesn’t run in the same circles,” I suggested.

“I checked with my buddies at the CIA but there’s no real discussion of anyone determined to adopt the Big Apple as their new home,” Aleks answered. “He’s not finished checking his various darker sources.”

“Speaking of which,” I interjected. “Anything on the dark web?”

Vadim returned, thumping back into his chair, a drink in his hand. “Nothing terribly unusual. Sure, there’s some glee that the Chernoff Empire might be destroyed but it’s to be expected. Happens every time shit like this goes down.”

“If only we could follow the trail of who hired the stalker,” Aleks suggested.

I half laughed. “That was just a piece of the game. It was almost as if the perpetrator wanted to ensure Chantel was brought into the fold.”

“Bastard. He wants easier access to the entire regime, I’m telling you.” Vadim was quickly approaching the way he’d been immediately after the attack on his place.

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