Page 94 of The Brigadier

“You’re going to torture him?” I knew my voice was rising just a little too much. I shot a quick look at Damien, who was splashing around far too much to hear anything.

“What did I tell you about who I was, Chantel?” The way he looked into my eyes was as if admitting he’d just committed multiple murders. I wasn’t certain I wanted to hear more of this terrible story. But I had to push. I felt it in my gut.

“Fine. You need to do some different things in your business that don’t seem normal to the outside world. But guess what?Do you not think some of the wealthiest corporate moguls with spotless reputations have ordered hits on enemies? Do you think all those smiling politicians who act squeaky clean haven’t performed acts of violence? What about the normal little guys in the field, maybe one with a smaller company who realizes using blackmail will get them ahead faster? If you think that then you need your head examined.”

This time, his eyes opened wide. I think I’d shocked him. Shocking.

Nikolay burst into laughter. “You have a damn good point.”

“In college, I took several world economic classes, including a creative course involving the true power behind the top companies and wealthy entrepreneurs in the world. The one thing that was constant is that they veered from protocol often. They went against their own rules. They did the unexpected. Cunning, yes. Brilliant? You bet. That brought them more success. There are stories that would make your jaw drop.”

“Interesting. Why are you telling me this?”

When I gripped his hand this time, I made certain he knew he wasn’t going anywhere. “You thought Tanner was a friend on top of being a loyal employee. Yes?”

“Correct. Hell, we shot pool together over tequila and talked about the world over darts.”

“Whoever this enemy is likely tossed him back to you like shooting down prey in a den full of wolves. He expects you to kill the guy after torturing him. But here’s the thing. Tanner loves his family. Right?”

He remained surprised but there was a light shifting in his yes. “Yes, very much so. He has a wife and daughter, a mother who lives with them. And a sister he’s close with as well.”

“That is everyone’s first loyalty if they have a freaking heart. It will kill him literally, but he’ll die thinking he’s protecting his family. I assure you that’s bullshit. You can tell me that better than anyone else.” I huffed, feeling the extreme heat in my body building like a wildfire.

And it had nothing to do with sexual needs either.

“What are you suggesting?” At least the asshole was intrigued.

And I was on a roll.

“Do the unexpected.”

“Which is?”

“Don’t kill him. Encourage him to tell you where his family has been taken or how many men are watching them under what is likely the threat of death. Rely on the loyalty that’s still there. And it is. He would likely prefer cutting off his right arm himself instead of betraying you or the Bratva. You’re a great judge of character. So have him help you and slaughter the bastards who deserve it while bringing his family to safety. I assure you that if it’s loyalty you want, you’ll have it tenfold for the rest of your life and his.”

He sat back, not trying to pull his hand free.

I refused to back down. “All that extreme strategy you talked about with other organizations? That’s what you and the Pakhan are missing. Maybe you’re right in that you’ve gotten lazy. All three of you. You rely on big business, wallowing in your wealth. Think like a pro. That way, Tanner will tell you everything heknows and the plan you need to develop will start coming into place. In every war that’s won, the strongest, most qualified minds work together, not against each other.”

Using his other hand, he drummed on the table, finally locking eyes with mine. “I must admit, woman. That is perhaps the smartest thing I’ve heard in one hell of a long time.”

I understood my father’s empire and the world I’d been brought into enough to know the worst thing in the world was to have a trusted member of a higher ranking betray you. That caused a tumble-down effect.

But I also believed in what I was saying, even if I was winging it.

“Yes, a brilliant plan and I’m going to need to make some phone calls. The only part about this is I fear we’ve already been compromised more than I originally believed, although I’d racked my brain and I’m not certain how that’s possible.”

“The house?” I asked.

He nodded. “Thankfully, Tanner didn’t know the location. Although I know he was aware of its existence.”

“Think about it. In order for him to discover the information, you either have a footprint somewhere on the internet of the address or he paid someone to follow you and your men. Is either scenario possible?”

“Tanner was in special ops in the Marines, but his expertise was weaponry and strategic operations involving some of the most compromising activities and kills that were considered impossible. He and his team had a success rate of almost one hundred percent.”

“Sounds like you need him,” I said with a grin. “But that didn’t answer the question.”

At least his chuckle was lighter, not filled with the need for revenge. “He is a brilliant man but he’s no hacker. I pay people for that. No, he’s not friends with any of them. We purposely keep various departments in the dark from each other as a method of security. Tanner doesn’t even know their names. I have far too many security measures in place for him to be able to follow me here. You can relax,” he stated, and I could tell his wheels were spinning round and round.

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