Page 123 of Cashmere Ruin

“We’re not?” Gora asks.

“No. We’re just going to make a play for both. That way, even if we lose one, we won’t end up screwed.”

Like last time.No one says it, but it’s on everyone’s mind: my most recent failure. “Do you have anyone in mind for the job?” Grisha asks, giving me the perfect chance to pivot.

“I do.”

“Who?”

“Everyone.”

Thevoryfrown. “Everyone?” Vlad asks, unconvinced.

I pull out two folders and slide them in opposite directions on the table. “Team Groza. Team Solovyov. Congratulations: you each have a week to get me a building.”

“We’re… competing?” Stanislav frowns.

“Just a friendly challenge, of course. Put your best men on it: the winning team will get a chance to name our nextvor.”

It’s an opportunity no one can afford to pass up. Right now, the Groza and Solovyovvoryare evenly matched. Whoever wins this will control the board vote-wise.

Not that it’ll matter. I’ve always made my own decisions. I don’t intend to change my ways.

But mostvorydon’t know that. After the Ivan situation, they’ve probably been expecting some kind of shift. And if they think this is it, who am I to contradict them?

Stanislav picks up a folder. Vlad snatches away the other. “One week?” he splutters.

“One week.”

Then they disperse.

Only Yuri and Grisha stay behind. As soon as the room empties, they both approach me. Then Yuri hisses, “What the hell was that?”

It’s a testament to my good mood that I don’t punish him. “That, brother, was strategy.” He opens his mouth to object, but I cut him off. “Call Petra. Tell her to meet us at my place. The real meeting starts now.”

“This better be good,” Petra huffs, heel tapping impatiently. “I had to cancel a mani-pedi.”

“And we’re all grateful for your selfless sacrifice.”

“I don’t get it,” Yuri mutters. “Why did you say all those things at the meeting?”

I don’t justify myself. I’ve never felt the need, and I’m not going to start now. “Grisha. My bag.”

Once I have it in my hands, it takes me less than a second to find what I’m looking for. “What I’m about to show you cannot leave this room. Only the four of us will know of it. Understood?”

Everybody nods.

Satisfied, I toss the contents on the table.

“Anotherroll-up?” Yuri cranes his neck to see. “What is it?”

“The plan. Therealplan.”

Petra leans over to inspect it. She slowly unrolls the corners, pinning them with paperweights as she goes. Her eyes trail over every inch of the blueprint. “Whose building is this?”

“Carmine’s.”

Three pairs of eyes go wide around me. “You’ve got to be kidding,” Yuri says.

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