Page 23 of Possession of the Bratva

Stopping in the driveway, I looked around. Three guards were standing to the side and one heading their way. Walking quickly, I caught up to the one before he reached the others. He stopped and looked at me. “Yes, miss, how can I help?” he asked politely.

“I was wondering,” I replied softly. “If you have a phone on you. I need to get hold of Tasha, but mine doesn’t work.”

He looked at the others, now staring at us. I wasn’t sure if they knew that Aleksandr had taken my phone, but I had to try. “Please, I’ll be quick,” I added, smiling innocently at him.

There was no reaction from the others as he handed me his phone. “Thank you, I’ll just be there by the door.” He nodded and strolled off to join the others. Walking back to the front door, I sat down on the steps as I searched his phone for Tasha’s number.

I was sure they all would have the numbers for every member of the family. As I found it, I smiled. I was right. They are all saved on the phone. Pressing the dial button, I glanced at the guards. They appeared to be having a nice conversation and weren’t paying much attention to me.

I listened as it rang. My anger had subdued slightly, and I could manage a friendly tone when she answered. “Hi, Tasha.Sorry to be calling from the guard’s phone, but mine didn’t work,” I said, knowing she would find it odd.

“Oh, okay,” Tasha responded. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, no, everything is fine. I was just wondering; I saw some of the guards coming through the trees at the back with the horses earlier. Are there other entryways onto the property?” I hoped my question didn’t raise any red flags with her.

“Yes,” she replied in her eager tone. “I’m sure the guards are patrolling those if you were worried someone may sneak onto the property.”

Grinning, I was relieved that she was so open. “Oh, okay, cool. Are there other paths as well, or only the front and back?”

The phone was silent for a bit, but I could hear her breathing, so I waited. “I think there are four. But I’m not so sure where the last one is. The third one is to the side, past the pool. There is a small road leading to the highway.”

“Great to know; thank you so much,” I replied.

Tasha sighed before speaking again. “Mila, are you sure everything is fine? Do you want me to come out there?”

As her words came through the receiver, I realized I would have to give her a valid reason. “Everything is fine, I assure you. I just noticed the guards moving in and out in different directions. I was just curious, is all,” I replied in a friendly tone.

“Okay, good. We must schedule another swim soon,” Tasha blurted.

“Yes, we must do that. Thank you, have a nice day.” I responded. I had to get off the phone and work on my plan.

“You too,” she said as I hung up.

Walking towards the guards, I held out the phone before me. The one came my way, meeting me halfway. “Thank you,” I said as I handed it back to him. He nodded, took the phone, and returned to the others.

Entering the house, I wondered how long the road was to the highway. I had to get to my family and assist them with the job. Glancing at the wall clock, I noticed the day was still young. Most of our operations were evening jobs. Heading around the pool, I scanned the trees for an entrance.

There it was. It was well hidden. Once I knew what to look for, it was easy to spot. Glancing around, I made sure no one was watching as I approached the tree line. As I headed into the trees, I moved faster. I didn’t know what time Aleksandr would return, but he wasn’t going to stop me.

By the time I got to the road, my legs were burning. Bending forward, heaving, I allowed my lungs to take in some air. Feeling steadier, I started towards town. I noticed there were quite a couple of cars, trucks, and vans passing by.

I hadn’t gone too far when a truck slowed and pulled up beside me. “You need a ride, hun?” the elderly gentleman asked from behind the wheel.

“Thank you, sir,” I replied, hopping on the back. He appeared to be heading past town as he stayed on the road. Nearing an area I was familiar with, I tapped on the roof. He slowed down and stopped. “Thank you again,” I said, getting down.

“No problem, keep safe now,” he replied and drove off.

I walked into the side section of town. Entering one of my regular hangouts, I was greeted warmly. “Could I borrow your bike?” I asked the barman as he handed me a beer.

“You in trouble, Mila?” he questioned.

“No,” I replied, smiling. “I just need to get home. I was dropped not too far from here. My bike’s at home.”

He nodded and slid his keys across the counter. “Thank you,” I said, rising. “I’ll get it back to you soon.”

I was thrilled to be riding a bike again. Pulling out of the parking area, I opened the throttle, feeling the wind through my hair. Heading to the office, I was sure one or all of my siblings would be there.

Pulling up, I parked on the sidewalk. There was no time to waste. I knew Aleksandr would find me missing and come looking, but I had to do this job with my siblings. It was part of me. I wasn’t going to sit back and just let my life go.

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