Page 30 of Trapping His Assassin

Cousin Makari cleared his throat. “She has a shell account in Switzerland. I think she headed there. I’m tracing the money down to the bank.”

I opened a chat between us and typed out a message. “Once you have the address, send it to me. I will be going after her, as soon as I wrap my business up here.”

He looked down at the phone, and there was that awkward moment where he went to pull up the chat, before he responded verbally to me. “No doubt, I’m on it.” Makari clicked off.

He was a recluse on his best day. I hadn’t seen him since the funeral. I never needed him for much, but it seemed his skills were more defined. He was better at earning money for The Brotherhood, and tracking down any that was lost.

I would have a location soon for my little killer. So I needed to put her out of my mind, and get ready for my meeting with Don Ricci. We were approaching the vineyard now. It was one run by the American Mob. They didn’t have much in this country, which was why Viktor wanted to expand. The more territories, the more money coming in for The Brotherhood.

We climbed out of the vans as Benedikt gave the men their orders. It wasn’t that I couldn’t take over, I just didn’t want any mistakes, and before Benedikt was a spy, he was one of the best enforcers of his time.

He was skilled at infiltrating, and extricating himself from sticky situations. It was why Viktor sent him to advise me in the first place. They still viewed me as a kid, after all. Not a man in my own right.

Tension was high as we gathered in the meeting room. We’d walked past the barrels of wine into a huge office space. Don Ricci sat at the head of the room. His gaze, which once held authority and weight behind it, now seemed weak.

Something strange was stirring. It resonated within my gut.

“Thank you for accepting my invitation,” Don Ricci began. “We have much to discuss.”

Great Uncle Benedikt inclined his head, showing a modicum of respect. “Indeed, it has been a long time since both our families have negotiated.”

Don Ricci turned to me. “What’s wrong with the boy?” His eyes never left Benedikt’s.

I seethed, but my great uncle spoke, covering my displeasure.

“He doesn’t say much in any of the meetings.”

“Hmmm.” Don Ricci moved on fairly quickly. “Back to business.” He must’ve remembered I wasn’t a Petrov by blood, so the information was acceptable, which made me angrier.

The atmosphere crackled with tension, as the two went head to head. “We can’t move forward until we address the largest problem.”

“I’m listening.” Benedikt leaned forward, but I could see his hand reaching for his weapon.

I slowly found mine, ready for whatever.

“It may have been years ago for the men, but the offense against me is still fresh in my mind. This slight cannot go unpunished,” Don Ricci spat.

“I am aware of the situation you speak of, but surely we can find an amenable way to compromise. It has been many years, and the treaty between us shouldn’t be threatened.” Great Uncle Benedikt’s jaw tightened.

“It doesn’t feel like it’s been years,” the Don retaliated. “It feels like it was yesterday, and for that, I need retribution.”

Benedikt nodded. “We are willing to make amends.”

The Don’s eyes gleamed. “Then bring me Viktor’s head, since I can’t have Alexie.”

The men murmured behind him, as Benedikt pulled his weapon. Mine was out and pointed at the Don. Mateo and their men had also drawn. My men were pointing theirs at the soldiers closest to them on the other side.

A stalemate.

Mateo’s eyes darted nervously around the dim, smoke-filled room before landing on his boss, who stood with his back to him. In one swift motion, Mateo aimed his gun and fired a single shot. The loud bang echoed off the walls, as the Don fell to the ground, blood trickling from his head. Shocked gasps filled the air, as everyone froze in terror and confusion.

It was silent as the Italians slowly lowered their weapons.

Mateo’s piercing voice cut through the tense silence in the room. He stood tall, his posture rigid, and his eyes cold, as he addressed the gathering of delegates. “The treaty still stands,” he declared. “But we will accept monetary compensation for the insult, and may consider discussing some alternative port options at a later time.”

Benedikt lowered his gun and nodded. “That can be arranged.”

We slowly backed out of the room into the vineyard. I could hear Mateo addressing his soldiers in the background. “Don Ricci made a fatal mistake tonight. Sometimes our enemies can become our greatest allies, and with the Bratva on our side, we will grow stronger…”

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