Page 4 of Kidnapped Bratva Virgin

“We can smuggle contraband out on that back corner of the property’s border. It will be a lot easier to remain concealed from a Wisconsin base. Law enforcement is weak there.”

“You’re right about that. I’m surprised we haven’t run contraband through there previously.” I can hear Viktor’s mind ticking over with the promise of increasing our power, but we have to sew up the deal first.

“We haven’t been able to test it. Now it’s wide open for us to do it. It will be of great benefit,” I tell him, invigoration seeping back into my bones. Back at my desk, I sift through my phone numbers until I find the county treasurer’s number forRaven’s Peak. We’ve had prior conversations over the last couple of years about property. Now, after holding my breath for so long, I can come to the surface for air.

“We’re going to own everyone’s ass. Who are you calling—William?”

“You bet I am. He’s the county treasurer, and it’s going to be him who auctions off the property. He’ll make sure we get a good price.” I snicker, knowing it’s only a formality at this point. Since the Omerta Files, we’ve been able to make friends throughout government across the country.

“That’s right. He is.”

Dialing his number, William picks up after the second ring. “Ah, William. I’m glad I caught you. Business doing well?” I ask him, ticking off the initial pleasantries.

“Very well. Steady. And for you?” Viktor and I exchange glances.

“Good as always, but about that….”

“Yes?”

Pausing, I stand on the ledge of redemption, squeezing the cordless phone in my hand. “I wanted to check in with you about Raven’s Peak being auctioned off.”

A fractional pause hangs in the balance before William answers. Immediately the beat in my heart escalates. “I’m afraid Raven’s Peak won’t be auctioned off.”

“Why not?” I quip, my stomach clenching.

“Because Jackson has a distant relative, Ava. From the documents I can see, she’s a grandniece. Her name is Ava Knight. Give me a second. I’ve just finished reviewing the paperwork.”

The sound of rustling papers filters down the line, leaving me fuming. Too good to be true. Ava Knight. Who the fuck is she? “Ava Knight,” I whisper harshly under my breath.

“Ah, here it is. Yes. Ava Knight. She’s going to inherit the land, and as it stands, she’s probably been informed that it’s hers.”

“Fuck!” I mouth out loud, but don’t let William hear. “Right. Thanks William. That’s good to know.”

Cutting the call, I massage my temples, my brow knitting together. “Viktor we’ve got a thorn that needs to be pulled. I’m not about to let some grandniece stand in the way of my victory. Oh no. We’re going to buy Ava Knight out and send her on her way. She probably doesn’t even understand what all the lithium on her property is worth.

“What, Boss? What happened?”

“There’s a grandniece named Ava Knight who’s due to inherit Raven’s Peak, and we need her gone,” I answer with authority. “I need you to find out all you can about her and get back to me.”

Because Raven’s Peak is fucking mine,goddamit!

Chapter Three – Ava

Wisconsin is nothing like the bustling kaleidoscope of Chicago’s streetscapes. I’ve never seen so many spruce trees clumped together, or birds for that matter. This is what it feels like to be amongst clean, unpolluted air. The sky is clearer, less dense smog from the pollution of cars, trains, buses, and taxis. I feel my heart rate slow down, and it’s stayed the same ever since I arrived on the plane. It’s a new feeling to be at ease, and Wisconsin is showing me just how stressed out I’ve been in Chicago.

The air is fresh as I wrap my black shawl tighter around my body. It’s an outdoor funeral, and I watch Jackson’s casket being buried in the ground; it feels surreal. Most people wear black to a funeral, so I assume it’s safe enough that I’ve worn a plain black dress, stockings and a shawl. And as I look out into the sea of mournful faces who knew Jackson Knight, I stand awkwardly as the priest pours out his blessing for his afterlife.

“Jackson Knight was a beloved member of the Raven’s Peak community, and at times of great peril, he helped keep this tight-knit community afloat.” The priest’s words fade out as I look around staring at all the people, searching for any sense of security, but there is none. Most of them look to be on the downside of sixty. Some are weeping, others’ expressions are deadpan, but overall, the mood is somber. There are men in suits, who appear out of place with the rest of the gathering. Many of them are staring in my direction, and I wish they weren’t.

A gust of unruly wind whips my hair around my face, and it’s about now I wish I had a friend who came with me, so I didn’t feel so strange. I’ve inherited a vast amount of land, and I haveno idea what I’m going to do with it. I still can’t believe the call I received only days ago. I took off from work and school, only for Gunther to give me hell about it. Given what I’ve inherited, I don’t think the diner’s going to be in my immediate future soon.

As the funeral draws to a close, people I don’t know approach me, offering their condolences, and waves of feeling overwhelmed wash over me as the sharks begin to circle.

“Hi, I’m Nathan Close. I’m a property developer from New York, and sweetheart you’ve just inherited a massive fortune. I want to help you quadruple your money. How’s that sound?” A man in cheap gray suit fast talks, his teeth dripping with greed. He flashes me a business card, not giving me enough space to breathe.

Blinking rapidly, I step back, reluctantly taking the card, hoping he moves on, but he lingers like a bad smell. “Umm, thanks for the card, but I just got to Wisconsin, and I don’t know what I’m doing with the property yet,” I tell him truthfully.

“That’s exactly why you need to stay in contact with me. Raven’s Peak isn’t a place for you to keep. It’s basically wilderness so you should probably think about selling it off pretty quickly if you ask me.”

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