Page 50 of The Hermit

It cost me billions to secure this piece of the mountain and to have this state-of-the-art house built. I had to grease quite a few palms to make it all happen, but it was worth it.

I have another house in Bratislava, which I seldom use. It’s just for backup should someone come looking for me on the mountain. Evinka uses it whenever she’s in Slovakia.

The monitors covering the left wall all come on, showing a variety of information and every security camera in and around the house.

I find the kitchen’s feed, and not seeing Grace, I search through the other feeds. Not being able to locate her anywhere, I assume she’s in her bedroom.

I’m not worried because I know Grace isn’t stupid enough to try going down the mountain on foot.

I take a seat at my desk and pull my phone out of my pocket. Noticing messages from Evinka, I open the chat and read them all.

I found an airfield in Puerto Aguirre where we can land. From there, it will take four and a half hours by boat to get to the island. I’ve bought us a yacht.

I’ve arranged for an architect to design a fortress. He said building can start in a month or so if we’re prepared to pay some bribes.

Do you want to wait and see what Ian does, or should I start contacting his buyers?

Deciding to answer via a voice message, I say, “Good work with the airfield and yacht. Pay whoever we have to so work can start on the island. I want the fortress up and running as soon as possible.” I stare at her last question, then reply, “Start contacting Devlin’s buyers. The sooner we cut ties with him, the better.”

At first, I was willing to let him keep fifty percent of his business, but after he slapped Grace, that changed. Now I’m taking everything.

Opening my secured laptop, I check every deal Evinka’s been working on and notice there’s one for an MBRL.

Seeing Santiago Castro is behind the deal, I wonder why he needs a fucking multi-barrel rocket launcher.

Surely the bratva won’t look for shit with Santiago? Then again, South America is a big territory for drugs and smuggling.

I pick up my phone and search through my contact list for Santiago’s number. I press dial and listen as the phone rings a few times before he answers, “It’s been a while, Varga. Are you calling to tell me my order is ready?”

“No, I’m curious about why you need them.”

“The fucking Russians,” he spits out.

“You too,” I murmur. “I didn’t think they’d have the guts to attack you.”

“Not guts,” he mutters. “Stupidity.”

“I’m forming an alliance with Enzo Oliveira, Leo Toscano, and Ilias Dimitrou. Do you want in? It will cost a hundred million dollars.”

“Throw in the shipment for the MBRL, and I’ll consider it.”

I let out a chuckle. “Not happening. I’ve purchased an island where the meetings will take place. Are you in or out?”

“You should give discounts once in a while,” Santiago mutters. “It’s good for business.”

I shake my head. “Yours or mine?”

A burst of laughter comes over the line. “Mine, of course.” I hear him moving, and it takes too long for my liking before he gives me his answer. “Fuck it. I’m in.”

“I’ll send you the coordinates for the island. The meeting is at noon on Tuesday. Bring a chair.”

“A chair?” he asks.

“To sit on. The island is undeveloped.”

“You’re shitting me right?”

I chuckle while ending the call and quickly send Evinka a message.

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