Page 78 of Brutal Promise

“We need to find the people behind these kidnapping attempts before they appear on your doorstep. Speaking of which, I have some sobering news. The actors who posed as us in Vegas were murdered in an alley.”

“Mother fuckers!” Nikolay slams his fist on the table, sending our cups rattling.

“I know. I’m sick about it. I never dreamed it would come to this.”

“Izzy has to be connected. No mafia would be going to this extreme otherwise.” Nikolay runs a hand over his chin. Then he gives me an intense and severe look. “You’re in danger.” He shoves the morning paper to me. “Look what I found.”

I pick up the paper that’s folded to show only one article.

“James Murphy found dead,” I read out loud. “Fuck! Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse.” I groan.

“Right. Well, what do you think?”

“Murphy was involved with the Irish mafia and under federal investigation for a RICO case.” I shrug. “The timing is concerning. He may have known who Izzy’s father was and why she was so important to the Irish and the Russians. I can understand the Irish wanting her for leverage or to use as a bargaining chip if she’s related to another mafia. The Italians are trying to coerce more money out of us; maybe someone wants to mend bridges while they’re pissing off Alexsei Sidova. I’ve noticed he remains hidden while his wife is a public figure. I don’t trust her. She’s old school, from a KGB family.”

“Interesting.” Nikolay places his elbow on the table and rests his chin on his palm pensively.

“I think Izzy is part of the Moretti family. I just haven’t figured out how she fits. The Don's daughter died before Izzy was born, and the paperwork matches.”

“Documents can be faked.”

“Right. I thought about that too. I would change my name, move away and never return. So, if Maria is Moretti’s daughter, that means Izzy is his granddaughter, and the Irish might want to ally with them. They could squeeze the Russians that way. It would be a smart move on their part.”

“Yes, but it doesn’t explain why the Russians are looking for her. And how would they know the Morettis have a child they haven’t seen in over twenty years?”

“If we knew that, we’d know who was behind everything. Tito has to know he’s on our radar after we duped him with the Vegas trip.”

“Fuck, yeah, and you’re right, there has to be someone in the Sidova bratva who knows what the Irish are up to.” Nikolay stands, and so do I. “I have to go to the office. We’re opening a hotel in Japan. What a nightmare trying to compete with established hotels. We not only have to please the palettes of an international clientele but also impress them with the best sushi chefs, so I’m poaching our competitor's chefs.”

I laugh. “Well played, brother, well played.”

Caught up with the latest family business, we walk to the door.

“When are Roman and Mom coming?”

“Soon. Just do me a favor and make sure your bride isn’t kidnapped before the main event.” His words are spoken from experience.

“I’ll do my best.” I chuckle and hug him before joining Milan, who’s been waiting in the car.

Izzy’s past is littered with secrets. Even now, I’m keeping a few of them from her because I don’t want her to worry. I doubt she’d see it that way when I tell her everything after we’re wed. Until then, there’s no reason to ruin the happiest time of her life. Yes, it’s a forced marriage, but she’s being a good sport. Then again, she’s in a predicament, and I’m her only solution. When her enemies are revealed, and she’s safe, I need to give her a reason to stay, like a baby, because I can’t picture life without her.

“Milan, take me to the jewelers.”

“Got it,” he replies. I text Anya’s phone number to Izzy and tell her to be ready before noon for her date. I’m glad Anya is taking her to the family’s newly acquired boutique to help her pick a wedding dress.

My mother tells me the invitations have been sent. Should we change the venue at the last minute to ensure our safety? It would be a smart move. I could reserve a different venue under another name. I’m stressed about laying a trap and hope we don’t get caught in it ourselves.

27

IZZY

Dmitry is gone when I get up, so I wander around the mansion, exploring. I’ve never been in a house this big. I smile, remembering the note he left, signed with words in Russian and his name. That he cared enough to leave me a note tugs at my heart, what it says is another mystery.

I find what must be the formal dining area that seats up to ten people. Good thing we have a chef if he’s expecting me to entertain and feed that many guests at one time.

Then I find his office and can’t resist intruding. What will this room tell me about him? The remnants of last night’s cigars and their brandy dregs remain evidence he enjoys his time with the boys.

Long windows showcase a yard full of shade trees and a lawn big enough to host a soccer game. What a great yard for kids.

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