Page 31 of Bound in the Dark

She knew Donavan often refused his bodyguards' requests to stay safely under their watch, making their jobs harder. Still deadly in his own right, he wasn't someone who hid behind others. Much to the frustration of his bodyguards, they often met without anyone else around to keep what they discussed private.

In his mid-sixties, Donavan hadn't allowed himself to fall out of shape like many of his contemporaries. His lean build spoke of health and vitality. The man had maintained the position as Don of one of the most powerful families by being smarter and more brutal than any of his rivals. Diana respected him not only because he paid well and stayed loyal, but because he honestly cared about not only his son but his daughter who had chosen to leave the family business.

She turned off the car and got out. Donavan opened his arms in greeting as she walked towards him. As always his words were warm and welcoming and flavored with a light Italian accent.

"Tishina so good to see you well."

She stepped into his embrace, as was their custom, though she still didn't understand why he always hugged her. It made both of them vulnerable. He treated her almost like she was family rather than the bastard daughter of one of his rivals. She kissed his cheeks in the ritualistic way he preferred to show affection.

"Always good to see you, Don Minetti. Though I am surprised to be meeting you in person."

Chuckling he stepped back, freeing her from his embrace. He waved off her words with a dramatic gesture. "You are mistaken. I am not here. I am happily vacationing in the Hamptons while my son proves himself with this nasty business."

She shook her head. "Of course you are."

He glanced over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow. The Don dramatically whispered, "Did you know you have a stowaway?"

Diana rolled her eyes and lowered her voice. "My niece thinks she is stealthy. I'm pretending not to notice till we finish talking or she would try to be out herehelping."

They walked away from the cars and listening ears, up the hill and through the trees. When they reached the ridge they stopped. Down below a truck with its headlights on was parked along with two SUVs. Diana got a sinking feeling in her stomach. The two of them stayed back in the shadow of the woods so that no one below would be able to see them.

"That business with her Grandfather was shameful. Children should not be treated like currency to be traded."

"I agree though many would not."

"A man weak enough to need to trade family for power doesn't deserve respect. Was that your work at the Carolina house and cabin upstate? From what I heard it was messier than your usual style."

Normally she wouldn't share information like that with anyone, but this man had become the closest thing she had to a real father. They shared many secrets that would go no further than the two of them.

"Some. But mostly Akula."

"Then she is still alive? Good. How is she doing? Is she planning to replace your father?"

That would be a complete disaster. Diana loved her sister but the woman was ruled by her emotions. Chaos often followed her wherever she went. The two of them might be equally deadly but where she paused to look her sister leaped blindly.

"No. She is currently working on securing her retirement." That was a polite way to describe hunting down and killing anyone, including their father, who might be a danger to her. "Neither of us are interested in trying to save that particular ship."

"Good. Things will settle back down soon then?"

Diana knew what he was asking. With her father gone, the Russians would lose much of their influence in NYC. Other families would try to step up, but the Italians would easily maintain control of the lion's share of the businesses. If her sister took over it would most likely mean war, not only here, but back there.

"Yes. At least as far as we're concerned."

"We're?" Donavan looked surprised and disappointed. "Are you retiring as well?"

Diana hesitated.

Was she?

Could she be happy settling down? Stepping away from the danger and chaos should sound appealing. But Diana enjoyed her job. It held challenges that couldn't be found anywhere else. Ways to push herself both mentally and physically. What would she do if she retired?

Money wasn't an issue. But she couldn't see herself living a quiet life. Not yet. But maybe she could slow down. Only take the jobs that interested her.

"I don't think so. But maybe I'll scale back. Take more time with family."

He laughed. "Good for you. But you will give me warning if I need to find a replacement, right?"

"I will." She nodded. "Now why are we meeting out here in the cold night air?"

---