Page 21 of Deadly Offer

“We should include specific details,” Reuben suggested, eyes narrowing in concentration. “Unusual calibers or gun modifications. And the documentation should mention a non-standard delivery protocol. Something that would force Dmitrii’s men to approach from a particular direction where we can observe them without being detected.”

Nikon paused mid-stride, a flash of respect crossing his face as he considered Reuben’s words. The suggestion was tactically sound. Better than sound. It demonstrated the same strategic thinking Nikon himself used.

“And we should build in redundancies,” Reuben continued, warming to the strategy. “Multiple observation points, backup surveillance methods in case the primary fails. If we’re gathering evidence that could condemn your brother, it needs to be irrefutable.”

Nikon nodded, a grim satisfaction cutting through his turmoil. Reuben wasn’t just following Nikon’s lead... he was anticipating needs, plugging potential weaknesses in the plan before they formed.

“And if Dmitrii’s men show up looking for non-existent weapons...”

“Then we know the leak came from Andrey.” Nikon stopped pacing, facing Reuben. “No one else would have access to that information. I’ll make sure of it.”

“What about Alexei and Grigorii? Shouldn’t they be involved in this?”

“No.” The word came out too quickly, too forcefully. Nikon moderated his tone. “Not yet. Not until we’re certain.”

Reuben pushed off from the sofa, moving closer until they stood face to face. “You’re trying to protect him, even now.”

“I’m trying to protect all of us.” Nikon rubbed his thumb across his lower lip. “If Andrey is selling us out to Dmitrii, I need to know why, how deep it goes. And if he isn’t—”

“But he is.”

“Then I need proof that will stand before Grigorii and Alexei. Proof that will ensure whatever happens next...” Nikon let the sentence trail off, unwilling to finish it.

“Won’t be your fault?” Reuben completed the thought, his voice gentle despite the accusation.

Nikon turned away, moving to the windows, staring out at the city lights. His reflection stared back. “You don’t understand what it’s like. Grigorii practically raised us after our parents died. Andrey might be a loose cannon, and a pain in my ass, but he’s still my brother.”

“I understand more than you think.” Reuben joined him at the window, their reflections overlapping in the glass. “My family may have disowned me, but I still remember what it felt like to belong somewhere.”

Nikon reached out, his fingers finding Reuben’s, an almost unconscious gesture. “You belong here now.”

“I know.” Reuben squeezed his hand as he closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to Nikon’s. “That’s why I’m helping you set this trap. Not to hurt Andrey...” he whispered against Nikon’s mouth. “...but to protect you.”

Two days later, Nikon stood in a small observation room overlooking the loading dock of the abandoned warehouse.

The observation room itself was hardly more than a glorified closet; dusty cinderblock walls, a metal desk bolted to the floor, and three plastic chairs that creaked with every slight movement. The smell of mildew and old cigarettes permeated everything. Nikon’s nostrils flared at the underlying metallic tang—blood or rust or both. This warehouse had seen its share of Matvei ‘business meetings’in years past.

Through the dirty window, he could see the yellow corrugated metal wall of the main building they were watching, weathered by years of exposure. Paint peeled in long strips where water had seeped between panels. Stacks of wooden pallets lined the concrete loading area, arranged in haphazard piles that provided perfect cover for their surveillance.

The decaying warehouse bore no resemblance to Nikon’s immaculate penthouse, worlds apart in every sense. Yet somehow, this felt more honest—a place where ugly truths could finally surface.

Behind him, Stepan checked the ammunition in his sidearm for the third time. The enforcer’s presence was a calculated risk, as Nikon trusted few men completely, but Stepan had proven his loyalty a dozen times over.

“No one else knows we’re here?” Nikon didn’t turn from the window.

“No one, boss.” Stepan’s voice was low and gravel-rough. “Just like you said.”

“Good.” Nikon checked his watch. Almost time. “Remember, we observe only. No engagement unless I give the order.”

“Understood.” The soft click of Stepan holstering his weapon punctuated the word.

The door to the observation room opened, and Reuben slipped inside, bringing the scent of cold air and coffee. He passed a cup to Nikon, his fingers brushing Nikon’s deliberately.

“Everything’s in place. The fake shipment documents were delivered to Andrey’s office yesterday. If the information is being passed to Dmitrii, his men should arrive within the hour.”

Nikon took a sip of the coffee, letting the bitter heat burn away some of the exhaustion of the last sleepless nights. “And if they don’t show?”

“Then maybe we’re wrong.” Reuben settled into position by the second window, scanning the approach road. “Maybe there’s another explanation.”

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