Page 160 of Lethal Legacy

“You all know the dangers of a money trail in the digital age.” I open my palms. “Every one of us has faced threats to our business because some journalistfollowed the money.We all know that diligent accountants pose more of a threat to our operations than any rival or government agency.

“This proposal is for a currency that is ours alone. We control it. It’s not publicly listed. Nobody can find it without an invitation, and that invitation can be revoked after a single transaction if you choose. Resources funneled through it are completely untraceable, gone before there’s any record they ever existed in the first place. Like I said in the proposal: I’m offering you a world where nobody can ever follow your money again.” I nod curtly. “I’ve given you all the information I can. If you want to leave, now is the time. Those still seated in five minutes will receive their invitations.”

I don’t move. I don’t offer to break for coffee.

All phones were checked before entry and everyone scanned for technical gizmos. Everyone at this table understands the stakes.

The minutes tick by.

Nobody makes eye contact.

I particularly avoid looking at Zinaida. She and I spent a night together, a long time ago, before Yuri was imprisoned. It wasn’t an experience I have any desire to repeat, but I’ve never forgotten what she told me back then.

“You should kill Yuri and his son, before they get you killed. Weak men die, Roman, and they take others down with them. You’re the strength in Yuri’s operation, and he knows it. That’s dangerous. Most of all, you should ask yourself: why did Yuri take you in? What does he have to gain? Because if you think it was the bullet you took for his son, you’re a fool. Work out why he wants you—but do it soon. Then put bullets through anyone who stands in your way.”

Given Zinaida’s notorious reputation for savagery, at the time, I dismissed her warning as the dysfunction of a psychopathic mind.

Still, I’ve never forgotten it. Over the years, I’ve developed a healthy respect for Zinaida, even occasionally enjoyed a vodka with her. And for some reason, perhaps simply because I’m currently fed up with both Nikolai and Yuri, her warning feels oddly pertinent.

The five minutes are up. I put the Russian and her warning out of my mind.

“So.” I look around the table. “We’re all still here.”

They nod.

“There are twelve envelopes sitting on the side table.” I gesture to the neat stack. “There are no names on them, no particular order. Inside each one is a device that holds a digital code. Once you activate it, you will be inside the system and able to access further directions. Each device is for a one-time use only. We will activate them inside this room, after which you will all watch them be destroyed.

“Ladies and gentleman.” I smile around the table. “Welcome to Mercura.”

After the toasts have been drunk and formalities completed, the room empties out—all except the ex-FSB agent who runs the mercenary army. Of all those invited to today’s meeting, Makari Tereschenko is the only one I would describe as a true friend.

“Glad you said yes, Mak.” I proffer my hand and he grips it. There’s nothing bone crushing in the shake. Mak Tereschenko is a man who has nothing to prove, to me or anyone else. He’s also one of the few men who can match me in the boxing ring, but it’s more than that. I know the stories about how he came up in the FSB, and if even half of them are true, the man’s legend is well deserved. I also know for a fact that at least three members of the G7 alliance have him on speed dial.

“It’s a good offer.” His voice is clipped and cool, upper-class Brit with not a trace of Russian accent. The man was a chameleon for a long time. These days, I hear he owns a stately pile of stone in the English countryside, which no doubt pisses off every old Etonian in the district. “And besides—I haven’t forgotten that I owe you.”

I frown. “That isn’t a debt, Mak. I told you that at the time.”

He tilts his head politely, flat black eyes as inscrutable as ever. “Your tech guys found the money trace on the Malian deal. If you hadn’t tipped me off, we’d have faced an ambush, not to mention an embarrassing international situation. I owe you, Roman, and I pay my debts.” He takes the glass of Scotch I offer. “It’s the first time I’ve seen you since then. Like I said, Mercura is a good deal, one that will benefit me. My buy-in has nothing to do with repaying my debt.” He hands me a thick cream card. It has nothing on it apart from a gold-embossed phone number. “This card is a one-time offer. All the resources at my disposal are yours, without question, for a one-off situation when you may need them.”

I tense, and he half smiles. “Don’t be insulted. I know you have resources of your own, efficient ones at that. But we both know there’s a world of difference between security and an army. And a man with a business the size of yours never knows when he might need an army.” He nods at the card. “If you ever need it, my army is yours.”

I swallow my instinctive protests. A favor from a man like Tereschenko is a matter of honor, and no less than I would have done in his shoes. I take the card. “I appreciate it, Mak.”

He almost smiles. “Knowing you as I do, I imagine you’ll be making that call sooner rather than later, Stevanovsky. Either way, look me up next time you’re in the UK. I’ve got a new set of wheels that makes your MTT look like a fucking tortoise.”

50

ROMAN

“All of them said yes?” Dimitry is poised on the edge of my desk, swinging his leg and grinning. “So we’re up and running.”

“Not exactly. We’re entering the most dangerous period now. During the investment phase, Mercura will be at its most visible. This next month is when we’re at the greatest risk of discovery.” I glance around uneasily. “I don’t even like talking about this here. Let’s keep those discussions for the lab.” I glance at my phone. “Which is where I need to be as soon as possible, to give Pavel the good news. You coming?”

“Absolutely.” He jumps off the desk.

I give him a sideways look as the elevator drops to the basement. “No more errands to run for Abby?”

“Nope.” He gives me a shit-eating grin. “All done, but thanks for checking in on me.”

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