Page 4 of Shadows of Obsession

Even though Anton handles these details, he's not here today, and I need to know if anything's missing. That shipment needs to reach Denver by Monday.

“Everything's been checked and double-checked. We've got one of our best drivers on it, and Ricardo knows when to expect delivery,” my cousin confirms.

“Have Anton verify the route again,” I tell him, and I see it bothers him that I'm asking for reconfirmation, but he's not the one responsible for these shipments and warehouses.

“I've checked and double-checked, Ro,” he says, and I see his jaw clench.

Denis is an imposing man at six foot three. My cousin resembles us physically, but he lacks discipline. That's why he doesn't have Anton's responsibilities. His lack of trust in my decisions and the idea that he can challenge my right-hand man's eleven years of experience show he's not ready. He's always questioned my decisions, and I can't put someone who challenges me at every step in such a position.

“And Anton will check again. Am I clear?” He knows this discussion is over and just nods.

I leave with Niko and head toward the car, and as soon as we're alone, he speaks.

“I know you make these decisions, but don't you think he's ready for more responsibility?” he sighs.

Just what I need with this migraine starting - reopening this discussion.I might strangle someone.

“You know as well as I do he's not ready. He’s still unpredictable, Niko. I can't send my men to fight alongside him when he hasn't learned to follow orders. Denis is family, but he's not ready.”

Because that's the truth. Though we grew up together, Denis was always kept at arm's length, mainly by my aunt Sonia.

He might not see it this way, but it was a blessing for him. He never had to torture anyone at fourteen, never endured hours of beatings and abuse from my father, who would've loved watching him break.

I gave Denis the choice to join the mafia when he turned nineteen. Thought that was old enough for him to know if he wanted this life, and since then he's been trying to prove he belongs here. And he has.

But Anton has eleven more years of experience. Has connections Denis hasn't had time to build. And I can't understand his stubbornness. He's paid like a king.Probably just wants to feel more useful.

“I think he's ready. You won't know how much he can handle until you throw more at him, Ro.”

He's right, but if my gut says wait, that's what I'll do.

?

“Acquisition papers ready?” I ask, stuck in Chicago traffic, changing the subject. I've had enough of Denis - don't need Niko questioning my decisions too.

“Yeah. I spoke with the current CEO. I think he was shocked at our offer - didn't say a word for a full minute,” he laughs.

My brother can convince anyone with his numbers. There's no such thing as someone Niko can't buy - just someone whose price he hasn't figured out yet.

“What about current employees?” I ask, pulling into the company parking lot of our head office.

“All staying on. Thought we'd make the transition smoother with signing bonuses,” he says, fixing his hair in the mirror.

“Good. Keep me posted if anything comes up.”

Even knowing nothing should go wrong, I instinctively expect something to fall apart.

“Company's yours, Ro. Relax.”

Relax. What a joke. With that, we head up to handle the legal side of our lives.

In my office, I try to review the latest contracts. Felix drops off two stacks of reports needing signatures, and I give him a look that would send most people running - but not my assistant.

“Stop trying to seduce me with that look, Roman. My birth certificate doesn't say Borisov - I'm not signing these for you,” he dares to throw back.

“I pay you to make my life easier, but I still get headaches every time you walk into this office,” I tell him as I start signing the first stack.

Most of our legal business is real estate - lots of permits and authorizations needing my signature. We've got several clubs in Chicago, a mall, and various residential complexes generating the money and authority we need to keep the right politicians, judges, and cops in our pocket.

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