Page 98 of Shadows of Obsession

"Do you need help with anything?" Luna's voice is the one to break the silence, and although her volume is low, we all hear her.

"Ivan died last night. We need to go back to Russia to attend the funeral, but after we'll return here," Julia answers after looking at Maksim for approval.

He doesn't need to tell me more. It will take time before we trust each other, but he's letting me know he plans to stay here. That he'll be around.

"Why involve Tim?" It’s something I haven't understood about his plan.

"The guy drugged young women in clubs to take advantage of them. We needed someone to facilitate a meeting with Luna. The plan was to have Tim bring Luna to a meeting point and resolve everything then," Julia answers again, and by 'everything' I understand Tim wouldn't have left there alive.

"How the hell do you know all these things?" Niko asks, examining them both.

"We're pretty good with a keyboard and computer," Maksim answers, and I see the pride in his eyes.

An idea forms in my head. I look at Luna, whom I've told about the traitor, and I know she understands what I want to do.

"When will you return here?" I ask, and it hits me again how much we look alike, despite the obvious differences.

His gaze narrows, analyzing me.

"You need something," he guesses, pinning me with his stare.

The small scars on his face only give him a more dangerous aura, but I don't feel threat in his tone, just curiosity.

"We have a mole, as you already know. I might need assistance in this area that you and Julia excel at. Luna won't be able to handle it alone."

They exchange a look, and Julia is the one who answers for both of them.

"We need to leave now for the airport if we want to reach Moscow tonight. If you need anything, you have our numbershere. We'll be back in two days," she says as they rise to leave, handing me a note with their phone numbers.

Before they exit the door, I need to know why Ivan's company would affiliate with the Irish.

"Any idea why your company would line the Irish's pockets to push us out?" I ask, speaking directly to Maksim.

I put my hands in my pockets, and I know I look exactly like a corporate director trying to extract information from a rival.

His gaze turns dark gray when he answers after several moments of thought.

"As you know, Ivan has connections with the Russian bratva. Aleksandr is his nephew, and he handles everything that happens here. My suspicion is he wanted to steal the territory to impress Ivan."

Clearly this Aleksandr isn't someone my brother tolerates, judging by how he sneers his name. They have a shared past, and if I were to bet, I'd say it's bloody.

"I'll clean up with the Irish after the funeral," he tells me, and it still bothers me that of all the cities on this continent, Aleksandr chose this one.

"Does he know about your connection to us?" I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.

It's the only explanation for why this Aleksandr would choose Chicago, exactly where we operate.

"It's a possibility," Julia answers, and I see a trace of worry on her face. Maksim notices Julia's reaction too and takes her hand.

"If you need anything, message me at the numbers Julia gave you. If Aleksandr knows about the connection, you should watch yourself on the street, Roman," he tells me, and I see he's serious.

For some reason, he sees this individual as a major threat.

"Same goes for everyone else. Aleksandr would rather go after a woman he considers weak than attack you directly," Julia says while looking at Luna.

I nod to show I understand and watch them head for the door.

"If you need help in Russia, call us."

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