Page 15 of The Russian Retribution

“Sorry. I had to ask.” Given his determination to find out the truth, I did suspect Viktor was briefly behind the attempt on her life. While Anastasia has been swamped with leading the family, Viktor has put most of his efforts into finding out who assassinated Sergey, and all of his suspicions direct him toward our new Godmother.

I can’t say I blame him. Viktor and Sergey were friends for decades. Their bond went beyondPakanand underboss, and anyone with eyes can see how hard his death hit him. In all my years, I’ve never known Viktor to be an angry man.

Until now.

“You think I would show my hand so early?” Viktor flashes me a cold look that makes my stomach twist. “You think I don’tknow how this world works? Anastasia may have gotten away with killing her father with no repercussions, but I will do things properly. With proof and court.”

“I’m sorry.” Leaning against the bar, I take over preparing Viktor’s drink. “I didn’t mean it like that. We haven’t talked in a while, so I didn’t know where your head was at. It’s taken me a long time to even get close to her.”

“Too long, my boy,” Viktor replies, his face softening as he stares at me. “I know you are trying your best. I appreciate you, Son.”

A warm sensation ignites beneath my ribcage as I pour the last drop and slide the drink toward Viktor. “I will find out the truth. If she is guilty, I will find out.”

“I know.” Viktor picks up the glass. “And I know she is.”

My head tilts. “But if she isn’t, then we need to focus elsewhere because every day we waste chasing this lead is a day the real killer gets further away from us.”

Viktor’s face hardens immediately. “You doubting me, boy?”

A pit opens in my stomach as I shake my head. “No, sir.”

“Good. I’m telling you that the entire night was suspicious. She might not have drawn the blade, but I know it’s her fault.Somehow.”

My stomach tightens. Viktor’s pain and anger are fueled, in part, by his distaste at having a Godmother standing in the place his friend used to be. Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if he’s being misled. Anastasia is easy to blame because she was present the night her father died, but other than that, the evidence against her is minimal.

At least until I can find out more.

“I know,” I say after a moment of silence. “I’m in her inner circle now and she’s trusting me. At least enough to keep her safe. It’s a start.”

“Well, don’t be fooled by her,” Viktor murmurs. “She’s a sly one and we don’t have much time.”

“Time for what?” pipes up a softer voice.

Viktor doesn’t move, but I turn quickly to see Faina making her way into the room and catching the tail end of the conversation.

“Gala changes,” I explain smoothly. “Since the gala is pretty much set in stone, the only options I have are changing everything about the lead up and the journey.”

“And that makes Anastasia sly?” Faina asks sharply, her eyes narrowing.

“Perhaps savvy is a better word,” Viktor says, slowly turning away from the bar. “You know how women are.”

Faina rolls her eyes and keeps her attention on me. “That’s what I want to talk to you about. Why is Ryan calling me asking for fifteen extra snipers? Did you receive some sort of threat about the gala?”

“Not exactly.” With a wave of one hand, I usher Faina back to the table where I was working. “After what happened a few weeks ago, I want to switch things up. I mean, really switch things up. All old routines and plans are scrapped. I have four new routes that I’m working on, but I want all of them watched and then on the day, the one we take will be determined by a coin flip.”

“You’re putting the Godmother’s safety in the hands of a coin flip?” Faina’s tone drips with sarcasm and her eyes narrow into a glare. “You can’t be serious.”

“It’s the only way to ensure no one knows what route we’re taking until the day. Having every route covered means we don’t need to rush to make changes if something happens. So yes, I want every rooftop covered. I want men in the subway, I want every cop we control on each corner, and I want an overhead helicopter that will be armed to the teeth should we need it.”

Faina studies the blueprints and sheets in front of her, sucking on her teeth as she processes everything I present. “Fine,” she says eventually. “I’ll see what I can do.” As she straightens up, her eyes dart between me and Viktor. Her face is unreadable but there’s a glint of suspicion in her eyes. “You shouldn’t be drinking this early, Viktor. You’ve got a call with Japan in an hour.”

Faina turns on her heel and strides out of the room. Viktor glares after her and then finishes his glass in one single gulp. “Fucking bitch,” he mutters.

“Viktor,” I warn. “My investigation can only work if you keep control of yourself. The last thing we need is for someone to get suspicious.”

“It’s not me who looks suspicious,” Viktor mutters. “It’s you.”

“Me?”

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