Page 7 of Impregnated By the Bratva

The radio made a grating sound. I could only faintly hear the reply as it came through. “Yes…, we…, out.” I could only hope they had heard me.

Moving back to the other two men, I barked at them as I saw the buyer pulling in. “Get him out of here and find out who the witness was.”

“Yes, boss.” They replied as the one picked up the other and moved towards their car.

The car stopped next to me, and the back window rolled halfway down. Stepping closer, I pushed the package through the window without a word. The window closed, and the car drove off.

I was about to go back to the bodies to see if they had identification when I heard the sirens closing in. Cursing under my breath, I couldn’t believe the cops were already coming. “Get out,” I hollered over the radio.

Moving quickly, I knew I wasn’t going to make it to my truck up on the road on time, so I searched for a hiding spot. I could not afford to get caught. Moving back across the metal walkway, I entered the trees next to the building just as the first vehicles pulled in. Moving backward between them, I watched as the cops filled the docks.

They would surely stay a while, so there was no chance of getting to the bodies. Turning, I moved down the back of the building. Once I was far enough from the commotion, I ran up the road to my truck.

Starting her up, I breathed in deeply, feeling the tension in my shoulders turning into knots. I had made it, but we had to find the woman I saw running away. Driving back to the warehouse where the guards stayed, I wondered if I could use this situation to my advantage.

Maybe I could lessen our workload and prove our loyalty with this witness. This woman could be the key. If I took care of the problem by killing her, they would have to see us in a new light.

Stopping across the road from the warehouse, I pulled out my phone and sent Iosif Chernykh, the eldest son of our ex-boss, a message. He was now in charge and we worked for him. ‘There was a gunfight. Took out the shooters and delivered the package. Going after the witness. Will report later again.’

Getting out, I crossed the street and entered the building. Hopefully, one of the guards had more details about the witness. “What’s the word?” I asked, walking up to the table where they sat.

One of the older guards glanced up from a book he was scribbling in. “The delivery man is going to be fine,” he replied dryly. “The woman came from the university and headed back there. She has light brown, almost blond hair and is said to be fit. Someone said she looked like she was in her early twenties. That’s about all we got.”

“There could be a million girls who look like her. Is there anything else to identify this woman with?” I enquired harshly, drawing everyone’s attention.

One of the younger men raised his hand as if we were in class. “Hell’s sake,” I huffed. “Put your hand down and speak, man.”

“I think I saw her entering the university. She kept looking back,” he replied.

Feeling my anger starting to take control, I spat at him impatiently. “Get to the point!”

“If it was her, she was wearing a deep pink tracksuit. Not sure if that helps, though,” he finally added.

“Yes, you see, now I have something to go on. Thank you,” I replied before turning and heading out.

It was getting dark as I arrived at the university, but some night classes were in session. I could only hope the woman was still there. If I took her out and proved our loyalty, I hoped the Chernykhs would give me some rope to get things done at a more reasonable pace.

Parking my truck down the block from the university, I walked slowly, studying each woman I passed. I hoped she would give herself away. Maybe she would try hiding or look panicked or something, I thought as I entered the main building.

Walking down the hallways, I peeked into the classes. I got to the last hallway before reaching the university parking area for students. A door opened, and students poured into the hallway. Standing against the wall, I watched as they split in different directions.

Through the crowd, I noticed someone in a dark pink tracksuit. That had to be her. Not wanting to draw attention, I kept to the wall as I moved closer. She exited the parking area with some other students.

As I exited the building, I noticed her moving off to the left. I kept in the shadows as I followed her. She kept glancing back and looking around. I felt sure it had to be her. Once most of the students were gone, I moved in.

Grabbing her shoulder, I spun the woman around. She screamed, and I moved in swiftly. Placing one hand over her mouth, I pulled her close and held her tight with my other one. Looking down into those bright blue eyes, I breathed in sharply.

Shocked, I let her go. She was shaking, and I knew it had to be her. But I couldn’t kill Grace. I had to know what she saw, but I would wait for the right time to bring it up.

Chapter 4 - Grace

I didn’t want to be alone, but my body was trembling. I entered my dorm room, hoping no one would notice me. Sitting on the edge of my bed, I lowered my head between my legs and took a couple of strong breaths. I still had class and had to get a grip on myself.

Standing, I felt my legs wobble. I walked to the small fridge in the corner and opened it. I had to find something to drink. My throat felt like a desert had blown through. Grabbing the bottle of orange juice, I downed the contents. Someone once told me sugar was good for calming nerves.

Dropping the empty container in the bin, I stood for a moment, hoping they were right. The shaking started calming, and my breathing was back to normal. “Thank you,” I spoke to the air as I headed for the door. I just had to get through the afternoon, I thought, heading to class.

Walking out of my last class, I rubbed my neck. Everything was upside down since I witnessed the horrible shooting. I liked to stroll down to the docks between classes, but I should have stayed away. I had this feeling that someone was watching me.

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