Page 104 of Dark Desires
“Everything alright?” he asks.
“Fine. Thanks,” I say as he opens the door for me.
“Handled that like a pro,” Vince says. “Your father would’ve been proud.”
I thank him as he slides in the other side of the back seat. Mario starts the engine and we’re soon off. It’s a cold, gray, rainy day in Chicago. Fitting for the occasion.
“Yeah, well, Dad taught me the first rule of dealing with the cops—don’t say a damn word without a lawyer.”
Vince smirks. “Smart man.”
As we drive toward the church, I can’t help but seethe at Agent Patterson’s stunt. She obviously wanted to let me know—or let me think—that she’s the one in charge.
I’ll settle the score for this insult. But not today.
“They’re trying to rattle you,” Vince says. “Don’t let them. Patterson knows she’s got nothing.”
I nod, though the anger simmers just beneath my skin.
The funeral is at St. Anthony of Padua, a historic Italian church nestled in the heart of Chicago’s Little Italy. The towering spires and stained-glass windows cast colorful patterns on the cobblestone streets outside. Inside, the air smells of incense and old wood.
The church is packed. Hundreds of people fill the pews, spilling into the aisles, a low hum of conversation filling the air.Every major player in Chicago’s underground is here, dressed in black and looking appropriately somber.
I stick close to Vince and Mario, who directs me to our place in the pew among my dozens of lieutenants.
I can feel the weight of every gaze. People don’t just look at me—theyassessme.They know I’m the one in charge now, and they want to know what to make of this former mafia princess, now a queen.
The Ivanovs are here, of course. Elena is poised and elegant, her arm linked with Grigori. Lev and Luk stand together with their families, their sharp eyes scanning the room as though they expect trouble. Yuri is quiet, his head slightly bowed.
But no Alexei. No Stephania.
I haven’t heard a word from Alexei since the villa, and Stephania might as well have disappeared off the face of the earth.
The Mass is beautiful. My father’s casket, draped in flowers, sits beneath the soft glow of the altar lights. The priest talks about my father, about his loyalty to his friends, his associates and—most importantly—his family.
I take a look around the church at the huge crowd gathered for him. No doubt they feel the same way about my father’s commitment to loyalty.
By the time it’s over and people begin filing out, I’m drained. The Ivanovs approach me briefly, offering their condolences. Elena’s hand on my arm is warm, comforting.
“If you need anything, call me,” she says softly.
Lev adds with a faint smirk, “And if you need someone scared off, call me.”
I manage a smile, but my thoughts are elsewhere. I want to grill them about Alexei—where is he, what’s going on, why hasn’t he reached out—but I know this isn’t the time or place.
When it’s finally over, Vince and Mario drive me home. The mansion looms, big and empty, as we pull up.
“I’ll be on duty,” Mario says, the gravel of the driveway crunching as he brings the car to a halt. “Call me if you need anything.”
I flick my eyes to the mansion, the thought of being in there all alone, my family gone… it’s too much.
“Nothing from Stephania?” I ask.
“Not a word. Believe me, the second I know, you’ll know.”
“Thanks, Mar.”
With that, I get out and head inside.
