Page 5 of The Bratva's Sextuplets
The mansion’s conference room has hosted three generations of Belsky family business meetings. The massive oak table can seat twenty to thirty people comfortably, though only eight department heads will attend. Each chair represents a different aspect of our organization’s operations, from legitimate shipping contracts to less legitimate activities that fund our lifestyle.
Viktor arrives first, carrying a glossy leather briefcase and looking prepared for a difficult conversation. Dmitri follows ten minutes later, accompanied by Georgi Petrov, Viktor’s younger brother, who manages our construction operations. The others soon filter in. Mikhail Sarkov handles our financial operations, Boris Volkov oversees territory management, Alexei Russov coordinates with political contacts, Ivan Petrov manages security, and Yuri Belsky, my cousin, supervises personnel issues.
“Gentlemen.” I call the meeting to order, noting how conversations stop immediately when I speak. “Thank you for gathering on such short notice. Today marks the first formal leadership council under my authority, and we have several critical matters to address.”
The response is polite but measured. No one challenges my right to lead this meeting, but neither do they demonstrate the automatic deference my father commanded. I can see calculation in every expression, each man weighing whether to support my leadership or begin positioning himself for advancement in another organization. There are likely those considering how to undermine me in a coup as well.
Let them. They’ll be the first ones to get crushed when they realize I’m not a pushover.
“First item is organizational structure and reporting procedures.” I open the folder containing the notes I prepared last night. “Some changes will be implemented to improve efficiency and accountability.”
Boris shifts in his chair, clearly uncomfortable with the prospect of change. “What kind of changes?”
“Changes that reflect modern business practices rather than traditional hierarchies.” I spread organizational charts across the table. “Changes that prioritize strategic thinking over reactive decision-making.”
“Your father’s methods worked for thirty years,” Georgi says, his tone carrying subtle challenge. “Why change something that’s been successful?”
“The environment we operate in has changed significantly over those thirty years.” I point to newspaper clippings I’ve collected over the past months. “Federal investigations have increased, media attention has intensified, and our political protection has become less reliable.”
Viktor leans forward with obvious interest. “What specific modifications are you proposing?”
“Compartmentalization of sensitive operations, increased legitimacy in our business portfolio, and strategic rather than tactical responses to competitive challenges.” I distribute copies of the plan I’ve been developing since returning from Columbia. “We’re going to build something sustainable instead of just defending what we inherited.”
The discussion continues for forty minutes, with each department head raising concerns about how changes might affect their specific operations. Some men embrace the modernization approach, particularly those who manage our legitimate businesses. Others resist any deviation from Nicky’s established methods.
My phone buzzes during a heated exchange between Boris and Mikhail about territorial boundaries. I glance at the screen andsee a text from an unknown number:Congratulations on your loss.—A.F.
Avgar Federoff. The message is clearly designed to provoke a reaction, to remind me that our enemies are watching for signs of weakness during this transition period. “Excuse me, gentlemen.” I stand and walk to the window that overlooks our grounds, noting increased security patrols that have been implemented since yesterday. “Viktor, bring me that intelligence file we discussed.”
Viktor retrieves a folder from his briefcase and joins me at the window. “The situation is escalating faster than we anticipated.”
“How much faster?” I scan the surveillance photos and financial records he’s compiled.
“There have been three meetings with out-of-state organizations in the past week, and weapons acquisitions suggest preparation for a sustained conflict rather than territorial posturing.” Viktor keeps his voice low enough that the other men can’t hear specific details. “They’re moving toward open warfare, not negotiation.”
I study the evidence, noting patterns that confirm my worst suspicions about Avgar’s intentions. He’s not content to test our defenses gradually. He’s preparing for a conflict that could destabilize our entire organization.
“Recommendations?” I return to the conference table, noting how all conversation stops when I speak.
“Preemptive action.” The response comes from Ivan, our security chief. “Hit them before they’re ready to hit us.”
“Agreed.” Dmitri nods approvingly. “Your father would have already moved against them.”
“Military action carries significant risks in the current political climate.” Mikhail raises his voice for attention. “That could cause federal investigations, media attention, and civilian casualties that could undermine our legitimate business relationships.”
The debate that follows reveals fundamental differences in how these men view our organization’s future. The older veterans favor immediate violence that demonstrates continuity with my father’s methods. The younger members advocate strategic patience that prioritizes long-term stability over short-term dominance.
“The Federoff threat will be addressed through appropriate channels,” I say after letting them argue for several minutes. “Our response will be calculated rather than reflexive.”
“What does that mean, exactly?” asks Boris, clearly frustrated by my refusal to order immediate retaliation.
“It means we’re going to use intelligence and planning instead of just overwhelming force.” I close the intelligence file and return it to Viktor. “We’re going to build something that lasts longer than the next territorial dispute.”
The meeting concludes with mixed reactions from the department heads. Some appreciate the strategic approach I’m implementing. Others clearly prefer the straightforward brutality they understood under Nicky’s leadership.
As they file out of the conference room, Viktor lingers behind to discuss security arrangements for tonight’s dinner with the Lo Duca family. “Are you certain about meeting them so soon after the Federoff escalation?”
“The marriage arrangement can’t be delayed because of external threats.” I gather my papers and prepare for the rest of what promises to be a very long day. “Besides, Claude Lo Duca needs to understand his daughter is marrying into an organization that handles challenges strategically rather than emotionally.”
