Page 21 of Lenkov

“Maybe it’s time you stop that, huh?” I walk over to him and place a hand on his shoulder. “We’re the future, brother. Papa’s time is coming to a close. It’s time we instrument the changes we’d all like to see.”

“Maybe.” He mumbles.

“Think about it.”

“I have something for you.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out an envelope. “There’s no doubt he’s your son.”

“All you had to do was look at him to know that,” I snort. “The test was for you and everyone else who’ll ask the same questions you did when this comes out.”

“Well, I didn’t get a chance to lay eyes on him, did I?” Vas asks.

I sniff. “You came in like a corrupt cop in an interrogation room that woke the Mama bear. What did you expect?”

“I was just trying to look out for you.” Vas’s eyes soften, and I see the older boy who’d always done everything in his power to protect us. My anger towards him lessens.

“I know that, but Rylee doesn’t.”

“And you didn’t tell her?” He asks accusingly.

“I have my hands full trying to untangle the mess between us.” A knock sounds on the door, and Artyom pushes the door open.

“No one told me we were having a brother meeting.”

“It was an impromptu thing.” Walking over, I give him a one-armed hug, patting his back. “How are things?”

“Good. Business is booming, and the family is flourishing. I can’t ask for much else. You look stressed.”

“Kathy showed up at Babushka today.”

“What did that bitch want?” Artyom spits.

“Protection, I think. She wanted to resume our relationship and clear her name.”

“So, she could do what? Find out more information? Does she think we’re stupid?” Artyom snaps.

“I think she was desperate and scared.”

“It’s a horrible combination.”

“Yeah. Kathy tried to blackmail me.”

Artyom arches an eyebrow. “With what?”

“My son and his mother.”

“Wait, what?” A new voice enters the room as Semyon slips through.

“Well, at least you’re telling everyone at once,” Vas says.

“You knew?” Artyom asks.

“I was the one who caught wind of Kathy hanging around. I followed her trail, and it led to Rylee and Jaycee.”

“That’s their names?” Semyon asks excitedly.

I smirk. “Yeah.”

“When did this happen?” Artyom asks.

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