Page 28 of Lenkov

“The thought of moving to a bigger empire without her by my side scares the fuck out of me.”

“Don’t you think you should tell her this?”

“It’d be like putting my neck on the chopping block and hoping she doesn’t bring down the ax.”

“After what you’ve done to her. I think it's appropriate. Maybe she’s waiting for you to show how much she means after years of being disrespected.” I shrug.

“You might be right, son. Are you seriously considering letting that snake slither her way up into your good graces?”

“Hell no. We’ll have to let Katherine believe she’s coming back. We both know we need to understand her connection. Keeping the line of communication open will help with that.”

He sighs. “Kathy is going to bring drama our way all over again.” Shaking his head, Papa sighs. “I have the computer guys working on tracking her down and seeing who she’s been talking to, but so far, she’s covered her tracks well.”

“It’ll be worth it to end all of this. Then I can figure out what my new normal will look like.”

“I’m going to get busy heightening security.” He pauses. “I suggest you tell your mother about the recent additions sooner rather than later, yes?”

“I will. For now, we’ll let her sweat and see what she does.”

“There are tough decisions you need to make for your family.”

“I could say the same thing to you, Papa.”

He nods. “Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Careful you don’t get so caught up in the façade you lose track of what really matters. She’s a fly in the ointment who came at a bad time. It won’t break us.”

No, but her backer might.

“I’ve never had the same aspirations as my brothers. Babushka is enough for me. Extra negotiations you have thrown my way are unnecessary, though I appreciate them.” I smirk. “I don’t feel slighted because we’ve all gotten different portions of the same pie, Papa.”

“You don’t enjoy it?”

“I do what’s necessary, but there’s no hidden hunger for more.” I shrug. “The restaurant is the soul of our family being shared with others. It’s a different legacy, but no less vital for our growth. It is a careful balance of the straight world and its shadow side.”

“I’ve taught you well.”

“You did. We’ll weather this storm like we have all the others.” I pat his shoulder. “But right now, I’ve got a family to win over and a son to reassure.”

He gives me a sad smile. “I’ll leave you to it then.”

There’s something in his mannerism that leaves me feeling like he has more to say as he turns to walk away. Shaking my head to clear it, I refocus my attention on the two people in the house who need me far more.

***

“WE’RE GOING TO SEEthe dinosaurs?” Jaycee cried as we turn onto the drive leading into the museum parking lot.

“Your dad and I thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate our new family.” Rylee’s voice is cheerful, but I see the strain around her eyes and mouth.

This isn’t for her. We’re virtually strangers, and their association with me has already placed them in a precarious situation. I pitched this idea to get them out of the house and keep their minds off the looming danger. We’re probably safer in a public space than isolated at home. Regardless, we have an impressive security team and a VIP tour lined up. This will be unlike any trip to the museum they’ve ever taken.

“I have a daddy like all the other kids now.” His matter-of-fact statement hits me hard. Had they teased him about this?

“You do. But what do we know about families, Jaycee?” his mother asks gently.

“They all look different.,” he chimes back.

“That’s right. None are better or worse, just unique.”

The wisdom and tolerance she’s instilling in him are impressive and speak volumes about her personality.

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