Page 38 of Lenkov

“I’ll be there when I can.” I ruffle Jaycee’s hair.

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“LOOKS LIKE WE WEREN’Tthe only ones hit last night,” Papa says.

“What?” Artyom looks up from his mug.

“The Morozovs had trouble too. We’ll be meeting to compare footage in an hour. Nipping this thing in the bud before it explodes on us is the best way to go.”

“Damn. You think someone is trying to take over our territory?” Vas asks from his spot at the counter.

“Maybe? There’s always envy when someone gets a promotion. Maybe that’s why they’re targeting everyone in the territory?” Papa asks.

“When’s the meeting?” I ask.

“He’s on his way now. They’ve been up doing clean up on their end.” Papa holds up his phone, and we whistle at the shot-up car.

“Was he in that?” I ask.

“No. It went off and got the household up and moving. Said he ran them off because they underestimated his firepower.” Papa runs a hand over his face. “I figure it’s better to power through it and get it out of the way so we can crash.”

“We’re all going to need more of this then,” Semyon says as he fires up the espresso machine.

“Seriously.” Artyom mumbles.

Sipping on coffee, I think of my fallen soldiers lying in the morgue. I’m not going to feel right until they’re avenged. Our men are more than just bodies, they’re family, and we’ll honor them with funerals fit for warriors.

Too many cups of coffee and a few pancakes later, the front door rings, and Papa goes to meet Rada Morozov and his son Vilen.

“Welcome back, old friend.” Papa steps aside, and the two walk in looking worse for wear. Shadows dance under their eyes, and their suits are wrinkled. I can see the strain around their eyes. “I wish we were meeting under better circumstances.”

“Same. At least we’re still standing,” Rada replies with a small smile.

“We’re too old and ornery to die so easily,” Papa says as we shuffle down the hall into the office.

Rada chuckles. “Your boys are all here, too?”

“Yes. Let’s head into my office.”

Inside the room, I sink into the chair across from Vilen and rest my head against the chair. I know the drill. The old men shoot the shit, catch up, and then we get to business.

“I’ve always respected you, Sergei. We came up together here. Helped build the Bratva into what it is now. We’ve seen many people come and go. So it hurts me to share this painful truth with you. I know what you did, comrade.”

“What?” Papa shakes his head. “I’m not following.”

I sit up straight in my chair. “Vilen is my only son. You have four. Nevertheless, that wasn’’ enough for you. Your wife wasn’t enough.”

My stomach sinks.

“You had to fuck Rachel and get her pregnant. I almost lost my child last year because she had his medical records doctored and my blood poisoned him. My legacy was gone in a flash.”

“What?” Vilen barks.

“Oh shit,” Semyon whispers.

“I’m going to ruin your life, just like you ruined my own. He’s the same age as your boy. I think it’s fair we take an eye for an eye.” He reaches into his lapel and pulls a gun, aiming it at my face. “I’m going to take away someone you love the most.”

“My God, you killed Rachel, didn’t you?” Papa asks.

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