Page 28 of Den of Thieves

Karina laughed, and it was a haughty sound. “My family is never stepping foot inside these grounds ever again,” she replied, ushering the children towards the entrance. “Someone will be along to collect their things. Golubova you will be hearing from my lawyers. And Zhirkova,” Karina said, not turning around. “I’ll be seeing you real soon.”

The woman promptly wet herself as she shivered against the wall before bursting into tears.

10. “Fear is the Mind-killer”

-FRANK HERBERT

“Dedushka, Dedushka!!” Grandpa. Anya and Alexander rushed towards their grandfather less than an hour later.

“Oh, my little zayats! Let me see how you’ve grown!” Little hares.Gustaf chortled, picking them both up.

“You three are home early. I wasn’t expecting you until later.”

“Mama took us from school and said we are never going back!” her oldest declared.

Gustaf looked at Karina, but she shook her head at her kids that were all too eager to share about their day.

“Run along now, children. I still expect your homework and reading to be done by the time I check on you. They all groaned but thankfully went off to their playroom. Hosa, can you fix them a lunch, please?” She tilted her head for Gustaf to follow her into the sitting room.

“Care for a drink?” Gustaf was already halfway to the bar cart in the corner.

“Is it too early for a glass of wine?” she asked wearily.

“In Russia? Never!” he laughed, pouring them both a glass.

“No vodka for you, Gustaf? Must be serious,” she sighed. She wasn’t sure she could handle much else on her plate today.

“I was wondering, why are the children out of school?”

“I caught Anastasia’s teacher raising a hand to her. After I made it distinctly clear how my children should be disciplined.”

Gustaf paused with his wine glass to his lips. His face turned an impressive shade of red. “My granddaughter?!”

“I know,” Karina sighed, shaking her head. “And in the middle of the school year, too. Obviously, they’re not going back.”

“Obviously!” He exclaimed. “I am glad I am here.”

“You’re here because of the children?” Karina asked dubiously.

“Actually, yes.” His face turned serious. “We have much to discuss.”

“Forgive me if I am less than inclined to believe you are here for anyone but yourself, Gustaf. Don’t think I’ve forgotten how I became entangled in your web.”

“Always with the dramatics,” he scoffed.

Karina didn’t know why, but the years of pent-up anger and aggression she had towards the man came bubbling to the surface. “I had a life, you know. One you ruined by pulling me into your world of blood and violence—”

“You should be thanking me!” Gustaf sat up in his chair. “You have more now than you could ever dream. A family that loves you, more wealth than most on this planet. I hear you and Nikolai are quite chummy.”

“That’s not the same. He was under your orders—”

“Enough. I am done with this conversation.” He swiped a hand through the air in the same matter Vladimir would.

“Well, I’m not! This is my house, dammit!”

Gustaf’s steely gaze met her anger head on. “What did you want my grandson to do? Wait for you to realize your feelings and get a divorce? The Bratva waits for no one.” He spat.

Karina’s mouth opened and closed. She didn’t have a response to that. Yes, the less violent route would have been nice, but that would be akin to living in a fantasy land. It didn’t erase all the resentment she had for Gustaf, but it went a long way in dissolving her anger.

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