Lev: a Shot Callers novel - Belle Aurora Page 0,133

her then decided you didn’t want her. She loved you. Of course she became depressed. She dealt with your cruelty for years before she took her life.” He took a breath and let out an arctic, “And it is all your fault.” He sat up straight, adjusting his tie that did not need adjusting. “You’re toxic. Lidiya is better off with us. We love her.”

Lev swallowed hard, his jaw tight. “Think about what you’re doing. It may be the last thought you ever have.”

Igor smiled then, and it was slimy. “Is that a threat, Leokov?”

Lev replied calmly, “No threat. Accidents happen.”

Igor stood just as his wife returned with coffee for us all. “It seems we have nothing left to discuss. Please leave.”

I stood and took Lev’s hand as he said, “See you in court.”

We turned, and Lev’s hand gripped me tight enough to hurt. Just as we moved to open the door, it was thrown open and Corinna stood there. She looked as though she was on a mission and didn’t have time to stop and say hi. She strolled in like she owned the place, and with a snarky smile, muttered, “Mother.” She looked to her father and couldn’t hide the look of disgust. “Inconsequential sperm donor.”

And there she was, our teeny, tiny angel of vengeance. They say the best things come in small packages. We were about to realize just how true that saying was.

Igor went rigid. “I told you never to come back here.”

Cora scoffed. “As if I would willingly. Get a clue, old man.” She smiled slyly. “I’m here for Lev.”

Igor jerked his chin toward Lev. “Take him, then. We’re done.”

I watched in amazement as Cora chuckled lightly. “Wow, you really are a tool.” She walked over to the leather lounge and sat. “You don’t want Lidiya. You’re just pissed that your golden child is gone. And I get that. I miss her too, but what you’re doing is disgusting.” She sat up straight and looked Igor dead in the eye. “You want to play hard, Papa?” She smiled a Mona Lisa smile. “Maybe you should check your safe spot; find your ledger.”

Igor’s face went slack.

Cora’s smile faded and was replaced with mock-concern. “Your search will probably be futile though.” She shook her head in uneasiness. “So many thieves out these days. It’s a shame, really.”

Igor’s face paled as he whispered, “What have you done, Corinna?”

Cora stood. “I’ll tell you what I’ve done. I’ve made four copies of that ledger.” She paused momentarily. “You can have the original back, but if you want to go ahead with this petty custody battle for a child you don’t want,” her voice lowered a notch, “I will air all your dirty laundry, all over. Every news network will know the ins and outs of Zakon.”

Her father stepped forward and looked like he was ready to strike, but he stopped himself. “I’ll be killed.”

She shrugged. “So you’ll be a martyr to the cause.”

I wasn’t sure I was seeing right, but Igor’s forehead began to glisten with sweat as he choked out, “You’ll be killed.”

Cora folded her arms over her chest. “Yeah, I thought about that already. See, if anything happens to me, I gave strict instructions to release a copy of the ledger to the FBI. The other three copies…” She looked so pleased with herself as she sighed, “Who knows where they’ll go?”

Igor looked ready to roar.

Cora leaned forward and stage-whispered, “By the way, does Mama know you were the one supplying Irina meth?” At her mother’s pained gasp, Cora turned to us, cringing. “Shit.” She spoke through the side of her mouth, “That’s awkward.”

A thick silence enveloped us. We stood there, soaking in what Corinna Alkaev had just dealt her father, when finally, she clapped and stated, “Okay, so we’re leaving now, and you’re not going to see us again. Not ever. If you even try to look Lidi’s way, I will crush you like the fucking insect you are, you sad, bitter man.” Her harsh expression wavered a moment to reveal a deep sadness. “I loved you once.” She turned to her mother. “You need to leave him, Ma. He’s insane.” She warned her mom, “Get out while you still can.”

Igor’s fists balled and he uttered through gritted teeth, “You disrespectful whore.”

Cora ignored him, still looking at her mother. “Call me if you need me. I’ll support you in whatever you choose.” She smiled at the quiet older woman who now had tears in her eyes. “I