the sound of the burner phone, I sucked in my breath before pulling it into my hand. “I need to take this. I am leaving you in this room. I assure you that the doors to the outside are locked and I will be watching. Do not give me a reason to punish you.” I kept my gaze for a few seconds, waiting until she nodded her acknowledgment before walking outside the room, moving away from her earshot.
“Ivan.”
“Nikolai. I’m surprised you called. In fact, it’s still not safe for you to do so.” While his English was fluent, his accent was much heavier than I remembered.
“It was necessary as my call indicated. What the hell is going on?”
“Why are you asking?”
“Because there are several Russian thugs in the States prepared to finish what they obviously intended to do years ago.”
He sighed, his breathing ragged. “There are signs that Petrov is determined to take over. The rumble has been going on for some time.”
“And what does my brother have to say about this?”
“I’m afraid Michail is not himself as of late.”
“Meaning what?”
“Meaning, he’s acting in ways that are detrimental to our cause, making decisions that have enabled the Petrov Bratva to make what you would call inroads into our beloved territory.”
I thought about what he was saying. While Michail had always been difficult, refusing to come to terms with the requirements of being leader, I never have suspected he would allow the ruthless bastards to invade what rightfully belonged to the family.
“I will need to speak with him.”
This time, Ivan snorted. “That’s not possible. You are no longer considered family to him. In fact, I wouldn’t put it past your brother to be the one behind your discovery. There are significant fears that Petrov had increased his power, making it all but impossible for the Federov family to stay in charge. It is possible that Michail fears you will be used as a pawn.”
The news wasn’t shocking by any means. My brother had wanted me dead since the day I’d stepped foot in the house as a boy, even trying more than once to enact some vicious plan. “I will decide what is possible, Ivan. While I appreciate your help and always have, I am Maxim’s son whether by birth and blood or by heart and soul. That’s something for you to keep in mind.”
“And I suggest, sir, that you keep in mind you left because it was necessary in order to keep you alive. I doubt you want to risk all you’ve gained in order to save what was formerly a glorious regime. Unless, of course, you’re prepared to rule as Pakhan.”
“Not going to happen.”
“It may be the only way for you to survive.”
The thought loomed in my mind. Jesus Christ. Papa had always told me that once a Federov, there would be no honor in accepting anything less than control. “Maybe. Maybe not. However, as you pointed out so aptly, I have a new life.” His hesitation pissed me off. “But I will do what’s necessary in order to protect the family honor.”
“You see, Sacha? You have already accepted the responsibility. That is what your father would have wanted.”
I hissed at the thought. For whatever reason, Maxim had all but forsaken Michail in his endeavor to carry on his Bratva Empire. I’d never been told the reason. “Until I know what’s going on, I refuse to toss everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve.”
There was a second hesitation, the sound of Ivan’s heavy breathing a clear indication he was under significant duress. That had to be more to the story of what had happened.
“Very well, Sacha. Let me see what else I can find out. I suggest you consider finding a safe location, if only for a short period of time.”
A bitter laugh pushed past my lips. I’d never hidden away from anything. Not a battle, no matter how bloody. Not even when facing certain death. My indoctrination into the Bratva had precluded any possibility of backing down. However, times had changed. I was on American soil without any backup, other than my extensive collection of weapons. His idea held merit.
“I need to know who is behind this. Find out one way or the other.”
Ivan exhaled. “It won’t be easy, but I’ll do my best.”
“No, you won’t do your best. You will hunt down the asshole responsible or you’ll have to deal with me. Do I make myself clear?”
“It’s good to see you haven’t changed, my friend. I thought