madness and betrayal.
As I sat drinking bitter coffee at the meeting spot, I watched the people on the street. They had no way of knowing that very soon a bloody war would occur on their streets, the two families finally clashing after decades of sparring. We should have destroyed the Petrovs years ago. Maxim had refused, perhaps a part of him thinking that two powerful entities could control opposite sides of the country. That alone had likely been his demise.
I noticed the figure approaching and slipped my hand inside my jacket. I’d managed to secure a black-market weapon as well as several rounds of ammunition, but that would only serve me for a short period of time. What I was doing would take my former army standing behind me.
If they would.
As Ivan entered the coffee shop, I noticed he scanned the facility. Always on duty. My call to him from another burner phone just prior to my departure from the States had been interesting. The information he’d provided confirming what I’d already known. He’d been forced to sequester during a raid headed by the Petrovs. At least he’d been able to provide additional details I considered vital in order to annihilate the enemy.
Michail’s odd behavior had been all about his treachery to the Federov organization. Then the man had disappeared the same day I’d killed Dimitri. That only added to the rage that remained inside of me.
Ivan noticed my location, approaching slowly. Then he grinned when I rose from the chair.
“Rodnoy brat,” he huffed in Russian as he embraced me, slapping his hand on my back. The man had aged significantly, but that was to be expected in the harsh environment. At least he’d managed to survive after all these years.
While I’d never considered him a brother as he’d just called me, his help years ago had proven to be invaluable. I owed him my life. “Ivan. I can’t say it’s good to be back.”
“Ah, English. You are truly an American now.”
I motioned toward the other seat, gazing out the window to ensure he hadn’t been followed. “I learned to enjoy the freedom.”
He followed my gaze, chuckling as he sat down, sliding a duffle bag under the table in my direction. “You haven’t lost your touch. Always cautious.”
“You know exactly why it’s necessary.”
Leaning over the table, he lowered his voice. “Yes, as I warned you, there are dozens of Petrov soldiers already in position.”
Exhaling, I continued to try to figure out a plan. “And Michail?”
“There has been no sign of him. There was also no sign of a struggle indicating he’d been taken.”
“Interesting. It would appear he’s working with the Petrovs.”
“How would you know?” There was a glimmer in his eyes as if he already knew the answer.
“Let’s just say I was tipped off by Dimitri Petrov.”
He chuckled, the gleam remaining in his eyes. “So Dimitri’s disappearance was your doing. As you might imagine, the rumors were fascinating to hear. You might just be considered a legend.”
It wasn’t a question but a knowing statement, although the sentiment wasn’t something I’d wanted to hear. “I did what was necessary, especially after he attempted to end my life.”
He studied me intently for several seconds. “The beard looks good on you. I can see a difference in you.”
“Perhaps, but the hunger hasn’t changed. Did you bring what I asked for?”
“Of course. You should have everything you need.”
“And the soldiers?”
His hesitation pissed me off. “Only some are eager to talk with you. As you can imagine, your disappearance sent a message to the men.”
“Yes, one of weakness.”
“You’d be surprised, my friend. Many understood your challenge. They simply hoped you would be capable of putting your brother in his place.”
As I should have done all those years ago.
“The meeting with the soldiers needs to occur. What is the word on the street?”
Ivan looked uncomfortable as hell. “That there’s going to be a strike on the city within two days.”
With an attack so imminent, I had little time to organize a full plan. “Then I want the meeting later this afternoon.”
“Of course. I’ll set it up. Do you have a place to stay?”
“Don’t worry about me, Ivan. I’ve forgotten very little about my training.” The last thing I was going to do was tip my hand to anyone. And there would be no trust. I’d learned far too many lessons over the years.
“You really do remind me of your father when he was younger.”
For some reason, I bristled just hearing anything about my father. While Ivan