the news they suspended you. And tossed your house.”
I worked to steady my breath. “They wanted me to turn informant on you. I told them to fuck off.”
“Mica, out of everyone, you got the worst of this. They found nothing in my warehouse, nothing in my home. They have nothing on me, so this is going nowhere. This will blow over for you.”
“That’s good.”
He eyed me, always knowing me better than anyone else. “What are you holding back?”
“I need a favor.”
“Anything.”
People in my life always told me I was wild and reckless. Compared to Andrusha, I was tame. He was the epitome of a crazy Russian. In the same minute, he could flip between being a stone-cold killer and gushing over a baby in a stroller. His personality embraced the extremes of the worst sinner and the greatest saint. Growing up, my only claim to fame was that I could outrun and out-skate him.
“What do you know about Yazimoto?”
Andrusha’s face clouded, and he spit over his left shoulder. “Sake-drinking bastard.”
“So, he’s not an ally?”
Andrusha leaned forward, passionate about the topic. “The Sasori run their business like a cold corporation, and they have absolutely no soul. I pride myself on running a family-focused business.” He shook his head in disgust. “He’s bad for all of us. Since he took a foothold, there are more police raids, and he puts everyone on the radar because he doesn’t give a fuck. He’s created a hostile environment with authorities, and no one likes it. Why do you want to know about that dirtbag, anyway?”
“A woman I know got saddled with her brother’s debt to Yazimoto. She’s on the infinite debt repayment plan.” My voice hardened. “I want that debt cleared and I want him out of her life.”
Andrusha’s face softened. “A woman, hey? Last time I saw you go to bat for a girl, you were in grade school. If I recall, she also crushed your iron heart. Who is this woman?”
“The woman I am going to marry.”
Andrusha’s face slackened in shock. “You don’t believe in marriage.”
I explained that this was the one way I could come back from getting traded, and it was still a long shot.
“Mica, Mica.” He shook his head. “This is my fault. I should have never called you the other night.”
“No,” I interrupted him. “I wanted to see you.”
He looked sad. “I promised myself I would never let my life touch or harm yours. I’ve already broken that promise.”
“You’re family, Andrusha. You always will be. Can you set me up a meeting with Yazimoto?”
He shook his head. “Let me handle Yazimoto.”
“I don’t need you to do my dirty work.”
“Mica, let me take care of that rat. I’ve been looking for a reason to pick a fight with that guy, and I have five other associates looking to do the same.”
The last thing I wanted was for Charlie to become the poster child of a turf war between gangs.
“Charlie’s safety is my priority.”
“Yazimoto is a snake that steals from the chicken coop. He doesn’t want a war. He’s too careful about not provoking a direct conflict with any of us. You can trust me that she will be safe.”
I trusted Andrusha. I had always trusted Andrusha, and he had never let me down. I nodded. “Thanks. Her name is Charlie Watt.”
He nodded. “That is a good strong name. She will have to be strong to put up with you.”
I shrugged and didn’t deny that statement. “She’s tough. Her brother is in prison.”
“I’ll make sure he’s safe too.”
I didn’t ask how. I didn’t want to know.
Andrusha handed me a phone. “For emergencies. Someone will always be on the other end of the number I have programmed in there. If you ever need to get in touch with me, need help or need to talk with no one listening in, you use this phone.”
I nodded. “Thanks.”
“We shouldn’t see each other for a while.”
I knew that. “Right.”
“But”—he slapped my shoulder—“I’ll be keeping my eye on you.”
Chapter 7
CHARLIE
I felt disoriented as I opened my eyes, squinting against the soft sunlight that streamed in through the balcony doors. Sitting up, I took a better look at the large guest room. Someone had decorated the room in a delicate blue and white that accented the sturdy, white-painted furniture.
I felt no real loss over my apartment. It had been nothing but a shitty holding place while I tried to get out of debt, but I felt uncertain now that I had no home. I had no idea