Undaunted - Shirleen Davies Page 0,39
of the worst of the bunch. Brutal, unforgiving, and into the full spectrum of illegal activities.”
Fuse’s hands balled into fists. This was much worse than going against the Devils. “Why would they have an interest in Brittany? Isn’t kidnapping a senator’s daughter risky for them?”
“Nothing’s too risky for the Russians,” Mitch said. “The foot soldiers are very loyal. They’ll do whatever they’re ordered.”
Everyone’s attention shifted to Mitch. “Tell us what you know about them,” Wrath said.
“I’ll tell you what I can.”
Wrath motioned for him to continue.
“My team was sent to extract a woman. I can’t tell you the details other than she was being held by the Butovo Bratva. A great deal of Intel went into the op. The group is a structured criminal organization, as opposed to a gang. Most of the members grew up in south Moscow. The Bratva run legitimate businesses, but are also involved in the Russian underworld. They’re active in what we’d call traditional mafia activities such as prostitution, blackmail, bribery, extortion, human trafficking, arms dealing, credit card fraud, stock fraud, money laundering. The Intel also said they run online scams. If you can make money from it, the Bratva are involved. In my opinion, they’re the ones threatening Senator Blackmore.”
Wrath switched to another image on the screen. “You aren’t alone, Mitch. This man is Viktor Gelonkin. He’s believed to be the head of Bratva in the U.S. It’s also believed he is tight with the political leadership in Russia.” He rested his arms on the table. “Grayson is reviewing what we have.” Picking up his ringing, secure line, Wrath held up a finger to those in the room. “Admiral. I’m here with the men. May I put you on speaker? Thank you, sir. Go ahead.”
“Gentlemen.” Grayson’s voice had them coming to attention in their seats. “I have Kell Kirkland with WES on the phone with us. Ms. Blackmore’s protection remains a primary op. There is additional data affecting the mission. Blackmore is not the only senator being threatened with harm to family members. There are two others. The FBI is protecting both senators and their families. Kell is going to provide an update.”
“I’ve spoken with Senator Blackmore. He still refuses to bring in the FBI to protect Brittany. After the way you gentlemen handled the attack at Fuse’s house, he’s convinced WES working with the Brethren is the right choice to protect his daughter. Grayson has given us his approval.”
“Which means, our connection with the FBI will remain tenuous on this op,” Grayson interjected. “The director is fuming over Blackmore’s refusal to bring them in. As you know, the current director isn’t a supporter of Eternal Brethren. Due to your record, he can’t touch us. He’s forced to work with us and share what he knows about the perps threatening the three senators.”
“Do you expect the data he supplied will be complete, sir?” Mitch asked.
“Hell no. The man’s as tight as they come. But we’ve got our own people working on it, as well as other sources I won’t name. What we believe right now is the Butovo Bratva is behind the threats against the senators.”
“To what end, Admiral?” Fuse asked.
“There are votes coming up about our dealings with Russia. It will take three senators to swing the opposite way to pass the bills in Russia’s favor. The consensus is the threats are connected to the votes, and the three senators who are on the fence.”
“Threats and kidnapping seem a little drastic,” Rock muttered.
“I’d agree, except we believe there’s more at stake than the votes. For now, the order hasn’t changed. Kell’s received the senator’s approval to provide more men, freeing you boys for our own missions. Wrath, I’ll get back with you as soon as more Intel is available.”
“Yes, sir.” Ending the call, he thrummed his fingers on the desk. “You heard him. Mitch, you and Fuse will return to his house with Ms. Blackmore. Who do you want with you?”
Mitch turned toward Fuse. “Your call.”
“Gunner, Fargo, and Bas. Iggy and Boomer on the highway, if you can still spare them.”
“Done. Take what you need from the armory. Raider, I want you to do another sweep of Fuse’s place. Upgrade as needed. The Bratva will send more men. We need at least one alive.” Wrath set his hands on the table and stood. “You’re dismissed. Fuse, Mitch, and Gunner stay. We have a few more details to discuss.”
Fuse opened the door to the secure ops center where one of the Brethren sat several