My father had once told me that only in truths can you find answers as well as solace. I honestly never truly understood the meaning until now. All I wanted at this point was to find the truths, even if the answers were painful. I’d instructed Maksim to look into our own soldiers, determining their loyalty. I was no fool. At least a few were now working with the other Bratvas, used as spies or worse.
I shut down several of our operations, placing a hold on anything coming into the ports. I couldn’t risk our shipments being hijacked or worse. The near shutdown was necessary but wasn’t boding well for our suppliers or our customers.
I’d spent years enhancing the legal sides of our businesses while my father had continued his hold on the import business. He preferred the old ways, the very ones that were deemed desirable by those threatening to take over. The irony was disgusting.
While everything was looming, including additional decisions required as the Capos were looking to me to take control, tonight I was letting it go. Spending time with Dimitri and Willow was far more important.
I realized she was staring at me even as she continued building some futuristic contraption with Legos, all to Dimitri’s delight. “What are you looking at?” I’d made a fire after dinner, even cooking my son his favorite spaghetti meal. The time spent had been so damn normal, a reminder of a few precious years.
“You’re barefoot, sitting cross-legged in jeans and a polo shirt that’s seen better days. Even your hair is completely tousled. In other words, I’ve never seen you look as sexy as you do tonight.” She laughed after making the statement, much more at ease than before. It was as if an entire weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
I took a handful of the colorful blocks, tossing them in her direction. “Very funny.”
“Not funny at all.”
“There!” Dimitri said proudly, grinning from ear to ear.
“That’s gorgeous, Dimitri,” she told him, clapping her hands several times.
He followed her actions, clapping and giggling as he showed off his magnificent work of art.
I sat back against the coffee table, savoring the brandy as I watched them playing together. There were so many things I wanted to share with her, words that needed to be said. Why did I continue to feel so hollow inside? I’d never allowed adversity or a single enemy to interfere with any aspect of my life. The burden was significant.
“I hate to say this, little man, but it’s time for bed.” I adored the frown and sad eyes as he tipped his little head in my direction.
“Papa. Having fun.”
“I know, buddy, but it’s already past your bedtime.” As I started to get up, Willow held out her arm.
“I’ll do that,” she said then recoiled. “I mean, if you trust me.”
“With my life. Dimitri, would you like Willow to put you to bed?”
“Yes. Yes. Yes!”
His exuberance was a reminder that life was short. “Give Papa a big kiss.” His hug was tight, much more so than normal, almost suffocating because of my level of guilt and worry. I’d never been a religious man, even though my mother had been raised Orthodox, but I would get down on my knees and pray if it would keep my baby boy safe.
“I’ll be right back,” she said, winking as she took his hand into hers.
My heart remained heavy and watching them walk out of the room felt so damn permanent, foreboding. I hunkered down, grabbing the little work of art in my hand. The kid was so talented. I chuckled at the thought. He certainly hadn’t gotten that from his father.
“Boss, you have a visitor,” Maksim said as he walked into the room. “Jonas.”
I’d given explicit instructions not to be interrupted, but this was one exception I’d make. “You need to get some rest.”
“I’m fine. You need me,” Maksim said, backing away so Jonas could enter the room.
Jonas peered down at the floor. “Dimitri is here? I thought you’d sent him away.”
“Well, apparently not far enough, although that changes tomorrow. News on my father?”
“He’s asking to see you and the charge is first degree murder.”
I remained where I was, taking a sip of the brandy. “Has he given a statement?”
“He refuses until he’s had a chance to talk with you. As you might imagine, it took some doing to be able to get you in to see him.”
“I’ll go first thing in the morning. My father has spent a night in jail before.”
“Sorry, Aleksei. It has to be tonight. If he doesn’t talk with them like they’re pushing, it’s going to be tough to get any kind of bail. They’re making an example out of your father. At least I have an appointment with Commissioner Ninchenzo in the morning.”
I finally stood, realizing Jonas didn’t seem as concerned about my father’s incarceration or the charges as I would have imagined. “Have you heard of the attorney Wallace Greenbriar before?” The inflection in the man’s eyes told me that he had.
“Rings a bell,” Jonas said as he walked toward the bar, pouring himself a drink. “Yes, he’s on the board of directors of several major corporations. From what I understand, he’s not actively practicing law any longer. Why?”
“He represents Church Exports, or at least he did. Can you find out more about him?”
“I know who he was friends with.”
Why did I have the distinct feeling the man was dangling a carrot? “All right. Who?”
“The mayor. They go way back. I remember seeing a picture of Mr. Greenbriar in the mayor’s office. It appeared they were at a golf outing. I only noticed because he and I were talking about striking up a game.”
“Fascinating. The web continues to spin.”
“Well, why don’t you go see your father? I’ll let myself out. Who’s taking care of Dimitri?”
“A friend.”