Then I smiled, the anger abated.
* * *
I’d been told more than once that I was a horrible monster, a ruthless human being feeding on the inadequacies of human nature. Perhaps that was true, but I’d learned valuable lessons over the past few days. There were others equally evil who hid behind masks of integrity.
I was finally able to put everything into perspective, realizing that my rather jaded life might have another purpose.
The information I’d provided to the commissioner had started a firestorm in the city, dozens of arrests occurring in a short period of time. The fallout was continuing. While there was no actual evidence that Peter had been behind the mayor’s murder, my father had been released on bail and from what I’d heard, the charges would be dropped.
I’d purposely allowed law enforcement to know exactly where Peter’s shipments were, as did Lorenzo and Dominick. That would garner good will. However, the fact Peter still had one ship unaccounted for continued to bother me. Maybe the Russian czar had taken claim since a message had been delivered to them in a less than satisfactory manner.
Stay away from the United States.
Whether they would or not remained to be seen. At least I’d been able to leak Peter’s true activities to sources who no doubt released it to the Solntsevskayas. I knew I hadn’t seen the last of them, but at this point, all was quiet.
The worst part was knowing that Jonas had been involved, although at a lower level. My father was incensed and I knew Jonas wouldn’t be able to run or hide.
I had one last thing to do, but not until after talking with my father. I had to know that he could handle the situation with Jonas.
I heard his footsteps and moved to a standing position, ready to pour him a drink. He’d been through a hell of a lot, mostly given the information regarding Jonas.
When he walked in, I’d anticipated an enraged man. Seeing the smile on his face, I was surprised. “Father.”
He walked closer, pulling me into a bear hug. Another surprise. “How are you?”
“I’m fine. You seem…”
Easing back, he chuckled then walked toward the window, placing his hands behind his back. “I’ve lived a long time, our family forced to face dozens of enemies.” His accent seemed heavier today.
“With few allies we could trust completely.”
“You might be surprised. Don’t get me wrong, I’d kept my blinders on with regards to Jonas, but every man has a price. My wise son once told me that.”
I shook my head. “I’m sorry that I had to tell you that.”
He turned around, giving me a nod of respect. “Wise words.” As he walked closer, his eyes became darker, his control evident. “You’re going to allow me to deal with Jonas my way. Personally. No questions asked.”
“Fair enough. You know there are more influential people involved. There will be additional fallout.”
“I’m not worried, son. Our family has endured much worse.” He seemed thoughtful before speaking again. “There is an old saying. Derzhite vragov ryadom.”
“Keep your enemies close.”
“Yes. Perhaps a part of me knew that Jonas couldn’t be trusted entirely. For that, I take full responsibility.”
Now the sadness crept into his eyes.
“I understand,” I said quietly.
“It’s time for me to give you some fatherly advice.”
“And?”
He smiled once again, closing the distance. “You need to live again, son. You are a great leader and you deserve happiness.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m very proud of you. If you have love in your heart, you will never be alone.”
My father was a wise man and I didn’t take what he said lightly. The love I had for Willow was something special and she would ease the loneliness.
And maybe she’d be able to heal my broken heart.
* * *
I sat in the waiting room, fingering a glossy magazine, simply waiting my turn. My father had insisted that perpetuating friendships allowed for fair business practices, the streets unbloodied by needless wars. I was beginning to have my doubts.
“Mr. Petrov. He’ll see you now.”
The lovely blonde had flirted with me without shame, but her obvious advances had been easy to ignore. I had no room for passion.
I gave her a respectful nod before walking down the hallway, adjusting my suit jacket before walking inside.
“Aleksei. Good to see you. I certainly wish it was under better circumstances.”
While he held out his hand, I chose to ignore it, instead reaching into my pocket and fishing out the photograph I’d taken from Peter’s office, sliding it across the desk.
The police commissioner’s smile faded as he glanced down. “Where did you get this?”