Page 78 of Lord of Ruin
“And now?” Nico asked.
“There’s an issue with the fucker who still currently owns the building, the landlord,” Christos added.
“Meaning?” Phoenix hissed, gritting his teeth.
“He doesn’t technically exist, at least not until recently and the building was purchased in the name of what appears to be a bogus company,” my cousin said as if hating the fact he had to provide the news.
I’d been too busy trying to break his fucking arm that I hadn’t asked what I’d demanded he find. “And the goddamn bogus company? Where did you trace it to?”
“That’s just it. Like a cell phone number someone wants to hide, the shit pings all over the world,” he added, acting sheepish.
“Which means a highly sophisticated organization is behind it. Any connection with this landlord to Viktor Marku?” Phoenix snarled.
“None that I could find,” Christos said. “But I’ve called in a couple favors. However, now, I’ll check to see if any of Madden’s goons are connected.”
I sat back, realizing I’d need to interrogate my lovely captive. Whether or not she was involved directly, it was entirely possible she’d been used as a pawn. Just like the rest of us.
“We need to have another discussion with Viktor. He could be a key in this game of charades no matter what the Brotherhood believes,” I recommended. “You should also have a long chat with Sean Donnelly.”
“Already in the works but the most important thing is to track down Madden. In my mind, there’s only one way of doing that,” Phoenix said, a smile crossing his face.
“And that is?” Nico asked although I could see where this was going and I didn’t like it.
“I think we need a stronger presence in Greece. While Pops is there, he’s on vacation. We still have a hold, but it grows weaker the longer the family doesn’t make an appearance. If Madden wants to take our territory either there or in the United States, he will have a tremendous fight on his hands. Besides, Uncle Dimitrios has skin in the game and he has people scouting all of Europe for him. He won’t like hearing the Byrne name again.”
Suddenly, the table got quiet. “And just who do you think is the best choice to head to the old country?” I challenged.
He leaned over, still grinning. “You, dear brother. You are the second in command of our illustrious empire, the one who will be required to go to Greece most often. And for some reason, the target has been placed squarely on your back, not mine.”
It wasn’t news. Both my brother and father had wanted to rekindle the old ways once again. Given Phoenix had a family to consider, it would be up to me to lead the pack so to speak. I bristled, once again hating the family I’d been brought up in. “Bad timing, bro.”
“Excellent timing,” he countered. “It’s obvious you’re also concerned about Ms. Kilborne’s sudden appearance in your life. Get her away from the United States and onto your turf. That way if she’s a pawn, then someone will either try and eliminate her or bring her back into the fold. Or maybe Dimitrios will recognize her. Either way, it’s a damn good method of weeding out those we can’t trust.”
I often loathed Phoenix’s logic but this time he was right, although his continued suspicion of her would piss me off indefinitely. However, it would be safer to be in the old country, at least initially. What bothered me was it could appear as if I was running away from danger, which wasn’t good for our reputation.
“I’ll think about it,” I barked.
“It will be good for you to reconnect,” he added.
“I said I’ll think about it. I’m suddenly not hungry. Christos, we’re leaving.” I didn’t wait to hear any additional comments or what I knew to be orders. Yes, I respected Phoenix’s position. He’d proven himself to be an excellent leader, his instincts usually spot on, but I still couldn’t stomach the fucking situation and possibilities.
I was barely out the door when Phoenix was on my heel. He was quiet at first, just another thing to piss me off for the day.
“Just say it, Phoenix. Just fucking say it.”
“What do you think I’m going to say?”
“That I was an idiot. That I’ve placed this family and our entire operation in jeopardy because of a woman.”
He sighed as he took a step closer to the curb. “You don’t know me as well as you think you do, Stavros. I wasn’t going to say that to you.”
“Then fucking say whatever it is. I’m tired, I’m angry, and I hate being used by anyone.”
When he turned to face me, there was a look of concern in his eyes. “What you went through almost twenty years ago changed you. You went from being a happy kid with a lust for life to someone none of your family recognized. Sure, you hid your anger and hatred, and extreme guilt pretty damn well, but you’ve been a shell of a person for almost half your life. The second I walked into your office, the moment I saw your face when you talked about Jenna, I knew she’d changed something inside of you.”
“So the fuck what if she’s the enemy?”
“So the fuck what? Do you remember when I went after Whitney? I was certain she had something to do with the shit that went down at Elena’s winery. I wanted her to suffer with everything I had inside of me, because I was certain of her guilt. Because of that, I almost lost the chance to be happy for the first time in my life. I know what I suggested but now I’m telling you not to think the worst until you know for certain. In other words, trust your gut. If going to Greece helps not only with that but allowing you to heal, then it’s worth the risk and the time. Let’s face it, getting the hell out of the country for a little while will clear your head, which is what I need for you to do. I need you by my side but not when you continue to be a broken man. That’s all I was going to say to you. Because if you lose this chance at finding happiness, you’ll never allow even the thought to enter your mind again.”