Page 51 of Tainted Empire
As the city lights streak past, I put it out of my mind that Vladimir’s invitation seems to be both an opportunity and a potential minefield.
Guess we’ll find out which is which.
Chapter 27
Mikhail
In the high-stakes world where I operate, information is as valuable as gold. That’s why I find myself in Sebastian Orlov’s office – a man known as Switzerland in our circles for his neutrality. His office, like him, is meticulous and calculated, every item placed with precision.
He sits behind his massive desk, his expression unreadable as I take the seat across from him.
“Sebastian,” I begin, my tone even. “I’m looking for information on a blind pianist named Devon. He recently crossed paths with Gabriette.”
Orlov raises an eyebrow, his usual slick demeanor showing a hint of reluctance. “Devon? That’s an unusual request, Mikhail. Why the interest?”
I lean back, keeping my expression neutral. “Let’s just say I don’t trust anyone who suddenly pops up in my wife’s life without explanation. I’m sure you understand why,” I say with a nod of my head.
Orlov returns this gesture and nods slowly, his fingers tapping on the desk. “Devon’s story is... tragic, yet intriguing. He was blinded in an accident as a child, and ended up on the streets of Manhattan. No identity, no biometrics. Then, an affluent family took him in, raised him. They’re private, very discreet.”
I sit up straighter, a cold sense of alertness washing over me. That story sounds eerily familiar, too close to Dasha’s missing brother. “Do you have any more details? Anything about this family who took him in?”
Orlov shakes his head. “They’re ghosts, Mikhail. You know as well as I do, some people are adept at staying hidden, especially if they have the resources. But I can tell you they’ve been good to him. He’s a talented pianist, thanks to their support.”
I nod, my mind racing with possibilities. If Devon is Dasha’s brother, the implications are enormous. It could be a coincidence, but in our world, coincidences are rare, and usually, they’re engineered.
“Thanks, Sebastian,” I say, standing up. “I appreciate the information.”
As I leave Orlov’s office, the pieces start to fit together in my mind. Devon’s mysterious past, the affluent family, it’s all too similar to Dasha’s story. I need to tread carefully, gather more information. If Devon really is Dasha’s brother, this could change everything.
It means he’s made contact with Gabriette and I cannot have that.
Driving back, I’m lost in thought. This revelation could open old wounds, bring back memories best left buried. But I can’t let it go. I need to know if Devon is who I suspect he might be.
I stride into the penthouse, the elevator door shutting behind me with a definitive thud. The weight of the conversation with Orlov sits heavily on my shoulders. Gabriette is there, her intelligent eyes immediately picking up on my troubled expression.
“What did Orlov say?” she asks, her voice sharp and focused.
I run a hand through my hair, a mix of frustration and disbelief coloring my tone. “The story about this pianist Devon... it’s not something I expected. He was blinded in an accident as a kid, ended up on the streets, then some wealthy family took him in. He has no history and the adoptive parents are ghosts.”
Gabriette’s gaze sharpens, her mind already piecing together the puzzle. “That’s a hell of a coincidence, Mikhail. Do you think it’s him?”
I flop down on the couch, the possibilities churning in my mind. “I don’t know. But if it is, it’s a goddamn game-changer. Dasha’s brother, thought to be dead or lost after that kidnapping... and now, this?”
She sits beside me, her presence both comforting and grounding. “We need more information. If Devon really is Dasha’s brother, that could open a whole can of worms from your past.”
I nod, feeling the old anger and pain resurfacing. “I killed Dasha for her betrayal, and I thought that chapter was closed. But if her brother’s alive, if he’s this Devon guy... Jesus, it’s like opening a Pandora’s box of shit I thought I’d buried.”
Gabriette’s hand finds mine, her grip firm. “But we can’t jump to conclusions, Mikhail. We need proof, something solid.”
“Right,” I agree, my thoughts racing. “We’ll have to approach this carefully. Can’t let emotions get in the way. Need to think like a fucking chess player, not a hothead.”
She nods, her eyes reflecting the determination I feel. “Exactly. We’ll tackle this together, strategically. You have contacts who can find out the truth about Devon, right? After that, we decide how to handle it.”
I let out a long breath, feeling slightly more centered. Gabriette’s intelligence and composure are what I need right now. “You’re right, baby. I’ll contact them and see what they come up with.”
As we sit there, plotting our next move, my phone suddenly rings, slicing through the tense atmosphere. I glance at the caller ID – it’s my father. His calls are never without reason, and I can’t help but feel a spike of apprehension as I answer.
“Mikhail,” his voice is grave, a tone I know all too well. “We need to talk about Lee.”