Page 91 of Tangled Roses
He leans back and says softly, “Our father, Boris Fedorov, Charles Kenricky and–”
He raises his eyes. “Denislov Orlov.”
“Fuck!”
Denislov is the current president of Russia. He is ruthless, cruel and considered psychotic and my blood runs cold even hearing his name.
“That’s a powerful combination. It’s interesting that Charles Kenricky was one of them. What’s his story?”
“Like pa, he was an apprentice learning the business. I’m guessing they became friends, which explains their involvement in Burning Roses.”
“I don’t understand.”
I must be missing something here, and Titus adds. “Think about it. Adele met Charles in Switzerland and set up The Rose Foundation when she returned. Her parents were rich, but the money didn’t come from them. I’m wondering about the reason for that, because all four men were immensely successful. They are connected through this organization and pa went from poverty to the greatest riches in record time. Charles is in the running for president and Denislov is already there with Boris operating as the head of the KGB. Apparently, networking does bring results.”
“But that doesn’t explain why pa was murdered.” I remind him and he nods, his expression weary as we go full circle.
“We are getting nowhere with that, but Ana is heading to Washington to dig a little deeper into The Rose Foundation. If there is a connection I’m confident she will find it.”
“What about you, Titus? How are you coping?”
It’s not often we ask questions like this, but I’m concerned for my brother. He appears weary, and it doesn’t escape me that the Romanov empire rests heavily on his shoulders.
“I’ll be fine. The pressure is easing on the business, thanks to you and there is more than enough to occupy my time here.”
“Have you heard from the others?”
I reference my three brothers and he nods. “Alexei is currently in Rome with Serena. Mikhail is dealing with his usual protester shit at the oil refinery, while playing happy families with Lilli and Valentin is in London with Polly sorting out Veronica’s estate.”
“Will Ana be okay in Los Angeles? I could head there and keep an eye on her.”
“Good luck with that.” Titus grins. “You don’t have to worry about Ana. They won’t know what hit them.”
I laugh because he’s not wrong. We all have our particular strengths, but Ana has them all and yet appears to be the sweetest one of us. I pity whoever gets in her way because she has been desperate to play her part in solving our father’s murder and will stop at nothing.
“What are your thoughts about the letter Valentin discovered in Veronica’s house?”
I remind Titus about the information we uncovered that is of national importance, and he nods toward the living area and places his finger on his lips, and whispers, “I’m looking into it. That one is more delicate.”
He’s not wrong. The letter my brother found was an official one and concerned our fearsome ruler.
“Do you think it’s true?”
“I’m ruling nothing out, but I’m attending a gala at the Kremlin next week and will be paying more attention than usual.”
“Rather you than me.”
The door opens, effectively cutting our conversation and as we stand, Boris heads out, an enigmatic expression on his face.
“Thank you for your time, gentlemen.”
He says nothing more and heads to the door and as he leaves, we both exhale a deep sigh of relief.
CHAPTER 57
ELLIE
Iam still shaking when Arman heads back into the room alone and the concern on his face causes me to smile briefly.