Page 100 of The Brigadier
“I’m going to explain a plan and no, I don’t have all the details worked out yet but will soon, through Vadim and Aleksander’s help. But if it’s going to work, it will need to be done over the cover of darkness. Understood?”
I got Danny’s full attention, the man turning around. “Color me intrigued.”
“Very funny. It will be a long and bloody night and we’ll need as many of our men as possible, plus of course those of the Pakhan and his Councilor.”
“Long nights we can handle,” Danny said, crossing his arms. “What’s this plan?”
So, I explained it, shifting a few details by adding some of those I’d thought of. It really was a brilliant plan, more so that I could believe.
Still.
When I was finished, it was as if shock and awe had gripped the room.
Danny finally grinned. “That’s amazing. That will be completely unexpected. I like it.”
“Carter, get Vadim on a Zoom call. Gunner, make certain the communications equipment is running smoothly.” My orders were followed immediately.
When they were off, the other two trying to help, Danny got in front of me. “Did you come up with this idea?”
I smiled, looking away. “Not entirely.”
“Ah. I was right about Chantel. She’s good for you.”
“The question is am I good for her?”
He’d already turned but now shook his head. “Take this from a friend, not a loyal soldier. I mean no disrespect but stop selling yourself short. You fulfill her world as well.” While he’d kept his voice down so the others couldn’t hear, all that did was strengthen the deep vibe.
“None taken.”
“I have the Pakhan on the Zoom call,” Carter called out. “Councilor Semenov is just connecting.”
I gritted my teeth. This should be interesting. As I moved in front of the large computer screen, I could immediately tell Vadim appeared weary. “You look like shit.”
At least he laughed. “Yeah, well, speak for yourself. This crap is getting old.”
“I’ll say.” I didn’t know why, but I was antsier than usual. I knew both men would think me nuts. Hell, I did as well a little bit, but I also believed wholeheartedly it was the best and only way to flush out the fucker.
“Gentlemen,” Aleks piped in. “I hope this isn’t going to take long. Believe it or not, I have a brief meeting with a client.”
“I’m appalled,” Vadim teased. Aleks continued to consult for the firm that he was now more of a silent partner with. His expertise was highly sought after. “I’ll get it started. We had anice chat with Rossi. Fascinating. I also checked Philly. There are rumblings just like there are that the jerks from Chicago are coming in. Too many rumors to buy. However, I don’t think they’re organized enough.”
“Well, another possible ending down the drain,” Aleks said in disgust, turning his attention in my direction. “Look, I heard about Tanner. I’m sorry, Nikolay. Betrayal is tough no matter who or when.”
Nodding, I hadn’t realized how tired I was until just that moment. “I know. I was crushed but his betrayal may come in useful.”
“Information extraction. Good luck.” Vadim grinned.
I ignored the comment at this point.
“And?” I asked, unsure if it mattered. “What happened with Rossi?”
“Let’s just say he wasn’t too happy to see us.” Vadim snickered. “Seriously. It was obvious he was performing various business tactics that could interfere with ours. Not necessarily egregious except it was obvious he was lying. Or maybe he was working with someone and he didn’t want to disclose the source.”
Aleks sighed. “Ah, shit. And what happened?”
Vadim didn’t appear happy. “Honestly, I was going to keep him on ice, but he made the fatal mistake of reaching for his weapon. I shot him. But I have a feeling the Armenians are on edge. I’ve yet to go see Balian.”
Great. Another mafia leader had just been removed. That should prove interesting fodder throughout the city. The Armenianwould likely get the message we weren’t to be fucked with. Perhaps that wasn’t the worst thing to happen.