Page 65 of The Brigadier

“What difference does it make? We’re not invading on your turf. I would never allow that to happen. I like LA. You know that. It’s my hometown now and my wife would never move.” He laughed. “I might be a big lug but you’ll learn you don’t ever cross your wife’s desires. If you ever succumb to marriage.”

He always did make me laugh.

Arguing wasn’t going to get me anywhere. The man was as stubborn as I was. “I hope you’re telling me everything. My family being under attack isn’t acceptable. Do you understand?”

“I’m your family too.”

“I suggest you keep that in mind. Brother.”

“Such a fucking asshole.”

Now we were bickering like we used to. For some reason, that eased some tension.

“That’s how I stay alive. I need an answer to one last question.”

Vissarian laughed as if any of this was funny. “Go ahead. You’ve already made your point about my importance in your life.”

The reason we’d never completely clicked was his arrogance. Or maybe mine. “Sonya Oliov. Did you suggest she keep an eye on your daughter, including warning her? Or did she do that on her own?”

There was a slight hesitation and I was more pissed than before. “I asked her to watch out over my daughter. That was the extent of our interaction. Nothing more.”

“And did you happen to check her alliances?”

“What are you insinuating?”

“Nothing. However, the warning had interesting timing.”

“No, I did not. I thought the outstanding reputation provided by her mother was enough.”

There was no getting through to the man. Nor did he seem to care but I knew better. He’d been pushed.

Or threatened himself.

“Fine. I needed to ask. If there’s anything you can tell me about your conversations with either syndicate that could be of any help, now is the time to do it.”

“We had a two-hour meeting. Period. Our discussion was based on their business proposals, which I haven’t accepted yet. And no. You are not privy to those. I have my world and you have yours. You made it perfectly clear the two were to remain separate. No matter what we used to tell the other, we know too much. We’ve experienced too much. Sharing but so much information could be dangerous.”

His choice of words was interesting.

“Have it your way.”

“Just take care of my daughter, Nik. She is special and you’re a bully.”

I had to laugh. It was what he’d called me as a kid. “Bullies can usually protect people better than those who continue to keep their eyes closed. I have no intention of allowing anything to happen to Chantel. Yes, she is very special. Very special indeed.” With that, I hung up the phone. The situation was frustrating as fuck. But the conversation had allowed me to realize my brother had gotten himself into the middle of something he couldn’t get himself out of. Shit. Shit. Shit.

Sonya was still someone who hadn’t been cornered. With me returning to New York for a few hours, it was time to handle that situation.

Past time.

I made contact to Tanner, who’d remained behind at my command.

“Hey, boss. Are you safe?” he asked, answering on the second ring.

“Safe. I need a favor.”

“You got it.”

“I’ve mentioned Sonya Oliov, Chantel’s cousin. Do you remember?”