Page 81 of The Brigadier
“What kind of trouble did my brother find himself in?” I had an idea of course. All his adult life, my brother hadn’t been able to keep from betting on the horse races in California. Up until recently, he’d won, keeping the bets to a minimum.
“The kind that usually results in broken bones and dead bodies floating in the Hudson River.” Luciano didn’t blink when he looked at me. “I could be wrong, but he was into both groups for a large sum of money. I heard it was to try and fund his failing company, but I could be wrong. If my sources are correct, the debt was forgiven because your brother provided repayment for the majority of what he owed but it left a bad taste in their mouths as well. They could have been expecting bloodshed that day. They are savages.”
I rubbed my forehead. “I can understand. My brother is all glow and show, off-putting to many.”
Luciano laughed. “I enjoy men who are over the top but only if they have full control. Anyway, I wouldn’t worry about anything there. The two syndicates want nothing to do with LA. Why should they when the Big Apple is completely ripe for the picking? The old men such as myself are dying out, the new generations much like you. Power is something else entirely than when I was young.”
Vadim snorted. “So they believe the Big Apple has real estate and the temperament to share. They don’t understand the chains of command.”
Luciano lifted his glass, nodding in respect. “No, they do not. We will teach them. You have the heart of a lion, Pakhan. It is no wonder people respect you.”
“Thank you, Don Bernardi.”
The love fest was getting freaking old.
“We need to continue providing additional communication so neither organization is blindsided,” I piped in, which was the truth.
“Agreed,” Luciano said. He coughed and all three of us looked at each other. “As I said before, I’m an old man. I won’t be on this earth for long. I would enjoy getting to know a grandchild before I leave this world. I would also love to have him continue to be the bridge between our families.”
Of course he was staring directly at Aleksander. We hadn’t considered the fact it could be possible if he and Raphaella had a son, he could be considered the new Don of the Bernardi family. Even though half his bloodline and his last name would be Russian.
The thought was rather avant garde for an old school syndicate. But not a bad one.
Aleksander grinned. “I will discuss it with my lovely bride.”
Luciano was very pleased, his smile glowing. “I will provide whatever additional soldiers you require if needed until this inconvenience has been handled.”
Vadim lifted his glass. Protocol. Politics. It was still vital and necessary in this time of strife and unrest. “As always, Don Bernardi, you are full of grace. We may take you up on that.”
Luciano lifted his glass, locking eyes with all of three of us. “Now, let’s break bread. I am still a very hungry man.”
At least another full hour had passed and as was typical, the three of us were ready to get back to work. Plus, I didn’t want to leave Chantel alone for too long. And I had another meeting. Or so I hoped.
As we walked outside, I pulled my phone into my hands once again, restoring the sound. “Fuck.” My hiss was followed by both Vadim and Aleksander studying me.
“An issue?” Aleks asked.
“I’m having a nice long chat with Sonya Oliov, which is Chantel’s cousin. While she helped my girl with getting an apartment, food, etc., she also provided a warning about Vissarian in that the man wasn’t well liked.”
Vadim snickered. “Well, you know why. Anything else you hope to accomplish?”
“I don’t know. I just want to cover all bases.”
“He has a good point,” Aleks said. “I’ll do some sniffing while I’m here.”
“Don’t do anything stupid,” Vadim suggested. “I know what Luciano said but you need to remember enemies can alter plans at any turn. Especially when provided with an unexpectedopportunity. Plus, women are highly susceptible to shifting loyalties. I may force a mandatory meeting with the Armenian leader.”
“Are you nuts?” I asked. “Balian is a true pig.”
Vadim laughed. “Who has an affinity for a certain pastry. I know the owner and the man comes in every week at the same time. It’ll be friendly. I want to know if he’s heard anything. As you said. Cover the bases.”
“Don’t do anything stupid,” I warned.
He gave me an amused look. “I said that to you, brother.”
“Yeah. Yeah. I know, Vadim. That’s why she’s being taken to a secure destination of Tanner’s choosing. I do not want to be interfered with.”
Vadim sighed. “Okay, but just remember what I said.”