Page 93 of The Brigadier
“The one thing the syndicates of the twenties and thirties didn’t have and of course for several other generations was modern technology to provide them with additional and much stronger abilities for strategic moves and to provide different methods ofdoing business, including legitimate ones. They didn’t need to rely on bootlegging and selling cargo ships filled with cigarettes and other contraband to other cities and countries. Racketeering and blackmail took a dive with the invention of computers and email, the various mafia organizations realizing big business offered them opportunities they’d never had before. At least they were smart enough to grasp onto the technology after a bit of pushback. The smart ones today use hired hackers, which they keep on their employ to protect their internet banking.”
I found it interesting he was talking about himself as if he wasn’t an important person in the most powerful Bratva in the world. I’d done a tiny bit of sleuthing while he was gone. I’d found a computer, shocked I was able to figure out the passcode. A huge mistake, his son’s birthday. All I’d needed to do was ask Damien, who knew and had gone on about what he’d wanted for his upcoming birthday.
I’d found various articles on the Bratva. Not all bad. They were considered heroes to the Brighton Beach world, which I’d known, but also decent philanthropists to certain members of the press. Maybe they were paid. Maybe they thought they could get their fifteen minutes of fame. Whatever the case, it had provided a decent reputation. However, I’d also dug through some ugly articles about violence and bloodshed, the three upper echelon members of the Bratva supposedly responsible for some atrocious crimes. However, other than a few minor arrests, no one had been pinged with some of the more horrific crimes.
“Anyway, nowadays crime syndicates are heavily legitimate but are forced to rely on old-time methods of violence when things become… fucked up. It happens. You can treat your employees well, even better than any Fortune 500 company and people,especially it would seem men can be greedy. Plus, they succumb to threats if they have a family. I assure you the violent assholes can be very convincing when they need you to switch loyalties. If you let your guard down, that’s when it occurs. We became complacent, convinced we were basically businessmen, not gangsters.”
Another bitter laugh was followed by him staring at Damien as the little boy jumped back into the pool, fully energized once again.
“I keep forgetting my roots as both Aleksander and Vadim have. It’s going to cost us more than it already has. I keep thinking I’m nothing more than a businessman, someone who could be looked up to. What a crock of shit.”
“That’s not fair. You and the other two have funded reading programs for underprivileged kids in low-income areas. You’ve donated to hospitals, including one for kids with cancer. You’ve even donated to various pet rescue organizations. You’re a good man who is a powerful businessman.”
“You’ve been reading up on me.” He pulled me closer, my chair moving at the same time. For a few seconds, it was as if he’d forgotten about whatever horrible thing he’d just experienced.
“You need to change the password on that computer. I’m a pretty good hacker myself and if I could get into it in less than one minute, you know others can sweep that limited security system without any difficulty.” I grinned and he shook his head.
“Remind me to spank you later for snooping. Bad girl.”
“Maybe you need me on your staff.”
“Maybe I just need you in my life, even if that isn’t a good idea. I’m not a good man. There is no real decency left in me. My heritage made certain of that. Yes, the three of us sat down and had many a discussion about how to increase our reputations and improve our bottom line. Half our clients mention all the fabulous things we do when they sign on the bottom line. All smoke and mirrors. Don’t fool yourself. We might wield a mighty pen in our usual day-to-day business activities but deep down inside, we’re ruthless killers and nothing more.”
I wasn’t entirely certain why he was disparaging his own organization’s reputation other than he was hurting.
Badly.
“What about Damien? You took him in, no questions asked. You honestly had no idea he was your son. I know he has your eyes but that means nothing. That woman is lying through her teeth about the circumstances at minimum. I know that in my heart.”
When he cupped my face, rubbing his thumb across my bottom lip like he’d done so many times before, I sensed a part of him had closed off, maybe forever. Sadly, it happened to be a part I’d come to adore. “So sweet and innocent. I don’t have any idea why you like me.”
“Like you? I love you.”
Shit. Shit. Shit.
The words came out before I had any clue. I sucked in my breath, thinking he’d respond badly, but he did little more than sigh. What the fuck was going on?
He finally let me go, including his hand gripping mine. “Tanner betrayed me. He betrayed all of us.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means he’s working for a yet to be fully disclosed enemy. I will get it out of him, but his new loyalty is strong.”
“Why would he do that?” I wasn’t appalled or necessarily surprised, but he obviously had a reason why.
“In this case, I honestly think his family is under serious duress.”
“Do you know who those family members are?”
He took another gulp of his drink. “I know everything about my men, including dates of birth and social security numbers. You name it.”
“Then you know he’s hurting. Wasn’t he one of your most loyal men?”
“Yeah, but so the fuck what? I’m certain he was paid damn well for his… disloyalty.”
I hated his damn snicker, as if he knew every detail. “So he’s still alive?”
“For now.”