Page 1 of Vow of Silence
1
ANYA ASLANOV
BANJA LUKA, HERZEGOVINA
When I aspired to gain my father’s approval by having him include me in more of the Aslanov business, I hadn’t expected him to drag me to the other end of the universe. I didn’t mind killing, torturing, or spying on our enemies but being subjected to a place that was cloudy, rainy, boring, and ancient was where I drew the line. Who goes to Bosnia to further their business? To answer the question, Felix Aslanov, my dad. He completed his homework on the Albanian and Serbian mafia, which was the reason we were here. He wanted a piece of their billion-dollar cocaine business. We deplaned and walked to the car. This place hadn’t filled me with inspiration but it didn’t matter. There was a fortune to be had here.
I turned to him. “Which one of them do you really want to do business with? You know that the Albanians and Serbians don’t play nice with each other. Who will we align ourselves with and which one will die?”
His eyes narrowed. “We aren’t here to kill anyone. The Serbian mob boss Arkan Sovanovic is a cautious, paranoid man who is highly intelligent. His empire is vast and his reach goes far beyond drugs. If we can align with him, we could take over the United States one by one.”
So, he prefers the Serbian mafia but doesn’t think he’ll be accepted. Interesting. Just how much power does he hold?
After adjusting my Prada shades, I nodded. “What about mob boss Adan Nallbani? Do you think he is more receptive to doing business with you?”
Boris laughed. “You should know the answer already. He hopes to gain alliances with both; one with a strategic marriage and the other by mutual business interest.”
Boris Kuznetsov was a renowned assassin. He was my father’s greatest weapon and weakness. Dad had even given him permission to marry my sister Mila. Unfortunately, the bastard only cared about two things: killing and Mila. Each time father sent him out, I prayed it would be his last assignment, but every time he returned.
Who is going to protect Mila from him?
My sister is oblivious to his obsession, and her upcoming wedding to this killer. I couldn’t bear to take away her hope. She foolishly thought we could have a normal life. A life where we had choices in our own future.
If I marry someone stronger than my father, I can protect Mila. I’m powerless now but I won’t be in the future.
I resisted the urge to shift my behavior. The last thing I wanted to do was give father any resistance. “Whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it. I’d done some research on Adan and learned that he likes his women older, subservient, and quiet. Arkan, on the other hand, was said not to have relationships and who he slept with is unknown. There are rumors that he might be gay.”
Boris laughed. “No, he’s smart. I’ve caught him fucking many women. He isn’t into men, although adults alike fawn over him.”
It wasn’t like father to be secretive and a sense of uneasiness flowed over me. Boris had cautioned father not to tell me too much. It was one of the many reasons why Boris needed to die, preferably before Mila became any older.
After she became his, he would destroy her and she wouldn’t be the same. I rode in silence the rest of the way.
We arrived at the club called The Vortex. This club was the spot where all the nightlife happened. As we pulled up, the valet opened our doors. Before father could speak, Boris got out of the car and pushed him aside.
“I’ll park our car. You just need to tell me where the garage is located,” said Boris.
“Come on Anya, I want to get inside and get a feel for the layout before they arrive. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get a layout or anything on this place. I’m not comfortable when I don’t know the location well,” said father.
Placing my hand in his, I allowed him to lead me through the crowd and up to the doors of the club. There were four men wearing black suits with tiny wireless earpieces in their ears. Each of them was armed with guns at their waist.
Father stepped up and spoke to them. “Felix Aslanov here to meet with Mr. Jovanovic.”
“Come with me,” said one of the men.
Everyone moved aside as he led us through the nightclub. The place was packed from wall to wall. People swayed to the music like leaves in a rainstorm. The base provided a rhythmic tempo that was energetic yet sensual. He led us up the dimly lit curved stairwell that faded black as we reached the top. The floor lit up as we walked the pathway through the VIP. There were circular black tables along the wall with violet beds built into it.
He led us down several hallways designed as a maze, and we somehow ended up in a large conference room. Father might be confused, but I wasn’t. I was very intuitive and my sense of direction was excellent. If we had to make a hasty retreat, I knew the way back.
“They will arrive soon. Make yourself comfortable. The bar is fully stocked,” he said as he closed the door behind him.
After a second, I looked at dad. “I’m going to the ladies room.”
His eyes narrowed. “Don’t take too long. Get back before they come in here. I want your face to be the first they see when they arrive.”
Is he afraid? It’s too late for that now. We are in their territory, but we won’t die here.
I nodded. “Don’t worry I’ll be quick.”