“Da.”
I pull out of the parking garage, and the Soldiers follow us. Pakhan doesn’t want us to go out without backup.
I drive down the streets and pull into the grocery store. We go inside the store and to the corner office. We stop at the door to talk to our contact, the manager.
“Hey, Larry.”
“Hi, Czar, Anatoly,” Larry says, smiling.
“Do you have our order ready?”
“Yes, it’s ready for you. Let me get my guys to help you take it to your car,” Larry says, grabbing his cell from his desk.
“Sounds good,” Anatoly says, nodding.
We follow Larry to talk to the guy who’s going to help us, and we help take out the carts full of food.
The Soldiers help us load up the food.
“Thanks, Larry,” I say, lifting my chin.
“Thank you, and we want the same for next week,” Anatoly says.
“Right. I’ll have it ready,” Larry says, nodding.
We wave and get into the Range Rover. I pull out onto the street, with the Soldiers following us. I drive to the shelter where we like to help out. It’s a shelter for mothers and children who are homeless. Mama always helped with the little she could, and then when we had the money, we started helping out.
I pull into the parking lot, and we get out. I wave at the manager who works the shelter. She walks over, smiling.
“Hey, Czar, thanks for bringing the food,” Billie says, grabbing a bag.
“Welcome, it’s something that gives us great pleasure to do,” I say, taking a bag.
I lift my chin at the Soldiers to help us, and they walk over.
“This food is going to help feed more women and children that come in to stay warm,” Billie says, walking into the back door to the kitchen.
“I’m glad to hear that the women and children will have a good warm meal,” Anatoly says.
“Is there anything else you need,” I ask, raising my brow.
“We do need some blankets, pillows, and hygiene essentials,” Billie says, smiling.
“Don’t worry, we will take care of it,” I say, nodding.
“Oh my, you two are so kind, and we appreciate everything you do. I’m sure that your Mama will be proud of you two,” Billie says, clasping her hands.
My heart skips a beat, and I smile, nodding. It still hurts to think of Mama. I look at my Brat; he’s already ordering the supplies, and I know that they will be here within the hour.
“Billie, you have my number. Call me if you need anything else,” I say, smiling.
“I will, thank you, Czar, Anatoly,” Billie says, smiling.
“Our pleasure. We’ll see you next week,” I say.
“Brat, get Mia home before you get her pregnant and start the war,” Anatoly huffs, closing the door to the Range Rover.
“I will.”
