Marco gasped, and I swiveled my head back toward him, watching his unseeing eyes he crumpled to the ground. A trail of blood trickled from the bullet hole in his forehead.
The tall man in the suit aimed his gun at Oskar. “You’ve been a loyal soldier, and I don’t want to kill you. But sadly, I’m afraid you’ve left me no other choice.”
“I’ve pledged my loyalty to you for years!” Oskar screamed.
“Apparently not.” Sergey’s lips thinned. “You stood with Marco this morning instead of me.”
“You weren’t here!” he cried. “Caruso will eliminate everything that makes us money and gives us power!”
Sergey’s expression fell. “We’re ushering in a new age, Oskar. One that will protect us and allow us to thrive. The old-world order is gone. I’m sorry. May your soul rest in peace.”
Sergey fired, lodging a bullet in almost the exact same spot on Oskar’s forehead. He collapsed, expelling his last breath as his body lay in a heap on the cold, dirty floor.
“Does anyone else want to challenge my partnership with Michael Caruso?” Sergey asked, his voice loud and commanding as he looked at Oskar’s remaining soldiers. They glanced at each other, and eventually, lowered their weapons.
Sergey stepped toward Dmitry and patted him on the shoulder. “Good job, son.”
“I wasn’t sure you could get back into the country in time,” Michael said. “Guess you made it.”
Facing him, Sergey smiled. “When I changed my mind about attending this meeting, I called every contact possible and secured a private plane. I depart for Estonia from Atlantic City airport in four hours.”
“Then we need to get you on the road,” Michael said, stepping forward and extending his hand. “Thank you.”
Sergey shook it, and I could see the mutual respect that was slowly growing between the new partners.
“I look forward to a new era where we both benefit,” Sergey said. “Your optimism that we can thrive in the financial and crypto market without human trafficking is heartening, although I still doubt it can be done.”
“I look forward to proving it’s possible,” Michael said. “Safe travels home.”
Sergey approached me and extended his hand. “Sergey Kersna. Thank you for taking care of Dmitry. I leave him in your hands.”
“I’ll keep him safe,” I said, shaking Sergey’s hand.
Sergey gestured toward two men in Oskar’s contingent, and they stepped toward him, following him as he exited the warehouse.
Looking at Michael, I blew out a breath. “Holy shit.”
“That was close,” Michael muttered. “But I’m glad they’re both gone.” Turning to Enzo, he asked, “You’ll take care of the bodies?”
“On it, boss.”
Facing Oskar’s men, Michael addressed them. “I’m not your enemy. My organization and the bratva are entering a new era. We welcome you as long as you pledge your loyalty to me and Sergey. Now, I urge you all to go home just in case any NYPD officers were notified of the gunshots. Sergey and I will be in touch with orders.”
Oskar’s men scattered, and I rushed to Dmitry, placing my hands on his upper arms. “Are you okay? I thought you were still home when I left.”
“Sorry,” he mumbled, his eyes downcast. “Sergey contacted me and said I couldn’t tell you guys.” He lifted his gaze to mine. “I hope you’re not mad. I really like staying with you and Katia.”
Grinning, I pulled him into a tight hug. “I’m not mad, although next time, I’d really like a head’s up.” Drawing back, I squeezed his arms. “I don’t want you doing dangerous secret missions. Katia and I just want you to be a safe, normal kid.”
“Who codes new financial infrastructure programs for notorious crime syndicates?” he asked, arching an eyebrow.
Laughing, I nodded. “It doesn’t sound great when you put it that way, but yes.” Patting his arm, I turned to find Nick. Locating him, I waved him over. “Can you take Dima home? I think Katia will feel better if you deliver him there safely.”
“Of course,” Nick said.
The men filtered out of the warehouse, Enzo and some other soldiers removing the bodies to dispose of them.
Left alone with Michael, I rested my hands on my hips. “Did you know Sergey was coming?”
