“My uncle, despite his self-aggrandizement, has never been the smartest man in a room. He decided that not only did the Veronians need henchmen of their own, so they’d never be dependent on the politics of any given city, but he wished to undermine the factions. Particularly in Forgotten Boys’ territory. Hence, the funding of the Albanians.
“However, the Albanians proved themselves to be rabid dogs who couldn’t be trusted not to use their own fentanyl-laced product, and as a result, chaos beckoned.
“The Veronians, snobs that they are, didn’t appreciate being associated with animals and so that little idea was quashed. TheKrestniy Otets’sreputation suffered as a result.”
“Which faction do they rely on for product?”
“It’s a personal choice. There’s no one faction, especially in states where the Bratva hold no power.”
She glances at me. “You sell to Veronians?”
“How do you think I gained access to Harrington?”
“That would explain why they were so keen to get you on board.”
I dip my chin.
“Does he owe you money? Has he become a liability? Is that why they wanted to punish him?”
I’ve pondered that many a time since the night I first abducted him from my brothel. “Perhaps.”
“Meaning?” she prods.
“Red.” She groans at the mention of the illegal erectile dysfunction drug. I persevere, “His debts have increased. As have his visits to his prostitutes of choice.”
“So, he’s become reckless.”
“You could say that.”
“It’s like getting blood out of a stone,” she complains.
“I deal in facts,pchelka.Not fiction.”
Her expression is distinctly unimpressed. “If I become a member, then there’s a bridge between the Forgotten Boys and the Veronians.”
“Andone between the Bratva and the Veronians too. Your past is undeniable. Some will always see you as Bratva-bred. TheKrestniy Otetsincluded.”
“That sounds like a threat,” I hiss.
“Hardly.”
“I find it interesting,” she muses.
“As for the situation with the country club, I didn’t know about that. When I learned details of the case and that it was being run by Detective Bordeau, it only amplified my suspicions. Suspicions that led me to Mt. Palisades Police Station.”
“Why?” I prompt.
“Bordeau and I have had run-ins in the past.” His expression turns dark. The fingers of his free hand flex as if he wants to hurt the man.
Too late.
“I know not to trust him and so do a lot of the higher-ups. He was transferred to Mt. Palisades because of past actions. He’s a very naughty boy.”
Victoria clears her throat. “You’ve explained a lot, but I still don’t understand what you’re doing here or why you’re involving yourself in something that’s none of your business.”
He presses a hand to his heart. “You are my friends.” When I scoff, he smirks then justifies,fondly,“Personally, I’m looking for someone who decided to play hide and go seek with me. Nikolai traveled to thecity to meet you so we could clear the air. Then found out you were upstate. The air didn’t clear; it just turned blue.”
“Some of us have toddlers to go home to.”
