Page 74 of Dangerous Promises

Memories flood back at me now. Memories that were clouded by guilt at what I did to Dad and the hope that I would get to undo it. I remember now why I did so much to try and win approval. Why I did so many stupid, outrageous and over the top things to win my own freedom. This is why. Dad is strong, confident and powerful. Always sure, sniffing out information and making connections like a blood hound. How the hell did Nicholas hide his FBI status from him for so long?

"Freddie, come with me," Dad says. A command that Freddie is quick to follow, nervously scurrying along behind as we follow Anton pushing Dad into his office and closing the door.

It's awkward as Anton pushes Dad into position behind the desk, both in the way he struggles with his hands and in the way he eyes where all of Anton's things are laid out. I hide myself in the back of the room, sitting on the couches by the bar as Anton and Freddie sit down in front of Dad.

"Alright, Anton," Dad says, even as his voice breaks on a cough. "You better have a good explanation for why there are Rushkoffs in our home and why on earth that was a good idea."

Anton rubs his hand against his forehead. "Dim, we needed them. I've told you Chet has resurfaced."

Dad's face doesn't waver and his words are careful and measured. "For the last ten years, Chet has never been more than a nuisance who refuses to come out of hiding."

"That's not the case anymore," Anton says, frustration breaking through his tone.

"It's true, Dim," Freddie says, casually shrugging his shoulders. "He has power now."

"He's just as cunning as he used to be. Just as smart. But now he's got people behind him," Anton adds.

"An army," Freddie nods.

"He's powerful enough to need to work with the Rushkoffs to take him down," Anton explains.

If anything, Dad is less impressed than he was when they started talking. They've essentially just told him that not only is Chet far more powerful than Dad ever saw him, but it's gone so far that we can no longer handle it alone and need to pair up with our other enemies in order to face him.

It's certainly not how I would've broken the news. But hey, I'm not in charge.

Neither is Anton anymore, apparently.

"When I was in power, I could've crushed Chet with just my bare hands," Dad says, squeezing his hands like he can pictureChet between them, "and now after such little time, you're telling me he's somehow become unstoppable?"

"Don't," Anton says, standing to face him. "You have no idea what has been going on. What we had to do was necessary."

"It's not necessary anymore."

Anton laughs condescendingly. "Oh yes, it fucking is. We need them now more than-"

"Enough!" Dad says, slamming his hand down on the desk. "No more talk of truces with Rushkoffs-" Dad's strength seems to waver and he falters, slumping down into his chair and hyperventilating.

My heart lurches, and I gasp as I sit upright. Anton rounds the desk to help while Freddie sits up in concern too. Dad looks weaker now as he lets Anton brace his shoulders and help him upright. Unsure and vulnerable eyes stare up at Anton as he frowns and gives him a pat on the back in thanks.

"You're weakened, Dim," Anton says, his voice so low it's almost a whisper.

Dad's eyes well up as he stares blankly off into the distance. "I know."

"You need to rest and recover. I know you don't like it, brother. But you're not in charge right now. I am. And until you're better, I am not handing the reins back over."

It feels like the whole rooms holds their breath, I certainly do, as we wait to see if Dad will accept that or not. Anton sounds like he's telling - but really, Dad doesn't need permission for anything.

Dad looks up into Anton's eyes with a frown, but Anton stays strong. With an expelled breath, Dad nods. And the rest of us breathe out the breaths we were holding, too.

He clearly does not like it, but he listens.

For now, that's something.

Chapter

Thirty

Alexei