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“Well I want you to keep your eyes and ears open.”
“Of course Dante.”
“Very good. We’ll be in next week with some business associates. Keep me informed of any new information on her.”
“Understood.” Griska said and then ended the call.
Dante leaned back in his chair wondering if this was just coincidence, or perhaps even fate. The woman, Annabella was exceptional. She stood out, and they all had noticed her. The fact that Ivan had, was interesting to Dante because his cousin never showed interest. If he was attracted to a woman none of them would know it. He was secretive, and did not show vulnerability. Perhaps this woman was special considering she definitely stayed on Ivan’s mind and now he was asking questions about her.
Dante worried about Ivan. His life was different than Ivan had planned and the things that happened changed Ivan forever. He was snappy, hard, and could be heartless, but it came with the territory and the power his cousin had. He also didn’t engage in any relationships with women. He sought his release behind closed doors and with no attachments. Dante knew it was because he feared that whomever he seemed closest too would be a target. Dante included. That was a terrible responsibility to live with. As soldiers, as loyal family to Ivan, Dante would give his life to protect Ivan as would Roman, Mirnon, and Commerce. Over the years more people were added to that list as far as Dante was concerned, yet Ivan still held back, remained closed up and isolated himself.
Dante glanced at his wristwatch. Everyone was coming over shortly for dinner. In fact they probably already arrived. It would be a fun night of drinking and telling stories. War stories between Commerce and Ivan. This might be the beginning of the family expanding. With Commerce joining the business, along with several of his men if Ivan was right, then this house, this neighborhood would be expanding sooner than they hoped.
****
“Makarov Defense & Security? What the hell kind of name is that? What’s Makarov?” Commerce asked Ivan. They were gathered around the fireplace outside, after dinner, smoking cigars and drinking vodka and brandy. Striker, Commerce’s good friend and team member sat beside him. They were both big men. Over six foot three, big muscles, capable of crazy shit, and were feeling relieved having this job, this position to fall back on instead of nothing. Leaving the military life would be hard, but if they stayed any longer they might end up dead and nowhere on US soil.
“It is the name of a Russian handgun. A silent pistol.” Dante said and nodded toward Ivan.
“That’s pretty cool.” Striker replied and raised his glass to Ivan. Ivan raised his back.
“As we discussed earlier, I will leave you, Commerce, in charge of choosing your men to hire. You have a list, a guideline to go by of the types of security situations we’ll be providing for.”
“Some of the babysitting gigs are going to get on our nerves.” Commerce said to him.
“With price tags as high as we will be placing, you’ll all deal with it. Remember you’re getting paid exceptionally well, and those boring jobs bring you easy money. The more dangerous ones, you’ll work hard for. It’s that simple. Make sure that you give Dante everything you have on each of the men you choose. I want it all, before I confirm and accept them.” Ivan said to Commerce.
“Understood, but do know Ivan, I’m committed to this and to you and your safety. These men are like brothers to me and they will be more than willing to accept any investigations of them you need done. They will also understand the rules as Dante explained to me.”
“Very good. Now, in the next several weeks I’m going to need a few extra men around as I do some business deals and make final arrangements for purchasing some things. There are certain individuals that have been asking questions and pushing for information behind my back. I plan on taking care of those individuals soon enough. So be prepared to jump right into action.”
“You mean you want me to be like your fucking bodyguard and follow you around and shit?” Commerce asked him, smirking.
“Remember what I said about obeying orders and not asking questions. Every person’s position is important, and sometimes I’m going to need you close by. Ultimately though, you’re running the security firm. You’re in charge.”
Commerce looked at him and nodded his head. “If it means being by your side for a trip to Gable’s and another chance to check out the brunette, I’m in.” Commerce said and winked. Ivan bit the inside of his cheek and showed no emotion, but inside he had that jealous feeling again. What was it about that woman that got to him so much? He didn’t trust her. Didn’t like how she wound up at his bar, and then in the same town he reside in for peace and quiet. Dante needed to find out more about her and perhaps placing a tail on her would make the most sense.
They raised their glasses and sipped their drinks, no longer talking about business but instead of pleasure.
Chapter Five
Volkov Kolikov closed his eyes and tried to relax. When he did, he saw his brother Locca’s dead body, but this time his image wasn’t so clear. With time, everyone in the head families, including his, seemed to forget about the way his brother died. How a nobody, a man more loyal to America then to his own Russian heritage infiltrated the family circle, and ultimately took over.
Ivan Sokolov. He exhaled, and breathed through the hatred for the man. Volkov had been disgusted with the process the families embarked on to try to find Ivan and have him answer for his actions. It was ludicrous, how Ivan’s family and the other families began to support his actions just because Locca murdered Ivan’s mother, father and brother. He snorted. That was a reality of being a strong, and empowered leader. One who thought nothing of torturing and killing, to get what he wanted and what he deserved. His brother stomped on people, had others beaten until they complied or died. Either way he ruled and empowered the Kolikov family until he killed Ivan’s family.
Volkov clenched his teeth. His fru
stration over the years ate him up inside. He was patient though. More patient then Locca. More patient than any other enemies of Ivan Sokolov. He planned, he strategized, and he watched. Little by little he encouraged those who shared his hatred to take action. Small attempts chipping away at Ivan’s investments. Ripping off large supplies of drugs before they could be distributed, and building a shared hatred for the man would all assist when the right time, the right moment came to strike.
He thought about Ivan and his ways. He was hardcore. And a former Marine, a cold hearted, dark masterful man who showed no weaknesses whatsoever. He wasn’t stronger, more evil, more determined than Volkov. When the time came to strike, Ivan Sokolov wouldn’t know what hit him. He would feel the pain, the emptiness and hatred that Volkov felt in learning of his brother’s death. Then Volkov would make him suffer even more. The plans were in motion. The minions in place to take the fall, and no one, not Ivan, not Dante or any of his other supporters would figure out where the strike came from, until it was too late. His lip curled and he adjusted his position on the seat, his mind filled with torturous ideas for Ivan Sokolov.
Patience. It will all fall into place. Ivan Sokolov will suffer by my actions, by my hands that is a guarantee.
****
“You’re doing great. Ched Maloney usually complains about the service or whatever. Don’t be surprised if he asks you out.” Mica said to Annabella.
Mica was a server at Gable’s, her job basically was to handle bringing drinks or getting anything the big shots wanted who hung out at four of the private tables in the bar area. There was also Mel and Brook. They were filling her in on all the big shots, the fakes and the ones everyone had to kiss ass and show respect to. So when that guy Dante who had been with Ivan Sokolov showed up, and started asking her personal questions she got a bit annoyed. She was beginning to think he was interrogating her, and because he was on the list of patrons to show respect to she was careful not to lose her cool.
