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He’s right. That question of why I don’t trust these guys is a good one. Now I have no reason not to.
“I’m gonna… take the rest of the time to think. I told them three weeks. They’ll be expecting to hear back from us in that time frame.”
“I think you should do that. Maybe talk things through with your pops too.”
I nod, appreciating his advice. I can’t talk with Pa though. No way. He would have gotten a copy of that email and will be on my ass by nightfall about it.
I think I do need to talk it over with someone though. Not any of my brothers. This feels like I need someone who’s used to making these types of decisions.
I have just the guy in mind.
* * *
I get off the phone with Claudius, making arrangements to meet in two days, when a knock sounds at the door.
I frown. I was about to go home. It’s already late, bordering eight. I’ve been here for over twelve hours.
Janice, my secretary, would have called me to check if I was seeing anybody, but she’s already left for the day.
Whoever that is better have a good excuse for knocking on my door at this hour.
“Come in,” I say.
The door opens, and I’m surprised when I see Dmitri.
Fucking hell.This is completely unexpected.
“Hello, Boss,” he begins, raising his hands. He doesn’t look as uptight as he did the other day. His face is also less tense.
“Good evening,” I say, making a point of noting the time of day.
“I apologize for my impromptu visit. I know it’s late. I called your father earlier, and he said you’d be working until late and it would be better to speak to you then.”
Shit. Bad enough I feel like my damn hands are tied behind my back when it comes to these guys, but must Pa rule my time too?
“That is okay. What can I do for you?” I ask.
“I’ll only be a minute. I just wanted to check that we didn't get off on the wrong foot last week,” he says. “I hoped my eagerness to get things going didn’t overstep boundaries. I apologize if it did.”
I’m not exactly sure what it is I’m supposed to say to that.
“No worries. It’s understandable that you’d want to get a thing like this sorted out as quickly as possible,” I answer.
“I appreciate your understanding. I thought I would ask the question of trust too, just to make sure I cover all bases.”
“Trust?” Interesting he would say that.
“I wanted to know what it might be about us that you don't trust? I assure you we don’t hope to repeat mistakes of the past.” He nods.
It’s interesting he would mention the past. When bad things like that happen, people tend to steer clear of any talk of it, especially when it had nothing to do with them. The past involved a different brotherhood, although they’re Bratva all the same.
“I want to make sure I do what’s right for my people,” I answer. I won’t make any reference to the past or engage in any discussion about it. Nothing for him to take away and use against me.
Dmitri nods. “Well, that’s a sign of a good leader. You would like our Pakhan. Please, take the time you require. I thought it was important to have this meeting with you just to make sure you see we’re very interested in making this work.”
He’s saying that, but my trepidation is still there. I smile though.
“I appreciate the visit.”
