AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Cassian was already in the process of searching the computers in the communications room, something my men liked to call the war zone. It was secure, soundproof, constantly swept for any bugs law enforcement attempted to plant and had the capability of accessing an extensive network of information, including from the FBI, CIA, and other supposedly completely secure databases. I had the capability of finding out anything about any individual.
My soldier barely acknowledged my entrance, giving me a single nod. I’d always been impressed with his capabilities, his military background coming into good use on several occasions.
I stood behind him, watching him work for a few minutes. Then I received a text message from Kostya, his request for a zoom meeting out of the ordinary. That meant he had art to show me. I moved toward one of the screens, making the connection. Within a few seconds, he appeared on the screen.
“One of the fuckers escaped a federal penitentiary,” I stated as a greeting.
“Politoff,” Kostya growled. He was dressed in all black, his face smeared with blood. “He’s one of many hired assassins gunning for your family, although I removed two threats personally. Do you care to know their identities?”
I leaned in, glaring at him. “Not in the least. All that matters is who’s behind the planned attacks and what their intentions are.”
He grinned, the look in his eyes chilling. “While the subjects eliminated weren’t helpful in providing information, I was able to call in a few favors.”
“And?”
“Their intention is to eliminate your family, thereby providing a road into the United States.”
“No one can do that. We are far too powerful. Besides, Sergei has a personal vendetta.”
“That may be, Alexei, but his loyalty is and has been to Pavel Volkov.”
The name swirled in the back of my mind, a sense of knowing registering, but I couldn’t place from when or where. “Who the fuck is this man?”
“Once a powerful KGB operative turned psychopath, a man who believes he can control the world. He is also the person responsible for the slaughters of thousands of people over twenty years ago. The hit on your family is indeed very personal, more so than you were led to believe.”
The realization forced me to suck in my breath.
While he was alluding to one of the men who’d imprisoned my father before I was born, I’d heard of Volkov’s rise to power. In fact, I’d been told the man had succumbed to his own greed, beheaded by one of his men. Perhaps it had been a ploy in order to allow the Russian time to gain additional power.
“You’re talking in riddles again, Kostya, and I’m not in the fucking mood. Explain yourself.”
He laughed, although the sound was hollow. “It is not my place to provide personal answers, Alexei. I suggest you ask your father. I can tell you that they appear to have developed a powerful Bratva, already laying claim to several Eastern European countries. But it would seem they have expansion plans in mind. I’ve done what you asked so our business is almost complete. If you would like, I’ll express the heads of the soldiers as trophies.”
Exhaling, I leaned over the desk, narrowing my eyes. “Send that express box to Volkov with a note that soon his empire will rain in blood. And I do expect you to keep your eyes and ears open. For a cool one million, it’s the least I can expect.”
The thought of expanding his wealth always made the man happy. He grinned. “It would seem the woman has done nothing to temper your anger. That’s good to know.”
“One more question, Kostya. Why in fuck’s name would Volkov risk providing advance knowledge of his plans by having the Ghost freed?”
He lifted both eyebrows. “I think that is the question you need to find the answer to, Alexei. Everything else you’re facing is business as usual. Isn’t it?”
He had a point, although I doubted that the answer would come quickly or easily.
If it did at all.
As he ended the call, I dropped my head and fisted my hands. When I raised my arm to rake the computer off the table, Cassian whistled.
“Don’t! We need these computers if you want me to gain more information, including about this Volkov.”
I pulled back, slowly turning my head in his direction. “Very well, Cassian, but I expect a full report within two hours.”
“Gee, and I thought I didn’t have any time.” He gave me a lopsided grin before returning his attention to the screen in front of him.
It was time to confront my father. Before I had a chance to make the call, one of my other soldiers knocked on the open door. “You have visitors, sir. ThePakhanand your brother.”
I took a deep breath, sliding my phone into my pocket. “Show them to my office.”
“I’ll have a report on Ms. Morgan by the time you’re finished,” Cassian said in passing,
