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“The necklace if I win,” he says, ignoring her quip. “And if I lose?”
Astra turns to look at Borya who sits at her right. “If you lose,” she purrs. “You give us the name of your new contact.”
Alek remains cool, but the tic under his eye reveals his shock.
“I liked Chow, but then you had to go and…” She accentuates her point with a wave of her hand in the air. “Without our consent or knowledge.”
And now I understand. They are angry with Alek for making a decision without consulting them first. And if that wasn’t enough of an insult, he has not yet told them who the new supplier is.
“Enough,” Alek snarls, setting the mood. “Fine. Your terms are accepted.”
He reaches for the deck of cards and shuffles them with skill as he glares at Astra. Because they aren’t playing for money, the chips are pushed aside. Oscar finally leaves Saint alone and joins his comrades.
Saint stands between me and the table, and I know he’s done so with intent. They will have to go through him before they get to me.
Surely, Alek can sense something is amiss. It’s fairly obvious it’s three against one. But when he focuses on the rock around Astra’s neck, it seems to blind him and he throws good sense to the wind. He deals the cards, and the game soon begins.
I don’t know anything about poker, but this is just a ruse. The real game isn’t cards. It’s a gamble of Alek’s life.
“So,” Borya says, his accent rolling freely, “business has been well?”
“What do you think? You get paid at the end of each month. You know it has been,” Alek snaps, arranging his cards in his hands.
“Yes, we have all been most fortunate, but Aleksei, we are very disappointed in you not sharing with us. We are your closest friends, after all. We all have a role to play in this business to see it succeed. Astra and I cover our tracks while Oscar has the global connections we need. We are so good at what we do because we have worked together for so long. We all play a part in this well-oiled machine, but it seems you think you’re suddenly better than us.”
So it appears the four of them “work” together to make sure their bank accounts are never dry. But being the right-hand men won’t cut it for them anymore.
The already tense air turns thicker, making it harder to breathe.
“You have known Astra and me since we were what…?” Borya asks, but he knows.
“I’m not here for a trip down memory lane,” he replies, placing a card onto the table.
“Don’t be like that, Aleksei. Your dear, sweet mother would be most disappointed in your manners.”
Alek’s shoulders rise, and if he had hackles, they’d be standing on end.
Astra’s comment has me wondering just how long they have known one another. Because for her to mention his mother, it’s evident they’ve met before. And what happened to Alek’s mom?
“This change is unlike you,” she continues, playing a hand. “Is it because you’re trying to impress the American?”
“She has a name,” Alek snaps, peering at her over his cards.
“Oh, yes, how could I forget. It’s all I’ve been hearing about as of late.”
This has both Alek and me sitting to attention.
“Your little speech was so…touching. Anyone would think you meant it.”
“I did,” Alek replies while Saint clenches his fists behind his back.
Astra laughs bitterly. “I’ve seen it all before. You’ll grow bored with her like you always do. But until then, how about we all have some fun with her?”
Saint looks over his shoulder, nodding that it’s time.
“I-I have to use the bathroom.” I stand quickly, my legs trembling.
Alek places his cards face down on the table and removes his mask slowly. His face is one of pure fury. “How dare you come into my home and disrespect me.”
