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It wasn’t foolproof. Baranov could always send someone unknown to Imperium or Gabriella, but Logan was confident she and Leo would be safe between the FAA coverage, new location, and continued security.
It was only a few more weeks, something Logan tried not to think too hard about.
By the time the leadership team filed out of the conference room, the sun was setting over the water. Logan drummed his fingers on the conference table, his mind turning over a problem they hadn’t yet discussed, one that had nothing to do with Imperium.
Hawk got to his feet and rested his weight against the table. “Something else on your mind?”
“Yeah, but nothing I wanted to say in front of the men.”
Hawk crossed him arms over his chest. “I’m listening.”
“Gabriella will want to go back to Chicago eventually,” Logan said.
“I get why that’s an issue for you, and we can talk about that if you want, but what does it have to do with the company?” Hawk asked.
“I’m not talking about the personal angle,” Logan said. “I’m talking about the safety angle.”
“You’re worried Baranov will hold a grudge, that even if Gabriella gets to trial and puts Vitsin away, Baranov will wait for an opportunity to get back at her.”
“It’s not like holding a grudge is a foreign concept to these guys,” Logan said.
“I know you’re not suggesting we give Gabriella and Leo lifetime protection, not that she would allow that anyway,” Hawk said.
Logan shook his head. “I’m thinking something more permanent.”
“Like?”
“Gabriella’s been getting intel from this Fed, Agent Garcia,” Logan said. “He told her there’s a soldier itching to make a move.”
“A soldier isn’t very high up the food chain,” Hawk said.
“This guy isn’t just any soldier, he’s the son of a former leader of the Two Spies. This guy’s father was a close friend of Baranov, someone who went away for twenty years, kept the organization’s secrets. He was still in prison when he died of cancer,” Logan said. “Son’s name is Lyonya Antonov.”
“Must have been before my time,” Hawk said.
“Mine too, which is why I looked into it,” Logan said. “Antonov was given the role of bratok when he came of age. I’m guessing it was a way for Baranov to take care of him, let him earn some income, maintain a place in the bratva, a reward for his father’s loyalty.”
Hawk shifted. “And?”
“And he was reassigned to Yakov Vitsin’s private security detail a year ago,” Logan said. “I’m guessing he wasn’t too happy about the assignment.”
“That’s a lot of lost income,” Hawk acknowledged.
“Exactly, and from the sound of things, I’m guessing Antonov’s management style doesn’t exactly mesh with Vitsin’s.”
“Kind of strange that Vitsin would ask for Antonov to be reassigned to his detail, isn’t it?” Hawk asked.
Logan had worked the same problem and come up with only one answer: Vitsin knew Antonov was a threat and had him assigned as an underling to keep an eye on him, keep him in his place.
Except from what Logan had heard, Antonov wasn’t satisfied with staying in his place.
Logan couldn’t blame him. If his father hadn’t gone to prison, Lyonya Antonov might have been in line for the position of pakhan after Viktor Baranov, especially since Baranov didn’t have a male heir.
“Keep your friends close…” Logan said.
“How does any of this apply to Gabriella’s long-term safety?” Hawk asked.
“I’m thinking Antonov is ripe for a deal, and Baranov might just be sick enough of Vitsin to strike it.”
