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“Now, here is the moment we have been waiting for. The last item on our listing is an exclusive contract for the distribution of MeshMare. The first installment will be an initial delivery of this popular designer drug,” the auctioneer announces. “Our seller then undertakes to continue regular supply as market demand dictates.” There’s a hushed murmur from the crowd. He reads off details of the potent drug, then opens the bidding.
“Fifty million dollars,” someone cuts in. I hold my ground as people start bidding higher. I wait for the moment when everyone is distracted before I stand.
“Wait for me outside,” I tell my men.
I walk down the hallway until I disappear down a familiar route. My destination is the basement, where the real business transaction is taking place.
I find my contact waiting for me with the briefcase that contains the real MeshMare. The man is an old friend who owes me a favor. When I received intel three weeks ago that he was part of the team transporting the product, I decided to set things in motion without anyone being wiser. I’ve already put in my bid and it has been accepted. The farce upstairs is purely for show. I needed to seal this deal without my usual competitors knowing I had a real iron in the fire.
“Ivanov,” he says as I make my way toward him. I nod and he does the same in response. He opens the case to show me the contents. A tiny bottle containing a transparent liquid sits inside the box.
“Doesn’t look like much,” I say, eyeing the thing.
“That’s the beauty of it.” He grins. “You transport it like this, then combine it with purified water for final distribution. You’ll get twenty liters of the stuff from this, no problem.”
“Twenty liters?” I say.
Holy shit. At five milliliters a pop, this little bottle is worth a fucking fortune.
“I’ve made the transfer to your boss,” I tell him, and he silently hands the box to me.
We part ways, and I head out the back door of the basement of the building then make my way to the rental car I hired days ago. It’s parked two streets away in readiness. Carefully checking that there’s no one on my tail, I get behind the wheel and make my way into the evening traffic, keeping an eye on my rearview mirror. It’s not surprising that there’s nobody following me.
I type a quick message to the team at the auction venue telling them it’s clear to leave. Then, I send a quick note to my guy who’s heading to the safehouse. He is the bait I have for Aurora.
Now, I’ll just wait and see if she bites.
Despite the sense of looming disappointment, I feel a swirl of satisfaction as I start driving home. It feels good to have my power back. I secured the deal with the buyer before anyone else could get their hands on the MeshMare, and I’m waiting for the report back from the last Spanish transaction.
Taking hold of the reins has me feeling in control again.
I’m just reveling in the mild glow of triumph when a message pings through. I cast one eye at the screen while keeping the other on the road ahead.
“Just picked up a tail, Boss.” The message is from the soldier assigned to the safehouse. Suddenly, fury fills me. If he’s being tailed, it means Aurora fell for the bait.
It’s part of the plan, for fuck’s sake!
I’ve expected it. I’ve planned for it. Dammit, I’ve fuckingknownit. Yet still, the knowledge hits me like a kick to the gut.
I don’t bother responding. I know the guy will keep me updated. He’s skilled behind the wheel, so I have no doubt he’ll lead the fuckers on a merry dance before they can get to him.
I’m completely unprepared when the next call comes in, however.
“Boss, our men stopped another raid on the warehouse for the Spanish consignment,” he says. “And it looks like we’ve nailed your wife’s accomplice.”
“What?” I snap, wondering how Aurora could have picked up on this, as well as the fake plans I’d laid out. I’d kept that deal strictly under wraps. Only Sergei and I have been handling the finer details, and Sergei’s been assigned to find Petrov.
Petrov, who is still fucking AWOL.
Where the fuck is he?
Ludis hasn’t answered. “Who is it?” I ask. There’s a pause.
“You’re going to want to see this for yourself,” he finally says. “I’ve got a team ready. We can leave for the warehouse as soon as you get back.”
I feel my nostrils flare as I suck in the air that still seems like it’s not reaching my brain.
“Fine,” I reply through gritted teeth. “But there’s something I need to attend to first.” I ring off before he can reply. By the time I reach the estate, I’m like a loose fucking cannon.
