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Eggplant Canyon Phase 2 Map
One
Erik
ReturningmyborrowedcopyofCrime and Punishmentto the circulation desk, I remain as inconspicuous as possible and head to find my next great piece of Russian literature. Maybe I’ll go withAnna Kareninathis time. I slide my finger across the tops of the books, grab the thickest version the library has, then continue to the study room I’ve reserved.
The reservations are always made under my library card and I always take a new book in, with the cover story that I like to ensure that the translation is adequate before taking it home. It’s part of my deep undercover ruse.
Nikolai, my handler, is sitting in the corner of the small study room, not visible from the long, skinny window in the door. If anyone were to look in the room, I’d appear to be by myself with my back to the door.
I slip my phone into the soundproof box Nikolai brings so we can be sure the Solonik Bratva isn’t listening. They have a tracker in the phone for sure, but my love of literature explains my library trips. If I get a call or text, a light flashes on the protective unit.
The monochrome room allows our hushed conversation to be the highlight. Chaos has erupted between the Lazovski and the Solonik Bratvas. The Lazovskis blame the Soloniks for kidnapping Margot and her infant son Maverik, presumed retaliation for the Lazovskis destroying the Soloniks’ drug ring.
Nobody has to know that Nikolai and I had a hand in taking down the drug ring. Nikolai and I occasionally take liberties when a situation is going to be impossible to handle legally.
Slipping an important piece of intel to the right person at the right time can make some pretty damn big waves.
Of course, that kind of shit’s off the books. But as much as we can, we keep things above board.
Nikolai says, “You’re getting pretty entrenched in the Solonik Bratva, surely you’ve heard something about the kidnapping retaliation.”
“Not a word.” I’m as surprised as he is. Someone should have boasted about it, but there’s only been confusion. Fyodor, the Solonik leader, is wondering who to thank.
I continue, “I called this meeting hoping you had something.”
“There’s bound to be a ransom demand soon. You better get back out there. We’ve got to protect Margot and her baby. They’re caught in a wicked game.”
“Yeah, like most of the women in these families, they’re oppressed. This old guard leadership freezes women out of any kind of independence. At least I can see from the inside that they make the best of it. I can’t wait to bust this Bratva up.”
Nikolai taps his thumb on the table uneasily. “I just hope we can take the men down without involving the women.”
“Same, but Lilia’s got me worried. I’ve had a chance to talk to her a few times. She’s a feisty one. Barely out of high school and she outsmarted another bodyguard. I’ve heard rumors that if she doesn’t cool it, her father’s going to send her back to Russia.”
“She’d lose her shit.” Nikolai’s words trail off. He has a sweet spot for Lilia, and so do I.
“She just wants a life for herself. Let’s use her as our thinking point. No more generations of women growing up like that.”
“Sounds like a plan. Now get back out there, you lucky bastard.”
“Lucky?”
“You get to see Lilia in person.”
“It’s hard not to pop a boner when she’s around. Fuck, her dad would kill me if he saw that happen. Correction, Fyodor would have me killed.”
“Hold on.” Nikolai pauses for a second while gathering thoughts. “We know she despises the way her dad runs things. Do you think we could turn her? Someone that smart and clever… Do you think we could groom her to be an informant?”
“By us, you mean me, right? Because I’ll be the one slaughtered on sight if she outs me.”
“They’d do worse than slaughter. You’d be tortured to send a message, but she’s full of piss, vinegar, and a burning desire to be seen, which her father is readily ignoring.”
“Yeah. I’m not ready to groom her for that conversation. Let me see if I can get closer.”
“Take advantage of how pissed she is at the patriarchy. We can offer her a position she’s worthy of. If the opportunity comes up, try to bring her on board.”
I lighten my tone. “She’s volatile. Besides, she’s too young for you.”
