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I retrieve the burner phone hidden in the top drawer of my desk, the device still in the packaging. It was a major pain in the ass trying to track down Mikhail Antonov’s number—it’s not like a Bratva leader advertises that sort of thing—but after weeks of diligent work, I managed to track down a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy. It cost me an arm and a leg, but my sources have assured me that not only is the information credible, it also can’t be traced back to me. I’ve gone above and beyond to cover my bases.
The man of the hour answers on the first ring. “Who is this?” he asks, voice rumbling with anger. There’s no doubt in my mind he’s learned what’s become of his daughter.
“Mr. Antonov,” I say cooly, “if you want the safe return of Sandra, you’ll listen carefully.”
Mikhail says nothing for a long time, nothing but the sound of his ragged breathing in my ear. I can practically feel the anger seeping off him, the burning rage. “What are your demands?” he asks sharply.
“I want total control of Moscow. Take your family, leave, and never come back. Transfer your businesses, territory, and allies to me. You do this, and I will see to it that Sandra is released.”
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Mikhail hisses. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”
“A man with a vision, Mr. Antonov. You’ve ruled Moscow for, what? Twenty-five years? It’s time for you to retire gracefully and leave this city to some fresh blood.”
Mikhail chuckles, which admittedly isn’t the response I was hoping for. I want him shaking in his boots. “And you think that’s you?”
“Iknowit’s me.”
“No deal, friend.”
I clench my jaw. I fully expected resistance, but that’s not what this is. The motherfucker is toying with me. “This is no laughing matter, Mr. Antonov. Iwillkill your daughter if you don’t comply.”
“I believe you, young man—”
“Don’t patronize me.”
“—but I’m not concerned about Sandra. If anything, I’m concerned aboutyou.”
I furrow my brows, gritting my teeth as I regulate my breathing. “What are you talking about?”
“You’ve made the mistake of targeting my successor.” I can hear the pride in his voice, can hear a smile in his words. “That girl wasbornto rule, you hear me? She’s twice as smart, twice as cunning, twice as resilient than I. If you think you can keep her against her will, you’re in for a real treat.”
My lip curls up into a sneer. I’ve had enough of this shit. “Give me what I want and stand down, Mr. Antonov. I won’t ask again.”
“Let me speak to her,” he says simply. “So I know she isn’t already dead in a ditch somewhere. Otherwise, there’s no point in continuing this conversation.”
I draw in a slow, deep breath. I guess it’s true what they say—Mikhail Antonov is, amongst other things, a brilliant businessman. He won’t budge until I prove I have the goods—or in this case, the apple of his eye.
“Very well, Mr. Antonov. I’ll put her on.”
Chapter 3
Sandra
“So,” I say, smacking my lips. “How’d it happen?”
“How’d what happen?” One-Eye grumbles.
“Your scar.”
“None of your business.”
I huff, exasperated. “You’re no fun. What about you, big guy? You much of a conversationalist, or do I have to entertain myself?”
“Shut up,” the brute snaps.
I groan, shifting in my seat. It’s starting to get uncomfortable. How many hours has it been? Regardless, my left foot has fallen asleep and the incessant tingling is borderline painful. “Can you at least send the other guy back in? What did you call him—the Closer? He seems like fun. Why do you call him the Closer, anyway?”
“He negotiates our contracts,” the bigger man says.
