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I lean on the counter, meeting the old man's gaze, probing for more information. "Is that so? And who are these Chechens that they hold such sway over hard-working people like you?"
The old man's eyes dart away, fear creeping in. "It's just the way things are. I can't change it, and neither can you."
The challenge in his words stokes the fire in my belly. The Chechens may think they control this part of the city, but they've never dealt with a Nicolaevich before.
I stand, my tone still friendly but edged with determination. "Thank you for your time."
As I leave the laundromat, the old man's warning echoing in my ears, my mind races. The Chechens are more entrenched than I thought, their influence spread wide.
Treading lightly isn't just a precaution; it's a necessity.
I can feel the weight of the game shifting, the stakes rising. This isn't just about buying businesses and laundering money. It's a battle for control, a clash of wills.
I'll have to be smart, strategic, using all my skills as the Closer to win this war.
I glance back at the laundromat, a symbol of the challenge ahead. The Chechens may think they hold the cards, but they've never played against me.
I'm Roman Nicolaevich, and I don't back down.
The game is on, and I intend to win.
Chapter 4
Valentina
"Valentina," my brother greets, his voice holding an edge of command. "Come in."
Vladimir's office is a fortified chamber, devoid of any unnecessary ornamentation. The man himself is a towering figure, broad-shouldered and built like a tank. His buzzed hair, chiseled jawline, and piercing blue eyes give him an air of authority and menace. He's hard, unyielding, and his reputation as our leader precedes him. He commands respect and fear, but to me, he's still my brother.
Vladimir is the embodiment of ruthlessness, a man sculpted by violence and power. His face is hard, marked with scars that speak of battles won, his body a terrain of muscle and sinew, always ready for the next fight.
Yet, when he looks up and our eyes meet, something in his expression softens. It's a subtle change, a slight warmth that creeps into his otherwise icy gaze. In this world of darkness and danger, Vladimir's only soft spot is his love for his family—his younger sister and his beloved nephew.
Vladimir's love for family is his strength and his vulnerability. In a world where trust is a rare commodity, I know he trusts me implicitly, just as I trust him. It's a bond forged in blood and loyalty, unbreakable and profound.
We hug, and I find him poring over a series of documents scattered across his massive, polished desk. His office smells of leather and cigar smoke, and there's an edge to the atmosphere. The news of Roman's arrival has caught our attention, and Vladimir's scowl deepens as he processes the information.
"Roman Nicolaevich," he growls, his voice as rough as gravel. "The bastard is actually here."
His fingers tap impatiently on the keyboard as he pulls up more data. I lean against the door frame, studying the screen. The Nicolaevich Brothers Taxi Company is just the tip of the iceberg. Their web of control stretches far and wide, and their reputation in Moscow is fearsome. But Roman being here alone is an opportunity we can't ignore.
"What do you think he wants?" I ask, my voice steady and controlled.
Vladimir leans back in his chair, his muscles taut beneath his well-tailored suit. "Expansion, most likely. And he thinks he can waltz into our territory unopposed."
A bitter laugh escapes my lips. "He's in for a surprise."
Vladimir's gaze locks onto mine, and I see the same fire in his eyes that I feel in my heart. The Antonov-Nicolaevich Bratva has taken too much from us. They took Iosef, my fiancé, and left a wound that never healed. Now, they want to take our city.
"We need to act, Valentina," Vladimir says, his voice cold and calculating. "Roman is a threat. We take him out, we send a message."
I nod, my determination solidifying. "I'll take care of it. But I'll need time to plan, to find his weaknesses."
Vladimir agrees, his trust in my abilities unwavering. "In the meantime, we have another problem."
He hands me a dossier, and I skim through the details. One of the mayor's aides is still determined to push through the anti-crime policy that claimed the mayor's life. He'll be at a high-stakes poker game tonight. A perfect opportunity.
I meet Vladimir's eyes, accepting the challenge. "Consider it done."
