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I didn’t choose it, but it chose me and I’ve learned to accept that.
The shooting range is a dimly lit space, with the sound of gunshots echoing against the walls. The air is filled with the distinct smell of gunpowder. Rows of booths, line the range, each equipped with targets at various distances. My eyes are fixed on the target in front of me, my feet planted on the ground.
Beside me, Roman De Luca is just as laser focused. He’s wearing a tailored black suit with a hint of menace in his dark blue eyes that never seems to leave. Roman and I recently started coming out here, ever since we bonded over our shared responsibilities as the heads of our respective families. Owing to our similar positions, we have a lot in common. He’s also pretty cool. I’m pretty sure he’s a friend, although I wouldn’t say that out loud.
I adjust my grip on the sleek black handgun, my fingers wrapping around the textured grip.
“Ready, Mincetti?” Roman questions.
“Promise to pay up when I win.”
“I’m a man of my word, Katerina,” I hear the smile in his voice. “But you’re not going to win,” he says in Italian.
I take in a deep breath and align my sights before squeezing the trigger. With each shot fired, there’s a recoil pushing against my hand, but I maintain my stance, eyes fixed on the target. When we both reload the firearms, Roman speaks.
“I heard on the grapevine that you’re going after a few politicians for extortion.”
“It’s for charity,” I say dryly as I fire three shots in quick succession.
“Oh yeah?” Roman asks and even though I’m not looking at him, I can see the grin on his face. “What charity?”
“Half the money gotten is going into providing homes for the homeless. The other half is funding for some farms in Moscow.”
This time, Roman laughs. “What kind of farms?”
“Medicinal ones,” I reply. “You want in?”
“That depends. Who are you going after?”
“A couple dirty senators. They’re based in D.C but are always here in New York to do shady stuff. I dug into them and got proof of it. Now, they’ll do whatever I ask them to. It’ll be fun.”
“Careful, Katerina. Don’t poke bears that can bite.”
“Bears tend to maul people first before resorting to biting,” I say on a smirk.
“Just be careful, alright? Extortion’s alright but your father built his empire on staying low key. Doing this might bring in some unwanted trouble.”
“I have nothing to be scared of,” I state before shooting my last round.
Roman does as well. Once we’re both done, I tip my head at one of the men behind us who walks towards the targets, bringing them closer so we can get a good look. Most of my bullets were right on target or close to it. More than Roman’s. I look up at him with a smile and he rolls his eyes.
“Do you have to be so annoyingly good at everything?” he questions, gesturing for one of his guards to step forward.
“Of course.”
He’s handed a bag which he pulls some cash out of, giving it to me. I collect it happily, passing it off to one of my men.
“Good game. And one more thing. Have you ever heard about a Russian crime boss called Sokolov?”
At the sound of that name, every muscle in my body shuts down. I’m immediately thankful for all the lessons my dad gave me on having a good poker face and never letting your emotions show. My heart starts to thud but I manage a small smile.
“The name sounds familiar.”
“Well he’s apparently kicking up a storm over in Moscow, causing some trouble. He was thought to be dead up until a while ago but he’s resurfaced. I don’t think he should cause us any issues since we’re here and he’s all the way there but most of your family’s businesses are in based in Moscow. It’s better to be careful.”
“Thanks for the advice, Roman. I will be.”
He nods. “If you ever need anything just let me know. You’re part of the family.”
