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“It does matter, and thank you for saying it.”
“Now,” he says, leaning back and crossing his legs, “what can I do for you?”
Right to business. Can’t say I’m surprised—each second of Roman Lenkov’s time is worth a small fortune.
I stare at him without speaking for several long beats.
What can he do for me?
Roman Lenkov can doa lot. I don’t know much about his business, but I do know that he controls a group of powerful and connected men. Somehow, they’re involved with mafias, politicians, things like that. My father didn’t talk much about Roman but when he did, it was with an intense reverence and fear, like Roman like the only person on the planet that could have him obliterated with barely a thought.
And my father routine dealt with murderers and mafia Dons. But only Lenkov truly made him uncomfortable.
“First, thank you for seeing me. I know you don’t typically take meetings, and I very much appreciate this.”
“No, I don’t, but it isn’t every day your former lawyer’s daughter calls your personal cell phone out of the blue.” His smile is tense, but warm. Like a viper trying to make me feel at ease before the bite.
I blush slightly and force myself not to fidget. Fear and embarrassment war inside me but he doesn’t seem to mind. “Sorry about that. Once I decided I was going to use my father’s old contacts, I just—”
“You went for it. I understand.” He glances at the clock on the mantel. Beside it, several pictures of his family loom like alters: two sons and a daughter and a beautiful wife. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I only have a few minutes. You caught me at a busy time.”
“Right. Of course.” Powerful, mysterious men must have a lot of meetings to attend. “I’m here to ask for your help. Do you know the Calimeris family?”
He frowns ever so slightly and tilts his head. “Greeks. Based in New York and they mostly work the East Coast. Yes, I’m aware of them. They’re some of mine.” He doesn’t elaborate on what he means bymineand I’m honestly way too scared to ask.
“Then you might be aware that there is some trouble over in Greece. The Calimeris boss’s nephew, Peter, got involved with some dangerous people and I need help bailing him out of it.”
“I had heard something along those lines, but I’ll admit, I don’t get involved in the day-to-day affairs of crime families.” He taps his finger on his knee. “Why do you care about any of this?”
“I’m close with Peter. We… we became close.” I clear my throat uncomfortably. “I have resources, Mr. Lenkov. I have money and some properties my family left me, but I don’t know how to use them. Honestly… I’m at a loss here. I came to you to ask if you’d give me names, contacts, anything at all, so that I can put my resources to work helping Peter.”
Roman considers me. He doesn’t tell me to call himRomanthis time. I get the sense he saw me as an amusing little walk down memory lane, but now he’s looking at me like I’m a business proposal. And that’s a much more dangerous position to be in. He stands and walks to the end of the couches, his hands clasped behind his back. For a man over middle age, he’s toned and strong and broad. Slowly, he turns back to me.
“If you were anyone else in the world, I’d say I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’d tell you that I don’t know a thing about any of this and I couldn’t imagine how to help your friend. But I liked your father. He was a discreet man, and he spoke very highly of you. Are you a discreet person as well, Adrienne?”
“Yes,” I say. “Very much.”
“That’s good. Because I’m the kind of man that takes loyalty and discretion very seriously. If I were to help you, say, if I were to give you the contact information for a German mercenary militia that might be able to help with Peter Calimeris’s little problem, you would need to be sure you never,ever,speak of it again. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” I say breathlessly, my heart racing. I don’t want to get too excited, but this isperfect. Peter needs muscle, and if Roman says this German group can help then I have to believe him.
I can do this. I can save Peter. All I have to do is embrace who I am and use what I’ve been given. No more cowering, no more hiding.
I can do this.
“Very good. I will put you in touch with Dieter. In return, I want two things.” He holds up a finger. “First, I want a favor, to be called upon whenever I choose. Just like inThe Godfather.” He smiles at that and raises another finger. “And second, I want your father’s ranch in Montana.”
I blink rapidly, bewildered by his second request. “Why the ranch?”
“I’ve always wanted a ranch and your father spoke very lovingly about that property. Do you accept my terms? One favor and one ranch?”
“Yes, I accept.” I didn’t even know I owned that ranch, but it’s totally possible. And I can owe Roman a favor—if I’m lucky, he’ll never call it in, and hell, it can’t hurt to remain in touch with a man like him.
“Very good.” He turns away. “I’ll make the arrangements and Dieter will call your cell shortly. I suspect by the time you reach the street out front, you’ll be in touch. And, Adrienne, don’t forget, you must be discreet.Nobodycan know I brokered this deal. Not even your sister.”
I suck in a sharp breath. “You know about—?” But I stop myself. Obviously Roman knows about Reina. The man knows everything and everyone.
He smiles and nods. “Have a nice day, Adrienne.” And he leaves the room. It’s like the sun sets and everything is dimmer. I collapse backward, gathering myself, until a maid appears to lead me back outside.
