Abel settled into the seat opposite me and inquired, ‘Does she know about it?’ My eyes were fixed out the window, contemplating the peaceful fluffiness of the clouds drifting by.
With a sigh, I loosened my tie and downed a gulp of whiskey, savouring the scorching sensation as it warmed my insides. ‘No, it’s best she remains in the dark,’ I replied with a pointed remark.
Abel nodded, his fingers tapping away at his phone, providing me with a moment to retreat back into my own thoughts.
If only she knew the truth behind our marriage, I fear Irena would never allow herself to fall in love with me. Our bond has grown strong, and I refuse to let one dark secret unravel everything we’ve fought to build. The mere thought of her hating me sends chills down my spine.
But there’s so much at stake. The Nowak brothers must be taken down, I must do it in a way that doesn’t raise suspicion from the other crime families. If the truth ever came out about me killing my wife’s family, I’d lose everything – my connections, my trust.
I won’t back down. If the Nowak brothers refuse my offer of $5 million, they better prepare their deathbeds. No matter what it takes, I’ll protect my wife.
‘How are things between you and Nirali?’ I inquire, hoping to shift my focus elsewhere and to see if Nirali told Abel about her being infertile. I’ve been mired in my own worries and haven’t had the chance to discuss his situation.
Abel lifts his head from his phone, his eyes widening at the mere mention of his wife. He stealthily stashes his device as he clears his throat, ready to answer.
‘We’re doing well,’ he says, his words hanging in the air. My brow quirks upward inquisitively. I’m guessing she has not told him yet.
‘Only well?’ I press, watching as he clears his throat and adjusts his crisp suit. A faint blush dusts his cheeks as he leans in to confide, ‘We’re actually trying to get pregnant.’
My eyes widen in surprise for just an instant before I compose myself, and cross my arms over my chest. ‘Ready to take on parenthood, are you?’ I assert, watching as he nods resolutely. I promised Nirali that I won’t tell Abel, so I’ll just act like a mindless sheep. ‘I’m more than ready to be a father,’ he says firmly, ‘and she’s beyond excited to be a mother. We both want to start a family.’ A small smile tugs at the corners of my mouth, feeling a glimmer of joy in my own heart for their bright future ahead.
Who knew Abel would fall in love with a woman who appeared out of nowhere?
I sure didn’t see it coming.
They sure did come a long way.
‘What are you hoping for, a girl or boy?’ I asked curiously, watching as he nervously bit his lower lip before running a hand through his hair. ‘Honestly, as long as the baby is healthy, I couldn’t care less,’ he replied in a nonchalant manner. ‘And Nirali?’ I probed, curious about what she wanted to have.
‘She’s hoping for a son,’ he answered with a shrug.
With a nod of understanding, Abel and I shifted the conversation to the latest developments with the Nowak brothers. Our minds were focused on the upcoming meeting with global bosses in New York, where we planned to discuss ways to expand our territory and catch up with old acquaintances.
As the plane touched down, we readied ourselves for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
A clandestine gathering of the most notorious and powerful names in the world of organized crime was held at the imposing abode of mob kingpin Nelson Lansky, nestled in the elusive 625 McFall Road in Apalachin, New York. Amongst those present were Abel and I the Dé Leon’s, the ironclad Lansky’s, the menacing Costello’s, the cunning Mogilevich’s, and the fucking Nowak’s. The agenda was as weighty as it was dangerous—the rampant and turbulent affairs of loan sharking, narcotics trafficking, and gambling were being discussed at length.
However, the most pressing concern was the occurrence of the shadowy and anonymous hitmen destroying our shipments and informing the feds.
Little did I know, I wasn’t the only one who was facing these problems.
With stealth and cunning, the bastards have brazenly set targets on those gathered in this very room including myself – placing not only our business but families at great risk. Rest assured, should we catch them, they will rue the fucking day they dared to trifle with us.
A scowl creases Nelson’s face as he voices the growing unease of the local authorities, who have noted an influx of flashy foreign vehicles sporting dubious license plates.
In the uneasy silence that follows, I take note of how Krzysztof and Anatol exchange furtive glances. Even my brother, sitting next to me, senses the mounting tension in the air.
‘The issue can wait. Our priority now is to locate the audacious fuckers who dared to cross us,’ Carlos Costello commands, his hand crashing down onto the table in determination.
A sly grin dances across Kirill Mogilevich’s face as he takes a deep puff from his Cuban cigar. Nelson shoots a scowl in Kirill’s direction. ‘Do you find this amusing?’ he snaps irritably. Kirill nonchalantly shrugs, his Russian accent lingering in his words. ‘It’s sad that you fools haven’t realized the truth yet.’
I lean in, desperate to hear his thoughts. Kirill’s weathered brown eyes analyze each of us before locking onto my own.
My words escaped with a tinge of impatience, ‘Realise what Kirill?’
The wisps of smoke issuing from his cigar danced dispassionately in the air.
Sighing heavily, he cast his gaze toward me with a resigned shake of his head.
‘It’s beyond belief that someone as intelligent as you hasn’t yet connected the dots. Your razor-sharp mind and firm resolve have always been your forte.
However, it appears that something is distracting you from the situation.’
My brows furrow. Kirill cocks his head to the side. “It is not suspicious that these fuckers know every single detail of our shipments and manage to mess up the security system and break into our very homes without getting caught. When we always discuss a well-proofed plan to catch them for some strange reason they are one step ahead of us. Clearly, we are looking for someone we least expect it to be. Someone we trust. Someone sitting in one of these chairs disguising themselves as a victim.” Kirill points out, blowing a puff of smoke
Abel and I exchange looks. It’s not me nor Abel so we are off the table.
Everyone else in the room exchanges looks, wondering who the rat may be.
“But why would they sabotage us knowing that we are one of the high-class crime families?” Nelson questions. “For more power,” I utter out and all eyes shifted to me.
“The most cowardly of all of us would be the person who might be behind the chaos of our business. They take us out one by one starting off with the one who is the highest in power and money, then finish off with the weakest and once they have all destroyed us they take what’s left and build something even greater to improve their name.” I explain.
“Saint and I are off the list including Kirill so it leaves the rest of you,” Abel states. Anatol scoffs, catching our attention. “How do we know it’s not you guys trying to trick us? After all, you guys are the big men in this room.”
I frown, meeting Anatol’s gaze. “What if it’s you? It makes sense since the Nowak family fell off the rank after Jan died.
Krzysztof scoffs. “Please, we know our boundaries, Saint, plus why would we sabotage a business for our so-called son-in-law?”
I roll my eyes at his lies.
One day, I’ll expose them for the disgusting double-crossing bastards that they are.
As I gaze at all the photographs that I’ve been gathering for the past month.
I scrutinize each detail ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
I haven’t had proper sleep for the past two days. All I’ve been preoccupied with was trying to locate the rodent.
And so far my leads are as fruitless as a parched well.
All I could think of was Zoltan and Prince. After the occurrence at my residence, they haven’t displayed any signs of suspicion and everything has been quiet, which raises suspicions for me. And to make matters worse, I have to concern myself with the Nowak brothers and the agreement, not to mention that it’s floating somewhere out there with someone ready to ruin my marriage with Irena and potentially undermine ten percent of my work that I’ve built around the criminal organization.
As someone who possesses as much authority as me, being ineffectual is extremely frustrating.
I cannot allow anything to be disclosed, but the individual I’m dealing with is more intelligent than I anticipated, and it’s the first time in my life to acknowledge this, but I’m afraid that I may not have the advantage.
Which is why I’m finished waiting. I’ll simply have to take matters into my own hands and interrogate Zoltan and Prince until one of them gives in.
