by Laura Acton
Dan wrapped his arms around her as he pulled her close and lay his chin on her shoulder which stunned the others.
Anastasia quipped, “What? There are no other chairs. Besides I’m his girlfriend, and he likes me.”
Laughter filled the air as relief swept through everyone when Blondie smiled appearing comfortable. After finishing his apple, Dan went to shower.
A short while later, they gathered around a table strewn with intel … exterior photos of Savelievich’s club, his private security force, maps, and recon images of nightclubs they would visit. Winds obtained them by tapping into security cameras. With Mike’s assistance, he also acquired blueprints of several buildings by hacking into a government database. Unfortunately, they didn’t locate designs for the Cherry Club.
Brody studied a photo of Panin’s goon squad. Five unarmed men standing outside the club wearing a distinctive uniform. Each wore black combat boots with their black pants tucked inside. Their cherry-red, long-sleeved shirts were accented with black ties, and they wore matching red berets. An identification tag clipped to the left breast pocket flap showed the guards picture, and he assumed their name, though he could not read the Cyrillic language.
He turned to Ripsaw. “Savelievich sure wants his guards to stand out.”
Ripsaw chuckled as he eyed the snapshot. “They look like bellhop uniforms to me, but at least it makes identifying our targets easier.”
Snickering along with Mason and Brody, Winds said, “Excellent point. We wouldn’t want to be harming innocents.”
Amused by Ripsaw’s remark, Blaze redirected their attention as he laid down photographs of three men and two women. “Let’s focus on tonight’s agenda. Search for these people in the clubs. According to Dom, they’re scouts for Savelievich who feed him potential customers.”
Mason nodded. “So, Blondie needs to attract their attention.”
“Yes. Through them, you will garner an invitation.” Turning his gaze to Blondie, Blaze said, “Within hearing distance of them you must drop hints which indicate you are interested in something more to Maks’ predilections.”
The photos of Nicolette and Anna-Marie kept drawing Dan back to them. Silently he vowed to do whatever he needed to rescue them. If he must sleep with prostitutes, as distasteful and vile the idea was to him, he would do it to save those little girls.
“Blondie, you with me?” Blaze followed the kid’s gaze.
Pulling his eyes away, Dan peered up at Blaze. “Yeah. Attract their notice to get invited to a brothel and recon the interior to locate the girls.”
Blaze’s concern decreased a notch, though, the kid still appeared distracted. None of them liked the pressure this operation put on Blondie, it all hinged on his ability to get inside the Cherry Club.
Uncomfortable with speaking in front of the others, Mike interjected, “Focus on younger women.”
Winds shifted his gaze to Mike. He didn’t like having the general’s man here with them. Nothing good ever came from General Badfather when Blondie was in the mix. He wished he had a better handle on Mike Galloway. Although also a Guardian, they never moved in the same circles.
This mission was the first time any of them worked directly with Galloway. He remained wary, wondering if they had a spy in their midst. Would he report back to the general on Blondie’s performance? Could they trust him? He challenged Mike’s statement. “Why should Blondie listen to you?”
Recognizing Winds might be winding up for a confrontation, Blaze stepped in to defuse a situation before it started. “Custodes de Innocentio.”
Winds turned and locked eyes with Blaze. After a few moments, he gave his best friend a nod of understanding. Blaze required them to perform as an integrated unit and to accept Galloway regardless of his position as Badfather’s security lead. He responded, “Solidarity.”
Anastasia translated the Latin to ‘Guardians of Innocence,’ as she observed the dynamic between the two men. They possessed an ability to communicate more with a simple look than with the few words they spoke. She wondered what the words meant to them, quite possibly a motto or a battle cry of the men selected for this elite Guardian unit.
The planning session resumed, and they worked out details and contingency plans for tonight. Forty-five minutes later Blaze wrapped up. “Patch, Brody, and Winds will accompany me to meet the contacts for weapons. Dom assured me they speak French, so Galloway, we won’t need you for this part. The rest of you, relax for now. We should be gone about an hour.”
Weapons and Virgins
15
May 27
Two Blocks from Warehouse – 1715 Hours
Patch pulled his ball cap low and peered into the rearview mirror at his reflection. The mirrored aviator sunglasses hid his brown eyes, and the fake mustache didn’t look too bad. The fact they all sported four days’ worth of beard growth helped conceal their identities. He blew out a breath before turning to Blaze in the front passenger seat. “This vehicle is a piece of crap. If we must make a fast getaway I can’t make any promises.”
From the rear seat, Brody patted Patch’s shoulder. “I can always take over as wheelman.”
Winds chuckled. “Nah, Patch is where he needs to be. His face is too expressive to come play with us.” Becoming serious, he zipped up his black jacket and said, “Do we need to worry about Galloway? I’m not comfortable with him … he’s too close to General Badfather.”
Twisting in his seat and lifting his sunglasses, Blaze peered at Winds. “Yankee has worked with him, and his impression is Galloway is squared away. I understand your concern, but division in a unit is the fastest route to disaster. Unless and until he behaves in a manner which causes concern, we act as one. Together, we are more effective. We each bring unique strengths. Solidarity allows us to accomplish feats other units can only dream of, so put your thoughts on the back burner.”
Brody listened, but it didn’t quell his worry. “What if—”
Cutting Brody off, Blaze said, “No. Put a lid on it. Focus on our task now. We are going into this warehouse unarmed. We need to be fully present.”
Puffing out his cheeks, Winds blew out a breath. “Our contacts are unsavory according to Dom. A gang with an irrational leader. Things might go sideways.”
“Anything’s possible, but that’s why Patch is our wheelman today.” Blaze grinned at the medic.
Patch only shook his head. He would be more comfortable with Brody doing the driving if things became hairy. None of them were as skilled as Brody behind the wheel. “Just don’t go getting any holes in you. My kit is back at the hotel, and I can’t drive and plug leaks simultaneously.”
The guys chuckled, and Blaze checked his wristwatch. “Time to go.” He opened the door and slid out.
Winds and Brody also exited the vehicle falling into step behind Blaze as they strode towards the warehouse. Patch put the car in gear and moved to the waiting location. Once the deal finished, he would drive in with the second half of the money, load up, and leave, hopefully without drawing any attention to themselves.
Breaking off from the others, Brody headed to the overwatch position wishing he carried a weapon to protect Blaze and Winds. All he could do was warn them verbally if he saw something out of the ordinary. He jumped to grab and pull down the fire escape ladder, climbing it to the rooftop. He crouched, switched on his comm unit, and removed the binoculars from his jacket pocket. After scanning the area, he said, “All clear so far.”
Warehouse – 1720 Hours
“Roger,” Blaze said as Winds and he prepared to enter the warehouse. Doing this in the light of day in an operating warehouse was risky, but they had no other choice. They needed weapons, and Radoslav Yegorovich had them. Usually, they would take out someone like Yegorovich, but covert ops often required them to make distasteful choices.
They slipped inside, both scanning their surroundings as they made their way to the designated spot. Arriving, Winds shifted and spoke under his breath, “Not liking this one d
amned bit. Where are they?”
“Easy. I’m sure they’re here, watching us,” Blaze whispered.
Radoslav observed the two men in black waiting for him. This would be easy money. Signaling his men to show themselves, he found it a little surprising neither man flinched when seven armed men surrounded them. He strode from his cover and eyed the raven-haired man and the man with amber eyes. Those eyes reminded him of a lion, but today the lion would be the Jackals’ prey.
Halting a few steps from them, Radoslav spoke in French as the middleman who brokered this deal insisted. “Did you bring the money?”
Eyeing the tawny-haired Russian gangster, Blaze noted a tattoo of a jackal on his forearm. About to respond, Brody’s voice in his earwig said, “Heads up, spotted a sniper. Move to your right for cover. Going to deal with him.”
“Yes, we brought the money, but only half. We inspect the merchandise then you receive the rest,” Blaze replied using French effortlessly as he and Winds both stepped to the right behind a stack of crates.
A blonde woman strolled in and up to Radoslav. Annoyed, he stared at his sister. Switching to English, believing his customers didn’t comprehend, Radoslav said, “Roksana, what are you doing here?”
“You promised to show me the ropes. You are doing a deal, and I want to be part of it.” Roksana studied the men and smiled at the man with jet-black hair. “Now you are a fine specimen. Wouldn’t mind bedding you.”
Blaze grinned at the blonde and responded in English to throw their contact off kilter. “Another time, perhaps.” He returned his gaze to the arms dealer. “Now where is the product?”
Confused, Radoslav stared a moment. “You speak English. I was told you are French.”
“English is a universal language. In my line of work, it helps. Now can we return to business?”
Rooftop Across from Warehouse – 1725 Hours
Stopping to assess his options after sprinting two blocks and up three flights of stairs, Brody noted the sniper lay flat on the roof, oblivious to him. The best option would be to sneak up on him before he could fire or communicate with his cohorts. Carefully placing his feet, Brody moved forward soundlessly.
With no weapon, Brody decided to choke this man out. He would avoid killing him if possible, not wanting to leave a dead body which might lead back to him. Unfortunately, his next step gave him away as the metal squeaked. The target turned towards the noise, startled, his reactions delayed.
Taking advantage of the man’s split-second hesitation, Brody pounced. The agile man escaped his grip. Disgusted with himself, Brody rose to face off against him, relieved to find his opponent wore no comms unit and the phone he held skidded across the steel roofing panel out of his reach.
Brody went on the offensive, executing moves he learned sparring with Dan under Ripsaw’s watchful eye. The wiry man was no match for him, and Brody got him in a rear naked chokehold quickly. He squeezed tightly for several moments after the man went limp to ensure he was indeed out. Releasing his hold, Brody communicated, “Target down.”
Pulling off the unconscious man’s boots, he removed the laces to tie his hands and feet. Ripping off a strip of the guy’s shirt he used it as a blindfold. Once secured, Brody assumed a position at the rifle. “Overwatch armed. Got me a nice SV-98 with a suppressor and a box of .338 Lapua Magnum rounds for free. Danny would like this one.”
Warehouse – 1740 Hours
Winds examined the weapons. They were exactly what they ordered. Including all the toys Ripsaw requested. He unzipped the last duffle bag and inspected the gas masks. Not the best quality, but they would do for this op. With a little luck, they wouldn’t require the use of smoke bombs. Satisfied everything met their specifications, Winds nodded to Blaze.
“You have a deal,” Blaze said.
“Pay the remainder, and they are yours.” Radoslav’s smile grew broad. This had been too easy. He signaled to Miro, his second in command, to make the call to Damir, his sniper, to be ready to take them out.
Patch pulled into the warehouse and stopped near Blaze. After popping the trunk, he handed Blaze the pack containing the money.
“Pleasure doing business with you.” Blaze held out the bag to Radoslav.
After checking the contents of the black bag, Radoslav said, “Pack it up. Let’s go.” He gripped his sister’s arm and walked away. His henchmen would take care of things from here. He didn’t want his twin sister anywhere near what would happen next.
Halfway across the room, Radoslav realized something went wrong. Turning back, he found the car driving out with the men still alive. He shouted at Miro in Russian asking why Damir hadn’t taken the shots. Miro responded Damir failed to answer his phone. Radoslav flew into a rage. This should’ve been an easy haul. If Damir weren’t a younger cousin, he would kill him for his colossal failure—though some recompense would be in order.
Two Blocks from Warehouse – 1755 Hours
Brody sprinted to the pickup point, and as he jumped into the back seat, he wore a huge grin. “Saved your asses this time.”
Chuckling, Patch said, “Thanks for keeping them hole-free today.”
“What did you do with the sniper?” Blaze asked.
“Decided he needed a little nap is all. Trussed him up with his shoelaces. Doubt his boss will be too happy with him.”
Blaze laughed. “Well done. We’re off to a decent start. I hope Blondie is as successful tonight.”
Anzhi-Qala Resort – Luxury Suite – Bedroom – 1800 Hours
After the briefing, Mike tried to relax, but his mind continued to return to the question of why he was selected for this mission. The more he mulled over things he realized the general wanted him to use his experience to assist. His CO was too honorable a man to order him to divulge his past, but he was not above manipulating a situation to ensure a successful outcome.
General Broderick could’ve assigned any one of three Guardian pilots, but no other pilot possessed details which would clue Dan in on the true Maks or Savelievich. Not a stupid man, Mike comprehended as painful as it would be to reveal his humiliating past, he must not allow Dan to continue unprepared. His primary job for the last ten years had been to safeguard the general and his family. He would not shirk his duty now.
Mike must reveal unsavory items Dom had not discovered, and General Broderick withheld from Savoy to protect him. Neither he nor the general believed the ransom demand was the full scenario. The drop would draw Dom out, and both agreed the Yurievich brothers planned to kill Dom.
But if that were the only plan, the brothers could have stayed in France—no reason to come to Makhachkala. With his knowledge of Savelievich, Mike understood the girls would suffer a fate worse than death. It was why it was time critical to obtain an invitation to Savelievich’s place.
Observing Dan during the planning session his conscience demanded he disclose private things to Dan regarding both Maks and Savelievich. Details he only shared with the general long ago when he rescued Mike in Pshejskaya. As much as he didn’t want to tell him, Mike’s principles wouldn’t let Dan enter the Cherry Club blind. If Dan became shocked by Maks’ proclivity or Savelievich’s requirements at the wrong time that would be disastrous.
Mike found Dan in the bedroom staring out the window. He steeled himself to share with Dan, hoping he would not press him hard on how he knew these details. Stopping near Dan, he peered out too. “I need to tell you a few things about Maks.”
Dan turned to Mike, unsure what to make of his father’s security man and not altogether comfortable with him being here. “I watched the video.”
Mike nodded. “Those gave you an overall perspective of how the world perceives Maks. He possesses several character traits and behaviors which were not captured by the lens.”
“Like what?”
Continuing to stare at the sea, watching the waves roll in, Mike identified the defensiveness in Dan’s tone but forged ahead. “On the surface and for the society pages, Maks plays a typical l
adies man and party goer. Always in the company of beautiful women, but that isn’t the true Maks. The real man, known only to a select few and his bodyguards, is dark and disgusting.”
Dan spotted Mike’s taut muscles. “The notes Blaze received indicates Maks likes brothels. What else makes him disgusting?”
Sighing, Mike turned to face Dan and decided to start slow. “He makes it appear as if he drinks a lot. Vodka is his drink of choice for a reason. Easy to swap out the clear alcohol for water. You need to teach Mason and Ripsaw Russian phrases so they can change your order each time.
“Also, Maks only drinks what his bodyguards bring him. If a woman sends him a drink, he finds a way to pawn it off on someone else. He never eats in nightclubs either. He’s afraid of being drugged.”
“Interesting. How do you know this?”
“Another lifetime, not something I want to discuss. I think you can understand leaving history in the past. What I impart to you is the truth which will help keep you in character and quite possibly alive.”
Dan raised a brow. Galloway’s voice sounded earnest. The way he kept including information about bodyguards, Dan thought Galloway might’ve been one of Maks’ bodyguards at one time. He would listen and weigh the veracity before taking any action. Perhaps talk to Brody and get his opinion on the matter. This could be a twisted game the general was playing to put him in harm’s way. “Alright. You have my attention. I’m listening.”
Relieved Dan didn’t press him for details, Mike said, “You’re not gonna like some of this, but here goes. He likes threesomes but not with his girlfriend de jour. She is only eye candy for the paparazzi to keep up appearances. Maks makes his bodyguards watch just in case the girls possess a concealed weapon. Don’t ask me where they would hide them because the guards always strip them prior to Maks arriving. Maks refuses to use condoms.”
“Not the safest thing, but I guess I can work around that if I need to.” Dan did not like Galloway’s body language … the vibe was hard to discern. He wished his brother was here now. Brody read people better. “What else?”