by K. J. Dahlen
Jackal agreed. “Oh, I’m with you there. What I was thinking about was if we let it slip that Nick was Eugene brother and let the gossips take over. Might even let Silas know something and he could be the one to bring the man down.”
Pappy grinned. “I like the way you think.” Lifting his glass, he silently toasted the idea.
Jackal chuckled and reached for his phone. After a long call, he poured another drink for himself and Pappy. Raising his glass he toasted, “Let the games begin.”
“Let’s ruin this fucker so bad, he loses everything.”
Yeah, I have a feeling Nick Bennett will not make it out of Baton Rouge with his own skin intact.” He chuckled. “Silas was pissed and he’s one that I’d never want to piss him off quite that bad. The streets won’t be safe again for Nick Bennett or Eugen Harris. They both might be safer off in jail and we both know how child molesters are treated there.”
“Good. I have to call Yuri and let him know too.” Pappy grinned. “If Bennett does make it out of this with his life, I have a feeling those boys will finish off the job.”
“How the hell did you end up knowing the Russian Bratva?”
“That my friend is a long story.” Pappy smirked.
“Hell we got nothing but time now.” Jackal grinned.
Pappy settled in and began his tail of how the Hell’s Fire Riders became acquainted with the Russian Bratva. By the time he was done, Jackal shook his head. “It truly is a small world.”
“Indeed it is,” Pappy agreed. “I never thought I’d say this but they aren’t bad people.”
Jackal rolled his eyes. “Don’t you believe that for a moment. They can be as bad as they need to be but they do take care of their own.” Shaking his head he claimed, “I wouldn’t want to be in their enemy’s shoes, not for all the money in the world. If they find this killer, the world will never know and the cops will never find his body…or what’s left of it. It will be as if he never existed in the first place.”
“Is that a bad thing?” Pappy asked quietly. “Wouldn’t you or I do the very same thing to protect what’s ours? I know I would.”
Jackal thought about it for a moment then nodded. “So would I. If what you’re saying is true, this killer Jack Hail has never been caught.”
Pappy smiled. “He’s never gone up against the Bratva before either. Let’s hope they don’t miss.”
“I’ll drink to that.” Jackal raised his glass again.
Both men clinked their glasses together and then downed the liquor.
New Orleans…
Roman stood by the window in the bedroom and looked out over the city below. He could see everyone there rushing to get to wherever they were going. Part of him missed the rush of the city streets but another part of him knew he needed to stay right here with Stevie and Benny.
He still couldn’t believe he was going to be a father in a few short months. All these years, he thought he’d never have a family of his own. After he lost Vlad, he wondered if he was cursed or something. His own mother hadn’t cared about him to stick around and someone else had taken his brother. He often prayed whoever had taken Vlad had given him a better life than the one he himself had.
He hoped his brother grew up in a safe and loving home with people who really cared about him. That was the one thing that would make his childhood bearable. Glancing over at the bed, he saw Stevie resting there. She may not know it yet but she was his whole world. Her and the baby. He would die for her and kill to keep her safe. She, Benny, and the baby were all he cared about at the moment. They and his brothers were all he’d ever had. All he would ever need.
He walked over to the bed and kicked off his shoes. Raising the covers, he slipped between the sheets and wrapped his arms around her warm body. ‘This…This was home.’
Yuri stepped into the elevator and his phone rang. He and the brothers were on their way up to talk to Stevie and Roman. Taking the call, he listened as Pappy relayed the message from Dewey. Almost to the top floor, Yuri swore and punched the button for the basement floor. “
By the time his call was done, they were in the basement and Sazon was holding the door open for them to get off. Yuri stormed off the elevator and marched down the hall to the security offices while swearing, “Eto piz`dets!”
“What did the man have to say?” Barshan asked.
“Eugene Harris has a brother and they think he’s responsible for Jack Hail being here.” Yuri choked on the news. “His name is Nick Bennett and he’s hoping to run for political office this year. They feel his connection to Eugene Harris might put an end to that dream.” He glared at them all. “We’ll have to make sure of that.”
Yuri opened the door and walked into the offices. Looking around, he noted everyone was working to search the entire city for any sign on the killer. “Anyone having any luck finding this bastard?” he all but shouted into the quiet of the office.
Kosta stepped forward and shook his head. “No we haven’t found him yet.” He knew the look on Yuri’s face. “But we will.”
Yuri looked around the office and spotted one of his techs. “Adrik, I need you for a moment.”
Adrik pushed away from his desk and joined the men. “What can I do for you?”
“I need you to verify some information I received tonight then when you do call me immediately.”
Adrik nodded. “Of course.”
Yuri placed his hand on the other man’s shoulder. “I need evidence that Nick Bennett is related to Eugene Harris and I need it quickly.”
“Ok you got it.” Adrik went back to his desk and began searching for the information.
Yuri moved back to the elevator along with the others.
Barshan shook his head. “What was that all about?”
“I need to know how good Trudy really is. If this information is true, I’ll ruin the man. But I need to verify her sources.”
“And if you do that?” Sazon asked. “What then?”
Yuri grinned. “Pappy forwarded the same information we got to the good people who have had Stevie’s back for the last four years. I don’t think they will appreciate it any more than we did. They might take care of Nick Bennett but I’m going after the whole damn family. I think old man Bennett needs to pay for his infidelity even after all these years.”
Barshan chuckled. “It’s been too long in coming but I agree with you. When a man takes a wife he should know better than to cheat on her.”
When the elevator opened on the penthouse floor, they were met by Ana and Raven. Raven had her arm around Ana and Ana was doubled over in pain and screaming.
Sazon stepped forward with a frown on his face. “What the hell?”
“The babies are ready to be born.” Ana doubled over in another contraction hit. She screamed again holding her stomach.
Sazon gulped hard. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure.” She growled. “My water broke and the pains are coming quickly. Drago is on his way to the hospital. He said he would meet us there but I don’t think we’re going to make it. These babies are coming right now.”
Raven quickly passed her off to Sazon. “Her labor is going quickly but we only just found out about it, I swear.”
Sazon looked more than a little nervous as he assisted Ana into the elevator.
Barshan smiled and slapped the other man on the back. “Would you like me to drive?”
“There’s no time.” Gritted Ana. She squeezed Sazon’s hand as another contraction hit. “These babies aren’t going to wait.”
“Why don’t you let me get you a doctor here?” Yuri offered.
Sazon glanced at him and nodded. “Maybe that would be better.”
Ana bent over. “I don’t care but get one here now. These babies aren’t going to wait much longer. I need to push like right now.”
Yuri led the way to one of the rooms. Sazon swept his wife into his arms and carried her into the bedroom part of the suite
Barshan pulled his cell out and
called for a doctor.
Raven pushed her way into the bedroom and slammed the door on the men waiting there.
Fifteen minutes later the doctor showed up and Raven allowed him to come inside.
A few minutes later Drago knocked on the door. When Yuri let him in, he looked nervous. “Is she all right?”
“She’s good,” Yuri assured him. “She just didn’t think she’d make it to hospital. Of course, Sazon is a mess but then who wouldn’t be?”
Drago nodded. “I know I was when Ivan was born. Gretchen was a rock but I was a mess.”
They all began pacing the room. In the next two hours they walked many miles as they listened to Ana’s labor progressing. No one came to the door to let them know how things were going and the men were starting to get a little worried.
Suddenly, they heard Ana scream and this time it was different. The guttural sound echoed off the walls and everyone began to sweat. Then there was a sharp slap and then a baby’s cry. Drago wanted to charge into the room where his sister was to find out answers while everyone else smiled. Mikial had to hold him back and it was only a few minutes later when they heard another terrible scream, then a slap then another baby’s cry.
Yuri chuckled out loud and the other’s joined in. They congratulated each other and waited for the door to open so they could join the new parents. A few minutes later Raven opened the door with a huge smile on her face. Motioning for them to come in, she stepped back.
Yuri wrapped his arm around her waist. “Is everything ok?” he whispered.
Raven nodded and looked up into his eyes. “Everything is perfect. Mother and babies are doing just fine.”
“So what did she have?” Yuri asked.
“Have a look for yourself.” Raven urged.
Before he could step closer, the doctor paused briefly on his way out. “Everything is fine here. The labor went quickly but I think she didn’t realize how long she was actually in labor.” He smiled. “She and the babies need their rest, so please don’t stay too long. If there are any problems take her into hospital, but I’m not anticipating anything to go wrong.”
Yuri nodded then shook the doctor’s hand. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
The doctor smiled. “This is at least, a good occasion.”
Yuri nodded then turned his head and went closer to the bed.
Ana sat there with a baby in her arms.
Sazon sat next to her on the bed with the other baby in his arms. He looked up and smiled. “I would like to introduce you to my babies.” Holding up the one in his arms he said, “This is my son Matvey and my daughter Galena.”
Yuri leaned forward and got a good look at the new members of his little family. They were both perfect. Two very small faces all wrapped up in soft baby blankets is what he saw. Both children were asleep at the moment but he knew from experience they wouldn’t be sleeping long. “Congratulations Sazon.” Yuri slapped his brother on the shoulder. Glancing over at Ana he told her as well, “Well done, young lady. You are good at much more than sword wielding and designing weapons, are you not? You created these beautiful works of art”
Ana blushed. “What compliments. Thank you.” She glanced around the room and commented, “I’m sorry it was such a rush but I didn’t know the backache I had all night was my labor starting. I thought I had time to get to the hospital but I guess not. It went quicker than I thought once my water broke.” She down at her daughter and smiled. Brushing her finger down Galina’s cheek she commented, “I never thought this could be possible in less than a year.” She looked up at her brother. “When I came here looking for the man who murdered grandfather, I never dreamed I’d find something more than what I had. I never dreamed I’d find the one man I couldn’t live without. I never dared to dream I’d find a family. But I did and now I wouldn’t change anything I have for something better. I already have the best.”
Drago smiled. “I feel the same with Gretchen and Ivan. We both found a new family didn’t we?” He raised his head and looked around the room. “We both found the best there ever was right here.”
Raven snuggled under Yuri’s arm as they watched the babies. She turned to him and whispered, “I think we need another one of those at our house. What do you think?”
“How about we let the twins get a little bigger first? They’re not even a year old but very soon, I promise. I want a houseful of children with you,” he whispered back. “Our family is getting bigger every day. With Pepper already pregnant as well as Stevie, we can wait our turn with another one.”
Raven wrapped her arms around his waist. “I knew she was pregnant. I knew it.” She smiled. “How is Roman taking the news?”
“I think he’s in shock,” Yuri admitted. “But he’s even more determined to protect them all.”
“I don’t blame him.” Raven shrugged. “You wouldn’t do any less for me and the twins would you?” She turned to the room. “Or any of them?” She motioned at the brothers.
“Nyet. I would do the same as he is doing.” He turned to his wife. “There is a problem though.”
“Oh, what’s that?” Raven turned serious eyes to the man she loved with all her heart.
“Stevie thinks she’s brought danger to our little group. She doesn’t want to stay and risk someone getting hurt because of her. I’m afraid she’ll try to leave town.”
“What?” Raven voiced her opinion louder than she wanted to. When everyone turned to her, she turned in Yuri’s arms and told him. “We can’t allow that to happen. Roman would go nuts if she escaped our protection.”
“I know that.” Yuri tried to sooth her frantic emotions. “We got his back sweetheart, don’t worry about that, but we might need you girls to keep an eye on her too. I have a feeling she still might try to escape.”
Raven nodded. “We’ll keep an eye on her. I just hope nothing more happens. I don’t think she can take much more.”
“I know,” Yuri agreed. “I don’t think Roman can either and there’s another kind of shit storm coming his way.”
“What’s going on?” Raven asked after a moment.
“He may have a father and a brother out there and they are demanding to meet him after over thirty years of being on his own.”
“The hell you say.” Raven paled.
Yuri shook his head. “I wish I were. That was the one thing we all wanted as children. To have a family. Now thirty some odd years later, Roman has two people coming out of the woodwork that want to claim him as their own. Your grandfather and father are on their way here now to speak to Roman on this matter. They happen to think that one or both of them might not wait for them to come to us first.”
“Does Roman know?”
Yuri shook his head. “Not yet. We’re hoping he told Stevie about his brother at some point. We need to somehow verify this might be true before we mention it to him.”
“Maybe I could ask her when he’s not around,” Raven offered.
Yuri placed his hands around her face and kissed her gently on the lips. “That would be great. I’ll leave this is your hands then, but please make it soon. Our time may be running out.”
Raven smiled. “Ok, my love.” She looked around the room. “I think we should all let the family get some rest. I know how exhausting two babies was to bring into the world. Even if the labor was shorter it still feels like forever.”
Everyone chuckled but said goodbye on their way out.
Yuri waited for them to clear out before he made his way over to where Sazon and Ana were sitting. “Please stay here for as long as you need too. If you need anything please ask.”
Sazon nodded. “We will. If you need me for anything just let me know. Otherwise, I’ll be here with my family.”
Yuri smiled. Then turned and ushered Raven out of the room with him. He walked them down to the suite Roman and Stevie were in and opened the door.
To complete and utter chaos…
“Nyet.” Roman stood in front of Benny and St
evie with his hands curled into fists. He had them backed into a corner and was standing between them and the door.
Stevie was holding her brother and both of them were crying.
Pepper was trying to calm the situation but it wasn’t doing much good.
Tempers were flying high and both dogs were huddled close to Stevie and Benny. They seemed to be standing between the Stevie, Benny and Roman. They were growling low and not letting even Roman get close to their charges.
“Zaebis! What the hell is going on here?” Yuri demanded as he pushed Raven slightly behind him, not knowing what the danger was. The whole scene looked more than odd.
Roman turned his head and glared at his brother. “Stevie has some insane notion about leaving because she doesn’t want to put any of us in more danger.” He growled.
Yuri shook his head. “I told her that idea wouldn’t work.”
Stevie shook her own head. “You don’t understand. There’s someone out there that wants me dead and I won’t put anyone else in his line of fire. I can’t allow that to happen.”
Roman snapped his head toward Yuri. “Someone took another shot at her. If your windows hadn’t been bullet proof, she’d be dead right now. It is bullshit that he got that close a second time.”
“`Tchyo za ga`lima?” Yuri growled.
Roman nodded toward the bedroom.
Yuri rushed into the other room and surveyed the damage. The window had indeed caught a bullet. The entire pane of glass was spider webbed with a multitude of cracks emanating from a where the bullet struck at the same height as Stevie’s head but the bullet never made it through.
“Zaebis!” Yuri swore in Russian and got on the phone to his security people. Then he called his brothers to the suite. Within minutes, the suite was filled with people. Yuri insisted that Kosta escort Raven, Stevie and Benny along with Pepper over to their suite while he handled the situation.
Yuri whispered something in Kosta’s ear before they left. Once they were in Yuri’s suite Yuri turned to Stephanous and demanded answers, “Where the hell did that bullet come from?”