by Iris Bolling
Table of Content
Title Page
Copyright © 2019 by Iris Bolling
Books by Iris Bolling
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Epilogue
Banking On Love
By
Iris Bolling
Copyright © 2019 by Iris Bolling
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.
Printed in the United States of America
ISBN: 978-0-9990176-7-8
Library of Congress Control Number: 2019905428
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are with the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, locales is entirely coincidental.
SIRI AUSTIN ENTERTAINMENT LLC
www.siriaustin.com
www.irisbolling.net
Books by Iris Bolling
The Heart Series Gems & Gents Series
Once You’ve Touched The Heart Teach Me
The Heart of Him The Book of Joshua I - Trust
Look Into My Heart The Book of Joshua II - Believe
A Heart Divided A Lassiter’s Christmas
A Lost Heart Ruby…Red Slippers & All
The Heart The Book of Adam - Hypnotic
The Heart Always Wins The Book of Timothy -Symmetry
Phire: I’m Just Saying
Night of Seduction Series Brooks Family Values Series
Night of Seduction/Heaven’s Gate Synergy
The Pendleton Rule Fatal Mistake
Propensity For Love
A Brook’s Thanksgiving
The Dunning Trilogy Anthology
Invested Heroes
Banking On Love Songbird
Novellas
The Justice of Love
PROLOGUE
Mission confirmed.
Secure the building with maximum coverage to ensure our man enters and leaves still breathing.
“Man one, confirm you have target in sight.”
“Man one, target in bull’s eye.”
“Copy that. Man two, confirm location.”
“Man two, left of back door. If it opens their ass is mine.”
“Copy that. Man three, confirm second target in sight.”
“Man three, target two in sight, front window covered.”
“Copy that. We are a go.”
The black SUV pulled around the corner with two occupants, Myles Dunning and Jerome Morgan. “Anything goes off script you hit the ground. I will cover the room.”
“This is a meeting, Jerome,” Myles stated. “We are not here to kill anyone.”
“Then I suggest they make no wrong moves,” Jerome stated as he parked the vehicle. Another black SUV pulled in front of them and parked. Jerome stepped out on the driver’s side of the vehicle. He watched as another vehicle parked behind them. Jerome scanned the area as he walked around the vehicle to the passenger door. Satisfied with what he saw, he opened the door, allowing Myles to step out.
“You are clear to walk in,” Michael Dunning’s voice came through the earwig Jerome was wearing. “Thermal sensor shows two bodies and the boss are inside.”
Jerome gave a slight nod. “Say what you have to say then we leave. Clear?”
Myles nodded. “Clear.”
It would be a lie if Myles said his nerves were not on edge. Dealing with the mob was not something he ever imagined he would have to do. Yet, he was here about to confront the man who was threatening to infiltrate his bank. No one gets to control the bank but a Dunning. His father had not allowed it, and neither would he.
He stood back as Jerome opened the door then stepped inside. Myles followed.
On the front of the building was the name Pavel & Sons Real Estate. The man he was meeting, Nikolai Pavlovsky, was the head of the Russian mob on the east coast. He had called ahead requesting the meeting, so they were expected. He decided, when this meeting was over, he was going to kill Walker Dunning Jr. with his bare hands. It was his stupidity that had put them in this position.
Inside, the building looked like any other real estate office. Pictures of available properties were on the wall. Desks with files, computers, laptops, and office supplies on top lined each side of the room. Since it was a midnight meeting, the place was empty of any employees. To their knowledge there were three people other than them in the building, Pavlovsky and two body men.
“Mr. Dunning,” a man from the back of the office called out. “Mr. Pavlovsky will see you now.” He held a door open that led to a back office.
“I need to check that room before my man goes inside,” Jerome stated.
The man frowned. “That would be an insult to the boss.”
“Jerome,” Myles interceded. “I am good.” He walked to the room.
At a large antique desk, a gentleman with dark hair, in his early or mid-fifties looked up as he walked in. Myles hadn’t been sure what to expect, but he’d anticipated the person would be an older man, with a bald head and dangerous looking eyes. This man looked like any businessman Myles would be sitting across the table from on any given day. Nothing about the man screamed dangerous or sinister, yet Myles knew the man was not to be underestimated.
“Mr. Pavlovsky.” He extended his hand. “My name is Myles Dunning. Thank you for seeing me on short notice. May I?” Myles pointed to the seat.
Nikolai nodded his head. “Please.”
“Thank you.” Myles took the seat in front of the desk. “My father was Hepburn Dunning, CEO of Dunning Bank and Trust. A few months ago he was murdered. I was voted in to head my organization. As the head of an organization, when someone threatens my territory I have two choices. Stand my ground or give in. The moment I give in, I am no longer in control of my organization.”
Pavlovsky held up his hand. “Pauley, would you and our visitor step inside the room.”
Myles watched as the man he called Pauley and Jerome walked in. Pavlovsky pushed a button under his desk.
Jerome seemed to immediately know what was happening. “We are sealed,” he said into his earwig.
Pavlovsky nodded with a smirk. “We may now speak freely.” He looked at Jerome. “Government trained?” he questioned.
Jerome gave a slight nod.
“Mercenary?” Pavlovsky asked.
“Worse,” Jerome responded with a glare at Pavlovsky.
“Loyalist.” Pavlovsky smiled then glanced at Myles. “I’m im
pressed, Mr. Dunning. How many men do you have surrounding us?”
“Enough to ensure I leave here breathing.”
Pavlovsky nodded. “Please continue.”
Myles continued. “It has come to my attention that Stephen Pavel, a man I am told is under your authority, is attempting to take control of my organization. I cannot allow that to happen. Out of respect, I’ve come to you to resolve this situation.”
Pavlovsky sat forward. “Mr. Dunning, my condolences on the death of your father. I admired the way he took care of his community and his leadership abilities.” He smiled. “The fact that you brought this situation to my attention is an indication of your respect for my position. I assure you, my next question is out of necessity and no disrespect is meant. Is any other entity aware of this situation?”
“Yes, the situation was brought to my attention from an outside agency,” Myles replied. “However, they are not aware of my visit here nor are they a part of my decision making process.”
“From previous experience I assume they made certain requests of you, yet you turned their protection away. May I ask why?”
“As I stated before, I have no desire to turn control of my bank over to anyone. You are a business man, so am I. We will solve this situation to both of our satisfaction then go our separate ways.”
Pavlovsky nodded with a smirk. “We do handle our business a little different from the past. It is good of you to recognize us as a business to be handled with respect. Tell me of this situation.”
It was the first time since Myles arrived that he could detect a bit of an accent. It was a sign that the man was a little more relaxed with him. Now they could discuss business.
Myles unbuttoned his blazer, then leaned forward. “Stephen Pavel approached my uncle at the entrance of my family home. He requested my uncle hire an assistant for our international affairs department. Exactly what he wanted after that was not told to me.” Myles sat back. “In light of full disclosure, my uncle Walker is not one to believe on face value. The incident in question was captured on video.”
Myles pulled out his phone. He placed it on the desk for Pavlovsky to view the video that was taken of Walker in the car with Pavel. Once it finished, Myles placed his phone back in his pocket.
“It is my understanding Pavel holds ten million dollars in gambling markers for my uncle. The amount I quoted to you is what was told to us. It very well could be more. I am prepared to purchase those markers with a ten percent inconvenience fee. What I ask is that your organization accept that as payment in full and stay clear of my bank.”
“I see.” Pavlovsky nodded as he sat back. “This proposition you offer is interesting.”
“It is not a proposition, Mr. Pavlovsky.” Myles sat back as well. “My bank is not up for negotiation. Mr. Pavel will not be allowed to infiltrate it. I will stop him one way or another.”
Pavlovsky stared at him for a long moment. He glanced at Jerome who had an unreadable expression on his face. Pavlovsky turned back to Myles. “I see.” He then clicked on his computer. It took a moment for him to pull up the information he was searching for. He nodded. “It seems that you have brought a situation that I was not aware of to light. It is I who is now in your debt.” He turned back to Myles. “Are you a drinking man, Mr. Dunning?”
“I am.”
“What may I offer you?” Pavlovsky stood then walked towards the bar in the corner of his office.
Myles glanced at Jerome. His expression indicated they should leave. But his gut told him to stay.
“Vodka, straight.”
“It is the only way to drink vodka, no.” Pavlovsky chuckled as he poured the drinks. “It is unfortunate when our employees act in a manner that forces us to deal with un-pleasantries.” He gave Myles a glass, then sat back in his chair with his glass.
“Your offer is accepted.” He hesitated. “The amount of the markers is ten million as you stated. Since this is an unauthorized action all fees are waived. Is it your belief that my employee was connected in any way to your father’s death?”
Myles swallowed his drink. “I do not know at this time.” He placed the glass on the desk. As he continued to speak, Jerome walked over, picked up the glass, then wiped it clean. This action confused Myles, but he continued speaking as if nothing had happened. “Once our investigation is complete, if your employee is involved, Mr. Pavlovsky, he will be handled.”
Pavlovsky watched Jerome’s move with marked amusement. “Call me Nikolai,” he said with a smirk then swallowed his drink. “I suspect your investigation will be thorough.”
“Yes, it will,” Jerome replied.
“Yes, I can see you have surrounded yourself with good people. Yet we find ourselves with a dilemma involving family.”
“Stephen is family?”
“Unfortunately.” Nikolai nodded. “There is always one.”
Myles had to smile at that statement. “It appears so.”
Nikolai placed his arms on the desk then leaned forward. He glanced at Jerome, then to Myles. “I cannot allow you to police my people, however, I give you my word that it will be handled within the hour.”
Myles nodded as he stood. “Your word is accepted.”
Nikolai stood then extended his hand. “Mr. Dunning, I will strongly suggest you inform your family to stay clear of our business locations. The next visit may not be this pleasant.”
Myles understood the man’s meaning. “Gentleman’s agreement.” He took Nikolai’s extended hand. “You take care of your family. I will handle my family.” The two shook hands. Nikolai pushed the button. Myles and Jerome walked towards the door.
Myles stopped then turned back to Nikolai. “Myles. Please, call me Myles.”
The two men nodded to the mutual agreement.
The fresh air felt good, as Myles stepped outside. The sight of his two brothers, Michael and Gary, one by each of the two black SUVs surrounding their vehicle made him proud. The door of the vehicle he was riding in opened. His sister Grace Dunning stepped out.
“It took you long enough,” she said as she held the door open for him to get inside. “Five more minutes and we were coming inside to get you.”
Myles looked at Michael. “I told you to keep them away from this.”
“Look, if something happened to you I wasn’t going to take a smack down from Winnieford by myself,” Michael replied.
“Dad would have our asses if we didn’t have your back,” Gary stated.
Jerome pushed Myles forward. “Let’s go. I have another stop before we call it a night.”
Myles got into the passenger seat, as Grace climbed into the back. Jerome took the driver’s seat. He waited as two men jumped into the vehicle behind him with Michael at the wheel. Then for two more to get into the vehicle in front of them with Gary at the wheel. They all waited until Jerome started his motor. Gary pulled off first, Jerome second with Michael pulling up the rear.
“Where is the next stop?” Myles asked.
“What is the location?” Jerome asked in his earwig before replying to Myles. “Copy that.” He then turned to Myles. “We need to confirm that Mr. Pavlovsky will keep his word.”
“He will,” Myles replied.
Jerome glared at Myles. “I need proof. If he does not carry out the order before sunrise, I will.”
“I love a man who takes action.”
Myles glanced over his shoulder at Grace. He smirked then shook his head. “I think you are more dangerous than Jerome.”
“I can be, as Uncle Walker is going to discover in a few hours.”
“Be careful, but firm when you speak with him, Grace,” Myles stated. “Make it clear that if he crosses the line, he is on his own.”
“I have you covered on this one, big brother.” Grace glanced out the window watching the scenery as the vehicle traveled to their next destination.
At seven am the next morning all five feet six inches, one hundred and twenty pounds of Grace Heather Dunning sat in the lobby o
f a rehabilitation center located near Williamsburg, Virginia, thirty minutes outside of the capital city of Richmond, with her legs crossed, leisurely reading from her phone. Dressed in her navy suit, white blouse and three-inch heels, her presence had the attention of the early staff in admissions as they went about their morning duties.
“Ms. Dunning, we have him settled in,” a nurse stated. “You may go in now.”
Grace looked up, smiled then stood. “Thank you. What is his room number?”
“Room 106 on the right,” the nurse replied. “He has been restrained, but I will be happy to accompany you if you need me.”
“Oh, that will not be necessary.” Grace smiled. “I am fully capable of handling sweet Uncle Walker.”
Grace walked into the room that was more like a suite in a luxury hotel. On her right there was a sitting area with a sofa, two chairs and a coffee table to her left. Directly ahead of her was a small round dining room table sitting in front of a set of bay windows. On the left was a six drawer dresser, a five drawer chest, a closet and a king size bed. Uncle Walker lay in the bed more comfortable than he should be.
Grace pulled one of the chairs from the dinette set and placed it next to his bed. She took a seat, sat back then crossed her legs.
“Good morning, Uncle Walker. I want to read you a story that was posted in this morning’s paper.”
“Grace, I am not in the mood for you this morning. Go away,” Walker Dunning Jr. said as he turned his head from her.
“Your mood will get worse, I promise you. But this will be short and sweet. Two bodies were discovered this morning in an apartment building on West Park Avenue. The bodies, identified as thirty-two-year-old Sergi Koslov and thirty-seven-year-old Stephan Pavel, the occupants of the home. There are no leads. More as this story develops.”
She turned off her phone, then smiled brightly at him. “Oh, I have your attention now,” she laughed as he stared at her in shock. “Yes, your little problem has been handled.” She uncrossed her legs, then leaned forward. “Now you have a bigger problem…me.”