"Necessary," I hissed between clenched teeth.
Aleksei tapped his fingers on the table, his usual glass of vodka half empty. I suspected the drink wouldn't be his last. "You seemed concerned, my friend. Your call unusual," Aleksei said casually, his Russian accent thick as always.
Concerned? I was consumed with need, revenge the only thing on my mind. I came here specifically hoping Aleksei and his connections would be helpful in order to find Kostya. The Petrovs were true Bratva, their methods of keeping the peace resourceful.
And violent.
That's exactly what I wanted.
"A lot of shit is going down, heat my family doesn't need," I said with disdain in my voice. I heard the sound of the door opening, the waitress on cue, her timing impeccable. She knew exactly what drink every man preferred. While every other man admired her beauty, I could only see blood in my eyes. Once the Bombay and tonic was in my hand, the room secure once again, I shifted my glance to the others.
Michael Cappalini had recently taken over the Western portion of the United States. While I honestly didn't believe he could be useful as far as information, he had scouts all over the country.
Lorenzo Francesco held Chicago with an iron fist, his father refusing to give up any concept of total control. They'd had several difficult situations over the years and the man's muscle was impressive.
"You have a situation in Miami, one of your former colleagues attempting to not only hijack one of your shipments but potentially muscling in on your operation. Word on the street isn't good." Dominick kept his tone even as he spoke.
I wanted to laugh at the man's resourcefulness but there was little occurring in the boughs of the underworld that either one of us weren't aware of.
"Word travels fast." I took a sip of the drink, my anger crouching just below the surface. "I admit that I need help at this point." I noticed the looks shared between the men. I was one of the few men who'd never bothered to ask for anything, something I'd taken pride in. This situation was far too damning to ignore.
"You've provided me with excellent information recently, my friend, ensuring a firmer grip on my territory. I intend on returning the favor. Whatever you need, you can count on me." Aleksei grinned, his eyes burning with a need to hunt.
"Your expertise is exactly what I hoped for." I had to shut Kostya down within days or my reputation would take a hit, one that I couldn't afford.
"You're searching for a man named Kostya Mulin. Yes?" Aleksei asked as he swirled his drink.
"The very one. He betrayed my family," I answered, moving closer to the window. The view of the city was spectacular, the city lights a reminder of my time spent in Cuba. I had to push aside any thoughts about my life, embracing the fact this business was far too important. My previous phone call to the Russian had been out of necessity, another favor I hoped would be granted.
"He is also Bratva."
I heard Aleksei's comment, knowing that it was a possibility. Still, I bristled hearing the words. "Who is he connected with?" My grip on the drink was firm enough I feared breaking the thin glass.
There was enough hesitation that I realized the various details had been captured, my instinct riding on high. I studied Aleksei's face as he pushed a file across the table, much like I'd done when Michael had needed our help only months before. The truth was I only required confirmation of what I expected to find.
"Kostya is a bottom feeder, a player who works for the highest bidder, much like the Maker you gunned down. The man holding the cards that you seek is already on your radar." Aleksei moved to a standing position, lifting his glass.
He waited until I'd opened the file before issuing another statement. I couldn't help but chuckle. I'd been far too much of a fool. I should have been listening to my father all along. Instead, I'd longed for peace. There could be no peace with a man who had no adoration for his family.
"Santiago Rivera has no honor. His methods of doing business are indiscriminate, taking advantage of any weakness in the system." Aleksei sighed after making the statement.
I tipped my head, studying Aleksei's eyes. Santiago. The anger I felt suddenly produced a calm washing throughout my system. "The system," I repeated.
"From what Aleksei has told us, Santiago played you. While I understand that this isn't something you want to hear, you need to know what the man is capable of." Dominick moved closer to the table.
Suddenly, the rage festering inside of me was overwhelming.
"Fuck this!" I said, smashing my hand against the hard wood. I'd never been a man to lose control, but this was too much to take. "Will you be able to find Kostya?"
Aleksei locked eyes with mine. "I can find anyone. However, you should know that Kostya was only a messenger, infiltrating your regime long before Santiago made his appearance. There may be others in your organization betraying you. What I have learned is that Santiago is much more powerful than you can understand."
Betrayal. Every muscle remained tense. I closed my eyes, taking several deep breaths before flipping through the pictures, including one of Valencia. The photograph was of her on the beach, surrounded by friends, laughing. The way the light played against her hair, allowing shimmers of a hint of red that I hadn't noticed was far too enticing. My cock began to throb even as my gut told me this was no family portrait. "How did you get these?"
"I have my sources," Aleksei said quietly.
"How?" I snapped, staring the man down.
Exhaling, Aleksei fingered his glass. "You are well aware that I keep very close tabs on my operation, much like all of us are required to do. I heard his name through a source and wanted to know more."
"Your people took this photograph?" I slid the picture of Valencia across the table.
"No. After I cornered a man who'd created an issue for my organization, he was very exhaustive in trying to save his life. He failed."
I shook my head, forcing myself to look away. That meant Valencia was on several radars, her life in danger given her father's business criteria. "Santiago played me." As if repeating the words would make me feel any better.
"Very well," Michael said in a hushed manner. "He has several connections throughout the country as well as Central and South America."
Jesus Fucking Christ.
"You need to find a way to cut him off at the knees," Dominick added.
I'd never been played for a fool. Until now. Evidently my threat hadn't been taken seriously. The thought was as riveting as it was infuriating. I knew how to ruin the man's life before dragging him straight into hell. I closed the file, pressing my hand on the top and rearing back. "If what you say is true, I know exactly how to deal with the man."
"So, it's true about your connection to Santiago's daughter?" Lorenzo asked, his tone almost accusatory.
"A requirement of the deal I made with Santiago. One night only. Things have now changed." I allowed my thoughts to drift to time spent in Cuba, trying to figure out how to get to her. She would be well protected at this point.
"Then you already know what you must do," Michael said with no inflection in his voice. I was surprised that he was the one mimicking my thoughts.