CHAPTER 302
The jet cut through the skies, carrying Ellis Barker and Angelo Messina toward a destination shrouded in uncertainty. Messina sipped elegantly served champagne while Ellis, more reflective, observed the unfolding landscape beyond the window.
In his usual calm demeanor, Messina broke the silence. “Once we land, you better get in touch with the associates. The Petrov brothers aren't as friendly as you might imagine.”
Surprised, Ellis replied, “I didn't imagine anything about Grigory and Sergei Petrov.”
Appreciating Ellis's transparency, Messina mentioned, “So you know their names.”
“Of course,” said Ellis, “I did some research. I knew I'd have to meet them at some point.”
Curious, Messina inquired further. “And what else did you research?”
Careful in her response, Ellis stated, “I asked Kenji to research only about whom the leaders of the Kurganskaya Bratva were.”
“You're sharp, Ellis.” Messina smiled, though his expression remained tense. “So, what else did you find out about the Petrov?”
Ellis hesitated for a moment, weighing her words. “I researched the basics, their businesses, their rise in the Kurganskaya Bratva. But I confess, I didn't delve into more personal matters.”
Messina watched her closely, as if trying to read the thoughts behind her words. “And Laura Petrova, Ellis? Did you investigate her as well?”
Skillfully, Ellis chose to lie. “No, I didn't research her. Is there a reason I should?”
Before taking a sip of his champagne, Messina replied, “Laura's death is what brought us here, inside this jet.”
Serious, Ellis affirmed, “Whatever happened to her, I hope it all gets clarified.”
Messina assured Ellis before taking a sip, “No doubt, everything will become clear.”
The jet smoothly landed on the Kurgan airstrip, and Ellis disembarked, immediately feeling the distinct atmosphere of the Russian city. The Ural Mountains stood majestic, imparting an imposing aura to the surroundings. Two individuals awaited their arrival, standing out amidst the landscape with their commanding presence. The man was a true mountain of muscles with shaved hair and a dense beard that accentuated his stern expression. The woman by his side was slender and agile, her black hair flowing over her shoulders, sunglasses concealing her expression.
Noticing the tension in the air, Messina turned to Ellis. “If you need to talk to your associates, now's the time,” he said in a low yet determined tone.
Ellis stood behind Messina, observing the interaction between him and the Russians closely. Angelo Messina removed his sunglasses and approached the Russians with a familiar expression. “Mikhail, Svetlana, it's a pleasure to see you again.” His words were met with cordial greetings from the Russians.
Mikhail greeted Messina with a firm handshake and a nod, his expression unreadable. Svetlana remained more reserved, staying silent, yet her alert posture indicated constant vigilance.
The Russians conversed with Messina in Russian, exchanging words in a dialogue that sounded indecipherable to Ellis. She watched every gesture, trying to grasp nuances in the communication that might have gone unnoticed.
Svetlana cast a sharp look towards Ellis, indicating that the woman's presence hadn't gone unnoticed. Mikhail, meanwhile, remained impassive, but his intimidating presence acted as a silent warning.
As Messina attended to the formalities, Ellis rummaged through her bag, retrieving her phone with a pensive expression. Sensing the urgency of the moment, she quickly dialed a specific contact. On the first ring, a firm voice answered on the other end. “We're in Kurgan. The time has come.”
“Understood,” replied the voice, indicating readiness and understanding of the gravity of the situation.
Ellis observed as Messina conducted the greetings, her mind already working on the next steps. As she approached the Russians, she decided to address the matter directly. “Mikhail, Svetlana, thank you for receiving us. We need to discuss some important matters.”
Mikhail, with his serious expression, nodded in agreement. “We'll talk privately,” he suggested, indicating a need for privacy in the imminent conversation.
Ellis nodded and followed them to the black vehicle, where the intensity heightened. Seated in the back, she looked to Messina, who remained close to the aircraft.
“Mikhail,” Messina began, “allow me to introduce Ellis Barker, the new leader of the Amorielle.”
Mikhail acknowledged with a nod, but his eyes were piercing. “What brings you to Kurgan, Ellis Barker?”
Ellis took a deep breath, ready to reveal the truth. “We're here to discuss a strategic partnership. I need crucial information, and my coming here might benefit both parties.”
Svetlana, previously silent, looked directly into Ellis's eyes. “Crucial information?” she inquired, revealing keen interest.
“Yes,” confirmed Ellis, “information about Donna, my daughter, and Jake Amorielle. We need to work together. Perhaps our interests align.”
Mikhail, at the wheel, briefly glanced at the rearview mirror and spoke in Russian to Svetlana, whose serious demeanor revealed no trace of emotion. Feeling a bit uncomfortable with the foreign language, Ellis turned to Messina for clarification.
“What are they saying?” she asked, concern evident in her words.
Unperturbed, Messina responded, “They're aware of the situation with Donna and Jake. And that's the primary reason we're here.”
Mikhail drove confidently through the winding city streets. Svetlana remained silent, her expression hidden behind the sunglasses, but her attentive eyes caught every move.
Seated next to Ellis, Messina noticed the tension in her gaze. “We're heading to the Petrov headquarters. They might have information about Donna and Jake.”
Ellis nodded, gripping her phone firmly. The call she made earlier still resonated in her mind. With every kilometer traveled, the anxiety grew. She knew this meeting wasn't just about Donna and Jake's disappearance.
The vehicle abruptly stopped in front of an imposing building, surrounded by a stunning winter landscape. They disembarked and were guided by the Russians to an austere meeting room, where the cold stone walls contrasted with the warm reception of the hosts.
The Petrov awaited them in the lobby, where the atmosphere was laden with tension. Every detail about Grigory reflected his authority and brutality, while Sergei, with a touch of rebellion, exuded undeniable cunning.
Grigory, in his dark suit and discreet jewelry, exuded an intimidating presence. His ice-cold blue eyes surveyed Messina and stopped at Ellis. The discreet scars on his face bore witness to a violent past. His pale skin and broad shoulders emphasized his robustness. He questioned Messina about the purpose of the visit.
Maintaining composure, Messina introduced Ellis as the new leader of the Amorielle.
“Ellis Barker, the new leader of the Amorielle, as we discussed.”
Grigory, with an inquisitive gaze, turned his attention to her. Sergei, with his tattoos and silver accessories, conveyed an image of rebellion and remarkable experiences.
Sergei, with an intrigued expression, directed his attention to Ellis. “What does the leader of an American mafia family want with the Kurganskaya Bratva?” His voice carried a mix of cunning and charm, an attempt to test the determination of the new leader.
Ellis maintained her stance, firm. “I need information about the disappearance of Donna Smith and Jake Amorielle.” Her eyes met Sergei's, and she continued, “They vanished, and I'm willing to collaborate with you to find them.”
Sergei, with a subtle smile, teased, “What would you do for your daughter?” The question lingered, indicating the Russians were ready to negotiate.
Ellis replied without hesitation, “Everything within my power.” Her determination echoed in the room, and the Russian leaders exchanged meaningful glances.
“We're willing to assist you,” said Sergei, maintaining his enigmatic smile. “In fact, we just need something in return.”
Grigory, after a brief pause, revealed what they sought in return. “Actually, we need someone. Vittorio Amorielle.”
The revelation echoed in the room, creating a momentary silence. Ellis looked at Messina, contemplating the request. She knew her next words would define everyone's fate.