Sun fades to black. Another day is gone without so much as a word from Isla.
Small talk with Ben and Adeline kept me busy for most of the day. Not letting it slip that Isla is missing ate at my insides. Thinking of Isla each minute. Wondering where the hell she is. And why the fuck no one has heard a single thing about her whereabouts.
I want to punch something. Yell from the highest building, where the fuck are you? Turn this restlessness and rage flowing through me into energy I can do something useful with. Instead, I’ve been drinking coffee and making small talk while Isla could be lying dead in who the fuck knows where. No one who works for us or alongside us has a hit on her, which doesn’t surprise me since she has no phone or wallet with her. She is completely off the radar. I should be out looking for her, anywhere. But where the fuck do I start? We decided it best if I stay with uncle in case anyone calls information in. Kolton and his men are keeping an ear out, watching cameras and any known enemies. They’ve still been trailing Sokolov and Isla is not with them from what we can see. Thank fuck there’s one piece of good news.
Holed up in uncle’s room for the remainder of the afternoon and night, the muted television plays in the background. The phone is constantly beeping with messages about the Las Vegas development. Pawning everything off to Lydia to distribute to the rest of the management team, my head doesn’t have the capacity to fit any more problems into it. Seth, Liam, and Jared go through scenarios. How this could play out-Sokolov finds Isla first and kills the fuckers that had her, keeping her with him as before. But that’s not happening. I won’t allow it this time. No more fake fiancé. We find Isla first, protecting her, fucking better than last time, until Sokolov is gone. Within an hour of finding Isla. That’s all I’m prepared to wait. I’ve waited fucking long enough. Another scenario, someone uses Isla as a pawn to get at the Russian, he will kill them and then we will kill him. I won’t settle for anything other than death. I’m not prepared to risk Isla or our family. Ultimately, I want to kill him myself, not trusting it to anyone else. We are all on the same page. Sokolov needs to be taken down.
A buzzing phone of Benito’s catches everyone’s attention. Everyone’s fork stops rattling in their dinner. Every pair of eyes is trained on him.
“Fuck… We’ll be there. Wait for us. Use the code word Motherfucker, if you need us in there.” The imposing voice of the underboss sets the adrenaline in motion. It’s something I wouldn’t wish to do every day, but right now, when Isla’s life is at risk, I can’t fucking wait to be arm’s length to blow this motherfucker away if it comes to that.
Our ears wait for him to speak. Shifting our bodies in anticipation, we all stand. Together we will win this battle.
“The Gambril family is meeting Sokolov at an office block not far from here. They are making their move to be top dog there…tonight. They’ve requested backup to get the job done.”
Anxiety prickles at my neck. It’s not exactly what I had in mind, but ridding us of Sokolov without getting our hands dirty will be easier… I guess… If we get the chance I will make sure I request he is mine to savor, later. I haven’t gotten my hands dirty for many years. On this occasion though, I actually am looking forward to taking the life out of his body.
Does it make me evil?
Perhaps in the eyes of some. Taking a life from this earth is not something we ever want to do. Hence why I chose the path of staying a soldier longer than climbing the ranks. Death isn’t something I live for. The blood and torture from killing another life is what some men thrive for, but not me. In this instance, all the codes and rules I try and live my life with goes out the window.
We are cleansing this world of a parasite. An infection that has spread through Isla’s life for long enough. His talons have a far reach and they need clipped extensively. The Gambril family isn’t as high profile as Sokolov but they have more morals than what his employees have been pushing for years. I see us doing our area a service and getting justice for all the lives Sokolov has destroyed over the years.
Benito breaks my train of thought. “You all know the plan, get in your positions and wait. We will leave the security on Isla’s family here.”
“Did he say if they have information on Isla’s whereabouts?” Picking up the firearm Benito placed in front of us, I hide it under my shirt in the back of my pants. Watching my family get ready for battle isn’t something I will ever get used too. Tonight, though, we have no choice. It could be our only opportunity to strike.
Benito does the same. “I have no knowledge that they know about Isla.” He places two firearms in his waistband. “Let’s get the Russian out of the way then deal with finding her.” Nodding, I comprehend his actions. If Sokolov’s out of the picture, Isla may not be worth anything to her captors. She may be returned unharmed… Unlikely in this cruel, black market world, but a slim possibility.
Benito makes calls to other allies, preparing them to join us in sixty minutes in strategically placed areas. Seth, Liam, Jared, and myself will be ready to take the lead if the need presents itself.
“I’ll be riding with you.” Benito nods to myself and my cousins. We all take a moment to contemplate what tonight will bring. Uncle watches us with a stone face. Letting your family go to battle is not easy. I know how much he wants to come with us, but we can’t chance the head of the family being killed. Plus, in his seventies, he should be retiring from the front. Stefano’s a cold, calculating murderer. A better assassin than anyone I know. My father and himself taught us everything. But not refining our skills as often as we should over the years, he probably would still kick our asses even at his age. Staying on the side of caution, he’s better left here where it’s safe and we don’t have to keep an eye on him too. Not that I’d say that to his face. A bullet may come my way faster than I can blink, knowing uncle.
Liam’s itching to get this underway. “Let’s do this.” Fist pumping each other, we leave uncle with a security detail in the room and head to the private elevator to the basement. Filing into the rented grey SUV, we leave The Raven in the dark night. Hopefully for all of us to return in one piece.
And with some news of Isla.
Our plan is straightforward.
If needed by the Gambril family we will intercede, but only if they request it. We don’t want to get our hands dirty if there isn’t a need. But we know Sokolov and his men will not back down without a fight unless they can be convinced it’s in his best interest. Sokolov has the power hold over much of the underworld society, he is the law on the street, and he won’t take this takeover lying down. There will be bloodshed. It’s not realistic to think there won’t be. Our training will hold us in good stead however, limiting our own. Eliminating Sokolov tonight is our primary objective.
Kolton’s been scanning the movements of anyone who has been tailing us upon arrival back from Las Vegas. A few of Sokolov’s men have been seen over the past month, but tonight it seems we are in the clear. We are on no one’s radar, including Sokolov. Seeing the house empty with his own eyes may have momentarily suspended his suspicions about me.
Liam slows down near the curb and parks the car a block or so from the building the meeting is going to take place in. Heavy rain drops on the roof of the car sound like small rocks hitting the metal. The windows are difficult to see through due to the rain crashing against it. Arriving earlier than needed, the rain brings with it added complications.
“Put these in.” Benito hands us an ear piece so we can here each other if the night’s events see us separating for any purpose.
“What time were they meeting?” Jared asks Benito, who is typing a message on his phone to the head of the Gambrils, letting them know we have arrived.
“Later tonight is all I know. We wait until we get the signal.”
Settling in for what could be a while, there’s an energy in the car of anticipation. Waiting has got to be the hardest thing. Many men make the fatal mistake of moving when patience is required. We are trained masters in this game. We don’t make mistakes.
I take my phone out of my pocket, placing it on silent. Scanning the messages, I hope there’s something from Isla. A note from Sarah makes me smile at this tense moment. Describing her beautiful daughter and how mother and father haven’t left her side since the birth. Asking for help from her little brother. Unfortunately, she will have to deal with our overbearing parents a bit longer while I sort this out. Knowing mother though, I’d be very certain they would be at home sleeping now, gearing up for another day of excitement at the hospital spoiling her granddaughter.
Sighing outwardly, there’s no message from Isla or anyone claiming to know where she is. This mystery is fucking making me crazy. Someone somewhere has to know something. What worries me more than anything is our security has always been the best. I presume Sokolov would have his hands in many pies, yet he had no clue where she was either earlier today. Something doesn’t add up.
Weighing this up, thinking about so many possibilities, I look around each of the men in the car. Silently we all wait for the unknown of tonight. I try to lighten the mood.
“So, Seth, you and Kameron?” Raising my eyebrows at him, I smirk. Being so involved with my own problems, trying to get Isla back and being told to stay away from everyone, we haven’t had our weekly dinner and drinking catchups. Let alone our nights out where we find a quick lay for the night. Egging each other on with silly competitions and wagers, taking any woman we want, when we want. How things can change so fast. I can’t visualize a day now without Isla.
Fuck… Now I’m thinking about it again…
“Yeah.” Seth lifts his chin with a grin.
Liam turns from the front to face us. “She’s got a killer body, man.”
“Shut the fuck up. You keep your hands off her.” The seriousness confirms his attitude about Kameron.
Holding up his hands in self-defense, “Just stating the facts.”
“She’s a fireball too.” Jared puts his opinion forward.
Trying hard to restrain myself, “I can imagine how that would work for you guys in bed. Knowing how you like your women.” The others muffle a snigger.
“She knows who’s in charge when it’s just the two of us.” His seriousness has gone. “And, guys, you can’t imagine what earth-shattering sex is like with Kameron. You will never know, but it blows my mind, that’s for fucking sure.”
“Fuck,” we all stare at him, “now you have to tell us more.” Jared bumps his elbow into his side.
“Not happening. But I will leave you with this, she lets me do anything I want to that flexible and delectable body of hers. Kameron’s my perfect.”
We know how demanding Seth is with his sexual desires, it’s not for very many women. Only knowing Kameron for a short while and seeing her hotheaded nature, it stuns me to think she can please Seth. But fuck, she has him by the balls.
“Does that mean Seth Savo is off the market?” Jared directs the question to Seth seriously.
Smiling, “Fuck yes. And I couldn’t be happier.”
“Jared and I will have so much choice with you two pussy-whipped now.” Liam fist pumps Jared across the SUV, acting like young school boys.
“Thanks, guys… We will pick up your slack… Where we can.” Jared and Liam laugh. Benito joins in with his own laughing.
“We will have the last laugh. Go at it hard for now, boys, because once you find the right woman, we will be saying we told you so.” Eyeing them both, with a slight stare. “Being in the arms of the right woman, hearing her scream for you, making her fucking weak for only your touch, any fucking time you want it and wherever you want is my idea of paradise. And I intend on having it forever with Isla.” My dick starts to firm thinking about Isla’s wet pussy always ready to be eaten, her tits that respond with even the slightest tug, and her delicious neck…
The two guys look at me seriously. A gurgle from their throats start, then they laugh. Loudly. Seth and I start to laugh as well. Who would have thought I’d ever say those words? Not me, for one. But they will find out. One day it will happen.
A flash of lightning with a bang of thunder stops us. The windows are fogged from us breathing and the rain pelts harder against the car. This night is not getting any better. I message Kolton, asking if he has any new news about Isla and a quick reply comes back.
No. Sorry man. Still searching.
Liam’s turned the radio on quietly, allowing us to escape our own thoughts. All of us scan our phones. Scrolling through the photos of Isla makes my stomach drop. Why the fuck can’t we find her? It’s the same question I keep asking myself, over and over. Maybe I’m asking the wrong question. Who would want her?
Who are Sokolov’s enemies? Logging in through my phone to our database that Kolton keeps updated, I start looking at known associates of Sokolov. This should keep me busy until we are needed. So many acquaintances who are known underworld figures. Where the hell do I start?
Taking an interest in each one, I scan their files. Every now and then, Liam muffles a laugh at the funniest home videos he is watching. Benito’s catching a few minutes of sleep. Sitting in the middle of Seth and Jared, I cast a quick look at Seth’s screen. Part of a woman’s tit is visible on the phone. Seth looks at me and raises his eyebrows and smirks. “See how much control I have over her body?” he quietly announces.
Shaking my head, that’s something I shouldn’t be looking at. Isla’s friend and all that. I turn my head and see what Jared’s doing. He’s catching forty winks as well. How the fuck can these guys sleep in this cramped space? My phone screen says it’s close to midnight. We’ve been sitting here for close to two hours.
The rains eased marginally. A flash of headlights from outside catches my attention up the road. A dark car pulls over and parks.
“They’re here,” I state.
Benito and Jared wake. “Looks like it’s two cars pulling in up there.”
Eyes fixed on the shadows, at least eight men get out of the two cars and head inside the old building. We all place our phones away and concentrate on the figures who have gone from our vision.
Minutes later, a Jaguar slows and stops near the other cars. It’s followed by another vehicle who stops in a strategically placed area behind the Jag. Sokolov’s Jag I presume.
Heart beating faster, my hands ache to be holding the gun against Sokolov’s temple, pulling the trigger. My legs are restless and mine aren’t the only ones. Seth and Jared’s eyes are piercing through the window into the night air, watching and waiting.
Sokolov gets out of the car, heavily guarded by four other men.
We mumble amongst ourselves in the car, wishing we could see what the fuck is happening inside, but we haven’t been signaled. After twenty minutes, the rain picks up, hitting the windows, quieting our ragged breathing.
Another burst of bright light hits our car. A large SUV moves past us, headed toward the building and around the corner, making a U-turn so its lights are facing back the way it just came from. It stops there. Who the fuck is this?
Benito eyed the car carefully as it drove past. “Looks like we have another player coming to the party, boys.”
Two large frames holding guns slide against the wall to where the doors are.
This could be a problem…
Each of us take our weapon out ready to use if necessary. Benito hasn’t received a message yet, so we can’t reveal ourselves. These intruders could be our calling card.
Fuck, I want to be in there. Ensuring the job gets done.
The silence is deafening in the car. Our breathing is the only noise. Our adrenaline spiked with the arrival of the new vehicle and guys carrying weapons.
A humming beep of a text message lands on all our ears.
Benito looks at his lit up screen.
Code word motherfucker is there.
Fuck…
It’s party time.