Irkutsk
Siberia, Russia
27 hours after leaving Memphis
A t the crack of a golden dawn, after a long haul that spanned across the globe, the Medlov family finally landed in the ageless city of Irkutsk, the de-facto capital of Eastern Siberia. All of them were tired of flying and ready to put their feet on solid ground – it did not matter where that ground was now. With nothing else to do but think on their journey, heated frustrations and endless worries that plagued the group at the start of their trip had dissipated to anxiousness. Anxiousness had eventually turned to sadness, and sadness finally lulled into glib acceptance. Now, everyone was curious to see their new home, unsure if it would even accommodate such a large party of over 50 people, including staff and guards, but very grateful that they were all together instead of being further separated.
Outside of the family’s jet, the distinct sounds of powerful plane engines in neighboring hangars starting up to depart filled the air, along with the takeoff of commercial planes on the adjoining air strip. Men in orange jumpers pulled raggedy carts piled with luggage off other planes, but avoided the area deemed restricted upon the Medlov’s arrival. The order had come directly from the control tower. No unauthorized persons could come near the Medlov family jet. Anyone who tried would be shot on sight, no questions asked. Guards with trained bomb dogs sniffed each vehicle while awaiting the arriving party as a secondary precaution to the perimeter hold. When the guards were certain it was safe after all of their checks, they gave the word.
“The perimeter is secure. You may unboard the package. Over.” A guard spoke into his earpiece from below the plane with his machine gun slung muzzle downward in front of him.
The family had been waiting fifteen minutes since landing, giving security time to check the grounds and receive the convoy of vehicles that now waited for them with the headlights on and the back doors of each vehicle open and ready. Not one precaution had been overlooked. Guards dressed in black suits walked around the plane, watching from every direction as the workers locked the stairs into place for the family to exit the plane.
“Copy that. Unboarding will begin immediately,” the lead stewardess, Diana, answered, speaking into her earpiece before nodding toward the stewardess at the rear of the plane. “If you would excuse me, little one,” she spoke softly to Konstantin as she sidestepped him while he played with his plastic solider toys on the floor.
“Put your toys away now,” Anya ordered her brother, offering him a bag to slip the litter of green figures into.
Konstantin looked up, snarling at his sister. “Can’t you see I’m busy?”
Anya swatted at him. “Can’t you see, you’re in the way.”
“Enough,” Royal said absently, used to her children fighting. “Put your toys away like your sister said, Konstantin. Behave or else.” Her stern voice made the boy move quickly, shoving the toys into the bag while shooting daggers at Anya for getting him in trouble.
Royal watched Diana as she walked passed her, grateful for a team of loyal female guards who were not only competent but warm. The woman had been with them for many years, but she always remained extremely professional. Always kind, always direct, always hypervigilant with her head on a swivel, the stewardess never spoke out of turn or stepped out of her place.
Diana’s background was an enigma, as they rarely spoke about anything more than what Royal wanted the plane to be stocked with for trips or décor changes. But Dmitry had told Royal once that Diana was beautifully dangerous, capable of more destruction than any man he knew, and that’s why he had hired her. At first, Royal thought her husband was brushing her off, giving an inflated explanation of the woman because she was attractive.
Now, Royal understood everything more clearly. During the flight, she never saw Diana or the other stewardess sleep. They watched over the family constantly – reassuring the children and catering to the adults. They took special care with Renee to ensure her flight was comfortable considering she was so late in her pregnancy, checking her blood pressure and giving her more pillows to help her aching back. They fixed the kids’ favorite meals and made sure they took their vitamins. But when everyone else was asleep, they inventoried the arsenal in the back room, counting down to the very last bullet and discussing how to protect the children in the event of an attack. They discussed everything from emergency landings to responsibilities of who would guard the passengers. In essence, they offered friendship through action instead of babbling sentiment. It was never spoken – not even once…ever, but Royal was certain, Diana would die for her and her family.
With her Smith and Wesson M & P Shield pistols tucked in her holster, the six-foot blonde wearing her normal soft white blouse and navy-blue slacks made her way to the door of the plane. As she did so, the younger stewardess, a girl of barely 25, cocked her M4A1 assault rifle with a stone-faced of seriousness.
Diane pulled one of the weapons from her holster after opening the door and stepped out tactically into the morning air, ready to receive any gunfire from a sniper that might be intended for the family. After a few minutes out of view from the family, she returned and motioned for the family to file in line.
Vasily stood first, ready to protect the family as best he could. Anil followed, wishing someone would give him a damn gun. After that, the women of the family with Royal and her children first, were escorted to the door.
It had to be said, just in case, there would be no later. Royal stopped at Diane and smiled. “Thank you.” Her voice was soft but full of sincerity. “For everything that you have done, I truly appreciate it.”
Diane smiled. “It is an honor,” she said, Russian accent thick. “No need to thank me. As a mother and a wife, I understand the stress that you have been forced to bare.”
Royal was taken aback. She had no idea. “You have a family?” Up until now, she did not realize how much she had taken things for granted.
“Da, a very wonderful one.” Diane beamed with pride but refused to share any more about her personal life, fearing she had already shared too much.
“So, we are taking you away from them?” Now, Royal felt even worse. In her sudden self-pity, something she normally never allowed herself, she had been blinded to everyone else who was forced away from their loved ones to protect her family. It was a selfish thing that she made a mental note right then not to repeat during this situation.
“No,” Diane quickly explained, seeing Royal’s guilt. “They understand the demands of my job. If it were not for Dmitry and his very generous pay, we would not have the luxuries that we have. This is just part of it.” Diane was a seasoned security professional with no misconceptions about what her job entailed. She didn’t want to give Royal the wrong idea, plus she’s wasn’t one who liked the attention, preferring always to move behind the scenes.
Royal pushed a breath out. “Well, will you at least be able to return to them now?”
“No. The entire crew will stay here, close by, ready to leave only when the family is ready. None of us will go anywhere until that time, no matter how long it takes, no matter the hour.” Diane looked out toward the stairs. This conversation had taken too long. It might cause a security breach. “Go, now. It’s not safe to terry.”
With Konstantin and Maxim each holding a hand, Royal unboarded the plane, freshly showered and dressed simply in a black suit and red-backed black heels, following closely behind a host of armed guards. “So, this is Siberia,” she said, inhaling fresh air as she looked up into the cloudless morning sky after she made her way down the steel stairwell.
It was nice in Irkutsk with temperatures right at 70 degrees and a welcomed gentle breeze that felt more like spring than the sweltering heat of Memphis. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment briefly as a gust of wind danced through her tresses.
“Thank you, Lord,” she muttered.
Vasily wiped his tired eyes and nodded Royal’s way as he heard her small prayer. It was a good sign. It meant she still held on to hope. While everyone else had showered, he was still in the same Nike workout shorts and T-shirt he had worn out of the mansion the day before. Getting to their final destination meant he could change into some real clothes. But for now, his needs were the last thing on his mind. With his rifle thrown over his back in a safari sling, he advanced with the family toward the car. Holding a sleeping Dylan in his muscular arms, he tried to ease Royal’s worries even as he scanned for possible problems. “It’s a nice place to visit, Irkutsk, if you ever get the time. About half a million people live here, and it’s only over 300 miles to Mongolia. It’s a big little city, like Memphis. Plenty to do. Good shopping. Nice people for the most part.”
For the first time, Vasily felt like he was the head of the family instead of just a member of it, especially with everyone clinging to him for dear life. But he would be glad when Dmitry, Gabriel and Anatoly returned to their families. Juggling five women, seven kids, a pseudo-little brother and a large staff of guards and other help was exhausting. How Dmitry Medlov did this everyday was beyond him. And it only solidified his desire never to be head of his own family or Czar.
“Mongolia?” Lilly held on to Vasily’s hand and yawned, trying to picture where that was on a world map but drawing a blank. “That’s where people still ride horses and live in gers.” With her hair pulled up in a messy bun, dressed in yoga pants and a long fitting T-shirt, she dreamt of being close to a day spa where she could get a pedicure and have someone tighten her weave. “We’re basically in the middle of nowhere, which a bunch of white folks who don’t know the first thing about black women’s needs.”
“Mongolia has a Louis Vuitton store,” Vasily said, winking at Lilly. He knew instantly her ears would perk up at the possibility
“Really?” Lilly said, eyes lightening up. “Do they have a sister from Atlanta, Georgia who knows how to slay virgin yaky weave?”
Renee busted out in laughter, covering her mouth as she gaffed. “Girl, you need help.”
Vasily was glad his wife was still somewhat cheerful. She would need it in the days to come. He glanced down at her lovingly, wishing for a moment soon when they could bond physically to alleviate some of the stress. “I doubt they have a slayer, but Anastaysia can always do your hair.”
“I’m learning,” Anastaysia grinned proudly. “I helped her take her hair down last month.”
“Wherever we are going, we need to hurry and get there,” Renee quipped, waddling closely to Vasily while Anil held Alexandria in his embrace. “My back is killing me, and it would be nice to poop without everyone hearing.” She glanced back at Royal and winked, her long goddess braids propped up on her head like a crown, dressed in a simple black cotton floor-length dress and black leather braided sandals.
Anil laughed at Renee and how absolutely precious she looked pregnant. He had never had a sister before her, but now that he had Renee, he felt complete. She was a true sister-girl, always cutting through the bullshit and speaking her mind. “In that case, after listening to you, I think I’m pregnant too, because my back is killing me, and a private shit sounds better than a bubble bath right now.”
“Oookay…” Renee said sarcastically, high-fiving her brother-in-law with one hand and keeping the other on her large belly.
“I don’t have to poop,” Anastaysia chimed in, “but I do need to go for a run. Sitting sedentary for hours, I’m sure four pounds went to my ass.” She had not been around her new family long, but they had already rubbed off on her.
After months in a brothel in Miami and months after that in rehab, Anastaysia’s previously uptight icy personality had melted into something akin to resilient acceptance. She still loved the Lord, still read her Bible, but life’s trials had shown her what this world was capable of and what she was capable of living in it. The women of this Medlov family had been her only reprieve. They showed her a path back to happiness, and they never judged. As a result, they had become her best friends.
“Who you trying to get your ass tight for, Princess PP?” Renee joked with her sister-in-law, Anastaysia. “Oh, let me guess, Nadei.” Renee glanced across the tarmac and saw him standing with his child in a front harness, looking like a million dollars in a pair of dark jeans, a white shirt and a blonde spiked hair cut. “He’s right over there watching your every move, but I doubt he’s thinking about how fat you look.”
Lilly couldn’t miss the chance. “Oh, he’s thinking about how fat something looks with her in those skin-tight yoga pants sponsored by Camel.”
“Camel Ultra Lights,” Renee emphasized.
Anastaysia blushed and shoved Renee lightly. “Careful with that talk. You’ll get him in trouble with Ana. I should have never told you.”
“Shit, we already knew,” Lilly joked, looking back at Anastaysia. “It’s pretty obvious. He can’t keep his eyes off you, and you’ve always got his baby.”
“They need to just have one of their own. Keep the kids close together, so they have someone to play with,” Renee said with her lips twisted up.
Royal giggled, so glad to have her family with her. They could make light of any situation, add levity to any dark moment, but mostly, they kept her grounded. She was in one of the most trying times of her life, but somehow, they made her feel like it was going to be okay.
Royal looked over at Valeriya, expecting her to chime in, but she kept her eyes focused on the vehicle, not uttering a word as she clutched her daughter to her chest. In step with Valeriya, the guard held the other baby with the same protection.
“Hey, you okay?” Royal asked her quietly.
Valeriya nodded yes, but it was furthest from the truth. “Open spaces make me uncomfortable. I’ll feel better when we get our kids to the house.” She glanced around the tarmac, pinpointing every possible place a sniper could be hiding.
Royal didn’t probe. Everyone knew Valeriya was different from the other women. True, they had all dabbled in trying to be a bad ass, but Valeriya was the real deal. She had fought in hand-to-hand combat with Russian soldiers and Nazi scum, and she had lost more than everyone else, including her mother, father and big brother. PTSD was just a part of her life now. Paranoia came and went like headaches for most people. In this heightened alert status, she could not help her.
“We’ll get you inside, ASAP,” Royal promised.
Royal wasn’t the only one who understood how fragile Valeriya was at that moment. “I won’t let anything happen to you,” Vasily promised, turning to her. “I swear it on my life.” And he meant it, regardless of her cynicism.
Valeriya remembered her brother, Andrei, saying the same words before he left her never to return. She railed silently, a stream of air escaping her lungs as she tried to smile. “Don’t ever swear on your life, Vasily. It’s not wise,” she said softly. “Your word will do good enough.”
Vasily, however, was not so sure. “Well, you have my word, then,” he countered.
The other women in silence exchanged looks of concern. Was the new mother going to be able to handle this? Was she going to be able to handle not having Gabriel to support her? Only time would tell.
Embedded with the long procession of black-on-black Mercedes SUVs facing toward the plane was a strange man, who stepped out of one of the vehicles when a guard opened his door. Even from across the tarmac, his presence was notable.
“Who is that?” Royal asked Vasily under her breath. She could tell by his confident and authoritative stride toward them that the stranger was no one’s guard. Having been around billionaires her entire adult life, she could smell the money radiating off him. Diamond cufflinks, well-cut suit, immaculate grooming – this was a boss, just not one she had ever met.
“That is Simeon Kurdin.” Vasily nodded respectfully toward the man. “They call him The Kurd. He is the head of one of the families on the international council and the hand that moves the needle for everything in Siberia.”
That was all well and good, but Royal had a question more germane to their current situation. “But Is he a friend?” Royal asked, straightening her spine.
Dmitry had never really spoken of the international council, although she knew that he had a seat at the table. He had often told her it was better that she didn’t know too much, and after that, she never pushed the issue. Now, she wished that she knew just a little more, if nothing else to know who was friend, or who was foe.
“Da, he is a friend,” Vasily confirmed, stopping to pass his son to Lilly as the stranger approached. “Dobroye utro.” Offering his hand, Vasily greeted the silver fox good morning in Russian with a sudden seriousness that meant only one thing – he was of equal stature to Dmitry Medlov.
Simeon extended his large hand that was covered in intricate Russian prison tattoos and shook Vasily’s with a firm grip. “Dobroye utro,” he said, voice deep and rich, shoulders extended.
“Glad to see you all arrive safely.” Simeon offered, noticing how under dressed Vasily was. Evidently, the family had to drop what they were doing in a hurry. He had never seen the man so informal in all the years he had known him.
“Glad to make it here safely,” Vasily offered.
They passed a knowing look between the two – a mutual respect only gained through hard work in the Vory. Simeon Gideon had received the call-to-action and had responded to a friend in need. Vasily understood and appreciated that fact, even if it was lost on the rest of them. On the other end, Simeon recognized that Vasily was holding together an entire family by himself as the world around him unraveled.
“What a situation we find ourselves in, eh?” Simeon joked.
“Sometimes…shit happens,” Vasily said with a grin on his face. “We’ll get past this. A few years from now, we’ll all be laughing about it.”
“I believe you’re right.” Simeon casted a quick, assessing glance over the entire family, thoughts unreadable, and then trailed his gaze over to Royal. His jade green eyes were unnerving in their vibrant color - rimmed in Sapphire blue that turned into jade green with specks of copper gold that sparkled under black lashes and brows. Watching her for a brief second, he read her quickly.
But so, did Royal.
Simeon was a tall man, though not as tall as Medlov, standing a firm six-feet, three-inches, and a muscular man based upon the bulge under his well-cut suit. In his mid-to-late forties, his hair was silver and black, his face covered by a well-groomed beard and skin as white as snow. Men like him didn’t come to receive anything less than an equal. Without being certain, she knew her husband must have sent him.
Drawn to Royal’s beauty, Simeon refused to acknowledge anyone else until he had introduced himself.
“Mrs. Royal Medlov,” he said, walking over to her to offer his hand again. “It is an honor to meet you. My name is Semion Kurdin. If I may say so, your beauty has been long discussed in our circles, but I must admit, the compliments did you no true justice.” Slightly bowing his head as she slipped her hand in his, he lifted and kissed it.
“Spasibo,” Royal answered, intrigued by the man. Her eyes never left his, refusing to give any sign of weakness or submissiveness. “It’s nice to meet you as well.” However, she was surprised that Dmitry had never mentioned him and wondered in that moment if she could trust his presence. Could she trust anyone?
“Ladies,” Simeon said to the other wives, “and gentleman,” he finished with a nod towards Anil, stunned by the young man’s similarity in appearance to his father. Casually running a hand over his black tie, he stepped to the side and lifted his hand. “Welcome to my city. Irkutsk is a hidden gem full of rich culture as I hope that you’ll see on your drive through it. If you are hungry, please feel free to stop at my restaurant on the Riverfront and grab a bite to eat before your travels. Staff has been alerted and is preparing for your arrival. It’s the only restaurant right on the waterway with a breathtaking view of the Angara River.” He paused on a proud side note, leaning in to Royal as if he was telling her a big secret. “My chef is one of the best in the country – trained in France, stolen from a hound in Moscow.”
Royal raised a brow. His invitation for breakfast was not just a fleeting offer. He had obviously put much thought into it. To turn him down would be a great dishonor. This Simeon was quite a character, very sure of himself and colorful for it to be so early in the morning. She doubted very seriously that he was always so polite. Wolves were some of the most beautiful creatures that God had ever created, but also some of the most vicious. Just like her husband, he had eyes designed to ensnare his prey, mesmerizing them with beauty before the attack.
Simeon continued, voice elevating slightly as if to express the more important points of his visit. His smile dropped for a second. “Also, some of my men will be escorting your family and staff to your husband’s estate. I would do it myself normally, but I’m off to St. Petersburg for a very important meeting.” He glanced over at Vasily again, certain he understood his meeting. Then the smile reappeared as he turned back to Royal. “When I return, I will be sure to come by and formally pay you a visit. But I wanted to take the time to welcome you and ensure you that your safety and comfort is at the top of my list. All of my resources are at your disposal, and one of my men, Daniil, will be staying with you to ensure that all of your needs are met while you are here in Siberia. He is Russian, but very much like me, speaks flawless English, so he’ll understand you beautiful American ladies, and you will understand him. He will arrive on tomorrow, simply because he is running an errand for me today.”
Royal appreciated the gesture but was hesitant to accept it too quickly on more guards. She schooled her face and her response, realizing she was representing her entire family. “We have brought over twenty guards with us, Mr. Kurdin. Thank you, but I’m not sure that one more will be necessary. I would hate to take one of your best men from you, when we have so many. On any given day, my husband cannot do without one of his…”
Simeon grinned, reading between her spoken words and the ones she dared not utter. He raised a corrective finger. “First, please call me Simeon – we are friends. Secondly, I do understand the sensitivity of your situation.” He glanced at Anya, hoping to speak above her head in order not to scare the little czarina. “You can trust Daniil, my dear. He is one of my best. I would not offer any less to the Medlov family. And as I said, this is my territory. All of Serbia, every single inch. So, if he is with you, you will not be in a position of need. Local police know him. Agents of the Russian Federation know him. And of course, those who might otherwise be looking for trouble…”
“Know him,” Royal said finishing his sentence with a grin on her face.
“My point is made,” Simeon said with a submissive nod.
Royal turned her lips up into a smile, deciding not to offend her new acquaintance. If he truly was a friend of Dmitry’s, that would not be appropriate. Instead, she warmed her tone and took back her previous words. “Well, thank you again, for being so kind to offer such a generous welcome. We will accept the extra guard as he sounds most competent.” She saw the approval on Simeon’s face. “And breakfast with your fine chef sounds wonderful after such a long flight. I can tell you it is needed.”
“Eto khorosho,” Simeon spoke in Russian, testing to see if she understood the language. “Tol'ko to, chto ya khochu uslyshat'.”
“It is good, and I’m glad that it’s what you want to hear, because what I want most is the follow up on your promise to visit when you return from your meeting in St. Petersburg.” Her eyes narrowed on him. “So that we may talk more.”
Clever girl, Simeon thought to himself. Royal evidently was sharp, very sharp. “As soon as I arrive back from St. Petersburg, I will come to you straight away. My word is always my bond.” Bowing again in the presence of a true queen, he ended the conversation. “Now, if you all will excuse me, I must hurry off.” As he walked away, a detail of heavily armed men in black suits followed him across the tarmac to his own private jet.
Royal watched Simeon for several seconds before she turned to Vasily. Inhaling a frustrated breath, she spoke under her breath. “I want to hear everything you know about that man as soon as we are completely alone,” she said, resuming their walk over to the awaiting vehicles. Her heels clicked against the ground. “And what of this Daniil? Do you know him?”
“I do,” Vasily answered, walking beside her.
“Is he…one of the best?” she asked.
Vasily smirked. “No, in terms of what Daniil does, he is the best.”
“Well, what does he do?” Royal held back her first reaction to snap at Vasily for making her drag the information out of him, but her tone was still terse.
Arriving at the vehicle, he helped her get the boys and Anya inside while Lilly and Dylan were loaded in one of the other cars. Standing closer to her to make sure no one else heard him, Vasily looked down into Royal’s eyes and shook his head. Some questions just were not meant to be answered directly, but if she insisted... “He’s a harvester, among other things.”
Royal’s eyes narrowed on Vasily’s mouth as he said the words. She frowned, looking up at him as she connected the dots. Another butcher. “And I’m supposed to be comfortable with this man in my home with my children?”
Vasily’s brow rose. “You were comfortable with me, and you won’t be there alone. But Simeon is right. You need a guide. This is not our territory.”
Royal’s mouth parted, but she couldn’t find the words. “Point taken.” Jumping in the back of the truck once her children were loaded, she put her hands in her lap and kept her eyes straight forward.
“No stops unless we all make them together,” Vasily told the guard before closing the door.
As he walked over to the vehicle waiting on him, he pondered how amazing it was that Royal didn’t know a lot about the men who guarded her. None of them were angels, none better than the others, none less deadly. It was an unfortunate fact that she would slowly come to find unless she accepted them for what they were – killers.
Looking across the tarmac one last time, he saw Simeon standing at the base of the stairs that let up to his plane. He watched Vasily while speaking to someone on his cell phone, facial expression much more serious than it was when he spoke with Royal. Something wasn’t right. Vasily nodded to him one last time before he pulled off his weapon slung over his back, slipped it on the floor of the vehicle and jumped in the passenger seat. Slamming the door shut, he waved his hand for the driver to proceed forward. “Let’s get out of here.”
Lilly sat in the back with Dylan, arm draped protectively over his car seat. The radio drowned out the sound of the boy snoring lightly with his head buried into the side of his car seat. Speaking just low enough not to wake him, Lilly immediately jumped to the defense of her friend while adjusting the vent to make sure too much air didn’t blow directly into her son’s face.
“What did you say to Royal?” she asked, accusation lacing her intrusive words.
“I told her…what she wanted to know,” Vasily answered as the car pulled into the long procession of SUVs headed into the city.
She knew her husband well. He was not talented with the gift of a smooth tongue. Often, he came off much too aggressive, even when he tried to be thoughtful. It was because of that, she had to remind him of what this situation was like for the women he was now responsible for guarding. “I know you’re used to this kind of thing, but Royal is not in a good place right now. Be careful with how blunt you are, Vasily. She’s been through a lot. We all have, but she’s been through more.”
Vasily inhaled a deep breath. He might as well lay the foundation now, so he didn’t have to go back and revisit it later. “I know better than you do what she’s been through, and I know that it’s a lot to take in. But even so, there is no place in this situation for fragility,” Vasily reminded, snapping his head back to look at her directly. He turned all the way around in his seat to give her his full attention. Her big brown eyes were burning through the side of his temple at first, but the look on his face made her break with her own soft reprimand. The furrow of his jet-black brows and intensity in his stare told his true concern, veiled, very lightly with the little civility he could muster. “Things are not going to get any easier. In fact, they may get worse before it’s all over. You all need to toughen your fragile sensibilities. Your feelings are not the worst things that could get hurt now. Your comfort level, while important, is not the most important thing for me – safety is. Your lifestyles must be put on hold indefinitely – accept that. This is not Memphis, and this is not a game. We are fighting for our lives.”
Lilly pushed back in the seat and looked out of the window. How much worse could it get? She dared not ask. It bothered her that Vasily might still know something he wasn’t sharing, but how could she get him to break with his first allegiance to Dmitry. Sucking at her teeth, she clenched her jaw.
“Do you hear me talking to you?” Vasily asked sternly, refusing to blink as his nails dug into the middle console. His tone sent a chill down his wife’s spine. He could see it by the way she adjusted uncomfortably in her seat.
The driver kept his eyes on the road and his mouth shut, but even he could feel the mood change instantly in the vehicle. He glanced in his rearview mirror to check behind him but could not help glancing in the woman’s direction. She looked defiant, lips pursed together, but the mist in her eyes told that he was bringing her to tears.
Lilly finally looked back at her husband. “Yes, I hear you,” she said, voice softer.
“Good,” Vasily said, finally dropping his head. He knew he had hurt her feelings, but she needed the truth. Turning back around, he opened the glove compartment and pulled out a 1911 handgun with the serial numbers removed. Sliding the magazine in forcefully, he racked the slide to automatically cock it.
“You loaded and ready?” he asked the driver, placing his gun in the door’s side compartment.
“Yes, boss,” the driver answered.
“If something should happen, protect my child and wife. I’ll handle myself,” Vasily said, resting back in the seat and glancing out of the side view mirror.
“Yes, boss,” the driver answered again.
Lilly glanced at the back of her husband’s head and felt guilty for prying. He had put her in her place. It was not the first time during their marriage, of course, but it stung nonetheless. He was right though. Things had reached a head for their family, and she needed to behave accordingly. It was time to put on her big girl panties and get out of her feelings.
“I need a weapon,” she said, sitting up. Clearing her throat, she wiped the small tear that threatened to fall down her cheek. “Just in case.”
Vasily turned around and saw the reddening of her cheeks, but he appreciated her effort. It was always unspoken with them – the constant checks and balances of things and he loved her for it.
The guard, without being asked, pulled one of the guns from under his seat as he kept his eye on the road and one hand on the steering wheel. He passed it to Vasily for inspection. When Vasily was certain it was ready to go, he turned to Lilly and passed the weapon to her.
“You remember how to use this, right?” he asked.
Lilly nodded. “Sure do. Point and pull the trigger.” She slipped the weapon in her purse and pushed closer to her son. “Let’s hope I don’t have to.”
The Witness Restaurant
Irkutsk Downtown District, Siberia
7:30 a.m.
Driving through the city had been another unexpected treat. Irkutsk was breathtaking. It had old world charm with colorful cabins, multi-colored roofs.
Situated on the top floors of a new skyscraper on the Angara River with panoramic windows that showcased a view of the waterway, the city below and the morning sky, The Witness restaurant had proven already to be a gem in itself. The restaurant was made up of finely upholstered booths of rich textures and vibrant colors accented with colorful velour pillows. Cedar tables were dressed in crystal drinking glasses and white linen. Long-stem white lilies and an array of colorful roses popped out of crystal vases at each table. Mirrors against the back walls made the space light up with the vibrance of the rising sun. Large paintings rimmed in gold were embedded in the windows and in the middle of the large space a hand-carved bar with tall barstools sat invitingly with a bartender awaiting orders.
Had it not been during a crisis, the VIP treatment bestowed on the Medlov family would have been a mind-blowing experience. But for now, it was simply appreciated.
Just as Simeons promised, he had pulled out all the stops for the family, serving them a five-course meal created by his world-renown chef, served by waiters in white shirts, black slacks and guns in holsters, and while ensuring colorful balloons, small gifts and miniature cakes were presented to the children.
Vasily appreciated that the glass was functional as well as beautiful because of its bullet resistance. Plus, the elevated positioning ensured that a sniper or gang of thugs didn’t get the drop on them as they could have with a restaurant on the lower floor.
The manager of the restaurant had assured both Vasily and Nadei that their membership was exclusive, hence the armed waiters, and the family was safer there than most any other place in the city except the government building.
Royal particularly appreciated all the flare for all the kids. After their strenuous journey, they needed a break – something to pull their minds from the deep crevasses of danger. Seeing their smiles, even briefly, made her lower her guard just enough to enjoy her own food, although it still was without true taste as she dwelled on her husband’s disposition. She would be numb to everything until she saw his Dmitry’s face again, but there was no need to share that with anyone.
In a separate room encased on all sides by reinforced, gleaming glass, the women congregated alone at the chef’s table, a black circular monstrosity of a sofa in front of a customized quartz-topped table with sparkles of diamonds. They had been brought a feast fit for kings along with a few alcoholic beverages while Vasily, Nadei and Anil spoke privately toward the front of the restaurant where the children played and watched Disney on the flat screen televisions.
“What did Vasily say to you when you were alone?” Royal asked Lilly, plucking a chocolate covered strawberry from her china plate. Though she wasn’t sure he had said anything, she doubted that he had remained quiet the entire ride.
Lilly shook her head and looked toward Vasily through the glass to make sure he wasn’t approaching. “He told me basically to man up.”
Renee grinned sheepishly. “Sounds like him. They’re all covering for each other.”
“You know they are going to keep us in the dark unless we push,” Valeriya said, wishing she had a phone to call Gabriel. But there was no point. Even if she had a phone, who would she call? The previous numbers had been abruptly cancelled even before they left Memphis.
“What do you suggest?” Royal asked, willing to hear all good ideas.
“The men can’t stay away forever. When they arrive, we need to hold a meeting, lay out our position, insist upon being an integral part of any planning or implementation of this code-red-thing.” Valeriya glanced over at Royal. “It’s the only way we can be truly comfortable.”
Lilly smirked. “Vasily said our comfort level was not top of the list anymore. He basically covered all of our feelings on the matter with a blanket statement of shit is getting real, so adjust accordingly.”
“It’s because they don’t truly believe that we can step up. We have to show them,” Valeriya countered. “Up until now, I’ve been consumed with the what-ifs of it all. But I realize we have to take charge in order to shape the narrative of how things are going to play out – at least on our end.”
Royal agreed. “You’re right. They think we are made of glass right now. Maybe we have been. But when we get to wherever we are going, and we need to regroup. Set up our own plan and wait for our husbands to arrive. When they get to us, we sit down and insist on knowing everything.”
“What if they say no?” Anastaysia asked, thinking of her bull-headed brother, Anatoly.
“We don’t give them an option,” Renee said as the baby pushed a foot into her navel. “Scratch that. You guys don’t give them an option. I’m going to focus on this baby.”
Royal smiled at Renee. “Good idea.” She pushed her food away from her. “The point is that we need to prepare, just like them. No more sitting on the sidelines.”
Nadei glanced over his shoulder at the chef’s table and made eye contact with Anastaysia. Since being uprooted from the house in Memphis, he hadn’t been able to say two words to her, and it was killing him. He worried for her, that she was afraid and worse that he couldn’t be there for her, but he had a job to do now to keep them all safe.
“So, Simeon is in play,” Vasily said, licking his lips as he kept his voice low. “Which means we are preparing for war, even if nobody is saying it.”
Anil bit on his fingernails, a bad habit recently acquired since coming into the Medlov family. “And who is this Simeon again.”
“A big boss like your father,” Nadei answered, turning away from Anastaysia. He yawned, body trembling as he covered his mouth. “He and Dmitry go way back, but they don’t normally cross paths. Most bosses don’t until a meeting of the international council.”
“If he’s rearing his head, it’s worse than we thought. It also means that Dmitry made contact with him. So, at least he’s alright. Simeon made sure to tell us he was headed to St. Petersburg for a meeting. That must be where the council is convening to discuss the attack.” Vasily motioned for Dylan to stay over at the table with the other kids instead of interrupting as he was about to do, then resumed his conversation. “Once we get to the mountains, we can expect a large group. Simeon didn’t say it, but I doubt he’s sending Daniil alone.”
“Daniil,” Nadei bucked his eyes. “That fucker is crazy.” He had a hundred stories over the years working with the guy and knew that his name wasn’t even uttered unless things had reached a fever pitch.
“Yeah, I know.” Vasily looked at his watch to check the time. “But we’ll need him. We can expect a package if he’s coming also. More reinforcements and a hell of a lot more guns.”
“Alright, so where do I fit in?” Anil asked, ready to take a more active role. “I don’t mean any harm, but I don’t want to sit around like one of the kids. I can handle myself.” His blue eyes gleamed with the promise, hoping the men didn’t see him as a liability instead of an asset.
“We know you can handle yourself,” Vasily assured. “But we don’t need you to handle a gun. We’ve got plenty of men for that. If Simeon is here, it means that our stay will be longer than we first thought. So…” he raised his brows at Anil, “I hope you know how to deliver a baby.”
“A baby?” Anil bit his bottom lip. “The doctor thing is not going to happen, is it?”
“I doubt a doctor and staff will stay for over a month, secluded from everyone and unwilling to disconnect from the outside world with a bunch of killers preparing to either wage an attack or defend against one.” Nadei hit Anil on the back. “You’re it, man. Now’s your time to shine. We know killing, but you know life.”
“I shouldn’t have opened my fucking mouth,” Anil said, turning around to look at Renee. What in the hell had he gotten himself into? She was going to kill him.
Vasily laughed at the young man’s response. “You want in, you got it. Just keep your mouth shut. Don’t let on until Renee demands to know why the OB/GYN is a 22-year old pre-med student. By then, hopefully Anatoly will be back and can handle the fallout. Until then, study hard, little doctor. Brush up on breathing techniques and shit.”
“I don’t want to see it,” Anil said, cringing at the thought of Renee’s vagina. “Anatoly might kill me.”
Nadei laughed now. “Well, you want to be a doctor. You were going to see one eventually.”
“I’ve seen vaginas before, it’s just different when…” Anil was lost for words. “It’s your sister-in-law.” He frowned and shook his head. “What if something goes wrong?”
“It won’t. People help give birth every day. It can’t be that hard,” Vasily said to Anil, motioning toward the guards to get into position. “Let’s wrap this up. We need to get on the road again. There is still a very long drive ahead.”
“I thought we were close,” Anil protested.
“Nowhere near it,” Vasily said apologetically.
Lake Baikal
Southern Siberia, Russia
1:00 a.m. the next day
After a nearly 17-hour drive from Irkutsk through the winding roads, thick, lush forests and mountain trails of the Baikal, the family finally arrived a few miles from the city of Kichera at a large gate off the side of the road. The gate connected a long stone wall that spanned as far as the eye could see, guarding another road inside that was recently paved with black asphalt. A man in a wooden shack stepped out with his AK-47 and opened the gate quickly, then waved the group in as several guards at the end of the convoy stepped out to help with guarding the post.
As soon as the gate opened, the convoy pushed ahead down the long empty road until the gate and wall disappeared behind them. Speeding now, they moved up a winding hidden road that led up the side of a mountain and ended at another even larger gate that was opened for them. As they pulled into the circular drive, illuminated by bright lights that covered the property, they laid eyes a modern resort-style cluster of upscale cabins and buildings.
The vehicles pulled up in front of the house and parked, idling down as additional guards jumped out and secured the perimeter.
“Please, God, tell me we are finally here!” Renee said as Alexandria complained of having to pee again. Renee pressed her head toward the window, hand on the door knob, anxious to get out. If she didn’t get in another car for a month, she’d be happy.
But she wasn’t the only one ready for the long journey to end. Everyone looked out at the massive estate inside of a towering stone wall, keeping the world and all the wildlife who lived in the mountains out of view.
Doors opening and closing echoed through the otherwise quiet property. Crickets chirped in the background as well as the sounds of owls calling out in the trees. Kids cheered to be free. Parents stretched their backs. Guards went to work.
“No wonder Dmitry never brought me here,” Royal said, massaging her lower back as she stood outside of the SUV. She looked up at the main cabin, a mansion of epic proportions, painted dark blue with white shutters and a red roof.
“Why is that?” Renee asked, coming to stand beside her friend.
“Because I would have never come,” Royal said, seeing a graying muscular man in a white button down, slacks and a holster with guns step out on the wrap around porch. She narrowed her gaze. “Stepan?”
Stepan waved at her as Anya broke out in a run to give their old butler a hug.
Royal was lost for words. Walking quickly to the base of the stairs where Stepan came to greet her, she wrapped her arms around him. “What are you doing here? I thought you retired.”
“Da, I did,” the older Vor said. “Here. Dmitry asked me to keep an eye on the place. I live here now.” He looked down at Anya. “It was a security measure, just in case.”
“Just in case what?” Anya asked nosily.
“Just in case, you ever needed me,” Stepan said, guiding his Medlov women inside. “Let me give you a tour and get you situated.”
Royal knew what that meant. This code red had been not only planned for some time but designed with his family’s needs in mind. Stepan was also a measure to ease if no one else, Anya.
The estate was beautiful and named lovingly for Royal, but never revealed to her until now. As Stepan showed her around, he explained a little more - this was the last stronghold for Dmitry in case of an all out war with someone who had just as much power or more than he.
This estate had belonged to Dmitry’s father and was transferred to Dmitry upon his untimely death. Royal knew the story behind that as well. Dmitry’s father had owned a great deal of property and businesses, but Dmitry had taken control over it all when he had him killed.
Being so far removed from his portfolio, and because of the estranged relationship he had with his father, Dmitry had never mentioned it, meaning no one would ever know about it. Safety first.
When the tour was done, Royal stood in the master bedroom suite and looked out of the windows at the view of the mountains, wondering one thing.
“Where are you, Dmitry?” she said aloud, wiping her tears.