Corrupted

by Sapphire Knight

  I clap my hands happily and smile. “Wow, thank you so much! Do you want some money, for umm, fixing this?”

  “No, no, ma’am. Please just go to work, I don’t want you to be late.” He gestures with his hands for me to get in the car. I nod and climb inside.

  The flat tire sucks, I’ll have to pay for that eventually. At least I’m not out a cab fare and since I leave early, I should be right on time.

  That was so nice! What a friendly guy; I wish there were more people out there willing to jump in and help someone else. I have to tell Viktor his guy was so polite and helpful. Wait, why was his man here anyhow?

  There’s no telling with Viktor, and I plan to ask as soon as I see him.

  After a short non-eventful drive, I arrive and it’s my favorite time in the club. There isn’t anyone here besides the manager and Viktor’s guy who changed my tire. He ended up following me here and opened the door for me. It’s kind of neat feeling like I have my own personal assistant, but creepy at the same time.

  I check the place over, then turn on lights and fans for the main room, storage and the bathrooms. I enjoy opening the club up, makes me feel really useful.

  I wonder where Viktor is today. He’s normally here eating his dinner or lunch from some random restaurant. It’s amazing he’s in such great shape with always eating out. I wonder… could Vik not know how to cook? I really want to ask his guy here about him, but at the same time I don’t want to seem too eager.

  An hour passes with me busily chopping up lemons, limes, oranges and refilling the maraschino cherries. I usually have opening shift and do the prep. I get paid fifteen dollars an hour for doing prep, which is amazing. Every place I’ve worked at required you to do it, while paying you a measly two dollars an hour. The only thing I hate about opening is filling the ice bin. Lugging the ice bucket back and forth gets heavy after a few trips. The later shifts all have a bar back that does that kind of stuff.

  The other bartenders and floor guys start arriving and the music gets cranked loud while everyone sets up their own stations.

  I’ve been doing everything I can in the past hour to stay busy, but it’s driving me crazy! Viktor is never late and he never misses a shift that I work. It’s like he’s a part of the whole shift. We barely speak to each other but we exchange glances about a million times a night. I have to at least make sure he’s okay. Yep, that’s my excuse, and I’m going to use it.

  I throw my towel down on the beer cooler and quickly round the large bar. I go searching through the club to find Viktor’s guy. Spartak, I think he said his name was.

  Busily looking everywhere but in front of me, I run straight into something solid.

  “Ooof,” I yelp.

  Large hands grab my arms to steady me and I look up, glancing over a leather vest that says in bold letters Enforcer on one side and Ares on the other side. It’s followed by massive shoulders, a thick neck and finally a stern but friendly face.

  “Uhhhhh?”

  “Careful, doll, you ran straight into me. Say, do you know where I can find the owner?” he asks in a gruff voice. I stare like a deer trapped in the headlights. He looks at me curiously, slowly peeling his hands off my arms and steps back, cocking his eyebrow, “Doll?”

  “Yes! No, I mean sorry. I don’t see him much.”

  He nods and smiles slightly. Wow, scary to gorgeous with just a small smile. How do men do that so easily?

  “Alright, bet.” He walks past me and I have to stop to catch my breath for a second.

  I watch him walk down the hall; his beefy back has a large symbol reading ‘Oath Keepers MC’. I’ve got to remember to tell Tate if I see him, and what on earth does ‘bet’ mean?

  I continue on my journey until I spot Spartak propped up against the wall near the office, “Ma’am?” he queries when he sees me approach.

  “Hi, Spartak. I was just wondering, can I ask you a question?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, umm. Where’s Viktor?”

  “Why, is there something you need? I can help or fix it.”

  “No, it’s not that. He’s just normally here. I was wondering if he was coming.”

  He smirks a little when I ask if Viktor’s coming. No doubt he’s going to tell him about it. “He couldn’t be here, so I’m here to watch over you.”

  “To watch over me? You have got to be joking!”

  “No, ma’am, I’m not. I’m here in case you need anything.”

  “Well, Viktor always sits at the bar,” I reply tartly and spin on my boot heels. I storm back to the bar in a huff.

  That man has some serious nerve, planting someone to monitor me. So Viktor really is here each shift to watch me! I knew it. I have no idea how to deal with this whole stalking situation.

  I grab the towel back up and wipe the bar top thoroughly trying to scrub some of my frustration out. A few minutes pass and I hear a stool scrape. I look over to see Spartak posted at the end of the bar where Viktor usually sits. I hate to admit, but seeing him sitting there does bring me some comfort. It’s not as much as Viktor, but it’ll do.

  Viktor

  Tapping my fingers on my desk to a beat in my head, I sit bored at one of my warehouses down by Tellico Lake. We have a front set up as if we store boat and lake supplies. However the crates in here are not filled with anything remotely close to skis or life preservers. Actually, quite the opposite; I house guns, knives, drugs, any of that sort in my storage buildings. I have them spread all over this area of Tennessee. I simply look like a productive business man with a lot of merchandise for the different lakes.

  My uncle came up with the idea years ago. We’ve had great success with it. Not to mention, Tate and I combined own many cops in the state as a back-up plan. We still get the occasional new curious face popping in though.

  The door leading to my office slams. It has to be Alexei coming to report to me. I have a main reinforced metal door you have to get through before you can get to my real office door. You can never be too careful when dealing with criminals.

  Alexei’s one of the few with the access code to get back here. I’ve known him for many years and he helps me a lot. I trust him more than I should, but I never let anyone else know that.

  “Boss?” he calls out and knocks on the door, staying in the hall.

  He’s trained well. I have very little tolerance for foolishness. I’m in charge of this organization, I expect respect. This isn’t some after school boys club I run around here.

  “Yes, Alexei, come in.”

  My brother worries that I keep things so formal, and that I have no friends. He doesn’t realize I deal with a different crowd in my businesses. Keeping things formal keeps my eyes open and my heart beating.

  Alexei enters and I gesture to the chair seated in front of my desk. He adjusts his suit and sits. Being around me frequently, he is required to dress the part and is usually in a suit or occasionally black military style cargo pants and black fitted tank top. It all depends on what job he’s performing.

  He’s a very valuable asset to me but every chance I get I have to make it known he can be replaced. My uncle taught me it will make people work harder trying to please you and so far that has held true. Of course I do reward them with a few perks when acknowledgment is due.

  “Boss, the specialty weapons you were waiting on from Russia arrived.”

  “Very good, any issues arise with it?”

  “No, sir, it went smoothly.”

  “Good, I love when a plan is executed correctly and it comes together as intended. Those weapons will bring in a large profit. Make sure you call the Columbians that were interested in them and let them know it’s now an option. Tell me, how did it go with the man from the bar?”

  “The drunk was no problem either. I shot him up with heroin and fed him to the rats as you asked. He screamed for a while and I made sure the big body pieces left over were dumped. I’ll call the Columbians today and get the weapons taken care of.”

&n
bsp; I nod my approval. I’m pretty impressed he hasn’t called me for instructions or anything. He’s just taken initiative and completed everything that needed doing. It’s such a relief to be able to at least rely on one person around here now that my uncle is out of the business.

  “Very good. I am pleased, Alexei. What’s next?”

  “Thank you, Boss. I do have a guy here waiting to talk to you.”

  “Who’s here?”

  “The gambling guy I told you about a few days ago. He’s just like the rest, acting like he doesn’t need the money when he wants it really bad.”

  “All right, search him then escort him back,” I say and he jumps up quickly to get the customer.

  After a few seconds he arrives with an older, average-sized man. The guy’s sporting neatly trimmed brown hair, a big nose, khaki pleated pants and a pale blue Ralph Lauren polo shirt. He looks the part of your typical business man douche.

  He stands in front of my desk appearing rather intimidated. “Mr. Masterson, thank you for meeting with me,” he states graciously and I gesture to the chair. Alexei stands between the door and the man.

  “No problem, Mr…?

  “Yes, sir, I’m Brent Tollfree, nice to meet you,” he utters nervously in a strong southern accent.

  Brent reminds me of some of the older southern films my mother liked to watch when we first moved to the States. She believed it would help her understand people better when they spoke, I just thought it was a waste of time.

  “Okay, what exactly can I do for you?”

  “Well, I would like to take out a personal loan.”

  Refraining from rolling my eyes and scoffing, I nod. “All right, how much were you looking to borrow and what do you have as collateral?” I probe and he fidgets a little in his chair.

  I love watching grown men squirm when they realize they are about to make a deal with the Bratva. They might as well be signing a contract with the Devil. We don’t pride ourselves in being good and kind but in being strong and ruthless.

  “Can I borrow sixty thousand?” he queries quietly, cocking his head and Alexei whistles at the amount. Alexei’s quite the business man and knows how to play the game well.

  “Well, let me see, you got referred to me by your colleague who has had a loan with me, correct?” I inquire and he nods. “What can you provide as collateral?”

  “I have a Cadillac Escalade I can give you if it comes to that.”

  “Oh, Mr. Tollfree, I will be taking a lot more than your car if it gets to that point.” I steeple my fingers and wait for him to decide his fate. It only takes a few seconds, but then that’s normal for everyone coming to borrow money.

  “I understand, Mr. Masterson. It won’t come to that. Thank you, thanks so much,” he declares graciously and I give in, rolling my eyes. I deal with these types of people all the time and they are all the same. I wave my hand toward him and Alexei signals to the guy to get up.

  “Alexei can get you that money, since it’s not much.”

  “Okay, thank you so much, Mr. Masterson, I really appreciate it.” I nod, already aggravated and Alexei rushes him out of my office. He’s lucky he quit talking or I may have just cut his tongue out. Annoying little piss ant.

  I’ll probably have to make my men pay him a visit in about three months when he conveniently forgets to repay that loan he wanted so badly. I remember his buddy well. I thought I was going to have a new body to dump when his father came to his rescue.

  Gamblers are the worst, always looking for that quick buck. It usually ends up costing them everything.

  I wonder how the beautiful princess is doing today. I loathe the fact I’m missing her shift. This is the first that I’ve missed and it’s all I can think about. I have to take care of my businesses though. I hope one day she allows me to make her my priority above everything else.

  Alexei comes rushing back into my office interrupting my pleasant thoughts of Elaina. My stomach drops at the sight of him. I’m stunned, gaping; he never enters unannounced and yelling loudly.

  “Boss! Boss!” He is bending over, panting, and resting his hands on his knees.

  “What is it?” I inquire, concerned, jumping into defensive mode. I scan his frazzled features, taking in his rumpled clothing and sweaty forehead.

  “One of the fucking men was just caught taking product!” Breathing deeply he hurries on, “I got to him before he could steal any more, but he was able to get out of the building. He ran and escaped out of the east side door. The alarm is off, but we must hurry!”

  “Christ, Alexei! You were just in here not even twenty minutes ago! Damn it, find him, Lexei! Now, and return him to me!”

  I can’t believe these idiots let him get out of the building. I jump up quickly, shoving my chair back and grab my piece out of my desk drawer. You steal from me, the Bratva, it’s going to end one way.

  I follow Alexei down the hall to the main building. The men are all standing, waiting for orders and gazing at each other as if it’s vodka time. They may as well have their thumbs up their asses.

  “Quit standing around and find him!” I roar angrily and they all scatter toward the door.

  “You five!” I point toward a group to the left, “Stay and guard the product.” I gesture toward the crates wildly and move to the entrance.

  Alexei steps close to me, “Boss, please stay and let me handle it.”

  Turning, I scoff, “You handle it, Alexei?” I snarl, “You were just out here and let him go! You want me to trust you? Then go bring him back!”

  I bustle out the door in a fit of irritation. Just what I wanted to deal with today. I need to be monitoring the new inventory and making deals, but instead I’m faced with foolishness. Why weren’t the doors being watched? Simple tasks yet they can’t be done.

  Slamming the door behind me, I run outside and around the back of the warehouse to where I hear my men making the most noise. This idiot better hope he can run and find some place to go. There are all types of wildlife out here and I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t survive. He could always go steal a boat off the docks, but I’ll be sure to have my guys down there.

  There are close to five thousand in the Solntsevskaya Bratva organization together and about thirty who work with me on a regular basis. The majority of the others are delegated through different channels from myself or others I have assigned to certain tasks.

  I fly around the corner, ready for just about anything and find four of my guys lugging the thieving idiot roughly back to me. The bum pulls, pushes and fights back trying to get free. Bastard doesn’t make it far as they hit him in the stomach and kidneys several times.

  It’s in his best interest to fight, he knows what’s about to come of him. I have a zero tolerance policy for stealing. Watching for a few moments as my men beat him, I smirk. It’s the least of his worries.

  Approaching them carefully, I attempt to stay out of the way of swinging fists and elbows.

  Taking in the surroundings, I cautiously scan for anyone who could be watching. I’m pleased to find that we are indeed alone, as we should be. I picked this location as my main supply building for a reason.

  I sneer at him, getting angrier with each step as I approach. “Where was it you planned on going? There is nothing but trees and water, you imbecile! Did you seriously think you would get away with it?”

  He shakes his head and spits in my direction.

  “Do you have any clue just who I am?” I ask curiously.

  This man seriously has a death wish by spitting toward me. That is such a disgraceful sign of disrespect. My uncle would have chopped him into little bits, starting with that nasty tongue of his.

  “Nyet,” he replies in Russian and shakes his head.

  “Ah.” I click my tongue. “Shame. I am Viktor Masterson, head of the organization you were working for and are stupid enough to spit at,” I reply snidely, glaring at him.

  He turns his face away from me and looks in the other direction. Thi
s trash has lost his mind if he thinks I will tolerate this behavior in front of my men. I remove my suit jacket and hand it to Sergei, one of my guards. He follows me pretty much everywhere so he’s accustomed to being my coat rack when needed.

  I unbutton my cuff links and roll up my sleeves leisurely, taking a nice deep breath to clear my lungs. Moving my head side to side to pop my neck muscles and loosen up. I draw my arm back and punch the jackass square in the jaw.

  His head flies backwards with the momentum and there’s an audible crack that echoes in the trees. “Ugh!” he moans loudly. I’m sure he has a tooth floating around in there now.

  Swiftly, I pull out my weapon. Cocking it, I smile and aim it straight in the middle of his forehead. His eyes widen, surprised. I pull the trigger without a moment of hesitation.

  He drops like a sack of potatoes and the men stand there holding him. They’re all silent, staring at me and waiting. I guess I surprised everyone with that one.

  “Let it be known that this was me being gentle on someone who steals from me. I will not show the same compassion to the next person who is caught.”

  “Boss,” Alexei answers and nods, motioning at the other men. The group follow suit and nod as well. I turn on my heel and head back inside to my office.

  “Take care of it!” I call out loudly as I walk away and hear them scurry to follow orders.

  A few moments later I receive a message from Spartak and it makes the entire evening better.

  Spartak: She asks for you

  Me: Everything okay?

  Spartak: Yes, sir

  I can’t even fathom the fact that she has finally asked about me. My stomach feels as if it wants to implode. I don’t know if that feeling is a blessing or a curse. Spartak will have to update me when she’s not working. I can’t wait to hear what she said.

  I grab the keys to my Jaguar; my heart is beating quickly, excited. It’s time for me to head home. Clearly I’ve had enough excitement for today. I nod to Sergei so he knows I’m leaving.

  We make it down the hallway before getting caught by Alexei, “Boss?” He gazes at me, questioning.