Anatoly's Retribution: Book Two

by Latrivia Welch

  “Well, whose fault is it?” Popov wasn’t a man for excuses. Ryan was into him for millions, and by any means necessary, he would get what was owed to him.

  Ryan had to shift the responsibility, make him understand the blame was with someone else in his organization. “I asked for untraceable girls for the brothel, like normal. Your man sold me Anatoly Medlov’s kid sister.”

  “How did the Medlov boy find out where she was?”

  “She saw him at The Tide last night, which triggered the fucking apocalypse.” Scratching his brow, Ryan leaned over the edge of the balcony and looked over the heated pool. “Now the Medlovs are out for blood. They’ve hit us where it hurts. All the businesses have been destroyed. The money has been taken. Lenard Arnolt is dead.” Ryan’s voice strained. “I need protection.”

  “Well, I’m already providing that, aren’t I? You and your guard are using the drop house. My drop house,” Popov reiterated.

  “Look, there is no two ways about it. I need your help. I can’t face Anatoly Medlov with just a few guns and Clover. We need an army.”

  Popov was still torn on how to handle that situation. Going to war with Dmitry Medlov was something one didn’t do at the behest of a low-level trafficker. However, he did have to consider that Dmitry was impacting his business, costing him money. same. “Have you told anyone where you are?”

  “I haven’t,” Ryan assured.

  “Don’t,” Popov ordered, pushing away the woman giving him a pedicure on the balcony of his presidential suite. He pulled at his plush, white robe. “What do they want?”

  “The girl, I suppose.” Ryan thought that was obvious. He used caution with his tone, remembering the man he was talking to was his only salvation. “No demands have been made by me or them.”

  “Counting the businesses, how much have they taken?”

  “All of it. Fifty million at least.” Even saying the sum aloud was hard for Ryan. It had taken his entire life to build that kind of portfolio. To replace it would be impossible. He balled up his fist and waved it. “Everything I have, everything I owe you.”

  Popov was a calculating man, strategic in all his movements. It was clear to him that the first thing that needed to be done was make an ask. “Then that’s what you will demand – fifty million dollars. If they give you the money, give them the girl. If not, kill her and send her back to them in plastic bags.” Popov rested back in his chair as one of his guards brought him a drink. It was midnight in Madrid, Spain, where he was on business, nearly time for his meeting. He took a sip of his drink and waved the man away. “This situation might just come down to an exchange. It might come to war. But Ryan, what it will definitely come down to is your life.”

  Ryan tilted his head and pushed up on his heels. As if his situation couldn’t get any worse. “I’m going to need some men here, Boss. A little help, please. You can…you can kill me later, but for now…”

  “I’ll send over some men tonight,” Popov said, picking up his cigar. He took a drag and released the smoke into the air. It danced through the sky before it dissipated. “Whatever you do, stay out of sight. Don’t leave the house. Don’t call anyone until I tell you. The key to this going the way we want is for no one to know where you are. If they get any idea that you’re on that island, they’ll burn down every house on it to get her back.”

  “Trust me, I won’t tell a soul,” Ryan said, glad to finally catch a break.

  ***

  Renee didn’t wait for the situation to get worse, although she was certain that it would. After Anatoly rushed out of the house with the rest of the men earlier that day, she put her daughter on a private plane and sent her back to the safe confines of the compound in Memphis with the rest of the children.

  It had been a painful thing to do, but it still was the best decision.

  This was no place for a child. What had started as a trip to reunite Dmitry with his son had turned into a rescue mission to save her husband’s sister. A war was looming. She could feel it in the air. Everything was turning dark, much like the storm coming in, and she had to prepare herself to weather all of it.

  Sitting in the living room with her feet tucked under her on the sofa, in her pink cotton pajamas with a cup of tea, she waited for the front door to open and her husband to return to her in one piece. He had told her not to worry before he left, but how could she not? She was certain the police were looking for him. The local news was foaming at the mouth as they reported on his rampage. He was nowhere near healthy enough to be out of bed. Twenty were dead. Businesses had been burned.

  But thankfully, no one knew who was responsible…yet.

  She checked her watch again.

  Damn it. What was keeping him?

  Anil had offered to stay with her while she waited. Across the room, he sat in a wing-backed chair by the fireplace, reading a magazine and occasionally glancing up from the pages to make sure she was okay.

  He could see her grow more anxious by the moment, checking her watch continuously, looking toward the entryway, hoping Anatoly might finally come through it. She was silently going mad.

  “I’m sure he’s fine. Anatoly can handle himself from what I’ve seen,” Anil said, standing up. He walked over and sat beside her.

  “That’s very nice of you to say, but I can’t help but be worried out of my mind.”

  Anil smiled, a dimple exposing itself in his chin. Under the dim lights, his blue eyes glimmered like perfect diamonds. “I get the feeling that this sort of thing is common place for the Medlov family. I was in the kitchen earlier, and Royal and Lilly were talking about what had happened to my little sister, Anya…I hope I’m saying it right.” It still blew his mind that he had so many siblings. Royal had shown him pictures. They were beautiful kids.

  “You are saying it right,” Renee smiled again, grateful for his company. She liked his easy-going spirit and the calm that he seemed to bring whenever he was around. “Yes, I remember what happened to Anya. It was horrible. That’s why I sent my daughter away today.”

  “But they brought Anaya home safely, right?” Anil took the throw and put it over Renee’s feet to keep her from getting cold. “And they all came home safe, too.”

  Renee knew the point he was making. She glanced up from the throw to his angelic face, covered in a five o’clock shadow of dirty blonde stubble. “I guess I just worry that one day their luck will run out. This business that our family is in, eventually catches up with you.”

  Anil looked around the luxurious room, taking in the expensive exquisiteness of it all. With a sigh, he pushed back on the sofa and threw his arm across the back of it. His long legs spread out across the antique Persian rug. He swallowed, Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat. “Look, I’m no gangster. It’s just not my style, but you can’t amass this kind of wealth without knowing what you’re doing.”

  Renee puts her hand on his, remaining silent for what seemed to be nearly an eternity. Both of their minds drifted off to all that had brought them here. Finally, she spoke. “No matter what happens, Anil, I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me too,” he said with a chuckle. “I wish I could be more help, but whatever I can do, I will.”

  “You’ve helped a lot, more than you know.”

  The bodyguard who was looking out of the front window across from them suddenly got on his earpiece and then headed for the foyer.

  Renee sat up. “Is he here?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” The guard moved quickly out of the room.

  Renee rubbed a hand over her chest, feeling her beating heart. It was about to jump out of her chest. Gratitude washed over her. “Thank God.”

  A few minutes later, the entire entourage came through the front doors – Anatoly, Dmitry, Gabriel, Vasily and the men - all talking among themselves and laughing like nothing had happened. She could hear their deep voices booming through the halls as they split up to go and see about their wives or handle other responsibilities. She had never heard a better sound in h
er entire life. Everyone was safe.

  Standing by the sofa, she waited impatiently for her Anatoly to walk into the room. I just need to see your face, she thought to herself. I just want to make sure you’re okay.

  The first face she saw was Dmitry. She caught a glimpse of him as he walked passed the entrance, shirt covered in dried blood. He nodded toward her, giving an easy smile, and then disappeared up the stairs, surely headed to see Royal.

  Gabriel followed, talking with Vasily, not bothering to look her way. Typical.

  Finally, Anatoly rounded the corner, a brooding scowl on his face.

  He looked over at her first, then trailed his gaze over to Anil.

  Anil stood up at the recognition. “She’s been waiting,” he said before Anatoly could speak. It wasn’t fear that made him explain, just the need to keep his brother easy around him.

  “Thanks for staying with her,” Anatoly said, walking up to Renee. The corners of his mouth curled up at the sight of her. She looked so sweet in her little get up.

  “No problem,” Anil said with a shrug. Now that they were all three together, he felt like a third wheel. “I’m going to leave you guys to it.” Excusing himself from the room, Anil left them to get reacquainted.

  As soon as they were alone, Renee hugged Anatoly tight. “I’m so glad you came back in one piece,” she said, burying her head in his shoulder. Although he was wearing a fresh shirt, she could still smell the distinct odor of smoke on his skin. “It’s been all over the news all day. They’re calling it Bloody Sunday.”

  Anatoly didn’t like for her to worry. It was why he had kept what he did out in the streets away from her for so long. “I’m fine, baby,” he said, pulling her away to inspect her better. “Are you okay? Is the baby?” He touched her stomach with a careful hand. “You keeping him comfortable?”

  “We’re fine.”

  He kissed her forehead. “Good. It will be over soon. Which is why I think you should go back to Memphis.” In between killing people all day, he continuously worried about how this situation was stressing his pregnant wife. Guilt invaded again. The whole point of coming down here was to make her feel better after her grandmother’s death, not worse. Somehow, he had failed miserably.

  “I’m not going anywhere, Ana. None of the wives are. It’s already been discussed.” Renee took a deep breath. “I want to be here with you, waiting for you. Hell, I wish I could go…”

  “Absolutely not,” he said quickly before she could finish her sentence.

  Renee rolled her eyes and continued. “But since I can’t be by your side out there, then at least let me stay here, be here when you get back, until it’s over.”

  There was no arguing with her. If she wanted to stay, he just had to make sure that she was kept safe, but something did bother him. “What about Alexandria? You can’t expect me to let her…”

  Renee cut him off with a raised hand. The diamond ring on her hand sparkled against the light. “Don’t worry. I sent her away hours ago. She’s back in Memphis with the rest of the kids – where it’s safe.”

  Anatoly appreciated the fact that she had already thought of that, even though he was disappointed that he didn’t. Things were getting crazy. If he didn’t rest, he would start to miss things – important things. And none of them could afford to get sloppy.

  Walking past her to the sofa, he scratched his brow. “I can’t say I wouldn’t feel better if you were there too.”

  “Not a chance.” She turned to face him. “I’m staying right here with you. When it’s over, we can leave together…and never come back.”

  Anatoly smirked, rubbing his tongue over his front teeth. “What? You don’t like Miami?”

  “Oh, I just love it,” she said sarcastically.

  Anatoly looked past Renee over to his guard, who stepped in the room behind them. He nodded toward him. “Be there in a minute.”

  “What’s going on?” Renee asked.

  “The old man wants to talk to us, go over a few things before tomorrow.” He pulled off his beanie and tossed it on the sofa.

  “Well, come and see me when you’re done,” she said, picking up a decorative pillow from the sofa, preparing to settle back down for a few more hours to wait on him.

  Anatoly felt different about their relationship and closer to her in general. Normally, he would have excluded her, but things were different now. He looked down the corridor and had a thought. “Why don’t you come with me?”

  Renee’s head snapped to him. That was a first. “Really?”

  Anatoly shrugged. “Why not? You might have an idea or something.” He wasn’t big on words, but he knew she understood his intention. “I just mean, if you’re going to be here, you might as well know what’s going on.”

  ***

  The study was packed, and for the first time in Medlov history, the women were invited into the meeting to give their feedback. The Medlov Women’s Council was in full effect and making progress.

  Dmitry had called the meeting to bring everyone up to speed on their operation and prepare everyone for the next day. He had learned a great deal since he left earlier, and they needed to mull over that information to figure out how to use it.

  Picking up a cup of coffee that Royal had brought him, Dmitry sat on the edge of the desk in a fresh gray T-shirt and sweat pants, but still in need of a good bath.

  He yawned, shaking his body as he stretched.

  “Wait. Where is Anil?” Royal asked, seeing everyone but him.

  “I figured he didn’t need to see how the sausage was made just yet,” Dmitry said, putting down his cup. His voice elevated. “Alright, let’s get started.”

  The room fell silent and all eyes landed on him.

  “We did good today. We got Ryan Colt’s attention. So, bravo. Pat yourselves on the back later, because all the attention in the world won’t matter if we don’t follow up tomorrow with the next steps. I have a list of Colt’s properties, and I’m going to send our men to check them all out, but I’m willing to bet that he’s not going to be at any of these houses,” Dmitry said, throwing the bloody rolled up document he took from Arnolt on the desk. “He’s in hiding, and he’s going to stay there, because we cut him off from his money. Now, we have to think outside the box. There has to be some other way to find out where he is. Tomorrow the police will be out in large numbers, and they will be looking for Ryan Colt, just like we are. They’ll also be looking for Anatoly. So, we have to stay under the radar. New cars. Less people traveling together to keep from raising suspicion. And again, no witnesses. But our primary goal tomorrow is to find out where he’s hiding.”

  Anatoly rested his head back against the wing-backed chair he was sitting on in the corner and fought exhaustion. Renee sat on his lap listening intently. Rubbing her back, Anatoly let out a yawn. “We’ve got his girl, papa.”

  “Yeah, her name is Eddy,” Gabriel said, standing behind Valeriya, massaging her shoulders. “She knows where he is. I just have that feeling.”

  “Where is she now?” Dmitry asked, glad that they already had a lead. It would make tomorrow much easier.

  “We’ve got her in a stash house in Little Haiti,” Marat spoke up. He glanced across the room at Peaches, who had been watching him since he got back. The conversation with Boris was still lingering in the back of his mind. “She’s tied up, stewing in her shit until we push her for answers tomorrow.”

  “If she is the girlfriend, she’ll definitely know where he would go to hide,” Royal said with a sneer. There was nothing worse than a woman helping to hold down other women. “Even if you interrogate her though, she’s not going to tell you where he is without a little bit of a push.”

  “You mean, we need to kick her ass?” Dmitry asked, sipping his coffee.

  “Well, yeah,” Royal shrugged.

  Renee had an idea. “She might not tell you where he is, but if she thinks he’s in trouble, she might lead you to him.”

  “I would assume she’s aware tha
t she might be followed, if we let her go,” Dmitry countered.

  “Just don’t give her any way to communicate with him. No phone. No money. She’ll walk to him, barefoot and naked, if she has to, but no matter what it takes, she will warn him that you’re coming.” Renee turned to Anatoly. “Trust us. We can help you with her.”

  Anatoly didn’t see the harm. “Why not? Let them help. You just have to do it from here. None of you can leave this house.”

  “We can’t leave, but Peaches can,” Royal chimed in about her secret weapon. She was happy for the men to see just how reliable the girl could be. “She can be our eyes and ears out there.”

  Dmitry was convinced that the plan was a good one. “Okay, so ladies, we need you to come up with a way after Eddy is interrogated of how to encourage her to lead us to Colt. Now, there is the matter of the video surveillance from the club. We need to get that before my son ends up in prison.”

  Vasily had already come up with a plan and solicited a little help from a few guys he knew. “I’ve arranged for us to get that tomorrow.”

  “Good.” Dmitry yawned again.

  “There is something else,” Renee said, hating to be a negative Nancy. “The hurricane will be here in two days or less. People are already evacuating. It changed course while you all were out today, and now it’s headed right for us. If you’re going to make a move, you have to do it fast.”

  The room got quiet. It was one thing to fight an army, it was something completely different to fight mother nature.

  Dmitry stood up and walked to the window with his coffee in his hand and looked out at the night sky. It was already starting to get cloudy. The wind was picking up, making the palm trees in the back of the house sway with its pull. “This weather may work to our advantage. Wherever Ryan is, he’ll be forced to stay there with no money and the police looking to question him about his businesses. If we can find him before the hurricane hits, we need to attack either right before or as it first makes landfall.”

  Gabriel raised a brow. Theoretically that sounded like a good idea, but… “It’s pretty hard to shoot straight in high winds. Guns will be out of the picture, if we’re outside.”