Made to Beg

by Piper Stone

  Aleksei continued to hold the Glock in his hand, his expression one of rage. We’d all thought the Solntsevskaya group had been vanquished months before, none more than the Russian. I knew that he felt dishonor, especially given his father had once held an important position. “Less than two days. If what I heard from Mother Russia is true, they have targeted the various cities and are simply waiting for final instructions.”

  “And I’m going to guess that will include the assassination of the various family heads?” Miguel asked, looking from one man to the other.

  “Of that I have no doubt,” I said, exhaling and rubbing my eyes. I was already exhausted from the last few days.

  “How do we stop them?” Michael asked.

  It seemed everyone was looking to Aleksei for direction. He curled his upper lip, firing a single shot toward the open ceiling. “We kill Konstantin. From there, we have our soldiers hunt every Kadik. Once they are removed from the equation, the others will be too fearful to act.”

  “Kadiks?” Dominick asked.

  “The worst kind of Russian soldier.” Aleksei laughed after answering. “They kill indiscriminately. I suggest we place our families in hiding immediately. They will be targets.”

  “All right. I agree with Aleksei. Make certain and find a safe house that no one is aware of. Somehow, the Bratva are well connected, including the use of sources that I can only assume are government issued.”

  “You’re talking the CIA and FBI?” Miguel snorted.

  “Exactly.” I heard my phone and realized I could no longer hold any information from my soldiers. “Then make certain your soldiers are prepared.”

  “For some reason, Konstantin has targeted Chicago as his first takedown. Do you know why, brother?” Aleksei’s question seemed accusatory.

  However, I’d thought of the very same question more than once. “Not a clue.” I yanked the phone from my pocket. Seeing Dante’s number, I started to walk away.

  “We need to work together, gentlemen. You know that,” Miguel said in a quiet tone.

  I found myself looking in his direction, searching for the hidden meaning.

  He smiled seeing my expression. “As in we must tell our fathers that we’ve formed an alliance.”

  The others merely whistled, but we all knew the day would come that we’d have to share the fact we’d been meeting in private for years. At this point, there was no way to avoid the inevitable. “Then we work together until this is done no matter the consequences.”

  Every man in the room nodded. While we’d accepted information and other forms of assistance, what we were facing was as unprecedented as the fact sworn enemies had found an even playing field. To our credit, our various territories had remained mostly peaceful. To be targeted as one meant someone knew that we were working together.

  And they considered that a weakness.

  The five of us knew otherwise. As the old adage went, we were a force to be reckoned with.

  As long as we kept our loved ones alive. There was much to lose if we failed.

  Dante’s call had ended and as I walked away from the others, hitting redial, I tried to formulate the necessary information I would relay to my father. I almost laughed at the concept. He would never forgive his impetuous son.

  “Dante. Shit is going down. We need to get the soldiers organized immediately.”

  “Lorenzo. We have a problem.”

  I heard the fear in his voice, something that almost never happened. He was fearless in every application of his life. “What?”

  “She’s gone.”

  “What the fuck do you mean she’s gone?” My heart raced, my mind reeling from the realization.

  “Disappeared and boss, I have a bad feeling about this.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Lorenzo

  Death.

  I’d come full circle with the word hovering in my mind, the notion taking on an entirely new meaning. From what Dante had told me, Sierra had left of her own accord, but with Konstantin’s soldiers walking the streets, it was only a matter of time. She either held some key or was looking for the evidence that Lucas had died to supply. That meant one thing.

  The senator, the man blackmailing my family.

  I wasted no time, gunning the engine, going twenty miles over the speed limit in an effort to get to the senator’s house quickly. The others in the alliance remained in the warehouse to fully flush out a plan, a second meeting to be held at my house in two hours. I slammed my hand on the steering wheel, unable to believe that the damn Solntsevskaya had managed to slip into the country, build a freaking army, and use a drug cartel to thwart our knowledge of what was really going on.

  Brilliant plan.

  Deadly plan.

  I would still kill Axel with my bare hands.

  As another phone call came in, I yanked the cell phone into my hand, snorting upon seeing the caller. My father. How did I know that Armando would go whining to him with lies? My father was a tottering old fool to have believed Armando’s bullshit for so many damn years. Well, I’d deal with the old man later. Right now, I had to concentrate on getting every scrap of information out of Senator Spalding, including whatever he told Sierra.

  I weaved my way past dozens of vehicles on the interstate, constantly checking my rearview mirror. There was no way of knowing how many Kadiks were lying in wait, prepared to kill on sight. We’d been fucking lucky at the cabin. I snarled and pressed my foot further down on the accelerator.

  Another goddamn phone call.

  This time, Aleksei.

  “What is it? I have my hands full.”

  “The note,” he hissed. “You need to know what it says.”

  “And?” I veered off the exit toward the senator’s house, the tires screeching.

  “Take the woman.”

  I sucked in my breath, squeezing the steering wheel. She was of more importance than I’d even originally thought. “Fuck. Nothing else?”

  “No. Killing you must be an event coming,” he said with a snark in his voice. The meaning? Konstantin had plans on how he wanted his enemies to die.

  “Well, the fucker has another think coming.”

  “Be careful, Lorenzo. You have more... what do they say. Brawn versus brain.” Aleksei chuckled darkly.

  “You may be surprised, brother.” I tossed the phone, making a turn down the long street on my way to the senator’s house. I zoomed up the driveway, immediately grabbing for the Glock even before I pressed on the brake. While there were no other vehicles in sight, that didn’t mean that house hadn’t been compromised. All points led to the good senator knowing far too much. He would be considered a loose end.

  Within two steps I realized the front door had been kicked in. As I raced inside, my heart was heavy, a knowing settling in. I stopped just inside the foyer, listening for any sounds. There was nothing but the sound of a grandfather clock ticking in some discreet location. Still, with both hands on the barrel, I took careful steps through the house. Nothing.

  Including no signs of violence.

  Maybe the senator had run. Yeah, the fat pig wouldn’t have a chance against Kadiks.

  I noticed a partially open door at the end of one hall. Using my index finger, I pushed open the door, peering inside. Fuck me. I took long strides, finding the senator covered in blood, his body tossed onto the floor. He’d been severely beaten. As I knelt down and felt for a pulse, I heard a single strangled moan coming from his swollen lips.

  “William. Can you talk? Who did this to you?”

  He attempted to open his eyes, both swollen severely. I was no doctor but knew the man needed to get to a hospital immediately. There was no doubt internal bleeding.

  He gurgled, blood slipping past his lips, a cough followed by a moan indicating racking anguish.

  “Don’t try and talk. I’ll call 9-1-1.” Damn it. He was my only hope of finding her.

  I was shocked when he grabbed my wrist, the hold stronger than I would have imagined. �
�Wa... Wait.”

  I hunkered down. “Okay. What?”

  “Si-err-a.”

  “What about her?” I hissed.

  “They... took her.”

  “Who? Who the fuck took her?”

  “Ra...” A string of blood-infused bubbles pushed past his lips followed by a more intense cough. He wasn’t going to last long. “Russian.”

  I bristled, a cold chill sliding down my back. No one would ever confuse Axel as a Russian. “Okay. Just rest.” While a huge portion of me wanted to end the man’s life, I realized he might still be of use.

  He refused to let my arm go, tugging me down even further. “Desk. Look. Drive.”

  I glanced over the man’s desk, trying to figure out what he was saying.

  “Take... it.”

  “All right.” I moved to a standing position, walking toward his desk and opening the drawers. I found a single jump drive. It had to be what he was talking about. I eased back by his side, holding the drive in front of his face. “This is what Lucas was going to give Sierra?”

  “Ya... yes. A copy.” He began coughing up blood, his chest heaving.

  I shoved it into my pocket and yanked out my phone, dialing 9-1-1. “Yes, I’d like to report a man down. He’s been beaten.” As I gave the address, I realized every emotion seemed to be frozen. The bastard had taken the woman I loved. I would tear the city apart hunting him. I glanced down at the senator one last time. “Help is on its way but know this. I will come for you later and when I do, there isn’t anyone who will be able to save you.”

  I left his house before the sound of any sirens. My next destination? Visiting my father in the hospital. I owed him the respect of letting him know what the hell was going on. Only this time, he was going to have to play it my way. There was no other choice.

  While on my way, I made several calls, pulling every soldier on duty. From the limited reports, there’d been no active attacks of any kind on the businesses our family protected or any unnecessary violence in the streets, but there were heightened rumors. I knew Dante was scouring the streets, trying to find out any information on Konstantin, as if the Russian would reveal himself at this point. He was also lying in wait, enjoying his game of cat and mouse. I had to believe that Sierra was still alive, especially since it appeared that the evidence Konstantin had hunted for was so damn important.

  I fingered the drive as I parked near the hospital, finding two of my soldiers waiting outside. “Any issues?”

  “None, boss. All quiet,” one of them told me.

  “Stay in radio contact. Make certain no one gets to my father or my brother.” I took the stairs, doing everything I could to burn off energy. I needed a clear head for what was about to transpire. I hesitated at the entrance to the ICU, uncertain if I could stand seeing my brother in his traumatized condition. I kept my head down, heading toward his isolated room, stopping short the second I didn’t see any of my men guarding the door.

  Rage flashed to the point I was sick inside. The second I burst into the empty room, I let out a roar of anger, jerking backward and rushing toward the nurse’s station. If something happened to him or if he... Jesus Christ. If my brother died and I hadn’t been available. Maybe that’s why my father had called.

  “Nurse. Nurse!”

  One of the nurses finally turned in my direction, obviously furious with my outburst. “Can I help you, sir?”

  “Where is my brother?” I demanded.

  “And you are?” She moved toward the computer.

  I slammed my hand on the counter, finding it difficult to breathe. “You know exactly who the fuck I am. Where. Is. My. Brother?”

  Blinking several times, she was obviously befuddled, her hand shaking as she held it over the keyboard. “I need... I need some identification.”

  Another nurse ran in our direction, trying to offer a smile even though her eyes told a completely different story. “It’s okay, Brenda. I got this.” She waited until the other nurse took backward steps away before leaning over. “He was moved, Mr. Francesco. One of your men convinced us that it was necessary for their safety. Your father was moved as well. It’s a private area. But the other man refused to stay. Checked himself out almost two hours ago.”

  Private area. Fuck. Fuck! And Vincenzo had left the hospital? I was shocked, another round of anger driving into every cell and muscle. I would deal with his shit later. That is if he was still loyal. The concept that he’d been recruited to work for the Kadiks entered my mind. I was almost dizzy from the lack of oxygen, struggling to calm my nerves. “One of my soldiers?” None of them had the authorization to move them.

  “Yes, he...” She gave me a look before tapping her fingers on the keyboard. “Shit. I didn’t catch his name. I’m so sorry.”

  “Where are they? Where?”

  “Sixth floor, past the sign for operating, but wait. I need to talk to you.”

  “I don’t have the time.”

  “Make the time,” she snapped, reaching out and grabbing my arm. “While your brother is improving, there is some damage that is beyond repair.”

  “What the fuck are you saying?”

  “I’m saying that you need to take this very seriously. Your brother could die.”

  I was kicked in the gut, uncertain of how to react. I ran my shaking hand through my hair, muttering something to her before finally collecting myself. “Okay. Fine.” I was blinded, saddened to the point I was tossed back into memories of our childhood, the various images vivid and full of laughter. This wasn’t happening. My resolve to hunt the fucker down kicked into high gear. The images shifted into all the horrific things I would do to the fucking Russian.

  “It’s wait and see right now. I’m so sorry.” She smiled in a conciliatory manner, her eyes falling to the weapon positioned in the holster, her lower lip quivering.

  I backed away, finally offering a single nod before dashing toward the stairwell. Two floors up. I took the stairs two at a time, slamming my hands on the door, the force almost knocking a patient to the floor. I heard the man exclaim as I ran down the hallway, searching for signs. Goddamn it, where the fuck were the signs? Operating. I pulled the gun into my hand, moving sideways in an effort to avoid the various doctors and nurses.

  I heard commotion as they scuttled out of the way. I was almost blinded from anger as I moved around the last corridor. At first, I couldn’t see anyone but the group of people heading in my direction. I tried to slow down, knowing that firing the gun would be at a last resort.

  But the asshole would die if...

  No. I wasn’t going to think that way.

  I made a hard shove, finally making my way through. Three of my soldiers were standing by two doors, side by side, all three immediately jerking to full attention. One of the men happened to be Vincenzo. He moved closer, his face pinched. I could tell he was in pain, but he was fully dressed as well as armed.

  “Boss. I had them moved. I’m sorry I didn’t call you, but after Dante gave me the heads up, I thought it was prudent.”

  I twisted my head to the side, taking several deep breaths. “Fuck. Yeah, you did a good thing. Any issues?” I scanned the hallway before allowing myself to shove the weapon in my holster.

  “None, but I’m staying right here,” Vincenzo said, giving me a respectful nod. “Right here.”

  I had no idea what to say, but I finally issued the words that rarely left my mouth. “Thank you.”

  He beamed, backing away. “They’re both doing well. Stefan is in there.”

  I gave him as much of a smile as possible before walking into my brother’s room. I stood just inside the doorway watching him. I’d been his big brother, the one he’d looked up to, the one he’d wanted to be like. I’d protected him from bullies until he’d grown large enough to handle himself. I’d even helped him with his homework given our father was always far too busy. To see him lying in the hospital bed, weak and frail in appearance was almost too much to bear.

  I walked cl
oser, studying the various apparatuses he was hooked up to, at least grateful that he was breathing on his own. As I reached down, taking his hand into mine, I regretted the fact that we’d lost touch. I’d never told him I was so proud of him for graduating top of his class from Princeton or that I was thrilled he’d never wanted to be a part of the business.

  Even though we’d shared special times watching games and drinking beer, we’d skipped having real conversations. Hell, if I had to admit the truth to myself, I was slightly intimidated by him. His good nature. His kindness. His lust for life completely devoid of violence. Maybe it was time to change all that.

  “Hey there. I heard you’re getting better.” I don’t know if I expected him to open his eyes or not, but I felt he heard me. “Everything is going to be all right. Just know that I have my best men protecting you.”

  All I heard were the various clicks of the machines. Damn it.

  I swallowed hard, knowing that I couldn’t take as much time as I’d like. I squeezed his hand as a single tear rolled down my face. What had our family become? “Anyway, I can’t stay long but I’ll be back. Okay?”

  There was no answer, no acknowledgement of any kind.

  “Stefan. Know that I love you, brother.” I squeezed his hand one more time, finally breaking the connection. For some crazy reason, I walked softly toward the door, my heart heavy.

  “Be careful, brother,” he whispered.

  I twisted my head, hoping for his eyes to be open. They weren’t. But he’d heard me. And I knew he loved me as well. That was all I needed.

  At least for now.

  I took a moment collecting myself before walking into the hallway, giving Vincenzo a respectful nod. “Keep him safe.”

  “With my life, boss. With my life.”

  I headed to my father’s room, my emotions totally shifting to another direction. I fingered the drive one last time before walking in. As I would have expected, he was barking orders to someone on the phone.

  “Just get me the fuck out of here,” he snapped, tilting his head when he noticed my entrance. “I don’t care how you do it. Just fucking do it! That’s what I pay you for.” He ended the call, dropping the phone and giving me a dirty look.