by KJ Dahlen
“But I need the money, Gene.”
“I know and you can come back as soon as this is over.”
“But...” She shook her head. “To get it done, I will have to do what they want.”
He nodded. “Listen, I have met Yuri Anatoly and some of his brothers. Everyone in New Orleans knows they are honorable men. So maybe it would be wise to go there and hash this out?”
Sighing, she untied her apron. “Okay. Maybe you’re right. But I am getting my own apartment in a few days and I will need my shift here, ok?”
He nodded. “You are one of the best working here.”
Grabbing her purse and keys, she went out and got into her car. Pausing, she looked at herself in the mirror. He lips was still bleeding and she grabbed a tissue to wipe away the blood. She reached over and started her car and headed to the hotel she knew this Yuri Anatoly owned and operated.
The streets weren’t so busy like perhaps normally, as there were no events happening in the French quarter until next month, so she felt glad she could make it there in reasonable time.
When she arrived, she took a moment to straighten her hair and check her face again. Taking a deep breath, she got out of her vehicle and made her way inside the hotel. She went up to the front desk and asked the receptionist to see Mr. Anatoly.
“I’m sorry but Mr. Anatoly isn’t available right now.” She was told.
“Please I need to speak to someone. I was told my grandmother was brought here and I need to see her.”
The receptionist looked aghast at her comment. “I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Can you just call Mr. Anatoly and tell him Abby George is here to see him?” she insisted.
“Don’t bother,” a voice from behind her stated. “I’ll take her to see him.”
Abby turned around and gasped. The man behind her was tall and looked like a bull. He wasn’t just big—he was huge. Her own five foot six inches was dwarfed by his height. He had to stand at least six foot six if he was an inch. He must have weighed in at least three hundred pounds and not a drop of that was fat. His shoulders were wide and his waist was taut while his legs looked like tree trunks.
His clothing was snug and she could see the muscles rippling under the material of his shirt. For a moment, she just stood there speechless then she looked up into his face. She could see his strong jaw and his set lips but it was the look in his eyes that made her gasp again. His eyes were cold as he stared down at her.
He grabbed her arm and dragged her over to the elevator. She struggled the whole way but he wouldn’t give an inch. When the steel doors opened, he pushed her inside and she stumbled almost falling as he stepped inside after her.
When the doors closed behind them, he stared down at her. “Why did you come here?” he finally growled at her.
“You took my grandmother from her home this morning, or so I was told and I’ve come to see how’s she’s doing,” Abby answered him honestly.
“Your grandmother is enjoying fine Russian hospitality at the moment.” He smirked when he told her.
“Can I at least see her?”
“No. I don’t think so. Sergi is speaking to her at the moment. And I will tell you something, she’s not cooperating one bit.”
“She wouldn’t now, would she?” Abby nodded.
“Not if what we hear about your family is true,” he agreed.
Abby lifted her head sharply. “And just what do you hear about my family?”
The big guy just stared at her for a moment then the doors opened again and another man stood there waiting for them.
“Who the hell is this?” the other man demanded.
“She claims her name is Abby George,” the big guy stated with a smirk.
The other man swung his gaze over at her and he frowned. “Indeed. Well, Miss Abby George what are you doing here of all places?”
“She claims she came after her grandmother.” Big guy shrugged.
“Why is that I wonder?” The other man growled.
“I am standing right here you know.” Abby gritted her teeth. “You can ask me yourself why I came here.”
Chapter Six
Kosta turned his head to his brother as they both stepped out of the elevator and raised an eyebrow at her statement. “Mouthy little girl isn’t she?”
Felix nodded in agreement. “Da, that she is.”
“Well, bring her along and we’ll let her see her grandmother.” Kosta nodded. Then I’m sure Sergi will want to talk to her as well.”
Felix reached for her arm but Abby flinched and moved out of his reach. She took a step for the doorway but Felix reached out and grabbed her gently by the back of her head. He tipped her head back and glared down at her. He stared at her for a moment then his eyes caught her torn lip and his eyes went colder. “Do not disrespect me or any of the men here. We aren’t American and we won’t tolerate it. Is that understood?”
“Da, it’s understood but if you want my respect I demand yours as well.” Abby snapped at him. “And let go of my hair. What is it with you Russians and manhandling women?” She yanked herself from his hold while stepping away from him.
“Did someone else manhandle you then split your lip for you as well?” Felix growled.
Abby glared at him and refused to answer. Instead, she looked over at Kosta. “I believe you were taking me to see Sergi Constantine?”
Kosta raised his eyebrow. “Was I?” He turned and tisked under his breath. “Follow me.”
Abby followed.
Felix tightened his lips and followed them both.
At the door to the visitors suite Kosta knocked and the door swung open.
Sergi stood there.
Kosta backed out of the way and Abby faced him alone.
“Who the hell are you?” he demanded to know.
“My name is Abby George. Who the hell are you?” she asked.
“My name is Sergi Constantine. Do you know that name?”
“Yes, I’ve heard of it,” she admitted.
“Then you should know to show it respect, young lady.” He growled.
“As I told your underlings, if you expect respect from me then show me the same courtesy.” She stared at him without any fear. “My mother taught me manners but she also taught me to give what I get.”
Sergi glared at the girl in front of him then nodded. “I suppose growing up in this lawless land, you don’t know any better so I’ll excuse your lack of manners this time but don’t let it happen again. I am leader of the Bratva in my country as well as here, so I command your respect. Whether or not I return it, is up to you.”
“You may be a big man back in Russia but you aren’t in Russia at the moment. People may revere you there and some people fear you here but I have done nothing to you and you have done nothing for me to deserve respect. I’m here to inquire about my grandmother and that’s all I’m here for.” Abby insisted.
“Come in then, you and I have somethings to discuss.” He stepped back and Abby joined him in the apartment.
Felix came in after her and Kosta shut the door from the hallway.
Sergi walked over to the bar and poured himself a drink. He didn’t bother pouring one for her or Felix then he turned to look at her. “Your grandmother is downstairs at the moment enjoying a time out. She refused to talk to us earlier. She is as nasty a woman as I remember her to be.” Sergi lifted his drink in a silent toast then downed half the liquor in the glass.
Abby shifted from one foot to the other. “I didn’t realize you knew her from before. Tell me something, if you will. Did you know my grandfather as well?”
“Pavel? Pavel and I were friends back in the day before he turned traitor and left for America.”
The news hit Abby hard and she wanted to give her grandfather the benefit of a doubt, but she realized her grandmother had lied to her again. Abby looked at him with sad eyes. “It was Pavel who shot those men and not you wasn’t it? She told me the night th
ey left there was a robbery and three men were killed. That my grandfather had no choice but to run or be falsely accused of the crime. She swore he was innocent and that his only recourse was to run, to leave their home and everything they knew or face prison for a crime he didn’t commit.”
Sergi didn’t say a word as he realized the truth was finally known. He drained the drink in his hand and poured another. This time, he poured her one as well. Handing her the glass, he and Felix watched as she raised her glass to him then swallowed every drop.
She slammed the glass down on the bar and turned to Sergi. “The one thing I really hate is liars but I guess I should have known better. She and my grandfather swore a Blood Oath against you the morning they ran from Russia. When my father grew up, Pavel made him swear to the oath as well. They did the same when my brother grew up. Now Pavel, my father and my brother are all in their graves. It’s only me and grandmother left.”
The men all watched her and waited for her to go on
She swallowed hard and looked at them. “I have no reason not to trust your word and every reason not to trust hers. Three days ago, she reminded me of the oath Pavel had and she demanded that I take it on. She told me it was my duty as the last of my family alive to see it done. I told her to give me a reason for your death but she couldn’t.” She shrugged. “Maybe it was she wouldn’t because she knew every word coming out of her mouth would be nothing more than a lie. I don’t know and I don’t care anymore.” She moved away from them and over to the window. Looking out over the city she said, “She and the others near where we live don’t like you much but that’s between you and them. For one reason or another, they left Russia and came here to start all over. My father died at the hands of his lover’s husband because of the affair he was having with a married woman. My brother was killed by the same man because he went after him to avenge my father’s stupid death. My grandfather died of a heart attack when he realized his legacy was gone. It’s just me and the old lady left. She is still bound by the Oath. I never took it and I couldn’t find a reason to do as she demanded I do.” She turned her head and looked at him. “All my life I’ve wanted to be a healer, to ease people’s pain but they wouldn’t let me. My mother died of cancer when I was twelve and instead of letting me ease her pain as I had been doing, they took away her medicines that I prepared for her. I watched her suffer dire agony until she couldn’t suffer anymore. From that time until now, I lost any respect I ever had for my family. That’s a terrible thing, you know. Family is supposed to be there when you need them, to help you when you stumble and fall. All my family ever did was stand there and watch each other go down. So I don’t think I owe them any more of my life.”
Sergi walked around the bar and stood close to her at the window. “Before he left the alley that night, I came upon the robbery scene. I knew Pavel was hurting for money but I never expected him to resort to robbing the Bratva. I certainly never believed he would kill three men to get the money. I never expected him to hate me enough to shoot me and leave me there bleeding either.”
Abby hung her head. “He never told us anything about you being there. He just said you had accused him of the robbery and if they hadn’t fled Russia that same night, you would have had him thrown in prison.”
“Well he was right about that part,” Sergi agreed. “I would have had him thrown into prison because prison was where he needed to be for what he’d done. I was in the hospital ward for 2 weeks though, before the charges could even be named. This is the truth, how it all happened.”
Abby nodded. “I believe you...Can I see my grandmother? Please.”
“Felix, will take you down to see her.” Sergi nodded at him.
“Thank you.”
“I hope you understand that I can’t release her,” Sergi warned her.
“I wouldn’t in your position either,” Abby agreed. “She really hates you. Hates you enough to see you dead by fair means or foul.”
Felix motioned her toward the door.
When she took a step toward the door Sergi called out after her, “And do I have to worry about you coming after me? Will you fulfill the Blood Oath your grandfather demanded?”
“Blood Oaths only work if you believe in the person who takes them. My grandparents swore one out to keep the truth from being known. No one with any sense of honor would fulfill this when it was nothing but a lie to begin with. No Mr. Constantine, I will not be filling the Oath my grandfather took out on you. He deserves to rot in hell for what he did.” She turned and walked toward the door.
Chapter Seven
When Abby stepped out into the hall, Felix was right behind her. He held her elbow lightly as he escorted her to the elevators and down to the security rooms.
When she turned the corner and saw her grandmother sitting in a chair by the window, Abby could only stare at her. Then she realized she felt nothing at all for the woman who was her grandmother. Her eyes widened though when she realized she hadn’t felt anything for her for a long time now. “Well old woman, it looks like you lost,” she spoke quietly standing far away from the bars of the cell as she could. She’d seen the wooden cane in her grandmother’s hands and she knew enough to stand away. Her grandmother often used the cane as a weapon against her.
“I wouldn’t be here but for you,” her grandmother told her.
“That’s where you’re wrong old woman.” Abby shook her head. “It was your lies and Pavel’s actions that put you here.”
“You only had one job to do you little bitch and you couldn’t even do that!” Greta swore. “All you had to do was kill a man and everything would have been so much better for all of us.”
“Did it never bother you that I might have been killed in the aftermath?” Abby had to ask.
Greta shrugged. “I would have died with our family honor intact at least. This way, I have nothing left. Your grandfather’s soul cannot rest in peace now. He will never rest in peace again. And that is on your shoulders.”
“Sergi told me Pavel killed three men that night and robbed the payment going to the Bratva. Did he tell you that before he hustled you off to this country? Did he also tell you he left Sergi in that alley bleeding to death from a bullet he had fired into his body? Sergi came upon the robbery scene and Pavel shot him. Then he ran away like the coward that he always was.”
“He did what he had to do to provide for his family. He always was a good man!” Greta screamed.
“He was a bastard and you know it even if you won’t admit it. He hit you, me, my father and my brother consistently. He was a mean nasty pig of a man,” Abby told her grandmother.
“You should be here in this cell with me, you sniveling little bitch!” Greta cried out. “I’ll see Sergi Constantine dead yet, before I die. Even if Pavel has to come back to from the dead to do it himself.”
“That’s enough.” Felix growled at them both. He took Abby by the arm and led her away from the cells.
Greta was still cursing her when the door shut off the sound of her voice.
Abby staggered after him until suddenly, she collapsed to her knees and began to weep.
Felix stood there and let her have a moment then carefully reached down and helped her to stand. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and just held her for a moment. When she was done, she stepped away from him and wiped her tears away. She couldn’t look him in the eyes so instead she looked away. “So now what happens to me?”
“What do you mean? What is supposed to happen to you?” he asked her.
“Well, I did come here with the express purpose of killing your Sergi if you believe what the old woman has to say.” She nodded still not looking at him.
Felix reached out and took her chin in his hand and gently pulled her face towards his own. “Did you really come here to kill him?”
Abby looked into his eyes. “No, I didn’t come here to kill him. I was never going to do that. She gave me three days to make up my mind and that was four days ago. I packed everything
I wanted and took it away with me already. I wasn’t going to go back after work today. I think she knew it.”
“So where were you going to go then?”
She shrugged. “That house was the only house I knew. I was born there, grew up there but now I’ll never go back there. I should warn you she’s been known to use her cane as a weapon and she has two. The wooden one is just a cane but the steel one hides a thin sword.” She shook her head. “And she’s not the shy type, she will use it.”
“Sergi wants to see you after you’re done with your grandmother,” Felix reminded her.
“Then lead me back there.” Abby sighed hard. “So that I can learn my fate.”
A few moments later, they were right back where they started, knocking on the door of Sergi’s suite.
When he opened the door, they were ushered inside.
Sergi was there along with his some other men.
There were several other men in the room. Abby didn’t know any of them but they all seemed to know each other.
Sergi met her eyes and smiled briefly. “This is my son Misha and my grandson in law Yuri.” He pointed at another man. “This is Roman, also a part of my family.” He then stared at Abby. “Did you find your grandmother to be in good health?”
“She was indeed.” Abby looked over at Yuri. “I have heard your name many times.”
Yuri, a big guy himself cocked his head at her. “That could be good or bad.”
Abby smiled. “I never heard a bad word about you.” She sat down and then frowned. She was thinking back to the conversation she’d had with the older woman. A remark Greta had made didn’t seem to make much sense at the time but the more she thought about it the more the puzzle pieces were falling into place.
Her eyes widened and she began to shake. Four years ago, her grandfather’s death never made sense to her. It had been then when everything she ever knew had changed and not for the better. Her father lost the only thing that seemed to anchor him, so when her mother died the next seven years he lost all his self respect then he got tied up with a married woman and his life spiraled out of control after that. When he wouldn’t stop seeing her, he paid the ultimate price with a bullet to his head. Then her brother died in the same manner and her grandfather just lost it. She looked up at Sergi and the others. “Pavel didn’t die. He faked his death for the last four years. He’s still out there watching us. Watching you and plotting to kill you.”
