𝟸𝟹. "... 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚛"

TRAVIS'S P.O.V

"...Public safety is not just about enforcement; it’s about prevention. It’s about mental health services, community engagement, and ensuring that every neighborhood feels protected, not policed. And when it comes to our environment, LA will not wait for others to lead—we are the leaders. We will continue our push for clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and policies that make our city greener for generations to come"

The congregation erupted in claps and praises as the Mayor went on with his...manifesto or whatever he was doing to fool the masses once again.

I took another gulp from the glass in my hand, staring straight at him as he went on.

"This is our moment to reaffirm who we are—a city that never backs down from a challenge, that never leaves its people behind. The road ahead will not be easy, but Los Angeles has never been afraid of hard work"

They clapped once again and he nodded with a wide grin on his face. He was exercising the one thing he knew he had, power.

But who had the ultimate power?

His gaze immediately locked with mine and I watched as the smile slowly died down. That definitely answered the question and I raised the glass to him.

The colour had completely drained off his face, he doesn't think I have forgotten about him, has he? He tore his eyes from mine and cleared his throat, turning back to the flashes illuminating him from the camera.

"To...together, let’s build an LA that is safer, stronger, and fairer for all. Because this city belongs to all of us" he managed to continue and they cheered once again.

Glancing at me once again, he knew it was time to round up. "Thank you, and let’s get to work"

Moments later.

I stared out if the window of the office of the Mayor of LA, among other perks in his title, he had a great view of LA. "Ferrari..." He called from behind but I still didn't turn.

"...what an unexpected visit"

"If I gave a week's notice, would you have been ready?" I asked without glancing back and he chuckled in reply, he was trying to dissolve the obvious tension between us.

Silence drew for a moment before I finally turned around, dipping my hands down my pants pocket. "You've been busy"

"Yes, with the...the reelection coming up and the—"

"Your second term in office" I interrupted, walking back to the table. "My last term even, I wouldn't be able—"

"And what are your plans on winning?" I cut him off once again, stopping at the table. He paused, thrown aback by my question. "Well, I have put into place few bodies that..."

I turned away once again and he stopped talking. "But of course, I can't make it without...without the Society" he circled round back to what I needed to hear and a small smirk made way to my lips.

"So, what are you gonna do about your probation?" I probed, walking back to the window and he fell silent again. "There isn't much I can do. I'm paying my debts, these are the consequences—"

"It's off" I cut him off, turning around once again and before he could articulate what I meant, I went on. "There should be a convention before this month runs out and need all major organizations of the state present there, it's time to regroup"

He stayed silent, still in daze of my earlier statement. "I'm grateful to the Society—"

"There is no second chances" I reminded, "Be sure to know you're paying this one with your life"

➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫

I hopped into the car and immediately Silvano straight out an Umbra to me, hissing, I threw my gaze out the window. "Read it"

"Cassian is dead"

The whole place got quiet and my gaze shot to him immediately, "He was found dead in his hotel room, 2 bullets in the head, along side a reasonable number of his men" he went on, answering all my unspoken questions.

"They are asking questions" he straight out the card to me and I took it. "The Volkovs already surrendered, so there was no need for an—"

"I didn't give the order" I cut him off, taking the card from him. "I know"

The place got silent as I read through, my mind racing to a million instances and chances of this happening and it stopped at one—one person.

"Perhaps, the Bratvaz finally got what they wanted" he added but I doubted. They wouldn't strike without my orders too.

Cassian has already been marked to death but not now, I still needed him for few things but someone else wanted him gone...immediately.

"Any clues or tapes?" I inquired, turning back to him. "All wiped out, it was a clean attack. Should I go further into investigation?" He asked and I looked away.

"Not necessary" I leaned back on the seat, staring straight ahead. "It's for the better he's gone"

We pulled up to the mansion, the car rolling to a smooth stop. My eyes went straight to the unfamiliar vehicle parked by the entrance.

"We've got a visitor," Silvano muttered.

I let out a slow breath.

"Be guided."

Stepping out of the car, I adjusted my cufflinks, rolling my shoulders as I made my way inside. The halls were quiet, my footsteps the only sound—until I stopped.

She was standing there.

The red dress made it impossible to look anywhere else. She turned, a wide smile curving her lips like she had all the time in the world. "Добрый вечер, мистер Феррари."

Yelena Petrovna.

Her heels clicked against the marble floor as she walked toward me, unhurried, confident. Not what I expected—but I should’ve known she’d show up.

"Miss Petrovna, a surprise visit?"

She chuckled. "You’re one to talk about surprises." Then, as if she was just making conversation, she added, "We heard the news. The Volkov Syndicate is finished."

So, they weren’t behind it.

I shot a glance at Silvano, who had just stepped in. He’d caught that too.

Yelena continued, voice smooth. "Babushka is impressed. You kept your word."

My eyes flicked back to hers. "Expect nothing less."

She smiled. "We've reclaimed our territory. The strays have been dealt with. No more rogues in the family."

I was listening, but my mind was elsewhere. I knew exactly who did it.

Yelena’s gaze landed on my hand. Before I could react, she reached out, brushing her fingers over the bandages wrapped around it.

"Is this from the incident?"

I pulled away, crossing the room without a word. "To what do I owe this visit, Yelena?"

She turned, watching me with something close to amusement. "I believe we owe you now."

"I repaid a debt. A deal was made—there’s nothing left to settle."

Her smile widened. "I insist." She was in front of me again, fingers smoothing out my tie like she had all the time in the world and I stayed still.

"There’s a gathering in a few weeks." Her voice dipped, teasing. "You have an invitation."

"I won’t make any promises."

She laughed softly, stepping back. "That’s good enough for me." And just like that, she turned and walked away, not bothering to look back. And I didn't bother wondering what she was up to, it was the same with all the rest.

But that couldn't bother me tonight, there was something else clawing at the back of my mind.

I exhaled, glancing down at my hand. She hadn’t hesitated that night. To unsheathe that dagger. To drive it straight through my hand.

And if it came down to it—

She wouldn’t hesitate to pull a trigger either.

Twice.