Chapter 29

‘Fyodor, I’m fine,’ I assure my brother, my voice firm but weary. The weight of the situation presses heavily on me, but I can’t afford to show any weakness, not now. Not even to my most trusted ally.

Fyodor studies me over his glass of whiskey, his expression skeptical. ‘You sure about that? You’ve been tense ever since Boris showed up. And pushing Julie away like that…’ He trails off, his concern evident.

I let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through my hair. ‘I had to, Fyodor. Julie can focus on her non-profit, and it was the only way to ensure she’d be out of harm’s way while we figure this out. She’s safer thinking about that, rather than being caught up in all this mess with Boris.’

Fyodor nods slowly, understanding my rationale. ‘I get it, but you can’t keep her in the dark forever. She’s a part of this now, like it or not.’

‘I know,’ I reply, my jaw setting with determination. ‘But for now, keeping her occupied with her project is the best option. We need to focus on handling Boris and the Bratva without dragging her into the line of fire.’

Fyodor takes a sip of his coffee, his gaze piercing. ‘So, what’s the plan? Boris is not going to back down easily. Are we considering moving away? Starting over somewhere else?’

I shake my head, my mind already forming a strategy. ‘No, we’re not running. That’s not how we handle things. I’ve got a plan. It’s risky, but if it works, we can cut ties with the Bratva for good.’

Fyodor leans forward, his interest piqued. ‘I’m all ears, brother. What are you thinking?’

‘We need to turn the tables on Boris. Make him think he’s got the upper hand, then hit him where it hurts. We use his own tactics against him.’

Fyodor raises an eyebrow, his intrigue growing. ‘Sounds like you’ve got something specific in mind.’

‘I do,’ I confirm, my voice low.

‘Well, don’t keep me in suspense, Ivan. Give me the details.’ Fyodor leans forward with anticipation.

I walk over to the window, my hands clasped behind my back. Gazing out at the gently falling snow, I’m acutely aware of the gravity of what I’m about to undertake. This is more than a gamble; it’s a move that will change the course of our lives, yet again.

‘I’ve made some significant contacts through my company,’ I begin, enjoying the serene dance of the snowflakes outside. ‘One of them is Deputy Director Will Hargrove, second-in-command at the FBI. He’s on our side and he’ll be here within the hour.’

Fyodor’s eyes widen in surprise. ‘The FBI? That’s a big card to play, one we usually stay away from. What do you think Hargrove will want in return?’

I turn from the window, meeting Fyodor’s gaze with a steely resolve. ‘I have a pretty good idea,’ I admit with a heavy sigh. ‘They’ll want information in exchange for their help, leverage against the Bratva. And I’m prepared to give it to them.’

Fyodor leans back, absorbing the implications. ‘You’re talking about turning informant? That’s a dangerous path, Ivan.’

‘I know,’ I acknowledge, the weight of the decision making it hard to breathe. ‘But it’s the only way to ensure Julie’s safety, and to rid ourselves of Boris and his hold over us.’

‘And how exactly do you plan to do that?’ Fyodor asks, a note of concern in his voice.

‘I’ll wear a wire,’ I reveal, the words tasting like a bitter pill. ‘We’ll set up a meeting with Boris, make him believe I’m on board with his plan. I’ll get him to admit to wanting to launder his illegally earned money through my gambling operations.’

Fyodor nods slowly, the graveness of the situation etched on his face. ‘And the envelope Boris left, the one with the account numbers?’

‘With that and the recorded confession, we’ll have enough to bring him down. He won’t see it coming.’

Fyodor stands, pacing the room. ‘It’s a bold move, Ivan. You’re playing with fire. But if it means ending this nightmare, then I’m behind you.’

I nod, feeling a sense of solidarity with my brother. ‘It’s the only way we end this, Fyodor. We end this now, for Julie, for us, for our future.’

Fyodor, leaning back in his chair, regards me with a mix of concern and skepticism. ‘You do realize the magnitude of the risk you’re taking, right? What if Boris decides to pat you down and discovers the wire? You know they won’t hesitate to kill you right there.’

I nod, fully aware of the danger I’m placing myself in. ‘I’ve considered that. It’s a calculated risk, but one we need to take. ‘

He rubs his chin thoughtfully. ‘And even if you take Boris down, you know as well as I do there will be others to take his place. The Bratva is like a hydra; cut off one head, two more grow back.’

‘I know,’ I concede. ‘But we have to start somewhere. Boris’ hold over us ends now. And that’s why I need you here, Fyodor. Not just for your skills, but because of what Julie and I have been working on.’

Fyodor raises an eyebrow. ‘Working on?’

I can’t help but chuckle at his feigned innocence. ‘We’re trying to start a family.’

He laughs, a deep, hearty sound. ‘Ivan, it’s okay to say you’re having sex with your wife. I’m not going to blush.’

‘Shut up,’ I say, but there’s a lightness in my voice, a brief respite from the grimness of our situation.

He becomes serious again, his gaze piercing. ‘Working with the FBI… that’s a hell of a thing for a former Bratva member to do.’

I meet his gaze squarely. ‘That’s just it, Fyodor. I’m ready to sever ties with the Bratva, once and for all. No more half-measures, no more looking over my shoulder. I want a clean break, a fresh start. For Julie, for our future children, and for me.’

Fyodor leans forward, placing his glass on the table. ‘It’s a noble path you’re choosing, Ivan. Dangerous, but noble. I’ll be here, every step of the way. We’ll face whatever comes together.’

I nod, grateful for his support. ‘Thank you, brother. It means more than you know.’

We sit in silence, the weight of the upcoming encounter with Boris and the FBI looming over us. It’s a gamble, a play that could either free us from the shackles of our past or plunge us deeper into a world of danger and deceit.

Fyodor shifts uncomfortably in his chair, his brow furrowed in thought. ‘Ivan, I don’t want to sound morbid, but have you considered, well, what if something happens to you?’

I nod solemnly, the magnitude of the situation not lost on me. ‘I’ve thought about it, Fyodor. And I’ve made arrangements, just in case.’

He nods, his expression serious. ‘What kind of arrangements?’

‘I’ve already had my lawyer draft my will. If something happens to me, you’ll take over the company,’ I explain, watching his reaction closely.

Fyodor’s eyes widen in surprise. ‘Me? Take over the company?’

‘Yes,’ I affirm. ‘You’re the only one I trust to handle it the right way. And more importantly,’ I pause, the thought of Julie weighing heavily on my heart, ‘I know you’ll ensure that Julie is well taken care of. I want her to have everything she needs, for the rest of her life.’

Fyodor runs a hand through his hair, visibly distressed by the conversation. ‘I hate this, Ivan. It feels like we’re planning for your funeral.’

I sigh, feeling the weight of his words. ‘I know, and I hate it too. But we have to be realistic. This situation with Boris and the Bratva is dangerous, and we can’t pretend otherwise.’

He nods reluctantly, the lines of his face etched with concern. ‘Alright. I’ll do it, but only because I know it’s what you want. Just promise me you’ll do everything in your power to make sure you stay safe.’

I offer him a grim smile. ‘You have my word, Fyodor. I plan to come out of this alive.’

There’s a pause as we both reflect on the enormity of what’s at stake. Then, Fyodor breaks the silence. ‘What are you going to tell Julie when you head back to the city? You know she’s going to want to stay with you. She won’t just sit here while you put yourself in danger.’

I exhale deeply, the thought of facing Julie and her reaction to my plan weighing heavily on me. ‘I honestly don’t know yet. But one thing’s for sure—it’s going to be a fight. She’s strong-willed, and she won’t take kindly to being left behind, even if it’s for her own safety.’

Fyodor nods, understanding the predicament. ‘You’re in a tough spot, brother. But whatever you do, don’t lie to her. She deserves the truth, no matter how hard it might be.’

I nod in agreement, knowing he’s right. ‘I’ll figure something out. But lying to her isn’t an option. I respect her too much for that.’

We sit in silence for a moment, each lost in our thoughts. The plan to work with the FBI and take down Boris is a gamble that puts everything on the line.

The vibration of my phone breaks the heavy stillness in the room, and I glance at the screen to see a text from Deputy Director Hargrove.

On my way.

My heart beats a little faster with anticipation and anxiety. This is it—the moment where everything either falls into place or unravels completely.

My brother, reading the distress on my face, stands up. ‘I need a moment,’ he says, his voice strained, ‘to wrap my head around all this.’

I nod, understanding his need for space. ‘Take your time,’ I reply. He exits the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts, a maelstrom of emotions churning inside me.

Sitting back, I let out a long, weary sigh. How did I get here? Why did I ever get involved with the Bratva in the first place? I’m overcome by frustration for myself—each decision, each action and inaction of my past, feels like a chain linking me to a life I’m desperate to leave behind. A life that is threatening everything I hold dear. I feel as if there’s a vice on my throat.

Compelled by a need to see my wife, I rise and quietly make my way upstairs. Peeking into the room where she is working, I pause at the doorway, watching her in silence. She’s completely engrossed in her project, her focus and dedication evident in her every movement. She doesn’t notice my presence, and I don’t disturb her, content just to observe.

As I stand there, a surge of emotion washes over me. It’s a feeling unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It hits deeper, and it’s more profound. It’s not just love; it’s a fierce, protective urge, a willingness to do anything, sacrifice anything for her safety and happiness.

Turning away from the door, I head back downstairs, my mind set on the task ahead. The meeting with Deputy Director Hargrove will set everything in motion. It’s a risky plan that could either free me from my past or entangle me further, but I’m ready to face it head-on.

Julie and our future together are now my reason. For that, I’ll confront my past, work with the FBI, and do whatever it takes to dismantle the shadow that’s been looming over us. I’ve lived in the grey areas of morality for too long; it’s time to step into the light and fight for the life I want, the life we deserve.

As I prepare for Hargrove’s arrival, my resolve hardens. This is more than just a mission; it’s a redemption, a chance to right the wrongs of my past and pave the way for a future filled with hope and love. No half-measures, no looking back.