Page 88

“Damn.”

“Think of it this way… Now, you’ll get your chance to write that letter.”

Rooks looked between us, trying to decide if we were completely full of shit or if he really did have a chance to finally get out of the basement. Growing impatient, Sergei stepped behind him and ordered, “Let’s go.”

Rooks hesitated, but this time, he didn’t mouth off.

He just stood and followed Sergei to the door. Sergei motioned to one of the guards and ordered him to return Rooks to his room. Rooks paused in the doorway and looked back at Seven. “I meant what I said. I really am sorry. I know I can’t, but I’d like to try and fix things. At the very least make them better. For Tallie, Ford, and for you.”

“This is a start.”

He nodded and disappeared into the hallway.

Seven didn’t say anything, but I caught the way his shoulders dropped just a little. Grim glanced over at me and gave a barely-there nod, confirming what I’d hoped for.

We had what we needed to take Vasili down.

Sergei came over to me and said, “I have a contact with the Bratva. He’s not at the top, not even close, but he has the means to get the information to Andrei Vetrov, the Obshchak.”

“Who the hell is that?”

“Think of him as the treasurer of the family. He oversees all the money and handles everything that goes along with it, including dealing with those who step out of line. I’ve only met him once, but it was enough. I’d never want to cross him.”

“And if this Vetrov guy doesn’t bite?”

“Then, we kill Vasili on our own and stage his death to look like something else—a cartel hit or an accident. Something messy but believable.”

“Yes, that could work.”

Sergei nodded, then dialed the number. Seconds later, a voice with a thick Russian accent came across the speaker, “Sergei. Been awhile.”

“Yes, it has. Hope you’re doing well.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m good.” Realizing something was up, he asked, “Why do you call? Someone dead?”

“Not yet,” Sergei told him. “But I got something you’re gonna want to see.”

“I’m listening.”

“Not something I can discuss over the phone.” Sergei glanced over at me as he continued, “I’ll send you a copy by messenger. You should have it by morning.”

“What’s this about?”

“You’ll see in the morning.”

“Now, I’m intrigued.”

“Call me as soon as you get it.”

With that, Sergei ended the call. He tossed his phone on the desk before walking over to me and the boys. “I’ll make a copy and get it sent over.”

“Good. Let’s call it a night, and we’ll be back in the morning.”

“Sounds like a plan.” When we started for the door, Sergei called out, “Preacher?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you. Thank all of you.” There was no missing the emotion in his voice as he added, “We wouldn’t get through this thing without you.”