Page 103 of Arranged Control

“The fact that you’re making that distinction doesn’t speak well of you.”

“And what do you know about me and my family, you prick?” He finishes his vodka and glares at me hard. “You have no idea what my life was like when Alina’s mother was living with us. I stayed away from home as much as I could because that vicious bitch took all her anger out on me. I can see now that she was deeply depressed, but back then, all I knew was she’d hit me and scratch my face, and my father would somehow find a way to blame everything on me. I was happy when she left.”

“Then help me get rid of her. I’m not asking you to go against your family. I’m asking for something I can use to catch Molchanie.”

He considers that, staring at his drink. I don’t know how bad things got back then, but I can guess. It must’ve been terrible if he’s still holding on to this anger all these years later.

“I’ll see what I can do. No promises.”

“Anything you can provide should help.”

“I’ll spread the word to some of my trusted men. We’ll keep our ears to the street as well.” He pushes away from the bar. “You don’t have to understand my family dynamic. I don’t give a shit what you think of us. But I won’t risk what we’ve built for any one person, not even my sister.”

“What about your own life?”

“Worthless balanced against the power of the Bratva.”

He walks off. I watch him go. When he’s gone, I tip the bartender before leaving, mulling over that last little bit in my head.

How do I value the Whelan Clan?

All my life, it’s been everything to me. I always wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps. Even though Declan’s the one destined to take over as the boss after my father passes, I’ve still always dreamed about being an important captain. I’ve worked hard in my own way. I’ve earned what I got.

But would I burn all that down to save my brothers? My mother and father?

I’m distracted as I approach my car. It’s parked a few blocks away on a shady street. I almost don’t notice the bundle of newspapers on the hood. I stare at them, not sure what to make of it, before approaching.

Something red stains the paper.

I unwrap it slowly. My heart’s beating fast and I already know what I’m about to find. It’s the smell. Copper and reeking. Flesh on the edge of going bad.

It’s a severed human hand. Male, based on the size, but I can’t be sure. There’s not too much blood. And there’s a note clutched in the palm.

You can’t keep her from me forever.

Fucking Molchanie. Another one of her messages.

I throw the mess into the back seat, get behind the wheel, and drive fast to find my wife.

Chapter 34

Alina

Ikeep looking at my phone.

Kira probably thinks I’m just distracted by TikTok. Wouldn’t be the first time. I’ve gone down some pretty deep rabbit holes thanks to social media over the years. It doesn’t help that I can get pretty obsessed with stuff. My stupid, overly organized brain can’t let things go.

But it’s my messages app I keep opening.

The unknown number stares at me.Have you figured out who I am yet?I haven’t answered, and I don’t really know if I’m going to.

I know it’s her. That’s got to be my mother. Nobody else would send me such a weird and cryptic text. I don’t know how she got my number, but that’s probably the least of my problems.

Now that I know it’s my mother, what do I want to say to her?

There are hundreds of things.

Starting with:Hey mom, why are you murdering so many people?