Page 13 of At Midnight

This was a catch, that Valerian and the Ilyin Bratva could protect Flicka even from Pierre, the heir apparent to the princely throne of Monaco. After all, the Russian crime syndicates were more powerful than most governments. Maybeall governments.

“It will take some time to make sure everyone understands that you’re to be trusted now, but after a suitable amount of time has elapsed, Flicka could resume her usual social life, and she could manage her charities and chair the Shooting Star Cotillion.”

Bribery in addition to threats. Raphael would have done the same thing.

“You could have your life back, Raphael. You couldtake your place in the family and the bank. It’s best for all involved.”

It was perfect, everything he could have asked for and more, which meant he couldn’t trust any of it. His father was lying to him.

“I understand,” Raphael said, “and I agree. How long do you expect Flicka and Alina to live in a small suite in someone else’s house?”

Raphael wanted them anywhere else, somewhere safe, andpreferably under Wulfram von Hannover’s roof in the faraway, American desert. Their guards were obviously Russian, which meant that Piotr Ilyin was paying them, which meant Piotr Ilyin controlled them.

“As long as I think it’s necessary,” Valerian said, sitting back in his chair. His gaze sharpened. “You can begin with your apology for betraying the family and me, personally, and we’ll arrangefor you to apologize to Piotr Ilyin soon.”

Raphael had thought he would have more time to prepare a proper speech of contrition, but he had become good at lying in the last fifteen years. He had lied about his name every day, and he had done it in a voice that growled in an Alemannic accent that sounded alien to his own ears. Everything about him was a lie, and he was a diffuse, gray nothinginside.

“Father,” Raphael said, “You were always right. I apologize for doubting you and for my actions. In the future, I will do what is asked of me by the bank and by my family. You have my loyalty.”

Right up until Raphael staged a coup to take control of Geneva Trust and broke that chain forever.