Page 79 of Blood & Snow

Yaroslav is heading to a warehouse in the industrial district, meeting with arms dealers from Chechnya.

The location is isolated, perfect for business that requires privacy.

"Warehouse district," Igor announces, turning onto a street lined with concrete buildings and chain-link fences.

I spot Stepan's sedan parked behind a loading dock, engine running.

Through the windshield, I can see him watching a corrugated metal building two blocks ahead.

Three black Mercedes sit in the lot outside, along with a van I don't recognize.

"Pull up behind Stepan," I tell Igor.

He does, and I roll down the window.

Stepan gets out of his car and approaches with his gun in his hand.

"He arrived thirty minutes ago," Stepan reports.

"Six Brotherhood soldiers, plus four Chechens. They're on the main warehouse floor, conducting business."

"Where are the exits?"

"Front loading bay and a side door on the east wall. The Chechens' van is blocking the loading bay. Their driver stayed outside."

I nod.

Ten men inside, one outside.

The numbers aren't ideal, but the isolation makes up for it.

"What are you going to do?" Nadya asks.

I look at her, sitting there in her expensive dress with diamonds around her neck.

She belongs in warm rooms with champagne and soft music, not watching me plan an execution in a frozen parking lot.

"Stay in the car," I tell her.

"Igor will keep the engine running."

"Xander—"

"Stay in the car,Ptichka."

I hold her chin, pinching it slightly so she gets the message.

Now is not the time to mess with me.

"I'll be back soon."

I get out before she can argue further.

The cold air cuts through my suit jacket, but I barely feel it.

My focus narrows to the warehouse ahead, to the men inside who think they're conducting business safely.

Stepan falls into step beside me as we approach the building.