Page 28 of Claim Me (Dmitriyev Bratva #2)

K azimir

That’s what my father had called strong-arming everyone who got in the way of our success.

In the old days, there was no question that violence was necessary to make the correct point.

While the body count had been significant after my father and uncle had established the Bratva after moving from Moscow, over the years death had given way to haunting reminders.

I’d seen my father’s work, including his expertise in knife skills. It was amazing how losing a finger or a big toe provided the incentive needed.

Fast forward fifteen years later and using brutality was usually not necessary.

Why should it be when crushing a company’s success with hard work and a better insight into what customers preferred worked just as well?

Or when developing alliances using trust and mutual respect lasted for generations?

When all else failed, the use of hackers and social media contact became tools of choice.

Not knives.

Not guns.

Certainly not explosives.

That’s why Dmitriyev Enterprises was considered one of the most respected corporations in the world. We no longer needed to rely on brutality.

However… There were exceptions to the rule.

I’d stretch the lines of decency to make a point and if the motherfucker dared threaten me with physical violence or incarceration, he’d learn underneath my Armani suit was a highly trained soldier who carried no remorse.

Sadly, with one exception.

As I parked the car, I allowed my thoughts to drift to Marissa.

Against my better judgment, I’d left her with the flash drive.

For all I knew, she’d destroy it without bothering to look at the contents.

I’d been a fool not to make a copy. Goddamn, she’d been so distraught.

Yes, she had every right to be, but at some point, her tantrums would need to end.

She’d have to accept my help one way or another.

A half laugh left my lips. She’d peeled away enough layers of armor I’d encased around me to find my former weakness. She’d laser-focused in on Jasmine like the cunning, highly intelligent woman she was.

I’d been making the comparison between the two women for a full hour.

They weren’t the same person of course and circumstances were entirely different.

They didn’t look anything like each other.

The resemblance was in attitude and passion, eagerness for life, and an intense love of music.

That’s what had caught me off guard when I’d heard Marissa play.

That’s what had led me to the intense longing that remained.

My conviction needed to remain. What we’d shared couldn’t happen again.

I’d acted on emotion, not rational thought, which was exactly what had occurred the night before.

I’d fucking lost my mind. Disdain followed me, the anger at myself keeping a dull ache behind my eyes.

I’d never lost control the way I had around her.

What I’d told her was the truth. The passion could never happen again.

Why was it that my body wasn’t interested in complying?

Fuck this.

I had several places to go today, including a first look at Marengo.

While it was possible Marissa would contest the will, which was fine by me, she’d need help either running the corporation or selling it.

Perhaps I’d take a tour of the port while I was at it.

At some point, the explosive information learned regarding the arms shipment would come into play.

That card would be handled with the care and intelligence of a skilled poker player.

I left the vehicle, studying the luxurious neighborhood.

The homes were worth several million. How interesting that Detective Torres could afford such surroundings on a cop’s salary.

I buttoned my jacket, scanning the street.

On the drive over, the clouds had disappeared, giving way to a beautiful summer day.

There was activity on both sides of the street, landscapers busy coiffing yards, and noise from lawnmowers coming from two directions.

One of his neighbors was having their house power washed.

I heard laughter and even though it was barely noon, the smell of chicken on a grill assaulted my senses.

A perfect family day.

As I walked up the short walkway leading to Torres’ front door, I heard more laughter. This time from children. Perhaps the noise was coming from the backyard. Torres had several amenities for his family, including a pool.

Google maps had proven helpful.

As I knocked on the door, I studied the beautiful landscaping. The front yard included a vibrant patch of perfectly green grass, the stripes in the lawn indicating a recent and perfect cut. Flowers bloomed in several pots, all colorful, some with enticing scents.

All in all, a gorgeous setting for a family.

I had to wonder if his wife knew he was on the take.

The heavy footsteps indicated a male approached. I didn’t bother looking at the door while it was opened, but I immediately detected both surprise and arrogant anger.

“Mr. Dmitriyev. I’m surprised to see you.” The shock registered in his voice.

Slowly turning my head, I nodded. “I’m certain you are. I thought we could have a brief discussion on Charlie Valentine’s case.” He was dressed in shorts and a tee shirt, his boat shoes worth more than my Gucci loafers.

“I’m actually off today, but we can certainly talk tomorrow.”

When I crowded his space, color drained from his face.

Since I was several inches taller, I was certain he felt a moment of suffocation.

“I don’t think you understand. I have some information you’ll find very useful.

We are going to have a discussion. Now, we can do it outside for all your neighbors to see and gossip about or we can do it in the privacy of your home. Your choice.”

His face twisted, but he shoved down his emotions. “Alright. As long as we don’t disturb my family and it doesn’t take too long.”

“I assure you this will be over in a matter of minutes.” I smiled, sensing he knew my weapon was easily obtained.

He led me in through his house, arrogant enough to take me into a sunroom fronting the backyard. The pool was exquisite, the deep end housing a slide, which two children were taking turns going down while giggling.

Meanwhile, his wife looked on with adoration while sipping something frosty through a neon straw.

“Picture-perfect family,” I told him.

“Yes, they mean the world to me.” He was already gritting his teeth, likely itching to dial a phone number.

“As every family should.” I remained staring at the scene outside for a full minute, enough I could feel Ryan was getting nervous. I could also smell his fear.

Good.

I turned to face him, offering another smile. “I’m going to make this as painless as possible. At least for today.”

“What does that mean?”

“I’m well aware of your affiliation with Vladimir Popov.

” He hadn’t expected me to be so blunt. The slight twitch just under his eye was another affirmation my assumptions and the information gathered had been correct.

“I’m also aware that you were the detective assigned the murder case of Jameson and Clair Valentine and yes, I did say murder, although of course you led everyone to believe otherwise.

I find that interesting since there’s clear, hard evidence the vehicle that Mr. Valentine was driving had been tampered with. ”

I was embellishing what Mikhail had told me, but the method of murder was logical and simple, often overlooked by detectives or mechanics if they didn’t know what they were looking for. He swallowed, which allowed him to gain his composure.

“I assure you that several experts were used while investigating the tragic deaths of the Valentine family. If any evidence of murder had been found, I would have done everything in my power to bring the family justice.”

Laughing, I glanced around the room before placing my attention directly on the family outside. “Of course. I guess it was simply luck that you were assigned both cases. Especially when both the accident and Charlie’s shooting were done outside your jurisdiction.”

When he didn’t say anything, I slowly turned my head toward him.

“I don’t know what you want me to say, Mr. Dmitriyev. I’m assigned cases. I don’t get to pick and choose.”

“Do you know who I am, Detective?”

“You own Genesis, a highly respected resort and casino in Las Vegas. I believe you’re also vice president of Dmitriyev Enterprises.”

“Correct. Since it’s apparent you did your homework as I did mine, then you’re already aware of our more… illustrious beginnings in Las Vegas after emigrating from Moscow. Yes?”

He was more nervous than before, darting a look over his shoulder at his family. “What do you want from me?”

“What do I want. Let me think.” I rubbed my jaw, realizing I’d forgotten to shave that morning.

Hell, I’d been lucky I’d grabbed a change of clothes.

“Let me put it this way. I require your assistance. Allow me to show you something.” I pulled out my phone, navigating to the photographs I’d taken of the unnamed kidnapper.

“As you might imagine, Ms. Valentine was extremely distraught after her brother’s death and I being a good citizen and a very good friend of Charlie’s offered to take her home. ”

He took a step away, never blinking as he watched me.

“Being that in my line of work I need to be security conscious, I checked the surrounding woods next to her house. Imagine my surprise when I found some asshole dressed in dark clothes, packing a weapon and carrying a duffle bag. You’ll never guess the contents.”

At least he was starting to sweat.

“I’ll cut to the chase. Zip ties. A blindfold.

Rope and a syringe full of a muscle paralyzer.

I don’t mind telling you that my instincts and training received as a boy kicked in.

Take a look at how I handled the situation.

Victor was very accommodating before he took his last breath.

I have a much better understanding of what I’m dealing with and how much danger Ms. Valentine is in because of a business deal gone bad. That’s what this is. Right?”

I shoved the phone into his face. His exhale was ragged.

“I think I created a work of art.”

“What is this, extortion?”

Laughing, I realized I was genuinely having a good time. “Not at all. Call it a common courtesy.”

“I could have you arrested for threatening a member of law enforcement.”

Leaning closer, I waited until two beads of sweat rolled down his face. “You could, but you won’t. And why? Because during your investigation of my family, you learned we handle our issues in house. Brutally.”

His exhale was his only answer.

“Don’t worry, Ryan. You won’t need to come in on your day off. There’s nothing to find. I couldn’t have the lovely and very talented Ms. Valentine take a walk and realize she remained in danger.”

“Does that mean you’re admitting to a murder?”

I chortled, even clapping him on the arm.

“Call it taking out the trash, something I’m very good at.

I think we can cut to the chase. I know you’re working for Popov, which is fine.

We all need to make a living. As part owner of the Marengo Resort and Casino here in Seattle, all future business activities will come through me. ”

The news did shock him. Good. That meant Charlie’s attorney wasn’t corrupt. I had to take the wins where and how they came.

“So, now that I have your rapt attention, you can provide your assistance by giving your boss a message. And I’m not talking about the chief of police.

I’m talking about the Pakhan of the Popov Empire.

I do like to hit the ground running so I’ll be at Marengo from early morning through the night tomorrow getting acquainted with the staff and determining the next course of action.

That will be the only time I’m available to speak with Mr. Popov.

I understand he believes he has business regarding the resort, so I’m prepared to tell him he’s wrong.

You will provide the invitation to him for me. ”

“I’m afraid I can’t?—”

My interruption was to crowd his space, my anger significant enough I had my hand wrapped around his scrawny throat before I knew what I was doing.

The pressure was severe and almost instantly his eyes were close to bulging. He clawed at my arm as I lifted him onto his toes. With his face reddening, he was starting to remind me of the vermin he was.

“I don’t think it’s in your best interest to refuse to provide your assistance, Detective. I mean, you do have a family you cherish.”

He sputtered, spittle oozing from the crusted corners of his mouth. I added more pressure and a huge part of me wanted to snap his neck. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t have the outcome I was intending. With a quick snap of my hand, I released my hold, shaking my head as if he’d been a very bad boy.

He coughed a few times then wiped the back of his hand across his mouth.

“Are you… Are you threatening me, Mr. Dmitriyev?”

“Not at all. The longer you get to know me, the more you’ll see I never need to. And in case you’re thinking of having me arrested, I would caution you to reconsider since I do have some juicy incriminating information left by my friend. And I assure you that there will be a trickledown effect.”

That should drive the old Russian Pakhan off his perch.

I backed away, smiling as I did. “One last thing. Make certain Popov knows that Ms. Valentine is completely off limits. I’m certain you’re demonstrative enough to describe what I did to your… associate. Imagine what I could do if given the time.” I turned to head out, noticing a box of cigars.

When was the last time I’d indulged in one?

Too long. I headed toward the humidor, knowing his gaze followed.

“Cuban. Utter perfection.” After selecting one, I stood, pulling the long cigar under my nose and inhaling.

“Incredible. By the way. I’ll expect the person responsible for the Valentine family murders will be brought to justice. One way or another.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Of course you will, because that’s your job.” I took one more look at the family and smiled. “Enjoy your day off, Detective, because things are about to get dicey.”