Page 55 of Cruel Russian Pakhan

“Find Artyom. I want his location. Now.” I ended the call before he could respond.

“Lev, what are you doing?” Jaroslav asked, catching up.

“Artyom fired the first shot. It's time for me to fucking reply.”

Jaroslav jogged ahead and blocked my path, hands up. I stopped inches from him, jaw tight.

“Lev, we don't know if he was behind it. We have to do our own investigation.”

“As soon as Timur tells me where Artyom is, I'm going to question him.”

“You can’t go in half-cocked, Lev. He’ll bury you.”

“I won’t be alone. You’re coming. So is my entire detail.”

He hesitated. “Lev, this isn't how we do things.”

I stepped closer, voice ice-cold. “You’re my brother. But don’t forget who you work for. I lead. You follow. Are we going to have a problem?”

His jaw clenched. “No.”

“Good.”

Reluctantly, he stepped out of my way. I walked until I came to the SUV and hopped in. Rocco was already behind the wheel. I watched as Jaroslav talked with the others as theystared at the vehicle. Then, he nodded, made his way to the SUV, and hopped in beside me.

My phone buzzed. It was Timur.

“Boss, he’s at their strip club. VIP lounge. Columbus Boulevard.”

I hung up. “Rocco. Rykov. Columbus.”

Rocco nodded and pulled out. The ride was dead silent. I’d never pulled rank on Jaroslav before, not like that. It didn't sit right with me. But, despite our rift, Jaroslav knew the importance of having my back in what I was about to do.

We pulled up twenty minutes later, and I got out without a word. Doors slammed behind me, but I didn't stop. I knew my detail was behind me. I had one focus and one focus only as I entered the club.

The bouncers saw me, saw us, but no one moved.

I walked straight through to the VIP level. There were six doors, only one closed. I didn’t bother to knock; I threw it open.

Two curvy topless strippers were grinding on Artyom, who was throwing one-dollar bills at them.

“How do you expect to make maximum profit when you're sampling the product?” My tone was murderous.

Artyom didn’t flinch. “I’m killing every bouncer who let you in.”

“Like you tried to kill my men in the casino?” I growled. “That little bomb stunt was weak. Barely dented the damn floor.”

“Yet, here you are.” Artyom turned to the strippers. “Out.”

They scattered.

“I’ve been here all day,” he said, glaring. “Didn’t order any fireworks. Although, knowing someone has attacked your business has made my day a little bit brighter.”

I laughed, dry and low. “You think being here gives you an alibi? You’ve got a whole crew for dirty work.”

He snapped, “If I wanted your casino gone, Lev, there’d be ashes, not just a fucking dented door.”

“He’s right,” came Yegor’s voice from the door.