Page 15 of Hunt Me (Dmitriyev Bratva #1)

B ristol

“Sweetheart. There you are. I’m so glad to see you.”

“Hi, Dad. Good to see you too.” I was weary from the interview, my stomach grumbling, and ready to chew nails given the conversation with Mr. Jenkins. What was wrong with everyone in this town?

“I understand you were in a wedding over the weekend.”

When he lifted his eyebrow, I sensed he was none too happy. I’d purposely not told him because my father had consistently challenged my friendships for as long as I could remember. “I was. Everything was magical.” My words dripped of disdain.

His sigh was heavier than normal. “I’ve never tried to steer you away from friendships before, Bristol, but I will this time. You should stay away from the Dmitriyev family.”

“And why is that?”

“Let’s just say they are dangerous people who’ve done some very bad things in their lives.”

“Lilia was my roommate.”

“Yes, I’m aware. I didn’t say anything at the time because I knew how you’d react.”

Cocking my head, I allowed him to see me rolling my eyes. “Lilia is going to be an attorney, Dad. Good versus evil? Are you feeding into the rumor they’re organized crime?”

“I was a prosecutor for years, my sweet child.”

“That was in Los Angeles.”

“Word gets around. I don’t think the Dmitriyev family appreciates my leadership style.”

“If they’re so bad, why aren’t they in prison?” I wasn’t going to burst his bubble by saying that he wasn’t particularly well liked in this town.

He nodded to a chair in front of his desk. “Sit down, Bristol.”

I remained standing. “Let me guess. No one was ever able to convict them of any crimes. Right?” When I’d been growing up, my father had kept both me and Callie in the dark about his cases.

He’d done his best to remove us from the seedy underbelly that he worked hard to convict.

When we’ve moved to Las Vegas when I was a teenager, my parents had purchased a home in a quiet neighborhood outside the city limits and far removed from the hustle and bustle.

Since moving here, he’d been involved with politics and not the law directly, the shift surprising almost everyone who knew him.

He’d adored putting away the bad guys.

“As with various crime elements and syndicates, the family members rarely got their hands dirty, using lower ranking soldiers to do their dirty work.”

“You’re saying that in general, of course.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Don’t allow the Dmitriyev family to fool you. Their polished exterior appears highly legitimate, but their enemies have a way of disappearing.”

Was my father trying to scare me?

“Whatever the case, they seem highly respected, even revered.” Not that I knew but so much about Vegas politics.

I’d purposely ignored that aspect of my father’s life since moving to Connecticut to attend college.

I’d even toyed with trying to get a job in the northeast. I was beginning to think I should have followed my instincts.

He nodded and moved around to the other side of his desk. “Yes, they’ve changed, or so I’ve heard. Now, they are legitimate businessmen.” His voice dripped of sarcasm.

“But you still don’t believe it.”

“As you should know, looks can be deceiving. They are vipers in disguise. As I said, my observant daughter. Don’t be fooled by them.”

“Trust me, Daddy. I’m no fool.”

He laughed genuinely. “No, you are not. However, they are only one element of crime in our city. There are others.”

“That you plan on fighting.”

His smile persisted. “Please sit down. We haven’t had a long chat in a few weeks.” His mood was brighter, but I’d caught a brief look in his eyes. Something about the Dmitriyev family troubled him that was entirely personal.

“Two weeks ago, Dad, when you tried to get me to come work for you.”

I’d been in town only five weeks and this was the third time I’d been to his office instead of visiting my parents’ home like a normal child would.

While I’d gone to see my mom several times, he’d been working as usual.

Granted, as the mayor of Las Vegas, he had a heavy agenda, but I felt more like a commodity than his daughter.

He cocked his head, giving me his usual ‘how could you think that about me’ look.

“Yes, well, time does fly. I apologize; I’ve been very busy. Your mother and I want to have you out to dinner. How is the job hunting going?”

I eased onto the plush leather seat before answering. “It’s not going as well as I expected. I had no idea so many firms embraced the gray areas of law. In truth, I didn’t know there were any. I was so excited to obtain an interview with Jenkins, Riley, and Smith, but Mr. Jenkins is…”

“A jerk?” He laughed and sat down slowly behind his desk, immediately sitting back.

“Yes. My God, the man reeks of arrogance. From what I can tell, he doesn’t think much of you either.”

He nodded. “We’ve had our run-ins. I don’t mind telling you that I don’t think his firm is the best fit for you. They’ve been known to work with… criminal elements.”

“Funny. That’s exactly what he said about me not being the right fit. What he wants is a seal who he could lead around on a leash, performing for a crowd while upholding the firm’s agenda.”

“Sadly, there are more gray areas than you’re aware of even inside the law and men like Jenkins prefer a hefty paycheck versus doing the right thing. I’ve learned that lesson since obtaining office. However, not every firm caters to the rich and famous while ignoring the letter of the law.”

“Wow. A change in heart.”

“More like an awakening.”

Why did it seem like he was remembering something from his past? I could tell by the faraway look in his eyes.

“I wish I had your faith in the firms in town. I’m beginning to wonder if staying in Las Vegas if the best idea for me.” I wasn’t going to lay blame on my dad for being who he was. That wasn’t fair. However, I’d underestimated his worth and reputation when deciding to return home.

With the same concerned look on his face, he leaned over his desk.

“I would still like you to come to work for me, Bristol. I know what you’re going to say, but we’d make a great team.

You’re tenacious and much more intelligent than I am.

I need people I can trust implicitly. Plus, I’m not getting any younger.

I could use your investigative skills and youthful exuberance. ”

“Buttering me up won’t do you any good, Dad. Besides, you have a team of lawyers and from what I’ve read, they’re damn good.”

“Yes, I do and they are an excellent team, but I’m not talking working for the firm representing me, but rather a special commission I’ve discussed forming with my people.” He sat back, waiting to see if I’d gobble up the crumbs. I should have known my father had something up his sleeve.

“A special commission?” Uh-oh. I felt it coming on.

“Yes, to fight organized crime in the city and within several major corporations. Corruption has ruled this town for decades. You maybe had a small taste of what I’ve been forced to deal with in talking with Mark Jenkins.”

Now I understood his warning regarding the Dmitriyev family. If anyone learned I’d slept with one of them, his commission could be compromised. Another reason not to consider working with my father.

“You think he’s on the take.” It was also no wonder my father had chastised me for attending what had been hyped as the wedding of the year. He was placing the Dmitriyev family under investigation.

“I think there are a lot of people on the take, including high-ranking members of law enforcement and the judicial system. The newly built stadium is very important to this city, but as with all new ventures, criminal elements become attracted to the promise of wealth. There’s already been an uptake in illegal sports betting.

Just last week, two men were arrested for match fixing, which sadly involved a highly respected boxer.

In addition, more drugs are flowing into the city. ”

“Once you’re in bed with thieves, you’ll always be fighting for the blanket.”

My father eyed me curiously.

“Something a professor once told me.”

He chuckled. “I’ll need to keep that in mind. A few major players own this town. Since you’ve been in college, business is booming, but many developments have been built on the blood of innocent victims.” He had the same faraway look in his eyes.

“That’s why you became mayor.” That’s also why he had such a strong dislike of the Dmitriyev family.

“Yes and that’s significant, Bristol. When I was a prosecutor in LA, I was forced to experience the kind of dirty business that would give you nightmares.

The city was inundated with violent crimes, bodies littering the streets.

I don’t want that for Las Vegas. I also don’t want my family threatened. ”

Holy crap. I’d never seen my father so anxious. “You’re still being threatened?”

He tried to laugh it off. “Don’t take things so literally, Bristol. In my position, shouldn’t I expect my share of threats? I wouldn’t be doing my job if they weren’t at least a weekly occurrence, but there’s been nothing overt. Don’t worry.”

Not only were his words making me anxious, but the tension nearly consuming his body was as well.

There were about a dozen reasons my skin began to crawl.

If my father learned I’d slept with Mikhail Dmitriyev, he’d personally go after the man like a bull in a china shop.

While my night of passion wasn’t any of my father’s business, my dad had a funny way of maintaining his oppressive status just like he had when I was a child.

When I’d called him on being so strict, he’d told me he was protecting me from the evils of this world. No, I wasn’t going to be criticized for how I decided to live my life.

“But I won’t lie to you. What I’m considering undertaking is somewhat precarious, yet vital for the continued success of our city. I need people working with me who I can trust without question.”

I shook my head. My instincts were telling me my father had personal reasons for creating this commission on top of his love of the law. This just didn’t feel right.

“Let me stop you right there. You are so sweet to offer me such an incredible position; however, I want to make it on my own, Dad, not riding on your coattails. Certainly you can understand why I feel that way. I also don’t think I’m the most qualified to take on the significant corruption in the city.

People might not take me seriously.” My father had his sights set on being governor, but I knew he wouldn’t stop there.

I admired his aspirations, but that wasn’t me.

I wanted to fight for justice. Maybe I should switch sides.

Instead of defense, consider joining prosecution teams. But my way, not his.

My thoughts drifted to Mikhail once again, which was completely inappropriate. Maybe a tiny part of me didn’t want the amazing memory destroyed. Or maybe if given the chance I wouldn’t mind seeing him again. That couldn’t happen if I was on some commission determined to bring him to his knees.

The commonsense side of me was screaming something else. Maybe there was something to the rumors after all. Another reason to keep my distance from the powerful man and his sex appeal.

Even if a huge part of me didn’t want to.

“Bristol. You’re extremely talented. You graduated top of your class. Plus, you’re my daughter and there’s nothing wrong with having doors opened for you. Right now, they’re closed.”

“Because I’m a woman and because you’re my dad. And sorry, Daddy, but you’re creating enemies.”

“Partially, yes. But it’s also because you won’t play any games, which is often a requirement in town.”

“Meaning I won’t look the other way.”

“You do understand. You’re obviously having issues obtaining a job and your mother and I don’t want you moving out of state. You’re very talented and I could use you on my team. One thing you’ll need to learn is that money can buy everything, including loyalty. That’s very dangerous.”

I rose to my feet. “I love you, Daddy, but my decision stands. I will find the perfect job in Vegas. If I don’t, then I may reconsider trying to find a job in Boston.

However, not everyone in this town has been bought off.

I still believe in the greater good, which is why I studied criminal justice. Just have faith in me.”

He nodded, sighing as he stood.

“I have total faith in you, but I want you to succeed, not fail. Life is tough enough, Bristol, jobs not easy to find. I want you to think about my offer. Being the lead attorney on the commission will provide you with another set of doors.”

Doors that he wanted me to open.

“I appreciate it, Dad, and I’ll think about it.” No, I wouldn’t. When I made up my mind about something, it was extremely rare anyone could manage to get me to change my mind.

Unless I was given no other choice.

“Oh, and your mother asked me to remind you about the fundraiser dinner, sweetheart. You’re scheduled to attend.”

Scheduled to attend, which meant my father would show me off like a prized seal.

“That’s the least you can do for your mom. Plus, I’d like to show off my beautiful daughter who just passed the bar.”

Now he was pulling the mom card.

“I forgot all about that.” My mother was actively involved in fundraising, the huge culmination an expensive dinner that the upper echelon of society attended.

She was the master of obtaining charitable contributions all while running a multimillion-dollar marketing company that my sister worked for.

Meanwhile, the success of her lavish events didn’t hurt my father’s career one bit. I’d only been in town a week before I realized my father was considered a mover and a shaker. He was attempting to influence some powerful people for his commission.

“You will be there. Yes?” There was a twinkle in his eye. “If you say no, your mother will never let me hear the end of it.”

“Fine. I’ll be there.”

Why did I have a terrible feeling my father had a hidden agenda in asking me to come work for him? Because I knew my father far too well.

He was hiding something and if my instinct was right, it was horribly explosive.