Page 133 of Hunt Me

The feeling hit you the hardest when you least expected it.

CHAPTER 33

Mikhail

“A package came for you.”

In a day filled with meetings, I’d contacted Mark Jenkins first, arriving at his office bright and early. After a night spent with Bristol, I was more than eager for this chapter of hell to be over. Connor’s arrest had been big news, shoving aside all doubts that Dmitriyev Enterprises was an upstanding, law-abiding company.

It was a small win, but something I’d savored, even if I hadn’t achieved satisfaction in killing Connor. However, I had the woman I craved home safe where she’d remain.

As mine.

At least the thought kept the ugly demons from eroding a relatively decent mood.

He slid a large envelope across the desk. “This came yesterday.”

When he hesitated, I realized exactly who’d sent it.

“It’s from Sergio.” He eyed me warily as I pulled it into my hands.

Thoughts about my old mentor resurfaced, which created another pang of guilt and a wave of anger, but I shoved them down. After a moment of hesitation, I peeled open the flap, pulling a large notebook and a jump drive into my hands. The man was not only old school, he was also thorough. His anticipation of his death meant he’d suspected a traitor in our midst. All I needed to do was flip through a few pages to know Sergio had made plans in case anything happened to him.

He had kept a paper copy of his black book, along with an electronic copy. He’d likely died trying to protect it.

“Should I know what you have?” Mark asked.

“This is nothing you need to worry about.” I pulled a folded piece of paper from the inside of the book into my hands, taking a deep breath before opening it.

Mikhail,

If you’re reading this, I’ve reached the end of my existence on this planet. Not to sound morbid, but you and I knew it was only a matter of time. I’m an old dog in a new world, a world that you now rule.

I’ve admired you over the years and how you’ve grown, yet never forgetting the importance of family and of the Bratva. Don’t mourn the loss. Instead, celebrate your life. My hope for you is that you find the love you so desire. If you do, you’ll truly become the spirit of the Pakhan as your father always suggested.

Be well, my friend, and know you were like a son to me.

Sergio

I read the letter once again before folding and putting it back in its rightful place. It was profoundly true that the Bratva was a family. While things had changed over the years, there were some aspects that would always stay the same.

Loyalty.

Respect.

Honor.

I would uphold those until the day I died.

“Why did you ask to see me?” Mark asked casually.

“Because you’re going to have an addition to your staff, a new attorney who will be handling the majority of work for the Dmitriyev family.”

I could tell instantly he knew what I was instructing him to do.

He half laughed as he drummed his fingers on the surface of his desk. “Consider it done.”

I rose to my feet, but before heading to the door, I gave him one last instruction.