Page 132 of Twisted Pact

“Everything alright?” I ask.

“Boris is monitoring the perimeter. No issues.”

Katya gives him a look that says, “Not tonight,” and he reluctantly puts the phone away.

Mila pours wine for Dmitri and Katya, then settles into her chair with a glass of sparkling water. The conversation starts carefully, with everyone feeling out the boundaries.

“So, Mila,” Katya begins, “what’s your background? Alexei mentioned you’re in graduate school.”

“International business law,” Mila says. “Or I was. My academic career took a bit of a hit when everything happened that day on campus. The university wasn’t thrilled about the publicity.”

The silence that follows is profound as my brother gives me a pointed look.

“Well,” Katya clucks her tongue, “that’s unfortunate.”

“It is what it is. I’m working on getting reinstated, but in the meantime, Alexei has helped me connect with some colleagues who might be willing to supervise my thesis independently.”

I nod in confirmation. “She’s too smart to let bureaucratic cowardice end her education. We’ll find a way.”

“That’s fascinating,” Katya assures her, sounding genuinely interested rather than offended. “What’s your conclusion?”

“That the real vulnerability isn’t violence or territorial disputes,” Mila explains. “It’s forensic accounting and cooperation from international law enforcement.”

Dmitri looks up from his wine with wide eyes. “Explain.”

“Most criminal enterprises fail because they can’t maintain legitimate business operations convincingly enough to withstand financial scrutiny. The successful ones—like yours and my father’s—have sophisticated legal structures that make prosecution nearly impossible.”

“Nearly?” Katya asks.

“There are always gaps. Patterns that emerge over time. But it requires resources and coordination that most agencies don’t have.”

“Interesting perspective from someone who’s never been involved in actual operations,” Dmitri muses.

The comment has an edge to it, and Mila straightens in her chair.

“You’re right.” She doesn’t miss a beat. “My father kept me on the outskirts of our family’s operations, so yes, I’m an outsider analyzing from academic distance. Sometimes, that provides clarity that insiders can’t see.”

“What kind of clarity?” Katya asks.

“For instance, your husband’s organization is remarkably stable compared to others I’ve studied. Most criminal enterprises have internal power struggles that law enforcement can exploit. Yours doesn’t.”

“Why do you think that is?” I’m curious about her analysis.

“Strong leadership. Clear hierarchy. And—” she glances between Dmitri and me “—genuine loyalty between the people in charge.”

The lines on my brother’s face smooth at that observation.

“Plus,” Mila continues, “you’ve maintained legitimate business operations that turn a profit. Most organizations use legal fronts as cover. Yours generate real revenue.”

“Someone’s done her homework,” Katya observes.

“I’m thorough. It’s why I chose your family as a case study.”

“Chose us?” Dmitri asks.

“Even before I knew Alexei, your organization was the most interesting from an academic perspective. My father spoke of the infamous Kozlov often.”

The irony of that statement settles in the room for a beat before Katya asks, “So what happens to your research now that you’re personally involved?”