To my surprise, my men watched a show. Rolan swung Mrs. Jones around in a dance as Diana Ross played in the background. I stood in horror for a minute, staring at the inconceivable. Rolan wiggled his hips and then spun her around. Mrs. Jones laughed.
This is getting out of hand.
I directed my view to my men. “Stay here. I’m going downstairs with Naveen and Maxwell.”
A few stirred on the couch.
My most loyal men Dima and Anatoly stood.
Dima spoke. “Sir, you shouldn’t go anywhere alone.”
“I know, but this meeting requires it.”
“We can go around the back. Let me know the location.”
I waved his comment away. “Stay with Ava and her grandmother. Keep her safe.”
A strained expression covered Dima’s face. “Where will you go?”
“Downstairs.” I extended my hand. “Give me your gun.”
Dima took out both.
“Thank you.” I grabbed them and left the penthouse.
Naveen and Maxwell were already in the hallway, studying each other. I didn’t think either was too sure about the other. It took Naveen a long time to trust anyone. I wasn’t sure how friendly Maxwell could be. We had got along pretty fast, but that was because we fought together in a war. The same men had killed his uncle and my father. Death and killing together could turn strangers into friends.
“They texted a message.” Naveen turned to me. “They gave instructions to enter the brothel.”
Maxwell frowned. “And I’ve explained that I don’t like the plan.”
“Let’s go.” I headed off. “If they’re inside the brothel, then they’ve been there for a few hours.”
Maxwell got to my right. “Why is that?”
“Because the Brotherhood owns the brothel. Only we are supposed to use it.”
Naveen walked on my left. “Brotherhood territory should give you some protection. It’s more your building than theirs.”
Maxwell shook his head. “I still don’t think this is cool.”
In silence, we made it to the elevator, took it down, left the building, and crossed the street. I wasn’t sure what would occur during this meeting, but my goal was to get this dilemma finished and return to Ava. In the end, she was all that mattered. The whole damn world could burst into flames around us. As long as she remained safely in my arms, I would not shed a tear or stress.
We hit the streets. A chilly breeze scrubbed against my skin. People walked by and looked at us, but nothing out of the ordinary.
When we arrived at the front of the brothel, I knew there was a problem. Usually, Brotherhood guards flanked the door. This time an unrecognizable person stood outside.
Maxwell leaned my way. “Is that a woman or a man?”
Naveen kept his voice low. “Man.”
We stopped in front of him. I studied the man, not sure what to make of him.
The almond-shaped eyes told me he was Asian. Tall and slim, he had long ashy blonde hair that was feathered and cut into layers along his face. Violet contacts covered his eyes. His lips had a ruby hue which made me think that he painted them with some sort of gloss. The oddness didn’t stop there. He wore form-fitting black pants with several silver zippers, dark boots, and a black long-sleeved shirt. The shirt didn’t have a simple cut. The silver stitching around the wrists and neckline suggested it cost money.
A deep voice left those ruby lips. “Come with me.”
He turned around, opened the door, and walked on.
“Naveen, are you sure that was a man?” Maxwell gave him an odd look. “I don’t know if I should shoot or fuck him.”
“Neither.” Naveen headed off. “Stay on guard with all of them.”
I got to Maxwell’s side. “Fuck him?”
“I’m not into dudes, but he looks better than some of the ballerinas from last night.”
Up ahead, the blond guided us forward which was comical. I’d been in this brothel many times. How could he show me around?
Several weeks ago, Maxwell, Valentina, my men, and I had killed many in this place. With a full cleaning and new management, the brothel went back to business the next day. It had been one of Sasha’s projects. Now I guess it would fall in my domain since I oversaw St Petersburg.
I’ll have to talk to Kazimir about this.
For now, it didn’t matter. Someone had shut off all the lights. Although cigarette smoke filled the dark hallway, we were the only living beings inside. No customers or prostitutes strolled around. Not one moan or grunt rose in the air. And no fellow brothers guarded any of the doors. An eerie silence hung in the darkness.
Where is everybody?
I sniffed the air and caught the scent of blood, but didn’t see any dead bodies.
I moved up to Naveen. “Talk to me.”
Whispering, Naveen gestured. “The blond is Sho. He’s Japanese. Proficient in several fighting styles, but mainly aikido and iaido. He hates guns and prefers killing with a katana which he does very well.”