Page 4 of Violent Pawn

Resting the picture off to the side, I pick up the advert for an upcoming ballet performance in Poland that has Anastasia’s name splashed all over it.

A sore feeling churns my stomach as more pieces connect.

“Signorina Petrov and her father will soon be visiting Poland, which may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hit the Bratva. Not only is her father one of their Pakhan’s Elite, but she’s best friends with the Pakhan’s daughter.” He leans forward, tapping the brunette in the photograph. “Such a loss will be a huge hit.”

“Why not go for the daughter then?” I ask, the words spilling out before I put any real consideration into questioning my Capo—something my rank doesn’t grant me—and the fact I’m putting a different girl in his line of sight.

“We’ve tried. Her father has her locked away in a private school that we’re unable to reach. Which is why Signorina Petrov will be an opportunity I’d be stupid to miss. She may not be the ideal target, but a point will be made.”

Which is? The question is forced down alongside the bitterness and discomfort this mission is bringing—all without having the full details yet. All I know is…this isn’t sitting right with me.

This is what you’ve trained for. She’s related to his enemy.

So far, most missions have involved drug and weapons deals, occasionally going after local gangs that might try to rise up or learning to torture captives. Since neither Zeno nor I are officially inducted yet, we often get left out of the more important jobs.

Whatever it is about Anastasia Petrov, I need to swallow that fear and do this. For him, for Zeno, and for myself.

“What do you need me to do, signore?”

His wide grin confirms my response was the right one. “I’ve purchased you a ticket to the performance under a different name. We can’t have anyone tracking your attendance and linking this to me. After the show, you will kidnap her. The method is up to you, but my plane leaves Poland at midnight, and I expect you and Signorina Petrov to be on it.”

My gaze shifts back to the picture. Kidnapping? How the hell am I supposed to capture the girl who’ll be the literal star of the show without causing attention?

“What’ll happen to her?” It’s something else I don’t have the right to know, but one I need to. If I’m going to do this, I need to know what she’ll endure. How bad it’ll be if I don’t, but how much worse it could be if I do.

Giovanni stands from the booth, downs the rest of his drink, and claps me on the shoulder as he strides by. “Make me proud, and your future within my ranks could be bright.”

In other words, fail and your time in the organization is over. And no one leaves the Cosa Nostra alive.

It’s Anastasia Petrov or my life.

He goes, my question remaining unanswered, as bitter as the crime of kidnapping an innocent.

The unknowns prickle my neck while driving home. Kidnapping Anastasia is one thing, if I was certain she’d be used to lure out the Russian Pakhan. Without that guarantee, I have to wonder if I’m bringing her to her death.

As a woman, she probably has little to do with the Bratva, other than an unfortunate connection through her father and a friendship. Her probable innocence isn’t making the plan sit well. I joined the Cosa Nostra for a connection, to feel content and do more, to provide for my parents while Padre’s bakery struggles for business. I’ve accepted the criminal activity and illegal acts. But harming a woman… That’s where I draw my line.

Padre is out when I arrive home, presumably at work. Which is good because he’d take one look at me, notice my dismay, and demand the truth, probably using it as an excuse to get me away from the Cosa Nostra since he doesn’t approve of my enrollment.

I flop onto my bed and pull out my cell, opening my messages with Zeno.

Me

Hey, ever think what it’ll mean one day to be fully inducted?

Z

All the time. Why, what’s up?

Me

Your dad gave me a job, but I don’t know how to feel about it.

Z

It’s a test. If you’re truly not up for it, you can bow out. The CN is my future, but it doesn’t have to be yours. I want you by my side, but I’ll understand if it’s not something you want anymore.

I want it. I just don’t want to kidnap an innocent girl while doing it.