Page 18 of Be My Vengeance

“He’s a shift supervisor, but we grew up together. He just did it, not because Greg did anything wrong. Hell, the guy didn’t even tell me what he wanted. He dragged Greg in here, pushed him to his knees, and shot him right here. Then he said that if I didn’t do exactly what he wanted, he’d do the same thing to my family.”

“So this guy comes in, kills Greg, then tells you that you have to hold his drugs?”

Liev nodded. “Said that a guy named Sasha would be stopping by next week, I believe, and handling its export from my center.”

“Sasha won’t be coming,” Danny informed him.

“Oh?”

“He’s dead.” Danny was matter of fact.

“Dead…did you…”

“Yes,” I answered. “Now, listen to me, Liev. I know better than anyone how fucking ruthless these Russian assholes are. My goal is to wipe out every single one of these motherfuckers, and you’re going to help me do that.”

“Did you miss the part where I said the man would murder my family?”

“No, I didn’t. But they murdered mine, and I’m not going to sit back and let them live. At this time, this guy won’t even know you’re telling us anything. Whoever they get to replace Sasha to come and see you will go as planned.”

“Uh…then what do you need from me?”

“His name. That’s all for now.”

“How do I know I’m safe?”

I chuckled. “I won’t lie to you, Liev. You’re not. But if they aren’t stopped, you’ll never be. At least this way, we’re offering you revenge for your friend and an end to this nightmare. Will you help us?”

Liev adjusted his glasses. “I’m not a brave person.” He waved his hand at us. “You both are big guys, with guns, I’m guessing. This sort of thing is normal for you. Not for me, though. I don’t want anything to happen to my family.”

“You’re in bed with the Bratva. Do you know what that is, Liev?” I was sure he’d at least heard of that.

“Russian mafia, right?”

“Exactly. These guys aren’t going to let you live once they’re done with you. There’s no honor in any one of them. We are trying to stop them, and if you help us you and your family walk away from this, the drugs leave your distribution center, and your life returns to normal.”

He regarded me. “Can you guarantee my family’s safety while I help you?”

I looked at Danny, who answered, “It’ll appear suspicious if they up and leave for whatever reason, but I can talk to my boss, and we can get people there to protect them. Does your wife know what’s going on here?”

“Yes.”

“So, if a couple of people stay in your house for a time, it won’t be suspicious?”

He shook his head. “If you can get them protected, I’ll help you.”

“I’ll need a name. Tell me that, and I will get on the phone with my boss right now.” Danny made a show of pulling out his cell phone.

“Oleg Trudov.”

This wasn’t a name I was familiar with. “Did he give you a number to call if there were issues or anything?”

Liev nodded, opened his desk drawer, and removed a business card. “He said to call this number and someone would handle it, but I don’t know who. Like I told you, a guy named Sasha was supposed to be coming, but now that you said he’s dead I have no idea who will be here.”

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to make a phone call.” Danny got up and left the office.

“Is he calling Mr. Hendrix?”

“Yes. We will do everything we can to keep you and your family safe. Did this Oleg give you money for doing this for him?”