Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
“I’m in, but with everyone at the table.” Maxwell gestured to Tisha, Roman, and me. “You all are real ballers. I feel like we can raise the bet.”
Roman quirked his brows. “You barely know the game, but you want to go higher?”
Maxwell shrugged. “I’ve played, and plus I’m a fast learner.”
Tisha set the cards on the table. “Ten million rubles.”
“Oh shit.” Maxwell pulled out his lighter. “That’s what the fuck I’m talking about. 136k U.S. green. That’s the type of shit I like.”
Tisha delt the cards.
David stood on my side.
I looked up at him. “Anything new?”
“All has been quiet.”
“And the women?”
“Asleep in their cells? Eight men watching each woman.”
“Nothing happens to them, until my mouse and I ask our questions.”
“Agreed.”
Several more waiters hurried in, carrying trays with black lacquered boxes on them.
What is this?
One came over and set a box at our table. Another waiter arrived and laid down gold cutters.
Smiling, I opened the box.
Twelve elegant cigars rested within. Each one was long and slender with a tapered head. They boasted smooth, oily wrappers with a deep, rich brown color.
I looked up at David. “My mouse?”
David nodded.
Good job, mysh.
The delicious food and vodka had been nonstop. And now she had elevated everyone’s smoking by bringing out my favorite cigars.
I took a cigar and pushed the box across the table. “Maxwell.”
“Yeah?”
“Save your cannabis. You must try this.”
Maxwell wore a skeptical expression. “A cigar?”
“Those are not just any cigars. These are Montecristo No. 2’s. You have never had something so expensive between your lips.”
“Are you sure, man?” Maxwell placed his blunt on the table and grabbed a cigar.
I carefully rolled my cigar between my fingers, feeling its weight and texture. “Just try it. This is a symphony of smoke in your mouth. Quite a journey.”
Maxwell stared at it.
“Take a chance.”
“Speaking of taking chances.” Roman took a cigar. “Maxwell, is it not risky for you to be here in Moscow?”
“What do you mean, man?”
Roman shrugged. “You must have many faithful and powerful men in Italy.”
I quirked my brows.
Maxwell snapped his gaze to Roman.
“A territory so important as that one.” Roman whistled. “I would never leave it alone for too long.”
Chuckling, Tisha finished dealing the cards. “I would never leave either. There is a lot to do in Italy. I plan to head down there some time this year and enjoy myself.”
“Just be sure to let me know when you do.” Maxwell twisted the cigar between his fingers and looked at Tisha. “Italy can be very dangerous.”
I watched them.
“And you will keep me safe?” Tisha laughed. “My friend, I have been to Italy many times. Never did I have a problem.”
Maxwell stared at him. “This time you may have a problem.”
Silence passed between them.
Tension thickened in the air.
I would not help Maxwell with Tisha. To do so would be to undermine Maxwell and make him appear weak in front of the others.
Plus, I knew that Tisha was only testing him, seeing if Maxwell could truly stomp with the beasts.
Tisha knew that I had handed Maxwell that territory. Therefore, he would never boldly come for Italy.
But, if Tisha wanted to. . .he would find covert ways to trigger chaos in Italy.
I looked up at David.
Put more people in Italy.
David nodded as if he heard me. He never needed the exact words. He always got the feeling in my head.
Tisha caught David’s and my exchange and frowned. “So many new people.”
“There are always new people.” I brought the cigar up to my nose and inhaled deeply, taking in the rich aroma of the tobacco. “How are your territories in Mexico? In the meeting, we never got to the Americas.”
Tisha’s frown deepened. “The Cartels are annoying, but I am keeping them in line.”
“My digital map says otherwise.” I picked up the cutter. “While there is a lot of gold territories in the Americas, they keep shrinking around the borders.”
“We are standing strong, and as you know more money always arrives to Russia on time every month.”
I nodded.
“However, I am glad you brought this up, Kazimir.” Tisha picked up his cards and scanned them. “I believe that if you are going to New Orleans, I should come with you.”
Maxwell watched him.
I carefully cut off the tip of the cigar, taking care not to damage the delicate wrapper. “You want to come?”
Tisha turned to me. “I do.”
“Due to the Cartels?”
“They are leaking into America and Canada, trying to fight us all for territory. And it is not just the Brotherhood that is battling them. The Triads. Yakuza. Even the Italians. They have kept all of us busy. There could be a problem if you are in America.” Then, Tisha gestured to David and Maxwell. “And I do not know these new people that you have around you now. With so many gone, I think it is time for you to return to the most loyal.”