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There was no real joy in killing someone who’d worked for me for years. Perhaps in some small way there was a twisted sense of satisfaction, but right now, I felt nothing inside. Just the same ice running through my veins as before. I still couldn’t help but think about how much could have been avoided had I been this calm before.
One thing I knew. I’d spent almost six years controlling my guilt and despair. No longer. I had a chance to live my life a second time and that’s what I planned on doing.
Deaths would end, wars pushed to the backburner. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t enjoy destroying the livelihood of several others. And they’d never know when I was about to strike.
When traitors were involved, I usually felt nothing but contempt.
This time, I felt as if a blow had been issued.
But that wasn’t going to keep me from ending this quickly.
Kristoff had been worked over likely by Mario. He deserved to issue a few punches.
As I approached Kristoff, I took a few seconds to think about what I wanted to do. He finally lifted his head. Maybe I’d hoped for remorse.
Men in my world of any salt didn’t express emotions. But I did notice a flicker in his eyes.
“You betrayed me.” My statement was direct.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
When he looked away, Sergei snarled and Mario was having none of it, smashing his fist in the man’s jaw.
Kristoff was driven to the side but didn’t fall. He merely cupped his face.
“Easy, Mario. I know you’re angry. So am I. Answer the question, Kristoff. After all the years we worked together, I think I deserve an answer.”
“Because I lost my faith in you.” The words were loud enough for everyone to hear. “But I was wrong. I thought you weak, but you’re the most powerful man I’ve ever known.”
I don’t know if it was an answer that I’d expected or one that I deserved, but I could tell it was the truth. I’d lost my way after the murder of my wife, never fully embracing being the man I’d been brought up to be. I glanced at the captains who stood in the garage, making eye contact with all of them.
“Things are about to change, gentlemen. Everything is about to change. Let this be a lesson. A Pakhan is only as good as the faith and respect earned by the men working with him. If any of you have lost faith, you are free to leave. If you stay, you will be expected to maintain loyalty. Anything less will not be accepted. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Pakhan.”
“Yes, sir.”
“No one has lost faith,” Mario stated. “If they even consider doing so, they will need to come through me.”
The answers were quick and without reservation. And I meant what I’d told them.
“What about Kristoff?” Sergei asked.
“He’s yours, my friend. You have every right to handle this as you see fit.”
“Yes, sir.”
I left him to decide, leaving the garage and standing in the darkness for a few seconds. I’d been given a second chance, one that I wouldn’t ignore or waste time in dwelling in the past.
There was much to celebrate and everything to live for.
And that’s what I intended on doing.
CHAPTER 27
Isabel
