Rhapsody (Butcher and Violinist 1)

“Yet, you don’t live up to the name.” Kazimir turned to me. “And you are le boucher.”

I nodded. “How can I help you, Kazimir?”

“Good.” He smiled. “You know my name too. There’s no need for a long introduction.”

Kazimir pointed to the back of the restaurant. “I was told there is a nice hill and a path that leads to a garden. We can talk out there.”

He walked off and headed that way.

I had no idea that Rafael had even bought this property. Meanwhile, Kazimir’s men must’ve had a blueprint.

He does have access to satellites. He probably knows a whole lot more.

Rafael, Louis, and I followed.

Kazimir’s men remained behind—Misha and Sasha. Both gazed at us with pure scrutiny.

Rafael leaned his head my and lowered his voice. “What do you think the Lion wants?”

I frowned. “To show us how big his dick is.”

“It’s not bigger than mine.”

“We’ll see.”

Rafael grunted.

We headed outside.

The journey to the garden held suspense and tension. The sun was just setting. Lit red lanterns dangled from the newly-planted bonsai trees outlining the walls.

Kazimir gestured to the lanterns. “You really went with the theme.”

Rafael kept his voice low. “I had no idea the Russians had such a talent for decorating.”

We reached what I assumed was the garden. Iron wrought benches sat in the center of roses and tulips.

Kazimir sat down on the first bench.

I lowered on the other.

The rest of our men stood around us.

Kazimir looked at me. “Four years ago we had a shot of sake in Tokyo?”

“We did.”

“And the conversation was to your liking?” he asked.

“It was.”

“Yet, you’ve been killing my men for the past two years.”

“My anger has nothing to do with the Bratva,” I said. “My conflict has nothing to do with your uncle either. He just has provided my enemy with your men.”

Misha walked my way and handed me a large picture.

Eden’s face greeted my eyes.

Rage filled me.

“Is this the reason for the conflict?” Misha asked.

I gave the picture back to him. “Yes.”

Misha smiled. “Then, if I kill her, we’ll be done?”

I rose.

The Russians took out their guns. Louis and Rafael stayed between them and me.

Kazimir remained seated. “I’m sorry, Jean-Pierre, but my cousin is not as proficient with negotiations as we are.”

Misha chuckled, walked over to Kazimir, and sat down by him.

I straightened my jacket and returned to my seat. “Killing Eden is not an option.”

“I didn’t think it was,” Kazimir said. “However, I’ve been known to take the wrong measures, when a problem begins to annoy me.”

“Then, we should find a solution,” I said.

“What would resolve this?”

“Your uncle’s men staying out of this.”

“It seems Uncle Igor will only pull back if his lover agrees.”

“Then, I can’t see a solution.” I rose from the seat. “Let’s not waste any more time.”

The sky darkened around us as the sun made its final descent.

Kazimir rose and turned his gaze up. “The new moon comes tonight.”

“I usually don’t pay attention to those things.” I placed my hands in my pocket.

“People usually look forward to the full moon. Everything feels more magical with that big glowing rock hanging over us.” Kazimir gestured to the sky. “But when the new moon arrives. The slate is clean. The night is a thick shadow without the moon’s mystical gleam. It’s a tranquil time, when nature became calm.”

He directed his view to me. “Humans go calm too. It’s renewal. Re-birth. A time to rethink the choices you made during the last month’s phases of the moon.”

“And you think I should take some time to rethink my choices in these past two years?”

“That would be wise.”

“The new moon is symbolic of the second chance we are given over and over again.” Kazimir touched his chance. “I believe that I’ve given you many second chances by staying out of this fight, but now I’m in. And by the next full moon, my uncle will be given all of my resources.”

Misha stepped us to us and pointed out at the city. “If my father gets Kazimir’s toys, then Paris will be a flat piece of crumbled ruins and dirt.”

I glared. “That’s a big threat over a small conflict.”

Kazimir’s famed roar edged to the surface. “You’ve bloodied the streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg over your violinist. Retreat. You have the next full moon to pull the Corsican out of Russia.”

Misha added, “All of them.”

Rafael entered the conversation, “Then, the Bratva won’t be welcomed in France.”

Misha laughed. “The Corsican don’t even own France. We just let you rent it.”

Louis held Rafael since my cousin was close to blows.

“Calm down.” I got between my men and the Russians. “I make no move until the full moon.”

Kazimir leaned his head to the side. “And if you decide to push me?”

“Then, you’ll know, in my way.”

“Make sure it’s well thought out, if you come for me.”

“Trust me. I always think things through.”