Hiro’s expression went somber.
I extended my hand toward him for a shake. “Friends?”
Hiro took my hand and shook it. “Friends.”
Someone sighed behind me. I figured it was Naveen.
I let go of Hiro’s hand. “I would love to finish this conversation and discuss our next strategy, but I have to go to Paris and help my cousin. I believe the Dragon will be involving himself in that matter.”
Hiro’s interest piqued. “Do you think Kenji went to Paris?”
“No, but he will definitely have his attention on that area. Whatever occurs in these next few days, I believe I can get my cousin’s backing against the Yakuza.”
Hiro raised his eyebrows.
“Then you would not have to raise a hand to deal with the Dragon. We’ll handle him for you.”
Hiro checked his men. For the first time, their faces held relief.
“And you can’t stay here. I need all of you safe from Leonid.”
Hiro quirked his brows.
“I have a safe place underground.”
Naveen cleared his throat. “Excuse me, Misha. Can we talk?”
“After I’m done.”
“Where is this place underground?” Hiro asked.
“My men will help you gather your things and take you there. Then, you’ll be hidden from Leonid and the yakuza.”
Hiro half-bowed.
Taking it as a good sign, I bowed too. “I’ll be back in a few days. Then I will update you on the Dragon and we’ll come up with a plan.”
Hiro half-bowed again.
Keeping a straight face, I turned around and left.
Naveen and Maxwell followed. I gestured for some of my men to stay. Others would come to clean up. The rest left with us.Chapter 24
Misha
Thankfully, Naveen kept his mouth closed until we left the hotel and got into the limo.
As soon as we drove off for the airport, Naveen yelled, “Are you fucking crazy!?”
I gazed out the window. “You know the answer to that question.”
“What?” Maxwell held out his hands. “That plan sounded good to me. You both have enemies so why not unite like Voltron and go after them. Take those motherfuckers out one at a time. Em would have done that shit.”
“Yeah. It’s a good idea,” Naveen snorted. “The only problem is that the fucking Leonid phone call is bullshit. It’s a fake recording.”
Maxwell coughed. “Say what now?”
“Who did you get to make that?” Naveen asked.
I turned to him. “Circuit did it for me.”
Horror covered Naveen’s face. “And what about the Dragon’s phone call? Is that fake too?”
“That is real.”
“So, the Dragon really does want to kill you, but Leonid is not interested in killing the Xecutioners?”
I shrugged. “Does it matter?”
“Yes.” Naveen shrieked. “Your deal with the Xecutioners depends on it.”
“They care more about killing the Dragon. Did you see their faces?”
Naveen ran his fingers through his hair, went to the bar next to him, and poured himself a drink. “That was stupid, Misha.”
“Not if it works.”
Maxwell jumped in. “That shit did work, man. Now you just have to make sure Leonid never gets in contact with the Xecutioners.”
“Which is why I have them going underground.” I glanced back out the window.
“With Ava?” Naveen asked.
“No, I’m not that foolish. My men will take them to the old bunker I used when I first came to St Petersburg.”
Naveen took a large gulp from his glass and wiped his mouth. “At least, you’ve got the whole place monitored.”
“If they get any phone call from Leonid, my team blocks and tracks the location.”
Wiping away the blood drops on his face, Maxwell took out a joint, lit it, and inhaled. “So, you get Leonid’s location and help from the Xecutioners if you need it.”
Naveen leaned back in his chair and took another sip.
I smiled at him. “Admit it.”
He frowned. “I won’t.”
“This shit may work.”
Naveen shook his head. “You are the most suicidal Russian I have ever met. I should have stayed in Paris.”
I grinned at him. “The Xecutioners are now my unicorn.”
Maxwell handed me the joint. “We just have to make sure they don’t stab you with their horn.”
I grabbed the joint. “Until then, let’s go to Paris and get the nukes from the pansies. We’re cleaning each problem up one at a time.”
Maxwell winked. “And since we’re going to Paris, we must hit up a few strip clubs.”
I checked my watch. “We should be able to fit one in, before getting the nukes from the Pansies and killing the Devil.”
“Let’s just hope it will all be that easy,” Naveen muttered and finished his drink.
“It will be. One by one, my problems will be done.” I gave the joint back to Maxwell, pulled out my phone, and dialed the number. “And now for the most important problem of all.
Maxwell took a hit from his joint and blew out smoke. “What’s that?”
Valentina answered after the second ring. “You still haven’t met with my brother.”
I grinned. “I’m heading to the airport right now.”
She let out a long breath. “Finally.”
I quirked my brows. “I’m surprised at your relief.”