Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
"What does it matter?"
I don't care what people think about me. So why did I ask that question? “I want to know where I stand."
“You’re my wife, and that’s all that matters.”
Lev's warm hand covers mine again. We park outside the home, and no one is outside. It's a beautiful, uncharacteristically warm fall day. The leaves are burnt orange and crunchy, a dark, vivid reminder of the change of seasons. Lev and I are on the brink of something monumental, and we both know it.
"I want to know what to expect. Is he antagonistic? Angry?"
"None of those things," he says. "He is as steady as a rock. Nothing fazes him. His mastery of stoicism made me who I am today. But it's much more important that you know the truth, Isabella."
I look over at him. I didn't realize how emotional all of this made me until now.
"What's that?" I ask. The adrenaline of my duty fueled me to get to where I am now, but now that I am actually about to betray my family, I am gripped with fear.
"You're my wife. I took vows to you. I have never been more serious about anything in my life. I love my brothers and Kolya and my family with all my heart. But you are the one I took vows with. No one will hurt you. No one will disrespect you. Is that clear?"
My voice is little more than a whisper when I respond, "Crystal clear, mi querido jefe. Let's go inside.” I blow out a breath. “I have a few things to tell you guys."
The dimly lit room buzzes with tension as Lev and I walk in, hand in hand. Lev's brothers sit around the large oak table, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Kolya leans against the wall, arms crossed and eyes narrowed, his silver-lined hair giving him a look of maturity, though his eyes make him look younger.
I take a deep breath, meeting each pair of eyes steadily.
“Isabella, meet Kolya,” Lev introduces. “Kolya, my wife, Isabella.”
He nods silently.
“Thank you for meeting with us,” I begin, my voice steady. “I have crucial information for you that can help us take down Javier’s human trafficking ring and secure his drug operation for us.”
Aleks arches an eyebrow. “And why should we trust anything you say?”
Lev's grip on my hand tightens, a silent warning. I nod, acknowledging the skepticism. “I understand your doubts, but please withhold judgement until you year what I have to say first. Like all cartels, Javier’s operation relies on specific routes and schedules. For instance, the next shipment is due next week through the northern port. His safe houses are located here, here, and here,” I say, pointing to spots on the map spread across the table.
Nikko leans forward, his interest piqued despite his wariness. “How do you know this?”
“I’ve spent years collecting information on his network,” I reply. “I also have knowledge of his financials. He uses these banks to launder money, and these accountants are complicit.” I slide a list across the table. “With this information, we can hit him where it hurts.”
Kolya steps away from the wall, his expression hardening. “That’s a lot of detailed information. Almost too detailed. How do we know you’re not leading us into a trap?”
Lev’s jaw tightens. “Kolya, she’s with us now. Her interests align with ours.”
But he wasn’t done. “Or she’s playing the long game, Lev, and setting us up to fall right into Javier’s hands... or hers.”
Mikhail nods. “He’s right, Lev. How can we trust her? She’s been on the other side for far too long.”
Lev explodes, slamming his fist on the table. “She’s risking everything to help us! She’s my wife and part of this family now. Show some respect.”
Mikhail stands up, his face inches from Lev’s. “And what if you’re wrong, little brother? What if she’s lying to all of us?”
The room crackles with tension as Lev and Mikhail glare at each other, ready to fight. Nikko rises, ready to intervene, but Mikhail’s voice cuts through the chaos.
“Enough!” His command is sharp, brooking no argument. “We will consider this information carefully. But Lev, you must understand our caution in this matter. We cannot afford to be blindsided.”
Lev’s chest heaves with anger, but he steps back, taking a deep breath. I place a calming hand on his arm.
Mikhail continues, “There’s one more thing.” He signals to a screen. It flashes on. “This is Dmitri, the man whose life is in jeopardy because of her. He’s our mole in Javier’s operation. He will corroborate or refute Isabella’s claims.”
He nods and glances nervously at the camera. He shoots furtive looks over his shoulder. “Everything she’s said… It's true, all of it. It appears she knows Javier’s operation inside and out.”
The room falls silent as Lev’s brothers digest the ramifications. Kolya is the first to speak, his tone grudging. “Alright, Isabella. You’ve convinced us for now. But I solemnly warn you, if anything goes wrong, it’s on you... and Lev.”