Page 31 of Bratva Wolf

He nods. “Oh. Yes. We executed him twenty years ago.”

The server sets down my coffee and pastry. I pick up my fork and cut into the roll. “What of it then?”

“Your Papa didn’t mention his death?”

“I have no idea.” The warm piece of cinnamon roll melts in my mouth, contrasting the bitterness I’m feeling with the waste of my time. “He’s dead, so what’s this about?”

“I think one of his children is still alive and may be a threat to the Bravikov Bratva.”

“I doubt one lone man has the power or will to threaten us. But I appreciate the information. Do you have a name?”

“No, not yet. I’ll contact you when we have more.”

I pick up my cup and finish my coffee. “How long are you in town?”

“I have a few things I need to talk to your Papa about.”

“Oh?”

“There was a witness when your brother handled my youngest nephew.”

“A witness? Who?”

“His daughter, Rosa. She was at the warehouse.”

“And your grandniece is a threat?”

“Yes. I think she is. She was raised by Jose’s first wife. A do-gooder. I’m sure she would encourage Rosa to go to the authorities.”

“It’s been six weeks. She would have done it by now.”

He shakes his head. “She’s been on the run. We can’t seem to find her. I was hoping to ask your father for your brother, Roric’s help. He’s a hunter, is he not?”

Would my father really want Roric to hunt her down and kill her? I don’t have time to answer before his anxious look returns. “Get me the info, and I’ll talk to Papa and Roric myself.”

He chuckles. “Aren’t you banished?”

“I’m in the doghouse, as you so eloquently pointed out. I’m still my father’s son.”

Nodding, he looks at Marco, who withdraws an envelope from the booth next to him. “This is what we have on her.”

I take the envelope and reach for my wallet.

“Family doesn’t pay.”

“Gracias. Make sure you reach out before you head back south.” I tip my head to Marco as I walk out of the restaurant.I climb into my SUV and drive off the lot to find a place to look through the file.

Sitting in my penthouse, I pat the file. “I’ll call Papa and Roric in the morning.”

The following morning, after Red leaves for class, I call my father.

“Thane?”

“I had a conversation with Arturo yesterday. He wants help with a project.”

“Aren’t you still in exile?”

“I can be banished and still protect my family.”

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