Page 64 of Of Oaths and Secrets

As I step out of the office and into the dimly lit hallway, the cool night air hits me as I push through the exit. Paolo is waiting in the car, playing on his phone.

“You look like you need a drink,” Paolo says, his eyes scanning my face as I approach the car.

“I need more than that,” I mutter, sliding into the passenger seat. “Let’s just get out of here.”

Paolo starts the engine, the hum of the motor filling the silence as we drive away from the club, leaving Leo and his mess behind—for now.

“The Russian called. Said he couldn’t reach you,” Paolo adds after a moment.

“What did he say?”

Paolo snorts. “The usual. Where’s the boss? I need to talk to him… then some colorful Russian swearing.”

“Paolo,” I growl.

“Alright, fine. He said he’s got some leads and wants to meet you at that chlamydia bar on Friday evening.”

I stiffen. Any night but Friday. “No.” I grab the phone and call Alexei.

“?????” The Russian greeting crackles through the line.

“It’s Lucchese. You suggested Friday—it’s not going to work.”

“Oh, really? Something more important than taking out traitors?” His sarcasm bites through the phone.

Yes, my mind screams, surprising even me. “Can we do another day?”

“???,” he replies, his voice firm. “I need a couple of days to finalize things, and I’m heading to Moscow on Saturday. Friday’s the only option.”

I glance at Paolo, considering. “I’ll send Paolo instead. He has my full authority.”

Paolo shoots me a surprised look, and I can’t blame him—I’ve kept him in the dark about this whole situation.

“If you trust him enough,” Alexei says, sounding skeptical.

“With my life,” I reply firmly.

There’s a pause on the other end of the line, Alexei weighing my words. “Alright,” he finally says. “I’ll expect him Friday then. Make sure he’s up to speed on everything. I won’t tolerate any missteps.”

“He’ll be ready,” I say, glancing back over at Paolo, whose face is filled with surprise and curiosity.

“Good,” Alexei responds, his tone clipped. “Don’t forget, Lucchese, I’m doing this for you. Make sure it’s worth my time.”

I grit my teeth, fighting back the urge to snap at him. “You’re doing that for both of us. Don’t make it sound like a favor, Pakhan.”

“Friday, then.” The line goes dead, the Russian hanging up without a goodbye.

I lower the phone, tossing it onto the dashboard. Paolo doesn’t say anything for a moment, just keeps driving, but I can feel his curiosity growing.

“So… I’m meeting with Alexei now?” Paolo finally asks, trying to keep his tone light.

“You are,” I reply. “I trust you to handle it.”

“Didn’t expect you to delegate something like this. What’s going on?”

I rub my temples, the stress from the last few days settling in. “I’ve got… other priorities.”

“Like?”

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