Page 56 of Crimson Oath
They were meeting in the spacious living room of an apartment near the rehabilitation center where Goretski was learning how to walk again. According to the doctors Oleg had met at nightfall, the man would regain most of his physical abilities, but his peripheral vision had been permanently damaged. That night he sat in an easy chair near the fire, but Oleg could see the walker nearby.
Polina was already arranging alternate employment for the man in their organization since he’d no longer be able to be a commercial driver.
“It’s not even a question.” He glanced at Goretski’s pleasantly round wife. “I am honored you made the time to see me and introduce me to your family.”
“Of course, Mr. Sokolov.” Goretski and his family only knew Oleg as the CEO of the company, not as a vampire. Luckily, Oleg had perfected the art of blending in centuries before.
The Goretski family consisted of this middle-aged driver, his wife, and two teenagers who stared at Oleg with wide eyes. The boy was scrawny and still growing. The girl still had round cheeks, but she would be a beauty when she grew into her dramatic features.
Oleg turned to Mrs. Goretski. “I understand that the children have had school tutors while your husband is recovering.”
“They have,” the woman said. “And my office gave me a leave ofabsence to be here.”
“I’m glad. If you have any problems with them, please let us know.”
Goretski’s wife was a civil servant in Minsk, and Polina’s people had more than a few connections in the government.
“I hope the tutors have been adequate. I know the children are probably missing their friends.” He glanced at the two teens. “Education is most important, and we don’t want yours to suffer because of this horrible accident.”
“They’ve had a wonderful time here in the city,” Mrs. Goretski said. “And Anna is taking drawing lessons while she’s here.”
“Anna.” Oleg smiled. “My dear friend’s mother is named Anna. What a beautiful name for a young artist. I hope I am able to see your drawings someday.”
Her voice was barely over a whisper. “Thank you, Mr. Sokolov.”
“I’m taking martial arts,” the boy said. He puffed up his chest when he spoke.
Oleg lifted his chin in respect for the young man’s boldness. “An excellent idea. I hope you’ll be able to continue that discipline when you return home.”
The boy’s cheeks were a little red, but he nodded. “My teacher said there’s a studio in Minsk where I can keep practicing.”
“Excellent.”
“Oleg!”
He heard his name called and carefully plastered on a smile before he turned to face his brother. “Ivan.”
“I see you’ve met this wonderful family.” Ivan blustered into the room, wearing a navy-blue suit and a blood-red tie. “Families like this, they are the backbone of our company, are they not?”
“They are.”
“With two fine children, yes? A beauty for a daughter and a son who already has that tough mindset, eh?”
Ivan ruffled the boy’s hair, and the teen beamed from theattention.
His brother had always been a flatterer, and Oleg could see that Ivan’s compliments had the intended effect on both Mr. and Mrs. Goretski. They held hands, both beaming with pride.
“I’m relieved that we were able to keep the family together while Mr. Goretski recovered,” Oleg said. “It was a generous move to bring them here.”
“Ah, but I know the rehabilitation center here is world-class,” Ivan said. “One of my own sons was treated here.”
Was it after you beat him to a pulp yourself or did you set one of your vampire children on him?
Oleg didn’t say it, but their own sire had made a habit of beating them ferociously or pitting his sons against each other for amusement, and Ivan had picked up that trait.
Even as knyaz, Oleg was reluctant to intervene in Ivan’s internal affairs. After all, most of his sons came to him as lower-level human soldiers who’d worked their way up Ivan’s criminal organization. If they wanted to sign up for Ivan’s form of torture, that was their own business.
“We don’t want to keep you longer.” Oleg inclined his head toward Mr. Goretski. “I know it’s very late, and your doctors said you needed rest. I’m glad we were able to meet tonight.”
