Second Assault — Bond And Treason — novel Chapter 10

ALEXEI

—I don't know, but sure as hell I'll find out.

Without giving him time to respond, I turn on my heels and leave the office in a hurry. Fuck, if I find out that Reiji is somehow involved with Xander's kidnapping, I don't know how I'll react or what his fate will be once he's in my claws. I turn one of the corners and I feel Fredek right on my back. The last thing I want is for him to be present, however, I don't want to waste any more time than I already have.

It's been almost five days since Xander's been in constant danger and I can't afford to let the hours go by any longer. So I keep moving, when at that moment I feel the phone vibrating inside my jacket. I think about ignoring it at first, but maybe it's to give me some information about Xander's whereabouts, so I finally give up.

The screen announces that it's Vasily, one of my guards. I'm surprised by his call, so I stop halfway through with Fredek still by my side and quickly pick up the phone.

—What, Vasily?

—"Mr. Magnus, there's an Angelo Dalaras at the entrance asking to see you". Shit, just what I needed... Angelo and his fucking surprise visits.

—Why are you calling me? — I'm demanding, the last thing I need right now is more distractions —. Did you think to tell Yaakov?

—"It was the first thing I did. But the boss is not in The Mansion and he gave me orders not to let anyone in, unless I have your permission.

—Wait — I put the phone on my shoulder to cover the speaker, as I ask to Fredek —. Where the hell is Yaakov?— my eyebrows furrowed, the words run through my clenched teeth.

—I don't know, last time I saw him was a couple of hours ago, with Lev in the kitchen. Why? — questions in confusion —. What's going on?

—Angelo Dalaras is here again. I don't know what his fucking insistence is, but he's getting on my nerves.

—Do you know what he wants?

—No, but it's probably to insist again that I join him.

—Do you want me to go?

—Absolutely not — I tell him sharp, I don't want to put my brother in even more danger. The less he's involved in my business, the better —. I'll go, but I'll get this over with quickly. I need to talk to you-know-who— I speak in code to prevent Reiji from realizing that I'm referring to him, I don't want to risk putting him on alert if he turns out to be the rat I'm so desperately looking for.

—All right. I'll wait for you near our destination — pats me on the shoulder and walks away to give me privacy. I put the phone back in my ear, tell Vasily to let Angelo in and hang up.

To avoid keeping him on my property any longer than necessary, I go directly to the lobby to attend to him there. When I finish putting my foot on the top step of the staircase, I see Angelo looking closely at one of the paintings on the wall.

The one of a male figure playing a guitar... The one Fredek did for Yurik. When he notices me, he turns in my direction and smiles widely.

—Hello, Magnus.

—Angelo — I approach him and shake his hand in a firm grip —. It's been a while.

—Ditto, it's hard to find you these days. How have you been?

«About to kill half of Russia to find my kidnapped partner, and besides that, fucking great».

—Well — I answer instead —. What brings you here?

—Right to the point, as usual— he smiles at me again, running a hand over his neck with nervousness. Men like him don't evaluate the advantages of hiding or keeping their emotions at bay, that's one of the biggest reasons I distrust him. Someone like that doesn't last in this kind of business. Never —. I need to transport merchandise across England within four days.

I heard you have the resources to do it.

—Whoever your informant is, it's right— I gesture to him to take a seat in the leather armchair, I sit on one in front of him —. My trains are well equipped and none of them are checked between stops.

—That's fantastic — his smile widens —. And that's just what I need.

—Good. From where to where?

—From Edinburgh to Newcastle and from there to Liverpool, as a final destination — he takes a piece of paper out of his jacket pocket and hands it to me —. At the Newcastle stop, I'll pick up a couple of things, and then all that stuff will be left in Liverpool. On that paper is detailed what and the quantity. Do you have a problem with that?

I take a moment to read the paper. The vast majority are weapons and military equipment in huge quantities, the other part, which will be collected in Newcastle, are boxes of rubies and diamonds.

I had no idea that Angelo was already so deeply involved in these kinds of dangerous transactions. As I understand it, he does not have much time in the business, but that does not seem to be a problem for him. I'm honestly surprised, it reminds me a little of me when I began this.

—Not at all — I fold the paper and put it in my pocket —. In four days, you say? — He nods —. Well, I'll make sure I have everything ready then. I'll have Yaakov contact you to arrange payment of our agreement.

—Perfect, Magnus. I expected nothing less from you — I get up and nod to him to follow me.

—I don't mean to be rude, but I do truly have a time limit — he scowls, looking at me closely.

—Is everything all right, Magnus?

—What do you mean?

—Well, I don't mean to stick my nose where it doesn't belong, but you seem a little stressed out or worried — he pauses a little, checking me out with the eyes —. Can I help you with something?

I must be scruffy for him to have noticed. I am aware that I have neglected my appearance these days, but my mind has been disconnected from reality most of the time. I only visit the bathroom to bathe and brush my teeth, I have hardly eaten or slept. My only concern has been finding Xander.

I listen to his question and think about it for a few minutes before answering. I still can't afford to trust anyone, especially without knowing for sure who the inside man is in my organization, mocking my carelessness to my fucking face. However, right now, I am genuinely desperate and in need of whatever little help I can get and, if Angelo Dalaras is willing, I want to take advantage of it as much as I can.

—My partner is missing — I finally confess, my voice comes out scratchy and deep, the words make the bile rush in my throat —. Someone has kidnapped him — he opens his eyes wide with surprise. I see that he swallows saliva before replying.

—For God's sake, Magnus. Are you serious? — I nodded slightly —. I had no idea you were coupled up. Why didn't you tell me? You know I can help you in any way I can.

—Honestly, I haven't been in all my senses lately and I don't mean to offend you, but because of the circumstances, I don't trust even my own shadow — I'm leaving out the detail of the infiltrator, I don't want to risk Reiji finding out. Angelo is silent for a few seconds, looking away and nodding his head.

—I understand, I'd be the same way too — he says quietly —. But you can trust me — he raises his gaze and reconnects with mine, returning my determination and firmness with his blue irises —. I know we don't have much time to get to know each other, but if there's anything I can do to help you, I will.

—Just keep your eyes open and ears on alert. If you hear anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to tell me.

—All right. And... — he pauses again, biting his lower lip, unsure of speaking —. What's his... Name?— I can hear some caution in his voice, I guess he can tell how affected I am by all this.

—Xander— I close my eyes, the very act of pronouncing his name makes me miss him even more —. His name is Xander King — I admit with pain, fixing my gaze again on Angelo.

—Seems like, from the admiration I see in your eyes, he lives up to his name, huh? — He smiles, and if I were a different man, I might have blushed. Being who I am, I nod, because it's true. Xander is a king. My king —. I don't know him, but I like him already — his words make me smile back at him —. I'll keep an eye out, Magnus. I promise if I hear anything, I'll let you know.

—Thank you, Angelo — without wanting to delay me any longer, I guide him out after a short farewell. I hope that telling Angelo everything was not a mistake and that he will turn against me later. But if I can count on with his help, no matter how small, I'm willing to accept it.

I quickly head towards the place where Reiji works, as I get closer, I can distinguish Fredek's body, his back leaning against the wall. As I approach, he places a hand on my shoulder and squeezes lightly.

—Ready? — I nod and, with a hand squeezing the doorknob, I turn to tell him:

—Whatever happens, Fredek: don't intervene.