The Runaway

Chapter 3.

Volkov Chekhov

I take a deep breath as I pace my office. My Sons sit in front of me, all doing their own thing, but nonetheless all freaking out.

I've made a few calls but my hands are shaking and my mind is racing. I need time to process before I do something irrational. 

The door opens after a quick knock and without any hesitation my most trusted man, Leon enters. He's our hacker, and his son Ryder is our next one. "He's missing Volkov,"

My head turns very slowly in his direction as I take in his news. "Who?"

"Ryder." My heart pauses at the thought of Ryder missing.  Ryder has been here ever since he was eight and ever since then he and I have spent many days together, I even see him as a son of mine. "The windows broken, there's blood." He swallows thickly.

"Sawyer is missing as well." Luca stands and pushes his hair back. "Her patio window was broken, Mama is in their now. She won't leave."

"Poor Dianna." Leon mutters after a sorrowed curse. "Mila isn't doing too well either, she's been calling other family members and his friends. I don't have the heart to tell her..."

My head drops into my hands, "that its one of our enemies." I finish for him.

"Someone left a note." Leon mutters, "I'm thinking it has something to do with your daughter as well boss." He passes me the wrinkled letter.

"Dear Chekhov and Caddel Families,

It has been brought to my attention that there is a lack of communication between us.  Allow me to set a reminder, my land is mine, the men are mine and so are the shipments, I do not appreciate your impertinence when it comes to my property.  In recognition of your failure to follow the rules, I took your property just like you did mine.

Sincerely,

Alessio Romano.
The Italians."

With a shaky hand I pass the paper to Luca to read.  I knew Alessio would do something stupid like this, but I shouldn't have made the stupid mistake of crossing over onto his territory.

It was just an easier way to get a message across to Germany.

After Luca reads and digests the letter he passes the letter on once again. "I'll arrange a meeting for negotiations."

"Alessio Romano doesn't negotiate." I state grabbing a cigar from my desk, "he takes, we'll need a much stronger force than 'talking'."

————————

Sawyer

I laugh as Ryder chases around a puppy we thought would be a great addition to the family.  As I watch him and Spot, I enjoy the grass, the fresh air and the beaming sun.  I'm never going to take this for granted, especially since I want to remember every single moment of it right here and right now. 

Ryder stops running with a huff and places his hands on his hips, "it's not funny Sawyer, he won't stop." Spot slowly walks up to me and plops down beside our blanket on the grass.

I giggle and give his fur a soft pet, "it looks like he's stopped to me."

Ryder runs at me with a rush and I stand knocking my book away and stumble up onto the grass. I try to contain my laughter and sustain seriousness so I send a hard glare at him "Ryder enough."  I order but a small smile tries to escape.