The Untouchable

Chapter 93

Daniel connected to the VPN, his hands shaking as he placed them over the keyboard. Burning bridges with just a few keystrokes: thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk. It felt both light and heavy at the same time.

Sennoy called five minutes later, sounding all hyped up and full of energy.

"Dan, that was fucking genius! Nailed it! I've already passed the files to the right folks, pulled the strings - Sasha's getting nabbed in the next few days, maybe even tomorrow..."

"He said he'd challenge the files," Daniel mumbled, half-hoping Alexander would actually manage it.

"If you'd handed them over, he might've fought it. But I'm sharper than that. First, I'll get the media involved - they can't back the Bystritskys now, it's too hot. Then I'll bring in the right muscle, and they'll do what I say," Sennoy bragged, grinning. "I know which strings to pull, and my name still carries weight. Come over."

"I'll meet you at the embassy, and I'll move in with you once he's arrested," Daniel said, staring blankly at the dark monitor. "Not before. And don't push it - there's no point."

"Stubborn as hell," Sennoy muttered. "Fine, I'll see you tomorrow. And don't pull any stunts, or I'll put that block right back, got it?" He waited for an answer, and when none came, he disconnected with an irritated, "Fuck!"

Maxim called as the evening dimmed. Daniel ignored it, then called back through WhatsApp, wincing as Maxim's angry voice cut through the noise of running water.

"What the hell, Daniel! What are you doing?"

"I'm doing what needs to be done," Daniel replied, stretching, exhausted from the day's ordeal. "I assume Alexander got the anonymous tip?"

"Of course he did! He's pissed! He thinks you were kidnapped and raped by Andrei Senchukov. When he found out Senchukov was protecting you in prison, he lost it. Even the news that Senchukov orchestrated the explosion in Chirkutai and the attempt on his father didn't shake him like this. He's set things in motion, and Senchukov's arrest is imminent."

"So he recognized me in the video," Daniel smirked. The video had been edited to obscure his face, some parts blurred, but Alexander - obsessed with him - had recognized him instantly. Of course, he had, Alexander knew every inch of his body, down to the smallest detail. "I had to do this, Maxim. I need to get out as soon as possible. Senchukov's tightening his grip on me, insisting I stay with him. It's either him or Alexander, or I try to disappear on my own. I'm sorry I didn't tell you how I was going to handle this."

"I get it," Maxim said quietly. "I just wish I could give you a passport."

"I'll handle it myself," Daniel replied, realizing he'd said too much. "Actually, I'll leave with another one. I managed to get a legitimate passport in another name, Maxim, and no one's going to question it."

"So he's the one who lifted the block at the border, huh?" Maxim spat in disgust. "Damn, the things you had to do to get that block removed... Now I see why you were in such a hurry to get to Moscow."

"That's one way to put it," Daniel paused, then hesitantly asked, "How's Alexander holding up? I mean, with his father?"

"Not good. Alexander loves his father deeply, and the fact that he inadvertently dragged his father into this war makes it worse. I hope you had nothing to do with the attempt on his father's life?" Maxim's voice tensed.

"Of course not. Who am I compared to him? I don't have the resources to pull off something like that," Daniel lied, wincing. "Let me know when Sennoy gets charged. They'll arrest him immediately, right?"

"For something this big, yeah, they'll grab him right away. Alexander's already sent the tape to the right people, pushed the right buttons. You even helped him out with that - took the heat off his company. I'll keep you posted," Maxim's voice softened. "I've got to go. Be careful. And if you get caught, remember, I didn't help you."

"Of course," Daniel let the phone drop onto the pillow and closed his eyes. Just a moment's rest, then he'd continue. Just a minute...

Inside, he was churning with disgust, hating himself and Sennoy, but mostly himself. There was no doubt Sennoy would handle poor Natalia in a way that would terrify her into silence, if she was even able to talk at all. Sennoy was more precise and ruthless than Alexander, and he didn't hesitate when faced with obstacles.

Outside, the wind howled, matching the mournful tune in his soul. He'd done everything right, nothing to beat himself up over. So why did he feel so awful? Why did he want to scream? His damned imagination was tormenting him with vivid, horrific scenes.

Alexander, cornered by the inmates, fighting back, screaming, only to be overpowered. Beaten, bloodied, lying unconscious. Or broken, kneeling with a blank stare, forced to degrade himself again and again. Sennoy, too, though he would likely bite off a convict's cock before he ever did that. But the thought of him didn't bring any relief, either.

Isn't this what he'd wanted? Revenge on Matvey, Alexander, Sennoy? Yes, Daniel admitted, but there was no satisfaction, just a deep, hopeless bitterness.

Matvey Bystritsky, who had easily destroyed him and shattered something valuable within him, was now barely clinging to life. Alexander was living his last carefree days before he too would be broken - his open sexuality would see to that on day one. And Sennoy, who'd celebrated too soon, was unaware that within days of his arrest, explicit footage starring him and an unknown young man would flood the internet. Instead of being a shot caller, Sennoy, or rather the future An'ka, would arrive at the prison as a rooster.

All the spiders were about to get what they deserved. But now, Daniel felt like the one pulling the strings. He tried to convince himself that there was no other way out, but deep down, he couldn't find the arguments to make it true.