Body Count (BWWM)

Chapter 5

Artemis

It was a quick trial. Moreso, because to the public we were just criminals and they wanted to make an example out of us. We spoke to our people back in NYC and our whereabouts were unknown and no one knew we had a case. It was never even televised in NYC or much of Philly for that matter. Our family lawyer also made us aware that we were being setup, which we already knew. He was doing everything possible to get us free. He worked with Katzon and Krish to get street intel on who was behind this. We were in Philly at the time of the murder but neither one of us murdered this man. According to the prosecutor, there's "witnesses" who saw the both of us running from the scene of the crime.

Nikolai's dumbass managed to get solitary confinement for the first 30 days in prison, during our trial. How the fuck you manage to get in solitary confinement without actually being in prison yet is beyond me. The feds also seized my home and now when we get released I have to deal with the headache of getting my home back or finding a new one. I plan on suing both departments for every fucking thing they have. I just really need my lawyer to come through for us.

We both stand with our hands place in front of us in cuffs as we listen to the verdict.

"On the murder of Bujar Sokoli, we find the defendants guilty on all counts."

I lower my head because I know the sentencing is coming. "Nikolai and Artemis Smirnov, you both have been sentenced to 25 to life." The Judge bangs his gavel and the officers come to take us away.

I can't even describe how I feeling right now. But at least we're going to the same prison. We'll need to protect each other.

***

"45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50." I count as I'm doing pullups on the yard.

We've almost been in this hellscape for 4 years and we've managed to stay alive. The first year was tricky with enemies inside but one thing about me and my brother. We've yet to come across anyone who can physically beat our ass. We've even had to kill a few inmates in here and of course we've managed to cover it up.

The Aryan brotherhood offered protection but I'd be damned if my name is connected to those racist, rapist pieces of shit. We did fine with our alliance with the Italians and Blacks.

We hear the gate to the yard being opened, signaling a guard is approaching.

"Smirnovs, you've got a visitor." He yells and me and my brother look confused. Our lawyer was supposed to come tomorrow not today.

We walk out into the visitation area and see Johnny, our lawyer sitting at a table with Krish.

"Bro," Krish says, as he stands embracing Niko and I.

"What's going on? We thought you were coming tomorrow." Niko asks.

"I was. Until we found out some interesting information." Johnny says.

"Speak." I tell them.

Krish pulls out his phone and tosses it across the table. "Do you know this woman?"

I take a look at the picture and instantly realize. It's Gloria.

"Yeah, I was with her that morning the day we got pinched."

"Hold the fuck up, did she have something to do with us being here?!"

Johnny and Krish quickly shake their heads.

"No not at all. We've been receiving threats from the Albanians. They've been sending us her location and pictures." Johnny says.

"For what? I slept with her once. She's no importance to me and I haven't seen her or contacted her since that day."

"This is why."

Krish scrolls over to the next picture and before I can even grasp what's going on. The phone is snatched by Niko. "Bro, ain't no fucking way!"

"Oh, you can't deny her. She looks just like your baby pictures. Her head is normal size though she must take after her mother. Speaking of her momma she got a fat as-" I snatched the phone from Niko and smacked his head.

"Oh my bad, DAD!" He laughs, as I roll my eyes.

"When did this happen? What's her name?" I ask Krish as I scroll again seeing Gloria and our daughter in a photo at the park. They look so beautiful.

"Well, her name is Tatiana Pettis and she's turning 4 next weekend. But that's not all." Johnny says.

"I was coming tomorrow to bring you good news. We've got the evidence we need to get you out and you were indeed setup by the Albanians. They wanted you both in here to steal your drug and gun operation on the outside. Due to Krish and Katzon working overtime with the team, they've been unsuccessful."

He continues. "We've tracked down the witnesses they paid off and offered them protection and in return they have to retract their stories. I've already spoken with the D.A. and he will release you as soon as I file the paperwork, along with a 20 million dollar check for your time served."

"However, our plan to get you out has backfired on us. These pictures are being sent to us by the Albanians. They know the both of you are going to be released and they're not happy that their plan didn't work. Artemis, they're threatening to kill your daughter and her mother if you don't give up the operations. I just received a tip from an NYPD contact the Gloria called 911 last night due to an intruder in her home. They're both okay, we have Katzon on detail until we're able to get you both out."

I slam my fist on the table. "Get me the fuck out of here now, Johnny!"

"How long will processing take?" Niko asks.

"I don't know for certain. The feds take a lot longer pushing paper. I can try to expedite it but give or take, possibly a week." Johnny informs us.

"A week?! My fucking niece doesn't have a week!" Nikolai yells.

I run my hands through my hair irritated by what's been transpiring. Gloria was pregnant with my baby and I didn't even get the chance to be there for her. She probably thinks I'm a deadbeat or something. Then, to know she's out there alone raising our child and our child is missing the bond every kid should have with their father. Now, the Albanians are trying to take that from Gloria, from me. I'd die before I let anything happen to them.

"I need you both to listen and listen carefully." I begin.

"Krish, when you leave here go stake out Gloria's home with Katzon asap. I want my two best men on this until we're out. Also, find out where she works or her favorite shopping areas. Wherever Gloria and my child are I want our men on her security detail. Be ghosts, don't let her know you're there but I want her protected at all times."

"Got it, boss." Krish and Johnny stand to leave and are escorted out by the guards.

Niko and I are sent back to the yard but I can't even think straight.

"Bro, we'll get out don't worry. You think I'd blow up an village for you, imagine what I'd do for my innocent niece. No one is going to touch them. I promise you." Niko says giving me reassurance while also reminding me how demented he is.

I just hope that what I'm going to do to the Albanians, won't put me back in here.

Because I plan on skinning every last one of them alive.