Mafia Bloodlines

Chapter 15

Ramon's pov

I couldn't get any sleep, the entire night I kept tossing and turning. I still don't understand how Faina got to know the truth. She must be one hell of a tracker. My real name is Mikhail Navarrete. Vladimir and his father helped me form my new identity and escape from my enemies. I was nine years old when my parents were killed and I ran from my home. A lot of powerful mafia leaders of not all had teamed up to destroy the Navarrete family, my parents messed with a lot of powerful mafia families.  Their actions had sparked a deadly vendetta, they made many enemies along the way, all which I inherited. Till this day Naverrete's son is still wanted. My parents kidnapped many children of mafia leaders to have the upper hand and manipulate the parents of those kids. That's how my parents became one of the most powerful people in the mafia world, they forced coalitions with  people and they killed the children of those who resisted. It wasn't about passion or revenge, they broke families and children's souls for power and money. By the time we were attacked my parents had already taken the American, English and Korean mafia by force, I guess they needed to be stopped .

Enemies teamed up together to face a bigger threat, the Navarretes. My mother told me to run that night and not to look back. I used the tunnels and I ended up near the harbour. That's where I met Vladimir . He  took me back to the beach house they were staying in and later introduced me to his father. The moment I said my name they knew who I was, I don't know why they decided to help me, they risked endangering their family by hiding me. That's how I became Mikhail Ramon Baikov, Vladimir's right hand man, his shadow and brother. I am forever indebted to the Novikov family.

I'm not sure whether what Faina said in the car was a threat or what but I need to be careful with her. She knows too much, she could do more damage than she thinks. If word of this ever gets out, we are all screwed, Vladimir's family along with me. Everyone who wanted to destroy my family is still out there, I don't fear death or their wrath anymore. I'm not the boy who ran that night, I'm someone else. If it comes down to it I will hand myself over to them to avoid involving Vladimir. I've sworn to protect Vladimir and his family with my life, something I couldn't do for my own family.

"I think your daughter knows the truth about me." I tell Vladimir who was sitting alone in the dark. That got his attention because he got up from his office desk and took a few steps towards me.

" That's absurd, why would you think that? Ramon, father and I made sure to cover our tracks. " He said trying to reassure me.

" Vladimir it was the way she spoke to me. The witc... girl calls me Mikhail as if she knows. She is on to something and I fear that she might slip up and endanger us all."  I share my worries with my dear friend.

" Faina is many things but stupid is not one of them. Of she really knows the truth as you claim then she knows what this could do to all of us. I doubt she would do anything stupid." Vladimir proclaimed.

" I think it's best that I leave. When everyone learns the truth you won't be affiliated with me anymore, you can claim that you found out who I really was and intended to hand me over to the North Interpol but I escaped." I suggested, it was better than doing nothing.

" There will be no need for that. Ramon  you stay here by my side. I will ensure you are safe." Vladimir said. I should have just left and not come here. Vladimir is thinking from a place of fondness right now instead of a strategic position. This could backfire really quickly if handled or taken lightly. Still Vladimir's words hung in the air, filled with a sense of loyalty and brotherhood. I appreciated his sentiment, but I knew better. This wasn't just about me, it was about protecting Vladimir and his family.

"Faina is a wild card, Vladimir," I pressed on.

"We can't predict what she'll do. If she exposes me, it won't just be my life at risk. Your family's reputation, your business dealings... everything could be compromised. Look Vladimir, Faina had no business digging up my past, her sudden interest in my past concerns me. Even if it is just suspicions, she already assumes enough to send us all under."  I shared my theory. I don't want to believe this but it is possible that Faina hates the Novikov family enough to have them chased by my enemies.