Zephyr's Promise

29

In a Brioni suit Czar steps off a private plane. He smiles as if he's in control of the chess board. In his mind he has already won. Foolish. That is exactly how I want him to feel too. Like a pig in shit. So motherfucking happy he can't see his own slaughter coming. Czar can bask in his preemptive winning. It will be that much more satisfying when I rip him into pieces. The thought has my annoyed scowl softening ever so slightly.

"Follow him." I say to my driver.

Axel sits beside me with a joint in hand. "Want a hit?" He asks blowing rings in the car.

"No." I roll my eyes. Axel has been unfocused today. I think it might have something to do with Ira. Hence the smoking. "I need your focus." I snap. Whatever problems he is having with her is of his own doing. Specifically I told him something like this would happen. Now look at him.

"I am." He grunts. "Just because I'm not as stiff as you're being doesn't mean I'm not all in."

"That is not what I'm saying." I sigh. "I want to make sure you are focused. Today is important."

"I know. It's what I have been waiting for since I found out about Erik." Somehow he looks ready for revenge and like a kicked puppy all at once. It is annoying. The situation is completely frustrating but there is very little I can do about it.

Deeply I sigh. Today isn't the time to get into whatever emotional shit that's going on with him. Regardless of his personal issues we still have business to handle. That doesn't stop for anyone.

I grit my teeth. Holding my tongue is not my strong suit. That part of my personality has always been a point of contention. As much as I want to be sensitive towards my brother now is simply not the time. Truthfully I don't have the capacity for it at the moment.

Shouldn't he know that by now?

I have entrusted a massive amount of faith in him. When I am not here he is who my men look to. He is their leader. They see him more than I do. This wallowing destructive boy in front of me is not who I left in charge. Despite me a twinge of disappointment ensnares me. However I recognize that he is my little brother and does deserve some sort of compassion, only I can not give it to him. Not right now at least.

"Deprecation and self-pity is a distraction. You can wallow later Axel. Too much is on the line." He puts out the joint. His energy shifts into something much darker. "I will say this only once more. Focus."

My brother mutters under his breath. Something about me being an asshole. Oh well. Sooner than he thinks I will be back in Moscow. While I am gone he can do as he pleases. He will, I am sure of it. But while I am here I exercise my right to control every fucking thing.

"Sir." The driver says arriving a block behind where Czar is parked.

He didn't bother with going to a hotel. Czar doesn't plan on staying for long. If he knew what was good for him he wouldn't have come here at all. New York is a beast in itself. Criminals from all ranks and operations lurk around waiting for new blood. They feed off of it. Crave it. Find nourishment in it.

What Czar fails to realize is the many friends I have here. The eyes I have watching him. At any minute his little plane could suddenly catch fire. That precious bank he loves could mysteriously be blown up by a disgruntled customer. The options are endless. Messing with me will be his biggest mistake to date. And his very last.

Once Czar and his entourage are inside I instruct us to be brought to the door. The Conclave is busy as usual. The underground boxing club is where many come to handle business while being entertained. Haven't been here in a few years but the workings are still the same.