Mafia Bloodlines

Chapter 23

Mikhail's pov

The dinner table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, the soft glow of candles casting a warm ambiance over the room.

" A very reliable source has informed me that Mikhail Navarrete, the man who has been hunted for decades has been found , They killed him after torturing him endlessly for weeks." Nikolai's expression was neutral as he spoke.

My eyes widened in shock, my mind racing with questions. Vladimir's face mirrored mine, we were both stunned by the revelation. This cannot be true, it just doesn't make sense.

"It seems the South Cartel handed him over to the American mafia. ." Nikolai elaborated, I still had a lot of questions.

"This is good," Faina said, her voice calm and collected.

"People can finally move on with their lives. The past can be left behind. The great search is finally over. Those wrinkled mafia leaders can finally get a life." Faina continued still looking unfazed.

" Or just therapy, it is concerning that these men spent more than twenty years looking for Mikhail Navarrete, their life's purpose had become their vengeance." Klara interjected. Klara did not know who I was or my story, Vladimir and I did not think it was necessary. I still couldn't get over what Faina said and how she spoke. Her words were hanging in the air.

After dinner everyone went to their respective rooms. I knew I needed answers and it couldn't wait. I  held Faina's arm before she could enter her bedroom.

" We need to talk. You know more about this than you are letting on ." It was not a question, I was certain. Could she have had  something to do with this?

" If you are asking me what my role was in the capture then yes. I orchestrated this, what I did to make the man who took your place agree doesn't matter. You are free now, completely, you don't have to look over your back or worry. Someone paid the price for your parents mistakes, just be glad it wasn't you Mikhail." She said with a small devilish smile. She was still unfazed,

"You  practically got a man to surrender himself to death and pay for my sins or well my parents' sins and you can still  flash a smile as if all you did was just take your dog for a walk down the street. You are showing no remorse?" I asked still taken aback by this.

" None whatsoever, it had to be done. Be glad I did and stop questioning my morality because I think we have established that morals, values, scrupules, I lost it all a long time ago or maybe I never had them."  She spoke in a measured tone. Her words are similar to a sharp blade.

"Fine,  have it your way. I  won't bother asking how you made an ordinary man, Mikhail Navarrete from one day to the next. You definitely are something Faina, immoral, without values and unscrupulous." I said while reiterating the words she had spoken. I was far from judging her, I was impressed and intrigued. What more is Faina Bukhari capable of?

" Mind telling me why you went through so much trouble to help me?" I ask because that was the burning question, there is no reason I can think of.

" Think of it as a favour returned. It's me showing my gratitude for saving my life the other day."  She swiftly replied.

"I did not expect you to go this far to ensure my freedom." It was true, she was the last person I expected to come to my aid. We do have a very rocky relationship.

"Have no expectations and you will never be disappointed, you might be surprised ." She said before  slipping her arm from my hand. I had forgotten I was still even holding it, she turned, and went inside of her room leaving me wondering. I wasn't satisfied with the answer she gave me. Nikolai said that the American  mafia had " Mikhail Navarrete -the imposter" for weeks as they tortured him before killing him and the incident Faina mentioned when she was talking about returning a favour happened 5 days ago.  She was not returning a favour, what were her intentions?