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KT
iscarded on the steps. Most of the other stores on Bundt Street have closed for the night. But the liquor store is still open. The owner h
to my ear, waiting f
n line behind him is bugging him to get off the phone so he can get a chance. Phone time in prison is a precious commodity. "I tried to get someone else's phone time this we
man with a dusty pair of overalls on, probably a construction worker. He tosses his six-pack into the passenger se
before I can answer. "God, I miss going out with you. Beating
reets. Fedor mostly got himself
oxication, battery, and possession of alcohol as a minor. I spent a few weeks in juvie. That was more than enough lock-up time for
know I'm wor
"You're alw
have to deal with som
y of people like
you know
lmost up, and Fedor growls. "I'm missing everything
gets angry that he's locked up and wants me to break him out. When I try to spare his feelings and don't tell him what's going on in the Bratva,
alway
nslaughter," I explain for what feels like the hundredth time. "If he can, then you'll
o the phone. "You control this entire city. Op
h makes me grip the phone even tighter, my knuckles going white.
conversation is being monitored. I've explained to him too many times
ould have said more, but before he can,
to my pocket and lean ba
can draw you in, make you love him, and then he detonates a bomb in your face. He threatens to ruin your entire life, but as soon as you get mad at him,
st, I
his kids, so I cooked and got Fedor dressed and gave him baths. Now, I'm twenty-eight and running the Bratva my father left be
next to our moth
Dad had put her in a rehab facility, trying to clean her up enough so that she could take care of us, but as soon as she got out, she bought from a sleazy street dea
isn't five anymore. He isn't a helpless little kid. He's a grown man, and I can't clea
I walk up to the liquor store entrance. I stay that way
ner says, greeting
r. I stay there for no more than a minute, just long enough to register how many cameras are in the store. By the looks of t
my hands deep into my hoodie pockets and shuff
you today?" t
e I hoped, he comes out from behind the counter and meets me
d countless teenagers with. Liquor store owners have to be tough.
erience hasn't prepared
om my hip and pressing it into
feels the pressure in his side. Confusion flickers across his face, followed by rea
stomach,"
walk backwards towards the door and flip the switch to turn
ing towards him, gesturing with my gun
ight switches next to the counter until only the li
full," he babbles. "
ide, studying him. "Gen
ression must unnerve him because he looks back down, his n
e, letting the words sit bet
izing my vendetta is personal. This i
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