She’s trapped.
I dial Ardian, wanting an update on his status, but there’s no answer.
“Damnit!” I curse as my footsteps are heavy, coming down the stairs to the main foyer.
“Sir?” Mario says, noticing my frustration. “Is everything not up to your liking for our guests?”
Is he oblivious to the danger, or is he basking in his enjoyment of me struggling to keep my men alive?
“Ardian is in danger. I have it on good authority that Mikhail sent at least one man to attack our convoy.”
Mario’s brow tightens. “Surely, Ardian and the men on the plane can handle one man.”
It’s not that I don’t think Ardian is up for the challenge. He’s a great marksman and can consistently hit a target, but up against the bratva, he’s inexperienced. The bratva doesn’t fight fair. They’re filthy and notorious for their brutality.
“I want Gian, Monte, and you to provide backup for Ardian.” I hope I’m not wrong about trusting Mario. “Ardian is supposed to run the families back and forth. I want to ensure their safety. They didn’t come all this way to get attacked by the bratva on our turf.”
“Yes, sir,” Mario says.
He hurries to gather Gian and Monte. They head to the armory to pack up the SUV before rushing out the door.
Silence fills the complex, although I’m not alone. There are dozens of men on the premises securing the facility, ensuring that no one comes in or out without expressed permission.
I grab a pen and a pad of paper. I head back up to the third floor and knock briskly as I unlock the door, allowing myself into Aleksandra’s room.
She’s nowhere in sight. The connected bathroom door is ajar. I trample through the bedroom and poke my head into the twins’ room. She’s seated at the edge of one of the beds.
“Forget something?” she asks, glancing at me.
She’s calmer than I might expect. Has she come to accept that she will be staying here for a while?
“I thought you might need a few things for you and the kids,” I say, handing her the pad of paper first. The pen could be used as a weapon, although I don’t worry that she’ll overpower me.
“How long are we going to be staying with you?” she asks.
“As long as necessary.” My answer is ambiguous. “Write down what size clothes you need, and I’ll have one of my men go to the store.”
“What about Sophia and Liam?” she asks. “You can’t lock them in here indefinitely. They have school, and they need to interact with other children.”
“They have preschool,” I clarify. “If they miss a few days, it’s not the end of the world. There will be other kids here shortly, assuming the bratva doesn’t murder them when they land.”
“They wouldn’t do that,” Aleksandra says, although she doesn’t look too convinced.
* * *
I leave Aleksandra and the twins locked in the upstairs bedroom. It’s safest to keep them out of the way until I find out what the hell is going on.
My phone rings on my way back down the stairs.
“Ardian, what’s going on?” I answer the phone. The caller ID showed his name.
“There’s been an explosion at the airport.”
“Where?” I ask and hold my breath. Did they hit the plane? The terminal? Something else?
“They targeted an airplane. They hit the wrong one. I’m guessing it was bad intel. Jace and Olivia’s plane took off late. It probably saved their lives.”
Sweat beads on my brow. “I sent a team to help you out: Mario, Gian, and Monte. If the bratva intends to take out the family, they’re going to strike hard.”
“Why not hit the complex?” Ardian asks. “We’re bringing every top-level member of the family together. Seems like the perfect time for the bratva to attack.”
“Yes, that’s why I’ve kidnapped Aleksandra and her kids.”
“Shit,” Ardian gasps. “I hope you thought this plan through, boss.”