ADRIK
Securing the mayor’s favor is an important step to securing power in this city. Hernandez had some dealings with him and other politicians, but he never had the balls to approach him legitimately on the mayor’s turf. A mistake that I intend to correct.
I clear my throat as I approach the mayor, sliding my hand to the small of Eliza’s back.
She tenses against me, but I don’t take my eyes off of the man I’m here to speak with.
“Mayor Robert Brown,” I say.
He turns around, brow furrowing. “Yes. Do I know you, son?”
I shake my head, irritated by being called son as if I’m nothing more than some kid. “Not directly. I was friends with Hernandez Estrada, one of your associates.”
Eliza stiffens at the mention of her father.
The mayor’s eyes widen and he steps away from the crowd he was with. “Excuse me.” He nods toward a quiet corner, and I follow him with Eliza in tow.
Robert turns to face me, turning the color of beetroot. “What on earth do you think you are doing banding around that name here, boy?”
I clench my fists by my side. “I’m Hernandez’s replacement. And from here on in, we’re going to do things differently.”
The ruddy faced mayor splutters. “Replacement? Where is Hernandez?”
I can’t help the smirk that twists onto my lips. “You don’t need to know where he is. I’m the new leader of operations and from here on in I expect to be shown more respect than Mr. Estrada was ever given.”
Robert’s brow furrows. “Who are you?”
I hold my hand out to him. “Adrik Volkov.”
There’s a change in his demeanor the moment I say that name. “Volkov? You’re Russian,” he hisses.
I tilt my head. “And this is my wife, Eliza Estrada-Volkov. I assure you I’ve no allegiance with the Russians in this city.”
Robert looks then at Eliza and recognition dawns on his face. “Oh, I’m sorry Miss Estrada. I didn’t recognize you.”
She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Think nothing of it.”
He nods and then returns his suspicious glare on to me. “So, what is it you want from me?”
“Assurances that the cartel won’t be meddled with in the future.” I run a hand across the back of my neck. “I’m sure you’re aware the city is at war.”
His face turns grave. “I’d heard of some issues, yes, but didn’t believe that had anything to do with the cartel.”
I shake my head. “It didn’t until they roped us in.”
Eliza snorts at that, drawing both of our attention to her.
“Is there something funny about that, Eliza?” I glare at her. If she fucks this up for me, then I’ll make sure she regrets it.
She shakes her head. “No.”
Robert’s brow furrows. “Why don’t you come by my office in the morning and we can discuss a closer alliance?” I know what that means. He wants to discuss numbers and what the cartel can do for him.
“Sounds perfect. Ten o’clock?” I suggest.
He grumbles something under his breath. “Make it eleven.” He glances at Eliza. “I’m not exactly a morning person.”
Trust the mayor of Chicago to be lazy.