Chapter 33 Crumbs Path
Thursday, March 14th. Conference room, 10:35 a.m.
-Should we begin?
After leaving Xander's bedroom an hour ago, Alexei moved quietly to his suite, where he cleaned up and dressed in one of his neat, custom-made suits. To his relief, Yaakov did not insist again on being told of his whereabouts, at least not until now.
Knowing his cousin, he was certain that sooner or later it would come back to light and that there was no force of nature to prevent that from happening. When the time for the meeting was just a few minutes away, he put on some shoes and made the journey to the meeting room, where everyone was already gathered and waiting for him as usual.
-I have obtained information confirming Rocco Giordano's involvement in the embarkation issue - using a firm and high tone, so that all concerned can hear him.
-I knew it! - Nikon screams, pounding on the desk and jumping up -. I knew that bastard was behind all this!
-How did you find out, Alex? - Adrik asks, ignoring his partner's tantrum.
-Xander managed to track down the whereabouts of the driver he hired, we captured and interrogated him.
-And is that information safe? - Lev requests, crossing the legs while filing his nails -. I mean, are you sure he's not lying?
-Let's just say he had to go through a process where I made certain that what he told me was legitimate.
-Ha! He broke a new record, the guy sang faster than a fart in the wind - Yaakov snorts, making an effort to stop laughing -. And he peed himself in the process - punching his thigh repeatedly, laughing out loud.
-Jesus, Alex! - Lev complains, going from a look of astonishment to disgust -. That's terrible. Was it necessary to be so brutal?
-How else could I have obtained a reliable testimony? - Alexei grunts with a frown, resting his back on the chair -. Inviting him to an afternoon of tea and biscuits?
-Of course not. Do you think I'm stupid? - the Omega strikes back, annoyed and offended, leaving the thin file on the desk abruptly -. And you stop laughing, idiot! - addressing Yaakov, who was now laughing at what Alexei had said. Yaakov slowly stops giggling, holding his stomach and wiping the tears from his eyes.
-I'm sorry, prince. But you should know by now what it's like - turning over the chair to watch him while speaking -. There's no better way than to use ancient methods of torture to get all the information you need. Although with this one we didn't have to go that far before he let go of everything - he laughs unavoidably, remembering the scene of the man being tied up.
-Why don't we just cut the crap and get back to focusing on what's important? - Adrik intervenes, directing his attention from Yaakov and Lev to Alexei -. Now that we know about Rocco's involvement, what do you want to do?
-We know about his participation, yes. But we must first confirm whether Franchesco is involved and what the hell Abelard Kirchner got out from the whole thing.
-Doesn't Rocco work for Franchesco? - Nikon adds, obfuscated, still standing, with the palms resting on the surface of the table -. We can assume that it was Franchesco who ordered him to fuck us.
-Not necessarily, Rocco could have done this alone. Or maybe under someone else's command, which is what I suspect the most.
-Who? - Lev is asking, now calm enough -. Kirchner?
-That damn old man can't tie his shoelaces by himself, Lev - Nikon rolls his eyes, mockingly -. Yes, his men were the ones who ambushed us when we were in the harbor, but I don't think he was the commanding voice behind it.
-I agree - Adrik nods, crossing the hands on his stomach -. He's been trying to position himself at your place for years, Alex. However, he doesn't have the cunning or the intelligence that you have. He may have taken a big cut out of the cake for screwing us, but I don't think he planned it.
-But if it wasn't him... - Lev insists -. Then who?
-Honestly, I think someone is commanding from the shadows - Yaakov reveals, lighting a cigarette and blowing smoke out of his nose -. Rocco is smart, astute, and slippery as shit, but he doesn't have the resources to put together such an elaborate operation. Unless it is clear that Franchesco is involved, which must be confirmed first.
-Exactly - Alexei says in agreement -. For now, let's leave Kirchner's old ass aside and concentrate on checking whether Franchesco has anything to do with this.
-Do you want us to take care of Rocco? - Adrik questions.
-Not now - Alexei straightened up, placed the elbows on the desk and interlaced his fingers -. Let him think he has a free pass for now. First, I'll talk to Franchesco Graziani personally, we've known each other for years and I know how to deal with him.
-Okay - his cousin concedes -. I'll arrange a meeting between the two for this weekend - getting a nod from the Alpha.
-Fred, how are the modifications of the equipment coming along?
-It's all set - he replies in the usual neutral tone -. I'll pass the report on to you this afternoon.
-Perfect. Nikon... - Alexei focuses his attention on the one appointed -. Are the men ready?
-Of course, Alex - Nikon smiles pleased -. They always are.
-I managed to recruit forty-five more - Adrik adds, answering the question that the Alpha had not yet asked -. Some are a real pain in the ass, but I'm rushing their training to get them ready as quickly as possible, bearing in mind that we were a little bit short due to the port losses.
Alexei nods and turns to Xander, who has not participated or spoken a word since the meeting began.
-Xander - the Omega connects his gaze with Alexei's, caressing the little cat that rested happily on his legs -. We need to anticipate the excuses we will receive from Rocco and Franchesco. So I need you to confirm their whereabouts on the days you received the emails.
-I already did it - everyone there, in awe, watching him.
-You what? - Yaakov demands, opening the eyes wide, the cigarette between his lips almost slipping from his open mouth.
-I have the details of Kirchner's and Franchesco Graziani's whereabouts - he reports a bit self-conscious about having so many eyes on him -. As for Rocco, in the days when I received the mails, he always made sure he had no outstanding business with his boss and disappeared discreetly.
-Does that mean that Franchesco isn't involved? - Yaakov frowns, trying to put all the pieces together.
-I wouldn't close that window just yet - Xander shrugs -. It would be better to investigate further before jumping to conclusions.
The silence falls over the room while everyone present processes the data revealed. Things should not be rushed, everything must be confirmed as many times as necessary to reach the true culprit of all that happened.
-Where was Franchesco that day? - Alexei asks.
-On the day of the embarkation, he was at a dinner party with several of his associates at the Hotel Metropol. He and five other men belonging to the Kuznetsov cartel - Xander says, recalling what he has gathered on his computer -. There were no cameras inside the hotel room, so there is no way to establish the reason for their meeting.
Closely observing the tense face of the Alpha. He knows that this whole situation is completely outrageous for him and his anger is reflected in the stiffness of his body. That's why he anticipated collecting such information, wanted to help him get to the bottom of it all and ultimately help himself, since he too had been used and deceived.
-In the days when I received the emails he was in Tokyo, his sister was getting married and he attended the wedding. He took the opportunity to meet his family there and stayed for a couple of weeks.
-Well, every day he has a valid alibi. But it's still not confirmed that he didn't participate - Adrik adds, turning to Alexei -. He may have ordered Rocco to do what he had to do, after all he is his right-hand man.
The Alpha nods at the words. He knew he was right, Rocco had been working for Franchesco for several years, he was his trusted man and in charge of his security. Maybe Franchesco did take part in the ambush after all.
-And Abelard Kirchner? - reconnecting his gaze with Xander's.
-That information was a little harder to get - gently stroking the kitten on his legs -. In the days when I received the emails, he had several trips from here to Paris, New York, Turkey, and Thailand. In none of these places did he meet with anyone from his inner business circle. I imagine he was in search of a new place to set up his base.
-You imagine? - Alexei demands, his confused expression -. Does that mean you're not sure? - Xander shakes his head before adding:
-No, I'm not sure. While traveling, he never communicated with anyone after arriving, he simply moved around using his men and never fell into a set place - he paused briefly before continuing -. I tried to establish a route between the places he visited, which were usually empty warehouses, from which I conclude that he was in search of a new base, but he never lasted long enough in any of these countries to be completely sure of his intentions.
-And on the day of the embarkation, where was he? - Yaakov asks, putting out the cigarette already consumed in the ashtray on the desk.
-In the rush to get the hell out of Russia. The recordings I managed to collect show how he packed everything up quickly and got rid of what he considered a burden or unnecessary - Xander wrinkled his nose in disgust -. Men included.
-Like the damn rat he always was - Nikon spits with contempt.
-Yaakov, I need that appointment with Franchesco as soon as possible - Alexei rushes, getting a nod in response, his cousin typing fast on the phone screen -. Xander, don't stop digging, maybe you'll find something else that can be useful to us. And I need you to keep an eye on Rocco.
-Okay, I'll pass all the information to you in a report - he claims without hesitation.
-Keep your eyes open - the Alpha decrees, addressing the grunting words to all present -. The one who is orchestrating everything feels confident and we will take advantage of that - he stands up and puts the palms on the desk -. If they think for a moment that they can screw us over without consequences, they are very much mistaken. If it means we'll go to war, we will. But I'm not going to let them make me look like a fucking asshole and get away with it - he promises with a scowl, looking everyone straight in the eye -. So you'd better be prepared.
Those present, intimidated, simply confirm in silence. They have all been the recipients of Alexei Magnus' unleashed fury and that is a position none of them would rather be in.
-You can leave. You know how to contact me if anything else comes up - And just like that, as soon as they arrived, they were gone. Except for Xander, who was undisturbed, staring at him in silence. Slowly he made his way to stand next to him.
-You said you'd let me talk to Derek today - whispered cautiously, leaving Cooky at his feet. Alexei snorts in anger and stares at him.
-Goddamn it, Xander. What exactly are you trying to do? Keep me from killing him? - His body felt tense and stiff from sensing Xander's concern for the intruding Alpha. It irritated him deeply that he was willing to confront him for the safety of that son of a bitch. He told himself it had nothing to do with jealousy, although he was no longer so sure -. Well, you can relax, because I won't. You asked me not to, and I gave you my word, which I always keep - «No matter how much I want to pull the heart out of his chest with my claws», he thought roughly.
-I know, Magnus. I don't mistrust you - he looked away and swallowed thickly from the tangle of nerves that was tying his stomach in a tight knot -. I just want to make sure he cooperates and doesn't do anything stupid.
-He committed stupidity when he dared to challenge me in my damn house, in front of my men and pretending to demand that I release him, but not alone, but with you along for the ride - his wolf was howling, roaring his displeasure at the idea of allowing anyone but him to lay hands on Xander's seductive little body. The Omega might not know it yet, but he belonged to him. Xander fucking belonged to him alone: Alexei Magnus, no one else -. And yet, he's alive - which was a fucking miracle, considering the circumstances and his short, tiny, self-control.
-But have you considered that he might work for you? - Xander's eyes go up to meet his -. You won't regret it, Magnus. He's good at what he does and now, if there is a war brewing over this whole thing, you could use his help.
«The problem is that I don't want him near you», he had to bite his tongue hard so that the thought wouldn't materialize in words. He was getting tired of feeling so confused, of constantly struggling to keep his instincts in check, of wanting him so badly despite being betrayed.
He should be tied from head to toe in the cellar, where he would never again be able to enjoy the rays of the sun until his skin became as fragile as paper, his limbs withered to such an extent that he would not even have the strength to stand up. All because he lied to him, made him a miserable shit.
Although, at the same time... achieving without one ounce of fucking effort that his heart pumped like a fucking locomotive. As alive as he ever thought possible, the least he could do now is give him the chance (unique and unrepeatable) to vindicate himself, yet he would be sure to keep a close eye on the Omega, just to be sure.
-And if you don't convince him?
-I will - Xander swore, determined. He was confident that he could change Derek's stubborn mind, he needed him and he knew that the organization could benefit from his abilities.
Alexei sighed deeply trying to control himself, to lessen by some degrees the angry rage that threatened to drive him to commit actions he would probably regret later. He walked to the door and past him, and before leaving, he looked over a shoulder at Xander.
-Are you coming?
Taking Cooky in his arms, he rushed to follow the Alpha on his way to the room where his friend was being held. They had to go down several stretches of stairs, leaving behind several doors through long, dimly lit corridors until they reached the one that would lead them to their destination.
There were two henchmen standing guard, who, when they saw Alexei, bowed slightly to him in greeting and respect.
The Alpha walks into the chamber, Xander on his heels. Seeing Derek, completely safe and unharmed, he couldn't help but get a smile of relief on his face.
-Xander! - Derek exclaims happily at the sight of him, running to hold him in a bear hug, trying not to crush the cat that was cradled in the opposite arms -. Damn, I'm so glad you're okay - He cupped Xander's cheeks in his hands and placed a tender kiss on his forehead.
Alexei witnessing the pathetic scene makes him want to puke his guts out or pull the gun from the harness inside the vest and blow Derek's fucking brains out. It seems that the reckless piece of shit doesn't finish learning the lesson or gives a fuck about continuing to challenge his patience.
«Sooner or later you'll be buried under pounds of fucking concrete», Alexei thought bitterly, suppressing his bloody impulses as best he could, reaching into his trouser pockets. His jaw locked, trying to govern the impending fury.
-I am - Xander's smiling, unaware of the programmed countdown bomb behind them -. And you're all right? - He whispers softly and quietly.
-Well, I'm not in a five-star hotel - Derek snorts, giving Alexei a hateful glance, before focusing on the Omega again -. When do we leave?
-Derek, I can't leave... Yet - the last thing he said was so low that Magnus missed it -. I'm here on a job.
-What are you talking about? I thought you were being held here - Derek questions confusedly, putting the hands over Xander's shoulders and staring at him with a scowl.
-Well, no... Not exactly.
-What the hell do you mean, Xander?
-Listen, Derek - starts hesitantly, inhaling a deep sigh before explaining himself -. The fact is that I'm helping Mr. Magnus on a job and he needs me here in the meantime - he points with his thumb at Alexei, standing at the side of the room.
-This means you won't be coming with me? - Derek pushes, not being able to control the disappointment in his voice.
-That's why I'm here. Mr. Magnus is willing to offer you a job as his bodyguard - his friend's eyes are wide open due to the surprise such a revelation caused him and his gaze turns to Alexei, who counteracts him with murderous scrutiny.
-He doesn't seem very convinced of what you're saying, Xander - he snorts humorlessly, gesturing his chin in the direction of the more powerful Alpha.
Xander turns around to realize that Alexei's entire body is enveloped in a dark aura of hostility, of dislike, obviously ready and willing to get into a fight if only he were given a free pass. Xander, against his better judgment, considered it funny, though he'd be crazy to show it. That would only make the situation worse.
-Well, knowing you like I do, you didn't make it easy for him - turning the focus on his friend.
-And what the fuck did you expect? - Derek accuses him, feeling dazed and disbelieving -. I was kidnapped! If not because I was sure you were here, believe me, my reaction would have been much worse - Xander gives a little chuckle in response. He was right, when Derek got angry, it was an odyssey to make him happy again, even though Xander knew he had a weakness for his charms.
-Please, Derek - Xander snorts -. Come on, you always complained that working for Luka Nekrasov was a pain in the ass. You've got a new opportunity here, take advantage of it - batting the eyelashes, with his best abandoned doggy expression.
-And who's to say it won't be the same here? - Even the most idiotic human being would know that Alexei Magnus wouldn't let him off easy.
-If it is, it won't make any difference then -he shrugs -. Please, Derek. Besides, you'll be here with me.
Derek sighed heavily as he admitted to himself that it was for the best, that he could keep an eye on Xander and work on the only thing that he felt was good. Besides, he'd spent so many days searching for little Omega that he doubted Luka would just embrace him and say, "Welcome back, man! How was your vacation?".
Yeah, that wouldn't happen. And so, cornered, with practically no chance of getting out alive, he had no choice but to finally announce:
-Okay. I'm in.