Admiration, Wishes, Dressed Down, Shoring Up, Never Change, Ribbing & Asking Too Damned Much


Hotel Makhachkala – Luxury Suite – Main Room

Matt quietly opened the door for the luxury suite. He had slept but not well. He was worried about Sam and wanted an opportunity to speak with him privately before the rest of the guys started gathering for the mission briefing in an hour.

He could tell that Sam was weighed down by everything. His brother could not bear the weight of the loss of two more little girls. The loss of Sara nearly broke him, hell it had broken him. Matt knew that Sam would feel it was his responsibility if he could not pull off acting like Maks and the girls died.

Matt wasn't sure what he was going to do but he knew he needed to do something. All the work he, Sam and the guys did over the last four months was in jeopardy of unraveling. All because of some little brown haired bitch. He wanted to ring Julie's neck for what she did to Sam.

Well to be truthful he wanted to ring the General's neck too. What the hell was the man thinking to send his son on this type of mission? Hadn't he seen the scars? Wouldn't he know that would screw with Sam's head? It would be naïve to think a man could simply bounce back with something like that.

Matt saw Ripsaw asleep on the couch. He grinned when he thought of how Ripsaw quickly told him how Anastasia had made it easier for Sam to go to sleep. Leaving the room to go order food so Sam could change and lay down without her there was genius. Maybe they had an ally in her too.

Maybe he could confide in her and she could help ease Sam's worries and insecurities.

Silently Matt padded on the plush carpet to the closed bedroom doors. Ripsaw must be dead tired to not wake up Matt thought. Usually they all slept lightly, especially on a mission. But this one was a little different. They weren't technically behind enemy lines. So he could see that Ripsaw might sleep a little sounder.

Matt quietly opened the bedroom door intending to go in and speak with Sam. He stopped dead in his tracks. A huge smile came to his face and his green eyes brightened.

Sam was sprawled out on the bed sound asleep with Anastasia draped over him. They were both naked. He saw their clothes strewn on the floor. Then he saw two open telltale little packages on the floor and one unopened one on the nightstand next to the pain pills.

Matt quickly closed the door. He thought well I'll be damned; Sammy boy got laid after all, not once but twice. Matt went to the minibar and grabbed a water bottle. He went to the window and stared out at the Caspian Sea.

Anastasia just went to the top of Matt's admiration list. What she had done for Sam would surely help Sam in his role as Maks. He turned and headed for the chair. As he sat down Ripsaw's eyes opened.

Ripsaw met Matt's eyes. He smiled a knowing smile. Both acknowledge what happened in the other room but neither would ever remark openly on it.

Matt asked with a little smirk "Sleep well?"

Ripsaw sat up and his eyes darted to the closed bedroom door then back at Matt "Yeah, like a log. World war three could have been going on around me and I wouldn't have heard a thing."

Matt lightly chuckled "You know Sam won't buy that."

Shrugging his shoulders Ripsaw said "That's my story and I'm sticking to it. I think I'll go grab a cold shower in one of the other rooms. You okay to stay on watch here?"

"Yeah I'm good" Matt nodded.

Ripsaw stood and gave the closed door one last glance. Anastasia earned his full trust and admiration with what she did in there. What he heard her tell Blondie was heartbreaking.

Fate had finally looked kindly on their little brother and sent him the one woman that could help heal his hurt. She did something for Blondie that none of the guys would ever be able to do. She was able to show him his scars would not matter to the right woman.

Anastasia was a rare woman to be sure. She was beautiful inside and out. She was intelligent and compassionate. He knew Anastasia would be there to cover Blondie's back and help him through this mission. Ripsaw wondered if they were kindred souls and if Blondie and Anastasia would hit it off after the mission was over.

As he closed the door to the luxury suite and stood in the hall Ripsaw let his smile grow. If she and Blondie did get together he could just imagine the beautiful children they would have. All blonde hair and blue eyed.

He shrugged and thought only time would tell. Ripsaw then headed quickly for room 1501. He needed to quietly and privately let Blaze know that he could dial back his worry a bit in relation to Blondie.


General Braddock's Office

The door to General Braddock's office was open. Merrill had come in and out so damned many times today that he was sick of hearing the squeaking hinge. He told Merrill to just leave it open until maintenance got around to fixing it.

He was currently reading a detailed threat assessment from his analysts. He was having difficulty concentrating. He was distracted. William gave up and turned his chair to gaze out the window. His thoughts went to Samuel and the mission.

William wished he didn't have to keep what he knew from Dom. He hatred doing that. But Dom needed his head in the game and revealing what he knew would throw Dom for a loop. It was bad enough Dom was thinking his girls would be killed. But there were fates worse than death for innocent little girls.

It was kinder and better to keep Dom in the dark because he knew Dom well. Dom would go in guns blazing if he knew. Dom and his girls would all be dead. But it still bothered him.

He also wished he had asked or even ordered Mike to reveal portions of his past to Samuel for this mission. But he could not in good conscience ask Mike to do that. Parts of Mike's past were desolate and painful. He could not ask or order Mike to reveal it.

But he assigned Mike on purpose. He had many pilots to choose from. William hoped that Mike would reveal what he knew of Maks to Samuel. There was not much information on Maks other than what the society papers published and sensational journalist video taped.

William knew that Mike knew Maks personally a long time ago. Mike never shared anything other than the association but William knew that Mike had spent several years in Maks' circle of friends. William hoped Mike would tell Samuel things that might help in this mission.

Mike also was aware of Savelievich's real business too. In fact, that is how William knew about it. It was part of what Mike shared with him when he rescued Mike many years ago.

He had recalled that name when Dom told him where the girls were being held. From Mike, he knew that the bordello was only a front for a more nefarious business. That business is what scared William the most. Dom's girls were in more peril than Dom even realized.

William had so many fears and doubts about sending Samuel on this mission. But he was the only one with the looks of Maks and skillset. He wished there was another way. William knew he was putting so much on his son's shoulders with this mission.

He hoped to god it would not break Samuel. He knew his son was a ladies man. Samuel had a smooth charm and the Braddock winning smile. Samuel employed that smile much better than he ever did.

William recalled Bella telling Yvonne how Samuel was constantly inundated with girls when he smiled. Bella had also told Yvonne that Samuel did not seem to be aware of how many girls he actually attracted. That it was sweet that Samuel was so unaware of his charm.

He knew the Braddock smile could work wonders and draw women to Braddock men. That smile is what won over Yvonne. William smiled thinking of Yvonne. He needed to get home for a visit soon.

His mind quickly shifted back to Samuel. William hoped to god he was not asking too much of Samuel. Being a ladies man was one thing. But being asked to go into a bordello and possibly sleep with whores was quite another. That was not something Braddock men easily stomached. They had too much respect for women.

God he wished there was another way to get into Savelievich's place without making Samuel do something so distasteful. Maybe Samuel could find a way around it and not actually have to sleep with the women to get the intel they needed.

Perhaps Samuel's natural charm, smooth talking and smile would get him out of having to do it. God he hoped so.

William was pulled from his thoughts as he heard two women speaking in the outer office. One he recognized as Private Karla Weeks the other he did not recognize.

He wasn't one to eavesdrop but the voice he did not recognize sounded distraught when she said "Oh god it was just so horrible."


General Braddock's Office – Outer Office

Karla smiled "So how did the night out with the girls go?"

"Oh god it was just so horrible. You will never guess what happened?" Julie stated with a sound of distress.

"What happened? Someone wear the same dress as you?" Karla asked knowing that Julie was vain and prone to over dramatize things.

Julie shuddered "No, I'm disgusted not distraught. I met this guy. Pretty boy looks; blonde hair, blue eyes. Muscular and Special Forces too. He was so cute and so shy."

"He could barely talk to me. He introduced himself twice. Said his name was Sam. Sherry tried to butt in but I stopped her with one look. I could see she wanted him too. God I wish I would have let her have him. But no, no such luck."

Intrigued by Julie's statements she asked "Was he a brute? Did he hurt you? I know if he did the General would see him punished. The General would not allow any of his men to abuse women."

"A brute I could handle. No he was not a brute" Julie stated.

Karla was confused "Then what?"

Julie shook her head and started her tale she had told to several friends who all commiserated with her. "As I said he was so shy, he even looked over to his unit's table for support. I thought I hit the jack pot, a virgin Special Forces guy, he was so young looking. You know younger than most. He even blushed when he talked to me."

"I suggested we go to my room. I wanted to be his teacher. God he looked so hot in his t-shirt and jeans. When we got there he was so nervous." Julie snorted "All he could do was talk about guns. God he did not know how to even talk to a woman. He made no moves. So I went into the bathroom and changed into my teddy."

Her face took on a look of scorn "He was so freaked out by it he got up and went to get us two more beers from my little fridge. He ran like a scared little rabbit. I was sure then I had me a virgin. I was gonna pop his cherry so to speak. When he sat back down I made my move. He was so damned hot I was not letting him get away."

"He got all tense when I started kissing him. But eventually he started to kiss me back. I ran my hands over his chest and abs and he tried to pull away. But I held him there. Then I had to get a look at him. I was sure it would be in my top five chests. I pulled his shirt up to look at his chest."

Julie's expression was one of repugnance "He was disgusting but I felt pity for him. There is no way in hell he would ever come close to being on my list or any other woman's for that matter. His chest was disgusting. It was littered with scars. It was so ugly. No woman would ever want to touch that unless he paid them too."

She shivered like she saw something sickening "He looked like he was about to cry when I pulled away from his revolting chest. He got up and backed away from me like I did something wrong. Then he got scary. His eyes glazed over then became so angry. Just one look at his icy blue eyes scared the hell out of me. I thought he might actually kill me. But then his unit buddy knocked. He left without saying a word."

Her words dripped with disdain as Julie continued "He fell into his unit buddy's arms. I swear I heard him cry. What a wuss. His black haired buddy looked at me like I was shit. God only knows why? Maybe he has a thing for the guy. I mean he held him and put his arm around him then led him away like some child. He can have him for all I care."

Julie shuddered with a disgusted contorted sneer on her face "Yuck, just yuck. I can't believe I even kissed him. His chest was just so disgusting looking. No pretty face can ever make up for that. Ewww. Gives me the heebie-jeebies knowing I kissed him. So yeah, it was just a horrible night."

Karla stared at Julie for a moment. She did the injury reports for the Special Forces. She knew exactly who Julie was talking about. She swallowed hard trying to contain her anger.

It didn't work, Karla said very loudly and harshly "Get out Julie. Get out and never come back. I cannot be friends with someone so uncaring and despicable as you. That young man you think is so disgusting is a billion times better than you. Sam was injured in the service of his country. Those scars are badges of honor, sacrifice, courage and survival."

Julie's face changed to one of astonishment. Karla did not understand how disgusting his chest was. She defended herself and actions "But it was horrible. It shocked me. I did nothing wrong! Why are you yelling at me? He was the disgusting one."

Glaring at Julie, Karla channeled her inner General. She had witnessed General Braddock dressing down men that deserved it. He had a way with words that stung.

Karla spoke firmly and with contempt "You know, you're not pretty enough to be this stupid Julie. You're as bright as a black hole and twice as dense. I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you. The fact that you hurt Sam and mocked him makes you the lowest of the low."

"You are not fit to be pond scum. In fact, your gene pool could use a little chlorine. You are loathsome, you disgust me and you bring dishonor to the uniform you are wearing."

Karla's voice then shook with unbridled fury as she stood up and pointed at the door "Go you disgusting witch. You are just darned lucky the General didn't overhear you bashing one of his injured soldiers. He does not take kindly to that sort of thing. If he had, you'd be lucky to have a job cleaning the toilets with your tongue.

Fire in her eyes and hand now clenched at her side Karla threw one last cannon volley at Julie "And I think he might even take more offense at your repulsive words and actions because you are disparaging his son Sam Braddock."

Julie's mouth dropped open. Her eyes darted to the open door of the General's office.

Standing in the doorway was General Braddock. Ice cold, deadly blue eyes bore deeply into her.

Julie turned and ran out of the office as fast as she could, thinking the devil himself would be coming after her.


General Braddock's Office

William stood stock still in the doorway. He could not believe what he had just heard.

Years of training took over and he automatically closed his door.

He did not slam it like he wanted too. No he simply closed it.

He did not run after that woman and throttle her for her callousness, although a small part of him wanted too.

If it were a man he would have gone after him and slammed his fists into his face repeatedly.

But he did none of that.

What he did do was walk to his chair, slump down into it and bury his head in his hands.

He had just sent his son out on a mission unprepared to perform the necessary tasks. Why was he always screwing up so badly with Samuel? Why he wanted to scream at the top of his lungs but it came out as a choked whisper "Why?"

The weight of what he had done was crushing him.

Not only did he send Samuel into a situation he was ill prepared to handle at the moment he had sent an entire unit with him. Dom was counting on him to send the best of the best to save his daughters.

He might very well have just signed death warrants for Dom, Anna-Marie, Nicolette, Samuel, his unit, Mike and the covert ops woman.

It rarely ever happened but William began to shake as full comprehension of his decisions bore down on him.

William could not control it. Tears slipped out. Angrily he wiped at them. He was so pathetic and weak sometimes. He needed strength.

Without realizing what he was doing he pulled out his phone and dialed.

When it was answered his voice cracked "Yvonne I may have killed our son."

The tears started in earnest with ever so quiet sobs.

[Yvonne had just woken up not more than ten minutes ago. She heard her phone ring and smiled seeing William number displayed.

Her smile died on her face at the sound of William's voice, his words and the quiet sobbing "Oh William, shhhh, shhhh, shhh. Talk to me. Tell me what happened."

She wished she was there to hold him. The only thing she could do was listen and let him pour out all his hurts and worries. Then she would offer comfort as best she could through the phone.]

William could not tell her much but he gave her the gist of it and told her what that revolting Julie had said.

He listened to Yvonne as she spoke sweet comforting words; giving him strength from afar.

William held the phone tightly like a lifeline; his only tangible link to comfort. Yvonne was his backbone, the one he relied on when things became overwhelming for him. She was the only woman that understood him fully and accepted him flaws and all.

[Yvonne had listened and wanted to slap Julie. Some women were just so shallow, careless of a man's tender sensibilities and cruel. Normally she did not interfere with her men. But she knew Karla. She had met her several times in William's Ottawa office.

She was proud of what Karla did. She would contact her and find out Julie's name. Then she would seek a mother's revenge. No one hurt her son like that without some sort of repercussion. Julie needed to be taught a lesson in compassion.

Yvonne spoke comforting words to William. He could not have foreseen this complication. Well perhaps he should have but they were all human and occasionally they all made mistakes. She could see how William would want to send his very best unit since it was Dom's girls in danger.

In her soft soothing voice Yvonne said "William you know Sam. He will find a way to handle whatever mission you have sent him on. Sammy is resilient and you said he has his unit with him. They won't let anything happen to Sam if they can prevent it."

"All your men have been well trained, that includes Sammy. Have faith in your men. Have faith in Sam, my love."]

William was regaining control. Yvonne was right. Samuel was with his unit. Samuel had been trained. He would draw on his training to get the job done regardless of what that nasty Julie had done to him.

He dried his tears and said firmly "Thank you Yvonne. You are my sun and moon. Without you I could not be the man I am. I love you sweetheart. I will try to get home very soon."

[Yvonne smiled, her strong husband was back. She had shored him up again. That was her job. She was good at it and she loved being able to do that for him. He had the weight of so many lives on his shoulders.

"I love you too dear. I know you are needed there so come home when you can. I'll be waiting for you with open arms" Yvonne responded.]

General Braddock hung up after a few more exchanged I love yous and a little discussion about Natalie. When he did hang up he felt strong again.

He would have faith in his men and in Samuel to do what was necessary to save Anna-Marie and Nicolette.


Hotel Makhachkala – Luxury Suite – Bedroom

Sam woke and felt Anastasia was still laying on him. A soft smile came to his face as he gently pushed the hair back from her face and tucked it behind her ear. He would never be able to repay Anastasia for what she did for him.

He knew it was only sex with her. That was okay. But her willingness to help him in that way was something he could never repay. She was a beautiful and caring woman even after the tragedy she had endured. It gave him hope that he would find the beauty of life that Matt was always talking about.

Anastasia blinked open her eyes and heard the unit beginning to congregate in the other room. Their laughter was nice to hear. She smiled at Sam "Sleep Well?"

"Yeah, best sleep I've had in months. No nightmares. Thank you from the bottom of my heart" Sam said as he caressed her back.

She reached up and caressed his face "You are a strong and caring young man Sam. Remember the scars on the outside are only reminders that you survived impossible odds. You are stronger for what you endured. The right woman will come along and she will not see the scars. She will only see the real you. The man inside. And that man is sweet and kind."

She sat up and said "Never change who you are on the inside Sam. He is beautiful." Then she stood and gathered her clothes "Mind if I shower first?"

Sam grinned watching the gorgeous woman walk confidently not trying to cover her scars. "Sure. I'll just be out with the guys to give you some privacy" Sam answered.

Anastasia lightly chuckled as she entered the bathroom "Oh Sam you are so sweet. I think you've seen all I have to offer."

Sam just grinned and rolled off the bed and picked up his clothes and the two condom wrappers. He threw them away. The second time was slow and tender. Anastasia made him feel more comfortable in his own skin the way she had traced his scars.

Because of her he would be able do his job. He would be able to become Maks. He would not flinch away from a woman's touch consumed with worry at being rejected. He now knew that things below worked too. So if the mission required that from him he knew he could do that too.

Sam wasn't too sure Anastasia was right about a woman ever fully accepting his scars. At least not one who did not have first-hand knowledge of what it was like to have disfiguring scars like he and Anastasia had. But he was comfortable enough with them now that he could do his job.

It wasn't like he would be looking for Mrs. Right anytime soon anyways. Being in Special Forces and with his father keeping him in the field mission after mission it didn't leave much time for that. But the occasional hook up now looked to be at least somewhat possible.

He pulled on his boxers and a pair of shorts. He started to pull on his t-shirt but stopped. Sam thought, no time like the present to begin getting comfortable without a shirt. It would help if he had to do it on this mission.

Sam tossed the shirt onto the dresser then strode to the door. He took a deep breath and prepared to open the door. He expected the guys to be merciless in their ribbing. There was no way in hell Ripsaw had not heard him and Anastasia. He opened the door and slipped into the main room closing the door behind him to give Anastasia some privacy.


Hotel Makhachkala – Luxury Suite – Main Room

Sam entered the room and all talking ceased. They all turned to look at him as one. Surprise was evident on all their faces. Sam just sauntered over to the table and picked up an apple and bit into it.

He chewed and swallowed as the guys just stared at him. Looking at Blaze he asked "So how did the contact go? Do we know where Maks will be going first?"

Blaze grinned. Blondie was relaxed. He was without a shirt. Damn that was good to see. Ripsaw was right, Anastasia had helped.

He said "Went well. We'll wait until you've showered and changed before we get down to business."

Sam nodded and grabbed a water bottle. He went to the only open chair and sat down. He was beginning to wonder when the teasing would start. It was a bit disconcerting that it hadn't already.

He looked to Ripsaw and asked "Sleep well?"

Ripsaw answered "Yeah, like a log. World war three could have been going on around me and I wouldn't have heard a thing."

Sam stared at him. He snorted "Unlikely."

Ripsaw shrugged and changed the subject "Blaze asked about getting that Corvette you wanted."

Sam turned to Blaze "Yeah, what was the answer?" He grinned up at Matt who was standing by the windows.

Matt answered for Blaze "Just might happen. Won't that be cool?"

Patch asked "Did you take your pain pills?"

Sam shook his head "Don't need them." He ached a little but he didn't want to become dependent on painkillers.

Patch arched a brow "You'll be taking them whether you think you need them or not. They are OTC, nothing to get hooked on."

"Damn, how do you know what I'm thinking Patch?" Sam asked.

Patch only smiled and shrugged "My secret."

Sam looked between Patch and Matt "Secret my ass. Matt tells you everything."

Matt grinned "Not everything. Just what he needs to know."

"Speaking of which" Patch said and tossed Sam half a dozen small packets. "As unit medic I figured you might need these. I hear you are running low and you know, as Maks, you might need them."

Sam let the condom packages fall to the ground and laughed heartily. Yeah that was the guys. It felt more normal now. The rest of them laughed too.

As the laughter died down Mason picked up the condom packages and stuffed them in his pocket "Your body guard will keep your supply for you Maks."

Everyone stilled and became silent when the bedroom door opened. They all smiled at Anastasia.

Anastasia stopped a moment seeing everyone staring at her. They knew. Oh well, that was okay. Her eyes landed on Ripsaw and she saw him wink and incline his head with a genuine smile. She had his approval. Actually she could read she had all of the guy's approval.

She smiled as she entered the room fully dressed but with her wet hair wrapped up in a towel. She walked right to Sam and he looked up at her with a small smile. Anastasia sat down in his lap.

Sam wrapped his arms around her as he pulled her close and laid his chin on her shoulder.

Anastasia looked at the stunned guys and quipped "What? There were no other chairs. Besides I'm his girlfriend and he likes me."

The entire room burst out laughing. The guys were so glad to see Blondie smiling, laughing, relaxed and comfortable with Anastasia.

Sam went off to shower and change while Anastasia ordered dinner for all of them to be delivered. As Sam was shaving Anastasia came in and did her makeup and hair.

The group sat down in the main room around the low table. The table was covered with maps and recon photos of the places they would be going tonight. Winds had gotten the photos by tapping into CCTV cameras. There were photos of the men that Sam was to try and locate in order to garner an invitation to the bordello.

There were also the photos of little Nicolette and Anna-Marie. Their smiling faces kept drawing Sam back to them. Those girls were counting on him.

Sam silently vowed he would not fail them. He would to do whatever was needed to rescue them. If he had sleep with whores in a bordello, as distasteful and vile that was to him personally, he would do it to save those little girls.

After they finished planning every detail and working contingency plans for tonight Blaze, Patch, Matt and Winds left to meet up with the contacts for weapons. The contacts were French so Mike was not needed because all four of them could speak French. In fact, all of them could speak French because it was a pre-requisite of being in the Special Forces.

All the others settled in to relax for the next hour.


Hotel Makhachkala – Luxury Suite – Bedroom

Mike found Sam in the bedroom staring out the window. He wanted to talk privately with Sam. To share some things he and the General knew about Maks. Things he had shared with the General long ago when the General rescued him. Things the General had recalled when he was speaking with Dom and he heard the location of Dom's girls.

Things not even Dom knew. He could tell the General was protecting his friend by not telling him the full truth of the matter. He kept Dom focused on the rescue and Dom's suspicion that the ransom was to draw him out to kill his girls in front of him before killing him.

Neither Mike or the General thought that was the real scenario. Part of it was. Yes the ransom was to draw Dom out and kill him. But the girls would suffer a worse fate than death. It was why it was so time critical to get the invitation to Savelievich's place too.

Mike was pretty sure it was why the General had sent him on this mission. He could have sent any pilot, but no other pilot knew what he knew. Although the General would never ask him to divulge his past in any way, Mike was one hundred percent sure the General was hoping Mike would clue Sam in on the real Maks.

To tell him about the Maks that would not be known to any but his closest friends and body guards. On the surface and for the society pages Maks was a typical ladies man and party goer; always seen with beautiful women. But that was not the real Maks. The real Maks was dark and disgusting.

With all that Sam had been through Mike decided that Sam needed to be fully prepared. Being shocked at the wrong time could spell disaster for the mission. Mike steeled himself to share with Sam. He hoped Sam would not press him hard on how he knew these details. Mike would tell Sam if he did but he preferred not to.

Mike stopped at the window and stared out too as he said "There are some things you should know about Maks."

Sam turned to Mike "I watched all the videos."

Mike nodded "Yeah those would give you a good overall perspective of how the world knows Maks. But I know things that won't be in those videos."

"Like what? Sam asked.

Sighing Mike turned to Sam "Like it looks like he drinks a lot. When in fact he always orders Vodka but it is really water. You need to tell Mason and Ripsaw that so they can go change your order each time. He only drinks what his body guard brings him. If a woman sends him a drink he finds a way to pawn it off on someone else. He's afraid of being drugged."

"Interesting. How do you know this?" Sam asked.

"In another lifetime Sam, not something I want to talk about. I think you can understand that. Just know what I share with you is truth" Mike responded.

Sam nodded "Yeah I know about not wanting to talk about the past. What else do I need to know?"

Relieved Sam did not press him for details "You're not gonna like some of this. But here goes. Maks refuses to use condoms. He likes threesomes but not with his girlfriend de jour. She is just eye candy for the press to keep up appearances so to speak."

Sam nodded "Okay, not the safest thing to do but I guess I can do that if it is called for to stay in character." He did not like Mike's body language.

Mike rubbed his temples "It gets worse. Maks makes his body guards watch just in case the girls have a weapon concealed. Don't ask me where they would conceal them because the body guards always strip the girls first."

Looking at Sam, Mike hated to tell him this next part "I used the term girls instead women Sam. Maks had perverted tastes. The younger the better and he is always on the lookout for virgins. It's what turns him on. Maks likes to deflower them. He sweet talks them, plies them with alcohol and he pleasures them then he takes them roughly."

Sam felt sick, he blew out a breath "How young?"

Sadness entered Mike's eyes "There is a reason the General chose to use Maks as a cover. Savelievich caters to men like Maks and a few other peculiar tastes."

Mike placed a hand on Sam "Maks would want Nicolette and Anna-Marie and be willing to pay a high price to deflower them before they are sold as sex slaves. That is how you will be able to discover where they are. Without Maks there is no way to get into Savelievich's bordello. It is too heavily guard and why we cannot force our way in."

Sam pulled away "Sex slavery. That is what the General thinks will happen to the girls."

Nodding Mike added "Yeah it is what the General thinks and what I know will happen to them. That is what Savelievich is really into; his fancy bordello is just a cover."

Mike struggled to tell Sam this next part. Not even the General was aware of it. It was a personal secret he had never shared with a single soul. In good conscience Mike could not allow Sam to go into this blindly. It could get Sam killed if he was not fully prepared and aware.

Mike stated flatly "There is one last thing you need to know about Savelievich. He is extremely is careful, I know from personal experience I will not share."

He took a deep breath and held it a moment then released it and looked directly into Sam's eyes.

Sam tensed up at Mike's steady gaze.

This was the absolute worst thing Mike ever had to say in his life. His stomach turned. Quietly not really wanting to give voice to it Mike's gaze never left Sam's eyes as he stated "You are going to have to prove that Maks is into young girls before Savelievich will even disclose that he has two virgin."

Sam's head and body snapped backwards like he was physically hit.

"Shit. No. No. I can't do that. I refuse to do that. No fucking way. That is asking too damned much" Sam yelled as images of innocent little Nicolette and Anna-Marie swam in his head.