Sorry for the minor delay. I rewrote this eight times with so many different directions to take it. Dark, super dark, boring- I think I got a decent amount of fuzzy good feelings, not so good feelings, moved the plot along, and established how the second act is going to play out. I am struggling with Packie though.

aaaaaa

"Are you sure about this Patty?" Ally stood next to him and wished her heart and soul would quit breaking. Everything inside kept shredding and ripping into so many pieces. Her bloodshot eyes turned to look at the man next to her and prayed she could just convince him to stay with her. The future of the Irish mob depended on it…

"I need out of this hellhole. I can't do this anymore." Packie muttered as he adjusted the duffle bag strap over his shoulder. He was done. There was nothing more he wanted to see or do within Liberty. Niko had killed his brother on his other's order. There was zero doubt in his mind now. The events kept replaying in his mind over and over and no matter how much smack and alcohol he consumed it would not go away.

"You can't… You can't stay for me?" She whispered the words and roughly wiped at her face to keep the angry tears from falling. They were in public, and people kept sending them weird glances. But part of her just couldn't care anymore. Bitterness was spreading throughout her body.

"Al- There was never anything between us. It was a mistake-"

She slapped him across the face and let her anger toward him out, "If there was absolutely nothing between us then I would never have invited you home. Would never have let your hands… You know what? Whatever. Just go buy your ticket to fortune and fame someplace else." She let out a dry laugh and turned to head back to the cab that was frustratingly waiting for her.

"We didn't even have sex. I couldn't… I passed out." Packie sighed and watched as she halted her march toward the open car door. His hand rubbed at his face to rid it of the sting. 'Why is she so mad at me? Doesn't she understand what is going on?!'

"You did. We did. It was probably- I don't even know why I bother. I spent three years waiting for you. I knew about the clubs, the other women, the longing you held for companionship. But I pathetically held out hope. I did my part. I desperately tried to show you… Goodbye Patrick. Good luck in Los Santos." She turned to glare over her shoulder to him and nearly stumbled over her feet when he approached her to grab her upper arms, forcing her to face him.

"I didn't… I thought I had just passed out drunk and high. I- I'm sorry. Okay?" His hands gripped her arms harshly and he searched her eyes. His memory was nearly blank from that night. He thought he had seen his sister throwing up outside the bar in the back alley before everything just went into a blur. Next thing he knew he woke up tangled with her body completely naked. And with the way he had been feeling and operating… He didn't think he could have gotten it up to have sex.

"Well. It was the most mind blowing and crazy night I have ever experienced. But that's in the past and will remain there. You are leaving. You are ditching everything Gerry built. Everything your family stood for. What I swore loyalty to. Now Gordo has to step into the role. Just… Just go. I can't stand to reopen old scars and pain. You don't love me or want me, and I can't allow myself to feel this anymore." She tugged at her long, straight blond hair and shoved her eyes away from his desperate stare. With a jerk of her body, she removed herself from his grasp.

"I… Fuck. I am sorry. Take care of yourself… And stay away from Niko. He will put a bullet through your head for money." Packie scoffed and turned around so fast to enter the airport lobby. He wanted out of Liberty so bad that he could no longer care about his remaining family. If Kate wanted to be with Derrick's killer so be it… He wanted no part of it anymore.

"You know he could NEVER do that to your family. Maybe you really should lay off the booze, chop, and pills. You'd be a decent person then." She harshly glared over her shoulder to his back and lowered into the cab, slamming the door shut. She almost wanted to quit the bar gig and the bookkeeping now that she had been used and tossed to the side as if she didn't have meaning.

He paused as her words slapped against him. He had quit for a time. It cleared his mind and so many things came to light. He only started back up because he didn't want to know things. He didn't want to believe that Niko had shot his brother because of Francis… And now? Gerry was dead. Derrick was dead. His Ma was dead. Kate was on a path he felt she shouldn't be on… and- and…

"Francis…"

His eldest living brother was trying to help keep them all safe and fight off the enemies and do the right thing.

'Little too late asshole!'

The bitterness settled into his soul, and he walked into the airport with a purpose. He was done with the bull shit and lies. He would leave it all and say fuck it. He only wished he had the courage to tell his sister his thoughts. She didn't deserve to have her world broken by a cold blooded killer.

aaaaaa

"I think if one more person is killed in this hospital, they are going to put all of us on a do not help list." Francis stood next to Niko and watched as Ron, who he was introduced to as Aleksei and Sergei, worked on clearing the room and processing the scene. He had been in the middle of searching for his youngest brother to let him know about Gerry when Kate called him.

"It's not my fault that people want us dead." Niko glanced down the hall to where Georgi knelt in front of Kate in chair and looked to be working on calming her down. The distance was making him itchy. And while he trusted Georgi to help her, he felt it should be him wiping her tears away.

"So, uh…" Francis followed his line of sight and scratched the back of his head not knowing how to broach the subject. He had not seen his sister since he stormed out of her room and was still dealing with his own internal dilemma. The thought she was pregnant absolutely squeezed his heart.

"We don't know. And she is struggling right now. It might be nice to have her brother go comfort her." He frowned when their eyes met and tried to get the point across. He hadn't been given the chance to comfort her since Bernie was rushed back into surgery. He had been told a blood clot had moved from his chest to his brain and he would need emergency surgery to save his live.

"Boss? The man is flagged as an enforcer for the known Albanian gangs out of Hove." Ron exited the room, reading off the information from his laptop. He glanced between the two men and then looked down the hall where Kate rested. Something was definitely off with the way his boss was acting.

"Great. Any idea why he was shot? Highly doubt the doc did it." Francis shoved thoughts of his sister and Niko from his mind and got back to the task at hand. So many dead bodies had shown up in the hospital- nurses, doctors, assassins, and now an Albanian gangster. 'Just what the fuck is going on now…'

"Working theory? The second man that was with them killed him before leaving the hospital. I have- Aleksei? Pulling the security footage to be sure. No one in the other rooms heard a gunshot, which is off. Even Kate and you didn't hear one." Ron closed his laptop and nodded to Aleksei as he moved down the hall toward the elevators and the security office.

"I was a little more focused on the gun pressed to Kate's stomach." Niko thought back to them running through the hospital to get to Bernie's room and find the Albanian's she had spotted. He thought for sure they would arrive too late, and she would either be missing from the hospital, or lying on the ground bleeding out.

"Can you um… Ask your friend? To come over so I can get his side of the story?" Ron jabbed his thumb in Georgi's direction. He had been the only other person in the hallway around the time of the murder. And Ron was still weary of why the man kept calling Niko boss and just doing whatever he asked or said. Last he checked Niko wasn't exactly the man in charge…

"Georgi can you come here for a second?" Niko called out to his second in command, hating leaving Kate alone for even a second. She was huddled up, knees tucked to her chest, and pulling his jacket further around her body. He could tell she was still crying and working on slowing her rapid breathing. It broke his heart.

Georgi heard his boss' call and patted Kate's knee, "I'll be right back. And if I can, I'll have Niko return with me."

"I don't want to be alone right now..." Kate sniffed and wiped what was probably the millionth tear shed that night. At some point it was going to give her the worst headache imaginable, "But I get that you and Niko both have roles to play."

"Call out if you need one of us." He stood up, not liking the kind of bitter tone she held, and undid the cuff to his shirt, slipping his concealed knife loose, "Here. At least it is something." He held his hand out for her's, waiting to see if she would take the layer of protection. At least then she would have something as a backup should anything else happen.

"Will it even fit?" Kate untucked her good arm from Niko's jacket and let him work the firm fabric over her hand. It was somewhat loose fitting, but she could feel the metal handle, curling her fingers the way he had shown her. She observed his fingers as he shifted her grip of it slightly, giving her silent instruction on how to use it.

"I will get you your own when we get back to the compound." He made a couple of adjustments, making sure if she needed it, it would be seamless. Not that he wanted to think she would need to defend herself now that he and Niko both were right by her side. The thought soured his mood, and an idea came to him as he watched her attempt to remove the knife a touch, before sliding it back to its resting position.

Kate only nodded and slipped her arm back into the safety of Niko's jacket. It wanted to make her feel better having the cool metal press into her wrist, but it was another reminder that danger lurked around every corner. Bernie was in medical danger, she and Niko's family had people after them, and now they were telling her it wasn't safe to go back to the apartment. 'Only safe place is in Niko's arms…'

At the abysmal look, Georgi shoved his arms under her's and hauled her up and over his strong shoulder. He balanced her on her stomach making sure the pressure wouldn't rest anywhere with potential to do harm and reached out with his other hand to grab the back of the chair. If she wanted to not be alone, so be it.

"Georgi!" She shrieked his name and started to breathlessly laugh as the world turned upside down and she started to playfully hit his back. Her hair cascaded everywhere, and she shook her head to try and see where Niko was.

"Come along now. Can't keep the boss waiting!" He laughed when she smacked his lower back, just above his pistol. He turned to look toward his boss and her brother, faltering only slightly by the scared expression of Francis. But his eyes shifted to Niko's, and he only rolled them skyward and shook his head in amusement.

"Georgi! Oh- Oh my God! Put me down!" She laughed till she wheezed, feeling like a sack of potatoes, "The blood is rushing to my head!"

He placed the chair down next to his boss' side and carefully lowered her down in almost the exact same position she had been in before, "There. Your request has been met. As you have asked it, so it will be done."

"Niko- he! He just!" Francis went slack jawed and stared at his sister's boyfriend in disbelief.

"It's fine Frankie. He would never hurt me." Kate flipped her hair back over her head and shoulders and let out another giggle, "If anything he'd be more scared of what Niko would do if he did."

"He knows how to keep her safe Francis. He saved her twice now." Niko tucked some of her hair behind her ear and smiled when she looked up at him with some of the light returning to her eyes. 'The way her eyes should always look…'

Francis placed his palms on Georgi's shoulders and squeezed down in gratitude, "Thank you. My family is disappearing on me faster than I can handle it, and you have kept my little sister alive. Between you and Niko I think I can feel good about…" He sighed and released Kenny's right hand man and lowered down in front of his sister, "I think Uncle Frankie has a good ring to it."

Happy tears welled in her eyes as she studied her older brother. It had been a fear tucked away since she found the lab report. Would her brothers be okay with being an uncle? Would they love the child and do everything within their power to protect them, help them, and, for once, be a good example to someone?

But Derrick was dead. Gerry was dead. And Packie was nowhere to be seen… Francis was the only one left and her heart yearned to grasp what was left of her family and never let it go. Her bottom lip trembled as Francis kept his smile soft and his eyes held a longing to them. And here he was giving her confirmation that it would be okay.

"Oh Frankie!" She pulled him into a tight hug and held on with everything she had.

"I promise Katie. No matter the outcome, they will have an uncle in me." He returned the fierce hug and closed his eyes. He may have lost all his brothers and his Ma, but Kate was with him, and she might be giving him a new start to be a better family oriented man. He could almost envision getting to hold a tiny infant in his arms, the breath taking smile that would cross their face as they looked up at him- So many images blurred together, and he turned his head to look up at his future brother in law.

He would also be gaining a brother.

"I love you, Frankie. And if I am pregnant, they will love you too." Kate let out a watery sounding laugh and pulled away from her brother, "I am thankful you aren't upset with me."

"Oh. It wasn't you." Francis tapped her nose with his index finger, "I think the shock and just the situation threw me off." He stood up and let Ron take his place when he felt his hand land on his upper arm.

"So, a possible congratulations is needed?" Ron held his hand out to her to help her stand up and was nearly knocked over when she threw her arms around him. He winced and did his best to not make a sound when his chest started to burn with the impact of her body.

"And they will have an Uncle Ron!" She backed away and cupped his face, "They will want to go joy riding in the cruiser!" Her cheeks started to hurt as the bright smile kept growing on her face. So many people would be around them to be there for their child. Her mind and heart were made up- she was pregnant, and nothing was going to change that.

"We don't know for sure yet, Ron." Niko answered his question and felt the grip that held his heart hostage loosen. She looked overjoyed, happy, and… 'Like a mom.'

"I can't forget about you either. No matter when Kenny wakes up, you better be here at the hospital." Kate shifted over to Georgi and pulled him into a hug, placing her mouth close to his ear, "They will need a protector, and there is no one else, besides Niko and Bernie, that I feel I can entrust my child to. I would love for you to be part of our child's life." She whispered the words to him and kissed his cheek.

His heart stopped with her kind, and heartfelt words, "I will protect this family with my life." He was too stunned to form the words in English and without looking to Niko for permission, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it, before pressing her knuckles to his forehead. It was a show of undying loyalty. One he had given to her the night they met. The very symbolic gesture he had given Kenny the night he joined the family.

'This is my family now and I will not fail them…'

"I swear. Pocket translator is on my list of things I'm going to buy." Kate shook her head and took her time meeting the eyes of each one of them. This was her ever growing family. Roman and Mallorie were in the room across from them. Bernie would recover and celebrate with her. Everywhere she looked she was surrounded by people who cared. It warmed her heart and soul.

But a kernel of darkness grew.

'Don't get too far ahead of yourself. You do not know with one hundred percent certainty that you are carrying Niko's child…' The thought caused her smile to falter for a split second. The happiness she felt was infectious and contagious, and she wasn't sure how she would react if it was taken away from her.

"Or you can learn the language?" He crossed his arms and glanced at his boss, hoping he hadn't crossed the line. He had been okay with it the other night and hadn't once rebutted any of the hugs or closeness Kate had been giving him.

"She isn't the best student." Francis let out a surprised laugh when she turned to glare at him, "Hey! Who helped you with your math homework all the time?"

"That's numbers…" She huffed and grew tired standing up and decided she would sit back down close to Niko and let them get back to whatever it was they were discussing and doing in her hospital room. Niko's fingers brushed along her shoulder, and she took his hand in hers. The comfort he gave to her with just the simple of touches would never grow old.

"Speaking of homework, where is Aleksei with the security footage?" Niko rubbed her fingers with his thumb and shifted his thoughts back to figuring out who killed Kate's doctor and the Albanian enforcer. He spotted Aleksei running down the hall in their direction, and he waited for him to catch his breath before asking him what he had seen.

"Sorry boss. Took longer than I was expecting. I do believe Alexi was here. He trailed behind the enforcer, who was carrying the flowers, and the doctor. They entered the room, all of them, but only Alexi exited. He closed the door turned toward the camera and waved. I don't like this. He is avoiding our defenses too easily Pakhan." Aleksei relayed the footage he watched in the security room.

"Georgi, can you tell Detective Ron everything he needs to know about our arrival and if you may have seen someone or heard a gunshot? That way if we missed anything he can add it to his notes." Niko hated how easily Kate and his family could have been killed. Where was her bodyguard? Why didn't the one in Roman's room hear anything?

"Of course. Kate called both of us saying she had spotted an Albanian jacket. There is a rather… strained relationship between the Albanians, the McReary's, and now us. She told us she was hiding in Bernie's room and as soon as we pulled up in the ambulance bay, Niko and myself ran out and up the stairs to get to her. I did not see what took place in Bernie's room and I was in the hall for the majority of the time. I did not hear a gun shot." Georgi rubbed at his temples trying to recall everything he had seen, felt, done during the terror inducing race within the hospital.

The phone on the back counter of Kate's room started to ring loudly and they all turned to look at the open door.

"Were you expecting anyone to call the room?" Francis asked as he turned to look back down at his sister.

"No… I have my cell phone. If anyone ever needed to reach me, they'd call that number." She tucked her legs back up on the chair to get comfortable. It was rather odd that someone was calling the landline for her room- which had been Francis' before her.

"Shall I answer it boss?" Sergei who was still in the room taking photos on his phone of the flowers, poked his head out into the hall to address his boss. With Niko's nod he walked over to the phone to pick it up.

They watched as he silently lifted the receiver to his ear and gave a generic greeting. His body went stiff, and he looked over his shoulder to the group, his eyebrows drawn down in confusion.

"He says he is your brother Pakhan." Sergei lowered the phone to his chest with his words not understanding since Niko had no relatives.

Anxiety brewed in Niko's his stomach. There were only a handful of people he considered brother, and only one or two that called him that. One particular individual had concluded business with him, and he was not interested in getting involved once more. He entered the room and took the phone from Sergei, "Close the door on your way out."

Sergei nodded and left his side, pulling the door shut behind him.

'Alright… If this is who I think it is, I am not going to like this call…' With a huff he lifted the receiver to his ear and prayed he wasn't about to be put back in the game.

"Hello brother, long time since we have had need of each other's services." The older sounding voice of the unknown man Phil had got him in contact with spoke with authority- an almost pleased edge to his voice.

"People go to you when they need something handled. And you come to people like me when you need someone handled. Do you get me… brother?" Niko felt his shoulders lower at somehow finding himself talking to, who he had dubbed 'The Fixer', while his girlfriend peered in the small window with curiosity. They locked eyes and he shook his head with her unspoken question. She did not need to hear this conversation.

"You catch on quick. Hear you're in a bit of a tight jam. You see when people come to me to get things handled, I normally don't care too much about targets and logistics. Only the money. But you see my brother, this time I think I can fix your problem instantly." The amusement did not settle over Niko well and he let out a dry laugh.

"You can fix my problem?! How are you going to get a disturbed, crazy, and vile leader of the Albanian mob to leave me and my family alone? How are you going to get the entirety of Bulgarin's men to cut it out? How are you going to help me keep everyone I love and care for safe?" Oh, this was so far from what he wanted to deal with. But the fact that he had somehow knew which room, which phone, and exactly where he was at in order to call him, spooked him. Niko glanced to the window and spotted the blinds were partially open.

"An old contact of mine reached out when he heard about Kenny's move on Bulgarin's turf. You see some people were rather offended by the assumption that Kenny could just have it. The man in charge does not have a quarrel with you. You call off the yacht and looming threat against them, they give me their word they won't go against you. And they keep their territory in Europe. I have them by the balls."

"Not exactly a bullet proof contract." Niko rolled his eyes at how unpromising it all sounded. Bulgarin was not going to just let it all go- Otherwise he wouldn't have had a need to flee Europe in the first place. So why would this new leader just drop it all together?

"I had someone kill an asshole who was going to torture your girlfriend in front of you. I'd say that's rather bullet proof. His body is outside the window."

Niko untangled some of the phone cord and slowly made his way to look outside. It could be a trap to get him within the crosshairs of a sniper, so he kept his body mostly by the wall for protection. A flash of light from the top of the neighboring building caught his eye before it turned off. "How can I be sure?"

"Send one of your goons to go check it out. He was perched to snipe Kate's guard while she was out of the room, and he was going to sneak into the hospital and slip out with her without anyone even knowing. And since Bulgarin's new leader didn't believe me and wanted proof I could get to them at any given second- I had another brother of mine take up shop- very talented man with a rifle. Much like yourself I suppose. So I told them I would take out the Albanian tagalong kill squad member. When you get the chance, check out room 1302 down in Hove for the handler."

"Why are you doing this?" Niko's fingers curled into the phone line as he headed back to the counter to lean into to keep an eye on Kate. She was watching him quietly through the window trying to figure out what was being said. It was just another part of his line of work she would need to be told in order for any of this to make sense to her.

"You my friend are in a powerful position. I got an issue with the Albanian's myself. I scratch your back, you scratch mine. Bulgarin's crew have agreed to leave you alone- well Kenny's crew while you are in charge- Will forgive you of past misunderstandings, so long as we all agree to snuff out the Albanian reach. With the complete wipe out of Alexi's team, he will need another week or two to gather troops willing to take the job."

'I won't need a week to find this asshole.'

"It is my understanding that the Albanian's and Bulgarin's associations are in their own agreement. My scouts told me Alexi and the new leader are backing each other." Niko recalled the conversation he had with Georgi in his apartment when he discovered Alexi and Vova were brothers. If they were aligned, it made no sense why Bulgarin would break away.

"My contact has a much more lucrative deal and isn't sloppy like Alexi. Trust me on this. There are players higher than you that see this as an opportunity for prosperity and peace."

"Hard to trust in something when Kate has nearly been killed multiple times within a day as well as every single person within my inner circle. Gerry is dead. Avia might not make it. Bernie is fighting for his life. And the hits keep coming. As much as I would love to think we could have peace, I don't believe it. I'm in the position to ask for retribution!" Niko grew angry and pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. He would send someone over to the building to check for a body, it was a start to maybe trust what The Fixer was saying.

"I am sorry for what has come your way, but you did bring it upon yourself by first killing Bledar and Kalem, then Darden the leader of the Broker chapter, standing in as an Albanian mobster to mess up their arrangements with the Ancelotti's, killing pretty much the entire chapter outside the church for Derrick's funeral, and while it was necessary- you killed Alexi's brother Vova-"

"So I am just supposed to let people near me die?!" He raised his voice not liking the way he was being talked to, "Kate being attacked has nothing to do with who I killed!"

"Not according to the photos of you two out in public."

His grip on the phone lessened as everything in the rundown apartment unit came to mind. Everything he had ever done in Liberty had been captured in glossy four by six photos and tacked to the walls of the hackers bedroom. 'If he knows about the photos…'

The there was one more person who knew he killed Derrick.

"I see I've finally caught your attention. The hacker needed to be taken out. Again, I sent my other brother to take him out, but he was interrupted. I do however have something you might be very interested in."

"The hard drives?" Niko closed his eyes and rubbed at them with his free hand. He was once more stuck between a rock and a hard place.

"Bingo. Now I was going to be nice and just give them to you, but since you seem reluctant to simply go along with the plan, this is what I am going to do- you have two weeks to find and kill Alexi on my behalf. I will keep Bulgarin's mafia out of your hair so long as you don't crash their yacht into their dock. You will keep the peace with them and not interfere with their routes in Europe. Kenny has everything he needs to maintain his notoriety."

"And if I don't?" Niko tilted his head to see that Francis had joined Kate at the window, a headset of some kind pressed to his ear, and a look of horror glassing over his eyes. 'Fuck…'

"I'm sure Weazel News would appreciate the story."

"Two weeks?" His phone vibrated in his hand with a photo picture from Aleksei, there was a dead Albanian on the next-door rooftop, a serrated kbar jabbed into the throat.

"Two weeks. And I will keep Bulgarin's men away from you during this period. Find the bastard and kill him however you see fit. Then we can all go about our merry, happy lives." There was a finality in the man's voice that felt more like the last nail in the coffin being hammered in.

"Agreed." Niko narrowed his eyes at Francis. They would need to talk. Everyone would need to talk now.

"Good. I'll keep in touch. Good luck my brother." The call ended abruptly, and the dial tone filled the speaker.

The door opened before he could even put the phone back down on the stand. Francis started to pace back and forth by the dead bodies shaking his head slowly. The door made a loud audible click, and it was like the gunshot at the beginning of a footrace.

"Jesus Christ Niko! The fuck are we going to do?" He stopped his pacing and threw his arms out to the side, staring at the person he had ordered to kill Derrick. It was Monday morning all over again. His foot was back on the landmine and his life was hanging by a thread. A very weak, thin, and fraying thread.

Niko dropped the phone on the stand and typed out a message to Georgi to come into the room. A plan was forming in his mind, but it was going to take all of them to make it succeed, "I'm guessing you listened in?"

"Me, Ron, the damn LCPD has it recorded somewhere- Don't worry I'll take care of it." Francis had seen the murderous glare and reassured Niko that he would delete it from the servers. While nothing had been clearly stated or revealed, it hinted at things that were not safe for other's to hear.

"Do you trust Ron to not turn on us? I know he has walked the straight and narrow with LCPD." Niko pocketed his cell phone and dropped his hands to the countertop behind him, relaxing his stance. He tilted his head to the side and pinned Francis with a look that screamed 'now is not the time to cross me'.

"I trust him with my life. Why are you asking?" Francis was getting irritated at how calm Niko looked. He was completely freaking out on the inside!

"I think it's time to bring him into the fold, properly. You are going to be Commissioner that has certain ties to my Bratva. If he is going to be your second, the Deputy Commissioner, he is going to need to know certain things. And right now… I could use a statewide manhunt." Niko turned his head to the door when Georgi entered the room, hand going to his chest in a fist. "Close the door captain."

Georgi's eyes snapped to his alarmed by the tone and phrase. Not once had Niko ever addressed him by his official title. It worried him greatly. So many times had he heard that Kenny's stand in wanted nothing to do with falling into his world. Kate was damn near adamant with him that Niko was going to walk away the second Kenny woke up from his coma. So why was he looking at him with the same…

With the same fear inducing stare Kenny used on them all.

With the narrowing of Niko's eyes, Georgi shoved the door closed, "Pakhan, how can I be of service?"

"Call a table meeting. I want everyone there at the compound. Roy, Gordon, Jacob, Dwayne- any heads of power that are our friends. Francis will be there as well as Mitt. Contact Luis, he will be of use. I will take Kate to the compound, and I want round the clock protection outside of Bernie's room when he gets out of surgery. No one is to ever leave him, Mallorie, or Roman alone. Do I make myself clear?" Niko kept his voice even and his eyes trained on Georgi. These were his orders, and they would be carried out without fail.

"As you have asked it, so it will be done."

aaaaaa

"Are you sure we can't stay at the apartment? I kind of miss the bed there…" Kate fidgeted with the handle to her suitcase as Niko shoved a key into a lock of the door they stood outside.

"Too risky. I need to make sure you have protection. And while I like to think I can keep my apartment in Middle Park East safe- there is no escape route if they decided to just burn the building down. And you managed to jump the gap at my other place." He smirked at her to lessen the blow of his statement.

"Still… This place is massive and rather, um, public?" Kate glanced down the hall at all the rooms, name plates and numbers in a weird boxy lettering graced the walls.

"Georgi said this is the housing building. All of them live here that don't have their own families. And even some of the guys who do, have them living here. Kenny built this place to keep his organization safe and together. And I've been told Kenny never uses his assigned room here. His mansion in Alderney, or his penthouse in Algonquin is where he spends his downtime." Niko turned the handle and pushed the heavy wooden door open. He nodded his head to her when she hesitated to move into the massive apartment unit Kenny created.

Kate sighed and tugged her suitcase behind her as she crossed the threshold of what would be Kenny's home away from home. But her feet stilled as soon as her eyes landed on the high end finishes and way it was laid out. A chef's kitchen ran the length of the wall to her left and curved toward the far wall. A large oak, and highly polished dining room table rested by a massive bullet proof window. Wispy drapes dramatically hung from a gold plated rod. The rising sun gleamed off the wide planked hardwood floors.

A giant and rather gaudy archway led to a giant king sized bed to her right and she snorted at the implications the sight made. Red satin sheets laid perfectly tucked in the mattress and fluffy white fur from some poor animal draped over the foot of the bed. From her vantage point she spotted the entrance to another over the top room- the bathroom, and she bit her bottom lip when she saw the oversized bathtub.

"You sure Kenny never brings back… you know?" Kate smirked over her should at Niko before entering further into the Russian Kingpin's apartment.

"I can ask if it makes you uncomfortable." Niko followed her in and chucked his duffle bag to the bed before walking over to the dining room table to place his sniper, assault rifle, and shotgun down.

"Rather swanky place to never be touched. If I did not know any better Mr. Bellic, I'd say you keep trying to impress me with all these places you take me to." She rested her suitcase against the foot of the bed and put her hands on her hips in a teasing manner. First it was the upscale penthouse in Middle Park East, then the bachelor pad in Holland, and now this place.

"You don't deserve to be in the shitholes I've lived in." Niko checked his rifle to make sure it was loaded and ready to go. He would be keeping it with him during the meeting.

With the tone of his voice, her retort died in her throat. He had sounded genuine about not wanting to have her live in a place that wasn't as nice as the places he had taken her to. A faint smile lifted the corners of her lips at his level of care for her, "Well I certainly appreciate the living arrangements you have provided for me."

"Will you be okay by yourself while I go take care of business?" He threw the strap of his rifle over his shoulder and turned to check on her. His mind kept replaying everything he would need to say, how to say it, who to say it to. His people would have to listen and carry his orders out… He would not put Kate in danger by letting Alexi slip through the cracks.

"I can maybe make us something to eat? For when you get back?" She moved into the kitchen and opened a couple of random drawers. His attitude kept shifting all over the place and it was making her worry. Just what had been said between her brother, Georgi, and her boyfriend to have him slipping back into the coldness he exuded when she first met him.

"Sounds good." He approached her quickly and cupped her face with his hand, "I will be back as soon as I can."

"Have a good day at work honey." She laughed at her joke and caused Niko to briefly smile and shake his head. She would do her best to get him back to his previously good mood. She missed the tender, loving expressions he had displayed on his face when he showed her how much he loved her.

"Not exactly the nine to five I had envisioned working." He chuckled at how absurd their lives had become.

"Oh? Bossing men around, shooting people…" She laughed when he patted her hip in his way of scolding her, "Falling in love, making some lonely girl happy, possibly creating a new life?" Kate slipped her arms around his neck, ignoring the rough texture of the assault rifle's strap, and pulled him into her body. She wanted to hold on to him for just a little bit longer before he once more headed off into danger.

"Thank you." Niko whispered the words against her neck and returned the hug. His rage and anger drifted to the edges of his mind as once more her love took over. It settled him- balanced him. Gave him purpose and something to live for. And his eyes closed as the longing to spend the rest of his life violence free with her consumed him.

"What for моја љубав (moja ljubav). " She relaxed completely in his strong arms. It was her shield against the darkness that kept trying to destroy her.

"For being you and taking the chance on some drug dealing de-fucking generate from some armpit in Eastern Europe." He grunted when she hit his side where he had nearly been shot.

"Niko you are so much more than that and I don't care for the words Packie used when he introduced us." She untangled herself from his hold and gripped the strap over his chest, keeping him still, "The look you sent my way that day is what started all this between us. I had never had someone look at me the way you did. I just knew there was something special about you."

"You were something, someone, that I never believed I could obtain. You are the good in this world, and I was not. And now I have to walk out that door and basically put a hit out on the man that wants to ruin my life." His hand closed over hers and he watched as her shoulders slumped, "But this is the last time. I have figured out a way to give us the life we want."

"Then go do what needs to be done and let's get started on our life together." She leaned up on her toes and placed a light kiss to his lips.

"A better and brighter future." His fingers trailed down her arm before moving to rest against her abdomen. 'Just give me two weeks and then we can walk away. Just two dangerous and hectic weeks…' He kissed her lips one more time and forced himself to let her go and back away. If he didn't stop now, they would end up crinkling the satin sheets and delaying his meeting.

"I love you." Kate held his hand as he backed away from her, "Just remember that when you find yourself slipping."

"And I love you." His fingers tingled as her hand dropped away from his, "Just remember that when your thoughts get too heavy." He leaned into the door and placed his hand on the doorhandle, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Come back to me… us." She lovingly caressed over her flat stomach and felt the tears burn behind her eyes. 'Please come back unharmed. We have too much at stake…'

"Always." With that he opened the door and tore his sight away from his future.

aaaaaa

"What is this meeting for?" Ron whispered to Francis as he tiredly glanced around at all the known criminals in Liberty City. He recognized most of them from being in the hospital room when they went over the kill squad members. The other two he remembered from the shootout at the church and chase down to Happiness Island.

"What you are about to hear, witness, and unfortunately be part of… Well. Welcome to organized crime. Mitt and Kenny have had a long standing relationship that will fall to me to maintain. And right now, Niko is filling the role of Kenny while he is incapacitated." Francis leaned back into a large wooden crate and shifted his eyes between all the various gangs and organizations.

"Well that makes some things make more sense now…" Ron adjusted his hold on his rifle wishing he could lay it down. The weight and strap were killing his injury.

"You sure you want to stick around? I'm sure Francis and I can handle this." Mitt paced back and forth in front of his fellow officers not liking the circumstances or how the week had played out. Holland was in complete disarray and citizens were out for blood against the law enforcement and government. And the attempt on Francis' life at City Hall had only made the situation worse.

"Niko is a friend and if Kate and my boss are in danger, I will do my job and see it through." Ron nodded and stood his ground. He was not about to walk away and leave his friends and makeshift family behind. Avia had been shot by the people who were after Niko, and he wanted to return the favor.

"You will do well as Deputy Commissioner." He patted Ron's shoulder before meeting Francis' stare, "You chose well, and I am proud of who I am leaving LCPD in charge of."

The loud metal doors banged as they hit the wall after being thrown open. Aleksei and Georgi flanked Niko's sides as they entered into the large, cold warehouse. All murmuring and talking ceased instantly with their arrival. And Ron swore he felt the room get several degrees colder with the scowl that graced Niko's face. For the first time since meeting Niko, he felt intimidated and, not scared, but weary.

A table rested in the center of the room, surrounded by shipping crates, chairs, and a large flat screen tv. Anton pressed the power button and got to work hooking up a laptop in order to share information. As if it was some kind of silent que, people began to take their seats. Roy waved his men back and lowered down at the end of the table. Gordon hesitantly sat next to him and fidgeted under the weight of his new title. Little Jacob and Badman sat next to him, slouching back to get comfortable. With the way Niko was looking, they'd be here for a time.

"Francis, take your rightful place." Mitt encouraged his Deputy to take the seat in front of them. It would be the first matter of business that he would entrust to him.

"Right…" With a resigned sigh, Francis plopped down in the chair at the opposite end of the table from Roy.

"Not sure how to feel about all this…" Dwayne lowered down next to Francis and felt uncomfortable with how much power was seated around a rather poor looking table. His own men were jumpy and on edge. They had never had a need to involve themselves with Petrovic business… But it was Niko, and Dwayne had told him he would pledge allegiance if he took over.

'And my God he did…'

"My feeling exactly." Luis shifted from foot to foot not sure where he was meant to stand or sit. He had received a random call from Georgi saying a threat was imminent and he was required to meet with everyone at a warehouse in Broker. He had started to refuse before it was explained to him that it wasn't negotiable- that he didn't have a choice in the matter, and he would be picked up if he didn't comply.

So many people sat on boxes and random chairs, holding weapons off all kinds, guarding their respective boss' back. And here was Luis with no one to watch his back. It made him want to walk out of the room immediately. Especially when Niko rounded the table and stood in front of the television.

"Thank you for all coming on short notice. I know we are all extremely tired after the past twenty four hours or so." Niko crossed his arms and nodded at Georgi and Aleksei to back away. He could handle this.

"The news has been going haywire over the shooting and acts of violence within the city." Mitt spoke up from his place behind Francis.

"That is why I have called you all here. I have been contacted by someone who says his friends in higher places want peace. And there is a way to achieve that. But it is not entirely up to me." Niko moved to the side of the screen where Anton waited for his instruction, "A kill squad was sent to Liberty in retaliation for us killing some of Bulgarin's men." Anton clicked open the file and displayed all seven members, including the one that had been found on the rooftop across from the hospital.

"It was put together by the new leader of the Albanian's, Alexi Mikhailov. It is still my understanding that Bulgarin's new leader and Alexi are partners. But my contact tells me they are willing to sever ties in order to stop all the killing." Niko made it a point to look at each and every member sitting at the table, including a quick glance up to Luis.

"I don't see why they would want to break an alliance like that." Roy drummed his fingers against the table and started to wonder why, or more specifically what, would need to happen for Bulgarin's men to just cut ties.

"I am with you on that front. But I have been given assurances that Bulgarin will hold off on attacking us if we call back the yacht, leave their territory alone in Europe, and kill Alexi Mikhailov." Niko reached over and hit the enter button to pull up the surveillance footage of Alexi in the hospital hallway.

Gordon recognized the face of the Albanian leader. He had seen him wandering the halls right before Kate woke up, "I am sorry, but I saw him at the hospital when you asked me to watch over Kate. He was in normal clothes and appeared to be visiting someone else at the hospital. I only remember seeing him because he stopped and asked me where the gift shop was."

"He was scoping the place out. Bastard." Francis muttered, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Sounds like he is smart and can easily blend in with his surroundings. Not exactly someone I'd want to make enemies out of." Dwayne frowned at the situation Niko found himself in, "Is he the one who wants to kill your family?"

"The man I had you looking for a couple of days ago is dead, but yeah. This man is gunning for me and my family. And even if we weren't offered peace, I want him dead. Even if that means tracking him down myself and taking matters into my own hands." All of Kenny's men snapped their fist to their chests recognizing an order when they heard one. This man was to be terminated.

"We can put out a BOLO and start a door to door manhunt. LCPD and NOOSE can get the process started." Francis had jumped slightly with the movement in the room. It was borderline freaky how everyone just hung on every word that left Niko's mouth.

"I will send you his photo and info we have. Thank you." Niko tilted his head in thanks knowing he would have their help no matter what. Kate was Francis' sister and with the level of care now between them, he wouldn't put it past Francis to go rouge and against LCPD orders.

"North Holland Hustlers will flush our turf. He won't have a place to hide up there." Dwayne would place loyalty and trust at Niko's feet and pray it didn't backfire on his people.

"Yardies will do the same, Iyah brother man, we will catch em bumbaclots." Little Jacob pressed his glasses up his nose and studied how tired his friend looked. He could see past the anger to what was the driving force behind the meeting. His family was once again being threatened and this time he had a chance to put a stop to it all. Had been a shock to hear Niko had taken over.

"I'll uh. I'll have the bouncers deny him access to the clubs and alert you the second he shows up at any of Tony's places." Luis fought the shiver that wanted to descend on him when all eyes turned to look at him.

"Thank you. This is Luis everyone. The one who killed Ray Bulgarin." Niko waved in the direction of the once Dominican hitman.

Several approving nods and nonverbal thanks were sent his way and it only added to the layer of uncomfortable he felt being around everyone. He would much rather be back at the club keeping Tony from doing too much coke.

"Gambetti's will lock down Alderney and place scouts in Ancelotti territory. I have a feeling they will offer a safe haven to their Albanian friend. Also, we need to get word to the yacht. I know they went radio silence, but surely you have a backup plan to get ahold of them?" Roy beckoned one of his men closer and took his cell phone when it was handed to him.

"Georgi?" Niko shifted his attention to his second and waited for his response.

"They should have a satellite phone. We've been trying to reach them for the past couple of hours. I will make sure it doesn't reach the coast by the mansion." Georgi did flinch when Niko's eyes narrowed. It had reminded him of how angry Kenny was the night Suffolk was attacked. He would need to check in with him once everyone left to make sure his boss was okay.

"Perhaps a submarine could torpedo it and blow it up?" A dry and rather awkward chuckle followed the words that spoke over the internal speakers from the laptop. Anton stood up from the computer when the red warning banner lit up the screen indicating someone was hacking in.

"Sorry to interrupt like this but some chatter is coming through about what will happen if Alexi isn't killed, and I'd prefer if the blow back doesn't reach Los Santos."

Niko recognized the voice of the man on the video call, "You're the one who warned me about Alexi landing in Liberty?"

"Yeah. I'm not into doing people favors, but things are getting interesting over here and well. I'm not really one for shootouts and violence."

"Could you reach Pavel? His submarine might be able to send a message to our men aboard the ship to jump so they won't be killed in the blast." Aleksei moved to stand at the edge of the table by Francis so his voice would carry to the speakers.

"It's possible. I'd have to see if Paige can make that work. What's the timeframe on this?"

"We have two weeks to kill Alexi before Bulgarin's Bratva wages full scale war on all of us. And the yacht is only a day or two away from reaching the shores of the Adriatic." Niko took the chair Anton had been sitting in. While Lester hadn't connected via video chat, he could assume he could hear and see everything from the tiny camera located at the top of the laptop screen.

"Hmm… Interesting. I'll see what I can do on my end. In the meantime, do what you have to do to find Alexi. I'll be in touch."

"Thank you." Niko powered down the laptop not really wanting anyone else to listen in on their conversations. How he knew which laptop, when the meeting was taking place, or that he was in a bad situation worried him. 'The fixer probably called him too and spooked them into helping…'

"So? Stop the yacht, find and kill Alexi, and it all just goes back to normal? Real fishy if you ask me." Gordon shook his head not believing for a second that was all it took to end the dispute with Kenny and Bulgarin's organizations.

"It appears so. But I am not about to let my guard down after I send Alexi to hell." Niko hauled himself out of the chair and took his place in front of everyone.

"If that is your will and orders, we should start hunting immediately. I have a feeling Alexi isn't going to let up on his attacks, especially if his financial backing and protection has been cut completely off now." Roy looked up from his cell phone and the message he was typing out to his capos.

"The handler…" Aleksei started to speak up before he froze at the look Niko sent his way.

"Their handler is holed up in an apartment building in Beachgate. Unit 1302. He could also go there to regroup and hire more people to form another kill squad." Niko relayed the information The Fixer gave him about the mysterious handler.

"Shall we put a team together? Capture him?" Georgi asked from his place next to Niko. He was more than willing to drive down there right this second if only to calm some of the anger that was coming off his boss in waves.

"Jacob, can you send a couple of guys down there and look around? I do not want to send my men down there, have them be spotted, and we lose our chance at bringing this person in alive." While Niko knew his men could handle the task, they were all seen and marked by the kill squad. The handler would know who to look out for and vanish before they got close to the unit. He would ask a favor from his friend and hope he got good news in return.

"Iyah. Dem can be er in an hour." Jacob nodded and took his cell phone out to ask a couple of his men to drive down into Hove and have a look around.

"Keep me updated. That goes for everyone. Two weeks may seem like a long time, but the clock is ticking, and I do not want to endanger any of our people for that long. The sooner we get this done, the easier it will be to relax and have fun at the Mayor's party." Niko felt like pacing or moving away from everyone who looked to him for direction and leadership. It was bringing back memories of planning out attacks in the war.

"As for Dwayne- I extend my power, protection, and allegiance to you and yours if you want it. I know Kenny will return to power one day, and I will ensure you can make a clean break then, but it would be nice to have one more connection within the Bratva." Niko took a couple of steps toward where Dwayne sat, noticing how Francis glanced at the person next to him.

"You have my loyalty and men at your disposal." Dwayne stood up and held his hand out, "Man, I done told you my stance the other night. It has not changed."

Niko clasped the outstretched hand and felt a small amount of relief, "Thank you my friend."

"Welcome to the table. Should you need assistance of any kind you have it from the Gambetti's." Roy stood up and acknowledged the new member and organization that was joining the ranks. One by one each of the leaders and table members stood and welcomed Dwayne into the fold.

"I'll introduce you properly.

Francis McReary- the new Police Commissioner.

Roy Zito- Don of the Gambetti Family

Gordon Sargent- Head of the Irish Mob

Badman and Little Jacob- Leader and second in command of the Yardies."

Niko pointed to each of his associates and silently let Dwayne know who he could trust and go to should his region be attacked or infringed on.

"I will get you the invite to the Mayor's Valentine's Day party. We all go and reestablish our relationships and agreements for the year at this event. It's been a long standing tradition to keep the peace within the city. The Mayor likes to play dumb, but with every power that be in LC attending, it's fairly obvious what goes on. Kenny usually makes everyone dance with his wife." Mitt shook his head and smiled when Roy laughed.

"And my God is she a horrible drunk…" Roy sighed heavily, "But I will enjoy getting to see you and your lovely woman at the party, boss. Does she need someone to help her find a dress? My wife has an appointment over in Alderney on Monday. I do not mind seeing if they can fit her in."

"My captain is going to be escorting her to the dress store of her choosing. She kind of wanted to take my cousin in law and friend- make a day of it. But I thank you for the offer." Niko spotted how rigid Georgi got when Roy offered to help Kate and he had to fight the smile from surfacing. He knew Kate was looking forward to dragging Georgi around town with Mallorie and… 'Bernie…'

His mood dropped with the thought of his friend missing out.

"Ah. Either way. The party should be fairly interesting this year. But if that is everything, I believe I will take my leave for the nigh-er-morning. I think my wife is going to skin me alive for leaving the house so many times without so much as a word on where I was going." Roy shook his head and waited to be dismissed. It was proper protocol, and he was not about to piss off Niko.

"Everyone stay alert, rest where you can to stay sharp, and report back to me. Take care." Niko let out a long, slow, and quiet breath. He had managed to get through the meeting without losing his cool and kept everyone on board. The dragging of chairs filled the air as everyone moved away from the table and started to approach him. Hands were shook, respectful nods were given, and the plan was now in motion.

"Not bad son for your first table meeting." Mitt clasped his shoulder on his way out. He had been impressed and felt good knowing Kenny had asked Niko to take over. He was behind on the news and information, but he was caught up now and would do his part in protecting the Petrovic Bratva.

"Thank you." Niko watched as the entirety of power within LC walked out the large industrial metal doors.

"So… I feel like I have to ask, but I am actually worried for what I will be told." Ron stood at Niko's side and prayed the answer he would get was not what he was thinking.

"What can I do for you Deputy Commissioner?" Niko smirked at the laugh Francis let out.

"At the hospital you asked, well more like told, my partner Avia to hold back and speak alone with you. Is she…? Is she involved in all this?" Ron removed his rifle now that the room only had a few people left inside and they were ones he was more comfortable around. Even if all the men associated with Kenny stopped what they were doing and looked his direction with his question.

"Ron. That is for her to answer. I do not like getting involved with other's relationships." Niko could tell from the corner of his eye that all of his men were waiting for his answer. They had all only known Avia as Kenny's girlfriend and now they were finding out that might not be the case anymore.

"Rosen? Come on Ron. Be serious. God's right hand woman? Who literally busts everyone's chops at the station." Francis laughed at how crazy it was to think that his by the books detective was somehow involved with Kenny or the criminal underground. Then his eyes landed on Niko and his laughter died in his throat. 'No freaking way…'

"I just need to know if she is going to hate me for taking on the role of Deputy and having to be part of this world. Niko, I need to know. I've been wanting something more with her for years now. And now that it's right here at the tips of my fingers…" Ron implored Niko for some kind of information. While he was willing and didn't have doubts about backing Niko- He wanted Avia in his life as well.

"She swore loyalty to me once we found out Robert had killed Kenny's men. She sought me out for help, and I gave it to her. She asked before I became Kenny and now that I am, I guess you could say she has sworn allegiance to me." It bordered on lying but held some truth to it. She had been looking for him since Kenny had gone dark and was technically trying to solve the murders of his interrogation team.

"So, she is okay with this?" Ron motioned between himself, Niko, Francis, and then the room.

"She is and hated keeping this from you. She was hell bent on finding Robert for hurting you." He smiled at the rather lovesick and puppy dog eyes that illuminated Ron's face, "Go to the hospital and be with her. If I have learned anything it's that being there when she wakes in the hospital is important."

"Thank you. And possible congratulations again." Ron clasped Niko's shoulder quickly then rushed from the room. He was on a mission now and he was excited to check in on his partner- in more than one way.

"Have you told Kate the possibility she could lose the baby or never be able to have one?" Francis shook his head at his Deputy's enthusiastic exit. But the congratulations and build up of assuming his sister was pregnant was starting to bug him. He could picture her devasted face as the doctor broke the worst news possible to her.

"No. Are we any closer on figuring out what she had been poisoned with?" Niko looked over his shoulder to his men. He had tasked them with discovering the contents of the syringe and if it was truly possible to harm Kate the way Roy had mentioned.

"The chemist is in his lab working on it as we speak. Those things, unfortunately, take time." Aleksei answered his boss.

"The second he knows, I will be informed, and preferably while Kate is preoccupied." Niko rubbed at his temples as his darker thoughts wanted to take over. She had been so happy and excited in the hospital, and it would kill him to see that taken from her… Them.

"Yes Pakhan." Aleksei nodded and pointed to the door asking permission to leave and check in on the progress. At Niko's wave of his hand, he took off.

"You look tired… Why don't you get some sleep?" Francis could tell how worn out and drained Niko was. Hell, even he was having trouble staying awake and on his feet.

"Yeah, alright. Call me when you find Packie." He set him with a dark look. It was one more problem that required his, their, attention, and he was determined to figure out why his friend was spiraling.

"I will. Don't worry. Take care of my sister." Francis heeded the warning glare and knew that was his direct task. Not that he wasn't about to quit looking for his other living sibling. With a heavy sigh he made his way out of the building and toward his waiting police cruiser. It was going to be another long day.

"Georgi walk with me." Niko jerked his head to the side and started walking toward a different exit to the room, one that led back to the living quarters. His captain rushed his steps and fell in line with him.

"Pakhan?" Georgi worriedly looked to his boss.

"I am going to get a couple hours of sleep in, then I am putting you in charge of watching over Kate. I have to go somewhere with Roman that is important to me. Plan out her spa day with her and set up the necessary appointments she will want or need. Keep her busy and happy while I am gone. I have a feeling we will get word back from Jacob on the handler." Niko switched to Russian as they walked down the maze of halls within the Petrovic compound. It was going to take him forever to memorize how to navigate the place.

"Yes boss. I will show her around and see what all she needs. I will have a team on standby for going into Hove. Permission to speak freely?" Georgi directed Niko to the staircase that led up to Kenny's apartment.

"When it is just us you are always welcome to just talk captain." Niko counted the steps as they climbed, storing away the information in case he needed to plan out an escape path.

"You use my title. You call us yours. Are you okay?" Georgi placed his hand to Niko's shoulder when they reached the top of the stairs and turned him to face him.

"No… Honestly no. I am scared shitless about Kate being pregnant or not and what that looks like if… if she loses the baby or can't have one. You saw how she looked. I am hurting over Bernie. I haven't been hit this hard since waking up in a cold field back home and crawling my way over to my dead comrades. Everything I have finally gained in my life was almost taken away like it was nothing." Niko shuffled back into the wall and closed his eyes. The past week was catching up to him and it was making him so fucking tired.

"I am sorry boss… I- we- we should've been more prepared. The shift in power and the thought that people would only be coming after Kenny was our failure. I will not fail again." Georgi mirrored his stance and kept his eyes glued on the carpet runner that went the length of the hallway.

"It is my failure too. I was stupid to think everything was said and done with killing Natalya." Niko cracked his eyes open and took interest in the popcorn ceiling. His own words had cut deep within him. It was the truth; he should have known things weren't over. Even if Bulgarin was dead, he should've known people wouldn't let go of his past mistake with the transport.

"Then we shall no longer fail, yes?" Georgi ran his fingers over his blonde hair and dared to look up at his boss.

"Can't afford to fail… I have one more thing I need you to do for me." Niko met his captain's eyes and tried to convey how important this was going to be.

"Yes Pakhan?"

"Find me a fall guy."

aaaaaa

Welp. I can now get some slower chapters done. Kate and Georgi hanging out and planning out Valentine's Day. Niko's trip to visit the jeweler with Roman. Domestic life within the compound. But there is danger lurking in the background… dun dun dunnnn