Hey everyone! I am hoping this chapter gets the last hoorah done before the shit hits the walls and action takes control of the keyboard again!
aaaaaa
Kate let Georgi slip the satellite phone from her fingers. Her heart hurt for more than one reason, but she was becoming scared for her beloved Niko. Something truly awful must have taken place out west to have him describing himself as a monster she fears. A monster like the ones who barged into her home. Like the ones who kidnapped her from the church. Natalya who had harmed her and taunted her nightmares.
No.
Niko was not a monster she fears. Nor could she even describe him as such.
Her tired eyes looked up to meet those of Georgi and froze, "Georgi?"
"You have an incredibly kind soul. All of us are monsters in one right or another. Yet you dismiss these claims as falsehoods. After everything you have been through- you still show the world kindness and love. It makes me question a couple of things." Georgi tried his best to hide the tears that formed with her undying love for Niko. The words she had spoken- with confidence and solidarity- touched the angry nerve in his body. Niko had a sidepiece. At least that was the update Anton gave him. Sergei hadn't said anything to refute it or confirm it. Just that…
"It seems he isn't the only soul in need of repairing." Kate sighed knowingly and dipped further into the hot, steamy, bubble covered water. She recognized the torment behind Georgi's eyes. Even if he held a decent poker face.
"The update has me concerned. Nothing more." Georgi lowered back down to the steps that led up to the tub and sat down with his back resting along the marble siding of the bathtub. He needed more information to go off of. Anton's text burned a hole in his pants pocket. Thankfully for him everything in his phone was in Russian, so even if Kate somehow managed to get his phone, she wouldn't be able to read that damning sentence. And if a side chick wasn't bad enough- Niko was accepting and stepping into Kenny's role permanently.
"Can you explain to me what you can?" She closed her eyes and focused on her breathing, letting the unbearable heat sooth the aches in her body.
"Anton and Aleksei are both injured greatly. Sergei explained that they believed Anton had passed from his injuries before he showed signs of life. He is a tough one to keep down. Out of all of us, he has the most loyalty to the throne, if you will. Aleksei is a hunter and a damn good one. For him to be bested in a fight is alarming. Even I have difficulty sparring against him. It looks like things went downhill from the moment they landed in Los Santos." Georgi dropped his head back to rest against the edge of the tub and stared at the ceiling of the bathroom, noticing the overly ornate painted design. A near naked Kenny angel reaching out to a randomly, scantily clothed female angel took the cake. He snorted at the gaudiness. Only Kenny would envision himself as such.
"I was afraid of that. Hard enough to hear Niko took on a job while I was out of it. But I understand why. He has a duty to Kenny's empire. I come second in most of this." Kate smiled at Georgi's snort. She had been looking at the painting and doing her best to ignore the knock off painting of God and Adam. It was near comical and anything but mind-blowing art. But she just chalked it up to Kenny being Kenny.
"You most definitely are not second in his mind. He did not want to leave… He felt obligated to lead the mission, as his title demands it, and asked that one of us stay behind to protect you. I volunteered." Georgi removed his knife and started his exercises to keep his hands busy. It would be distracting enough for the heavy subject that was bound to show itself.
"Thank you. I feel like I've missed an entire month of events. Last I remember was helping Lova and Marta in the kitchen with dinner. Then incredible pain. Anton took care of me, I think. It's all real hazy." Kate rubbed at her arm where the red angry splotches started to recede. The water looked to be soaking into the tiny bumps and eliminating them from the surface of her skin. A small relief. She still had the marks on her neck to worry about. Not to mention her chest was extremely sore. Like someone had beat on it.
"Anton saved your life. He believed that the poison wasn't fully out of your system. Your heart stopped for a minute…" Georgi grew quiet. He wasn't sure what all he should share, but considering Niko wasn't present, as well as himself, he felt the need to give her the update he had been given. It was only fair since most of it revolved around her.
"I died…?" Kate sat up in the tub and looked over her shoulder to the top of Georgi's head. 'I… I was gone. Where was the light at the end of the tunnel? How?! What!'
"Only for a split second. Anton revived you. And as soon as you came back, Alexi and his gang attacked the compound-"
"Wait! Alexi was here?!" Kate hurriedly scooped the bubbles up her chest to cover herself and turned to see Georgi more clearly.
"He is dead. Vasil shot him to death." If there was anything he could take away from all the chaos, was that their main enemy was dead. 'The Pavano's on the other hand are as good as dead. How dare they strike at us like this!' He scowled at the thought. It made sense to attack a weakened mafia to overtake them, but there was nothing weak about Niko being in charge. Niko was more lethal than Kenny in the sense that Kenny hadn't physically killed anyone in years.
"Your face tells me differently? If Alexi is dead doesn't that mean our two-week window is done?" Kate rubbed at her throat trying to envision that the water would make those marks go away like it was doing for her arm. But knew that it would just be a matter of time before they vanished.
"Huh? Oh! Sorry. Just a lot going on up here," Georgi turned to look in her direction but snapped his eyes back up to the ceiling in embarrassment. He had not meant to see her bare shoulders or exposed back. His face warmed tremendously, "But to answer your question, yes. Alexi is gone, and our worrisome timetable is at a close. We just face a different enemy now. One of the table members from The Commission has decided to attack us. The Pavano's."
"The Pavano's… Why does that name sound familiar?" Kate shimmied back down in the tub to return to studying the painting above her. It was absolutely huge news to hear Alexi was dead. A giant weight lifted from her shoulders, and she took a deep breath for the first time in a long time. Just knowing the vile imagery of what she concocted of Alexi would never happen to her, gave her intense goosebumps. But something in the back of her head told her she had heard the name Pavano before.
"They are in alliance with the Ancelotti's. The Ancelotti's and your family were not on good terms. For various reasons." 'More like Niko kidnapped the Don's daughter on behalf of your brother Gerald!' Georgi had to smile at the dry laugh he heard from Kate. It was always amusing to see how in the dark she was about everything. It was like keeping a temporary secret. Eventually Kate would know everything, but it was fun to have her guessing.
"Well, if they are anything like the Ancelotti's, then they are partners with the Albanian's. I… Well Gerry- He scared off a couple of girls I was starting to be friends with at church. He explained, more like insulted, to me that they were good for nothing Albanian lovin' Ancelotti. I never saw them again." Kate dipped her head back to wet her tangled curls, "Kind of how most of my life I was so lonely."
"Lonely? Figured you'd have ton of guys after you. No offense." Georgi felt his pocket vibrate and sucked in a slow breath. 'Please be some good news or a positive update…'
"Hard to get to know the Princess of the Irish Mob, especially when every male in my family ran everyone away with violence." Kate huffed at the understated explanation. People feared her, not really herself, but her family. No one wanted to be friends with her because they feared what her brothers would do to them. Birthdays never held a party. Dateless for Prom. The list went on and on. And now she could name so many people as friends or truly family. People who love and care for her took the place of a history of violence. A genuine smile curved her lips, "Thank you for being someone I call friend."
Georgi felt immediate sadness for her past. He had friends in school and then the time he spent in the military. Not to mention he called and considered his fellow captains as friends. Hell Anatoly would be in here chastising him for not having him higher on his so-called friend list. Little did Anatoly know that he regarded him as his best friend and confidant. His family? The one he considered brother? Niko. And just the mention of his name in his own brain sent an angry wave through him.
How could anyone cheat on someone like Kate?
It was a question to answer at another time. His phone vibrated again, and he knew he needed to excuse himself to answer his men and get the security detail together to bring Niko and company home. He wished he could have someone else do it, but it fell to him to keep everything in order for his boss. A boss who offended him with his betrayal to Kate. He shook his head to rid it of that information. He couldn't do his job correctly if he kept dwelling on one single fact and not the larger picture.
"Georgi?" Kate this time moved seats within the tub to be facing him. She was getting extremely worried the longer it took him to answer her. Had she done something wrong for him to consider her as part of his job and not as friend? Her heart clenched when he frowned. She must've done something! Was it the tender touches she gave him before the bath? Was it…? 'Oh my God… He is backing away due to me killing Ziad… Which holy shit I killed him. I actually killed someone! So why am I not freaking out over it?!'
'You know why my little Princess…'
Her father's voice echoed to every darkened corner of her mind and soaked in.
"Forgive me. My phone alerted me to incoming updates, and I need to step out to answer them." Georgi rose to his feet and turned to face her, eyes snapping to the edge of the tub when he realized she was facing him completely covered in soap froth and fluffy bubble clouds. Duty never rests and with how tight they needed to play Niko getting home, he was worried about what his messages would hold. Did they have trouble in the skies? Did the airport reject their landing? Did Vasil pass? Did Ziad?
So much was wanting to overcrowd Georgi's mind as he bowed towards Kate and made ready to leave the room.
"Georgi! Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta)!" Kate nearly snapped as her heart was damn near in her throat with how much panic was flowing through her.
"Высочество (Vysochestvo)?" Georgi rose from his bowed position and forced himself to look to her face. He would remain professional as she had taken on a tone of authority. Even if she asked it nicely and in Russian. He lifted an eyebrow when he noticed the sheer devastation splash across her face. Had he scared her somehow or upset her?
"You do consider me a friend? And don't give me the normal Kenn- Niko answer. I'm asking Georgi- not the solider in Niko's army." Kate glanced down to make sure nothing was showing before meeting his bright blue gutted expression. Sadness hunched his shoulders and guilt circled in his stomach- his hands going to cover it as if mortally wounded.
"Forgive me Высочество (Vysochestvo)… Kate. I must have missed something. Have I done something to make you question my friendship to you?" Georgi felt the floor tremble beneath his feet, unsteadying his legs. Surely the floor would swallow him up any second. Kate's face spoke volumes of pain and suffering from a past of loneliness. If they were the first people she was able to get close to in a long time, no wonder she was so relaxed and happy around him and his fellow captains. Why she even wanted to help cook dinner for the compound. Her loving soul was contagious. He had seen and felt the shift within the compound when Niko and Kate moved in.
"I could see you as my lost child's uncle. The man Niko talked to when he felt wrong going to Bernie. Niko's right-hand man and protector. But when you saved my life for the first time… I saw so much more to you. You are not a title. You are a person who has shut himself from the wholesome goodness of others. You can feel now Georgi. Speak your mind. Open up. And if you find it in you to consider me friend, I would be honored to be your friend…
So, when I thanked you for being someone I call friend… And you said nothing… I began to panic. I'm meeting people I care for and long to have them as friends. Пожалуйста (Pozhaluysta). Tell me if you consider us friends." Kate sucked in a lungful of fragrant air and cursed the way her hair must look wet. Plastered down the sides of her head, neck, and shoulders. Tangles visible for all to see.
"Kate you are more than just a friend. Yes, it is my job to guide you, help you, guard you, and meet your varied needs. But I do so with the joy of friendship behind my actions and not just because I have to. That's why I am kind of glad I get to plan out your spa day and dress appointment. I can make the days magical and things of your dreams. And that brings me happiness. You've made my job beyond easy, and I wish I could let you in further, but I must protect the Bratva. The Georgi you know and see is a side of me that adores you and longs to be there for you. If that means we are friends, I will gladly be your friend." Georgi gave his reserved smile. The one only his family had seen before they were killed. It was soft, tender, and a glimpse into his soul. He knew deep down he would die for her. He loved what she reminded him of from his past. The pieces that were exceptional and full of life. His mother's fighting spirit, and his father's strong will.
Kate let a couple of tears fall, "If I wasn't naked in a bath, I would hug you right now. I can't see my life without you in it. Спасибо (Spasibo) for being here for me." Kate lifted her hand and immediately Georgi walked forward and clasped her hand in his, kissing the back of it and lifting it to his forehead. The gesture was always awkward to her before… But now? It felt intimate and genuine. Honest. Secure.
"If I spoke more of the language, I would be swearing an oath to you. I hope one day you will be ready to let me in…" Kate whispered the words with his nearness, blinking to let the tears trail down her cheeks. He truly was a beautiful soul waiting for someone to heal his wounds. And perhaps she wasn't the one meant to mend him. 'You can't save everyone… You know this.'
"To give life, blood, body, and service to your will. I will follow your lead and do as you have asked. As you have asked it, it shall be done. That oath?" Georgi recited what he had told her earlier and had to smile at the slight annoyance found in her eyes. He stoked over the back of her hand, "Finish up your bath and get dressed when you are ready. I will just be in the living room."
"You are going to tell me the oath one day. Feel like I need to know it. How much longer till Niko gets home?" Kate squeezed his hand as he backed away. She wanted to know how much longer she had to wait to be able to wrap her arms around Niko once more. To hold him tight as he supported her, and she returned the favor.
Georgi removed his phone and opened the first text from Sergei, "According to their flight path, we have about an hour till we need to head to the airport. I will have you stay here with Mal-"
"No. I will be there waiting for him. I did not just hear him suffering on the phone to lay around here." Kate's voice dropped to the solid, unmovable force. She was going to stand on that tarmac and wait for him to emerge from the plane. Georgi would comply or she was going to have to think of another way to convince him that is where she needed to be.
"Высочество (Vysochestvo). That is not advisable-"
"Kate. My name is Kate. And this isn't up for debate. I will shower and get dressed warmly. I'm not about to catch a cold out there waiting on Niko's plane to land. So do whatever it is you need to do to have space for me to travel with you. If Bernie was right, I'm allowed to give orders. This is my order. You will take me to the airport to meet Niko." Kate felt sick handing out an order. Bossing people around was left to her brothers, not her. She followed the rules and guidelines her entire life. Now? Now she could bend the rules to her whim and get what she felt was best for her. It was such a surreal experience.
"As you have asked it, it shall be done. I will prep the car to have a spot for you." Georgi bowed his head and lifted his fist to his chest. He would figure out how to protect both of his boss and his friend at the airport. With almost all of the captains already on the flight home, he would need to ask some of the lower ranking men to step up and help out. 'Or… I could call Francis and force his hand to come help…'
"Thank you, Georgi. I'll come find you once I'm ready. And Georgi?" Kate dipped her hair back again to rewet it. She didn't like the feeling of bossing him around. It felt wrong on so many levels. Who was she to tell him what to do?!
'A killer… A murderer. A weak and pathetic person… Once a McReary, always a McReary…'
"Yes boss?" Georgi had his lips break into a playful smirk from his bowed position. If he knew one thing, it was how to get right under her skin in a heartbeat.
"Don't call me that. And don't force me to give orders. I don't like the feeling." Kate lifted her head and missed the hidden smirk that Georgi schooled behind his blank poker face.
"Pakhan. You need only ask to have your wishes fulfilled. It is your right." Georgi made to move out of the room before he halted mid-step seeing the corners of her lips lift into a mischievous smirk, "What is that look for?"
"Oh nothing." Kate lightly sang, smirk growing fully to encompass her eyes and brightening face.
"It doesn't bode well for me, does it?"
"Only if what you say isn't true. I have very grandiose wishes." Kate tilted her head to the side completely unbothered by what she was starting to call Georgi's 'work face'.
"Ask…?" Georgi implored her knowing he was going to have to internally groan and not let that one slip out.
"I wish to be the finest dressed at this party. I want my prom experience. Well. Adult prom." Kate smiled with hope in her eyes. She was never one to give much thought of the way she looked, but this party was her chance to knock the socks off Niko and she damn well wanted to leave him speechless. 'More so than his usually stoic self…'
"You won't have to worry about that. I've had Clara call me a couple of times to reconfirm our appointment. I think she is excited to get her hands on you." Georgi laughed at her puppy dog eyes. Little did she know the surprise he had in store for when they arrived at Clara Krow's Bridal and Boutique. He would need to get a few things in motion, but he was confident that their dress appointment would fulfill any wish Kate might have.
"Oh? Will Mal and Bernie be able to come?" Excitement spread to the tips of her fingers and toes. Just the thought of getting to meet the famous fashion icon had her doing a small wiggle dance in the tub- being mindful that she was undressed and still in a steamy bath.
"Bernie might not be able to travel yet. But I will work on it. I do not wish to be rude, but if we are going to make the airport, you will need to start getting ready." He smiled at her squeal of happiness and turned to exit the bathroom. He had updates to attend to and some of his own requests to send out.
"I'll be quick Geo!" Kate tuned off the knob to the tub and went about draining it and dashing into the shower that turned on automatically with the press of a button.
His nickname stabbed his heart. She had never once called him anything but his name. Only Anatoly called him Geo. He rubbed over his heart as he walked into the living room to plop down on a couch. Kate was going to be the death of him. He knew it. He would be the one to jump into the line of fire for her. It may break her heart, but she would be alive to heal others. His phone started to vibrate with an incoming call, and he looked down to see the satellite phone's number blinking on his screen.
"Yes Pakhan? What can I do for you?"
"We are about forty-five minutes out. And I have a situation that needs handling. Discreetly." Niko glanced to Darko who started the process of bringing the plane down to landing altitude.
"What shall I do for you?" Georgi slowly exhaled over the connected call.
"I have someone on the plane with us that will need to sneak off undetected. His mission isn't over." Niko fastened his seatbelt when Darko flipped the switch, "It's important no one else knows he is alive and helping us out." He knew Darko needed to slip under the radar and get back to whoever his boss was for the time being.
"I can manage on my own, could just use the plane being empty and in its rightful hangar. I can make my escape then." Darko clicked a couple of buttons to enter the correct flight path for landing down at Francis International Airport. He looked to Niko and nodded his head. He could manage to sneak out on his own. It was how he managed to get out to LS before Niko and his crew did.
"The less I know the better? That goes against my better judgement… Or is it more a who that doesn't need to know what's going on?"Georgi sighed nosily and sounded annoyed at having to hold one more secret from Kate. At least that was his best guess on who they wanted to not know. Who else would they be talking about? "She is already under enough stress and is looking forward to being at the airport when you arrive boss."
"I will explain when we are in person-"
"You have a ton to explain!" Georgi hissed in Russian. He could hear Kate merrily singing some song as she showered and the thought of killing that good mood rubbed him the wrong way. She deserved her momentary happiness.
"Don't take that tone with me. I made a mistake that I managed to stop from getting worse. Swear on your life you will not tell Kate till I have the chance to explain." Niko leveled his voice in Russian and narrowed his eyes. Just what had gotten into his second in command to act and speak out like that? He knew he messed up bad. There was no need to keep rubbing it in his face. The cold shoulder from Darko was already weird enough to deal with about the whole situation.
"So, it is a mistake to cheat on Высочество (Vysochestvo)?!"
"Боже мой. Here we go…" Darko hummed as he took hold of the steering wheel and pretended to not exist so the conversation could play out how it needed to.
"Georgi! We will discuss it when we have a chance to catch up. I have two men greatly injured on this flight that need immediate medical attention. I have two more men I recently promoted to captain. And I'm coming home to what feels like a home in disarray! Now I know I didn't leave the compound in bad hands while I was away. And here I'm being told Kate was attacked and then proceeded to kill someone. And you come at me?!" Niko was furious. Just who told Georgi?! He had planned on breaking that news to him when they were in a room with non-breakable objects knowing a fight would be coming. Hell Darko attacked him on a plane for what he had done.
No. Niko would not take the scrutiny from his brother on this. Not over an open line that anyone could intercept.
"Forgive me Pakhan. Been a rough forty-eight hours. And yes. Ziad is dead. Passed from his numerous bullet wounds. His position will need to be filled soon." Georgi calmed down immediately and remembered his place. He should have kept his cool and his mouth shut. He would be on to the afterlife had he said that to Kenny. Niko didn't deserve to be trampled on again after his crazy two days away.
"It's… fine. I think we all need a decent break after everything that's happened. But the Pavano's need to be checked, my friend needs safe passage, and we need to give the go ahead to ram the boat ashore at Bulgarin's old place. I don't care what that brings. Alexi is dead. Should make my appearance interesting at the party… And Georgi?" Niko dropped his head back into the headrest and closed his eyes. His second in command was hurting over his choices and he would need to rectify it soon.
"Yes Pakhan?"
"I am sorry. For so many things. I know I probably shook our trust." Niko rubbed at his closed eyes and willed himself the strength to keep going, "I need to know I can still count on you as backup."
"Of course, Pakhan. My oath is still to you and Kate. That will never change." Georgi meant those words too. Even with the infidelity and chaos, he loved his stand-in brother and boss.
"Text us when you get to the airport. Be sure to have medical staff ready. Anton will need the most help. Thank you, Georgi." Niko listened to his confirmation before terminating the call.
"I'll stay with the plane in the hangar till everyone has left. Then I will head out for the Albanian hideout. You must not act like we have run into each other. Can you trust your men?" Darko slipped on the headset to listen to the radio tower for Liberty City and motioned for Niko to do the same.
"I trust them. Let me check on Anton. Then I'll be back." Niko unbuckled himself and climbed out of the copilot chair to head toward the open cockpit door. He clasped Darko's shoulder as he passed and begrudgingly thanked him for being here for him. If it wasn't for Darko, he'd be coming home with a couple of body bags. A sobering thought when he realized he had more help out there than he knew about. Packie magically being in the right place at the right time. Darko showing up when he did. And as much as he didn't want to believe Karen was trouble, she had given them surveillance and the connection to Bob for the hasty get away.
All the men in the back of the plane looked to him when he emerged from the cockpit. He waved them to relax and made his way to the seat closest to Anton's head. He looked peaceful and in a deep sleep. Niko lowered down into the seat next to Anton and placed his hand over his forehead. It had been such a close call. One he was still really rattled about. He nearly watched this man give up his life for his own. Something he didn't feel he deserved.
And while he thought Anton's sacrifice wasn't owed to him- Kate's loving and forgiveness was something he definitely didn't feel he deserved.
She had wholly welcomed him into her life and threw caution to the wind. She loved him. Loved him. Would she still love him when the cards were placed on the table for all to see? Could they make it over his secrets? Did he want them to? Maybe he should set her free before he harmed her in a way that would never heal. No. That's not right. He wanted to fight for them. Each and every day. From the moment the sun peaked over the horizon to the second the moon rose from slumber.
He loved her. So incredibly much. Wanted to ask her to marry him. Have children together.
All the possibilities he grew to loath in others were blossoming in his tattered soul.
Niko was a new man when it came to Kate.
"About to begin final decent to the airport!" Darko called out over his shoulder into the body of the plane.
"Buckle up boss." Anton weakly spoke from his position on the floor, slowly lifting his own hand to hold Niko's wrist.
"Do you want me to stay out here?" Niko watched as everyone else took their seats and did their seat restraints. He debated going back up front with Darko to get as much info as he could before parting ways. He knew there was much left unsaid between the two of them. Decades of pain and torment. Only to try and rebuild their trust? That was one big ask of him.
"Get a plan in the works before we land, alert Georgi on the ground what you wish to do, and he will get it done. He will move mountains if asked." Aleksei spoke up from the chair in front of him softly. It was true. They needed a course of action before the wheels touched down.
"Well first thing first- You and Anton are going to get medical treatment as soon as we land. If you wish to be taken care of at the compound, we can do that or the local hospital. Then I will get in contact with Pavel. I'm blowing up their godforsaken mansion off the coast. I don't care who it pisses off. If my assumption is correct the Albanian's and the Pavano's are working together to tear this Bratva down. And I will not allow that to happen!" Niko spoke up so Ivo and Sergei could hear him, as well as Darko at the front of the plane.
"Here, here. I will call Pavel the second we land and set up a time to talk." Sergei nodded his head in Niko's direction and pulled his phone out to have it ready to go. His excitement at taking retribution against the Albanians easy to see.
"I think we should take them to the compound. It is safer and where we can guard them should the Albanian's wish to attack us for blowing up their headquarters." Ivo turned in his seat to face his boss more directly, "And I'm sure there will be retaliation for the attack. We must ensure Pavel will not be in the crossfire. Don't want to lose that asset."
"He has a point. Maybe Pavel can meet up with the yacht and load it with explosives, so it detonates the second it touches the shore at full speed?" Sergei nodded at Ivo for his careful thinking. The last thing they wanted to do was involve Pavel and bring this fight to his doorstep- er. Submarine airlock.
"I think I might be able to reach them sooner…" Niko lifted from the seat and marched to the cockpit. Pavel said he could be reached at his burner. A last resort, and this ranked right there at bottom of the barrel. He dropped down in the copilot's seat and shoved the headset on over his ears, "Darko how do you dial out of the plane?"
"The panel to your right- the one with the number pad. I'll activate it so you can place a call… Just be careful what you say. This isn't a secure line and is on an open channel." Darko jutted his chin out to show Niko where he needed to enter the number.
"I'm counting on it." Niko pulled his phone from his pocket and searched for Francis' number. If anyone was listening in to radio chatter it would be flagged on a high-ranking police officer's line. Or maybe Packie? But that would be risking it. Packie knew the truth and was still fuming over it. He didn't want to ruin what was left of their dwindling friendship. His fingers tapped the side of his phone before tucking it away and pulling out the phone Bernard gave him…
"If you are trying to get 'caught' so to speak, just start talking over the open airwaves. Whoever is listening in will hear it. You interested in reaching a certain computer hacker back out west?" Darko adjusted the altitude and pressed the open comms button, "RUS 1406 requesting heading one for landing. Over." He glanced to Niko before focusing on getting the plane on the right path to land.
"Copy RUS 1406 you are cleared for landing. Runway one open. Taxi to hangar 34 for departure. Over."
"Go ahead Niko. I got this open on all frequencies. Whoever you need will hear. They are always listening." Darko switched a couple of buttons and started to slow the plane's speed to landing speeds.
"You know who I am. If you can… Call my cell number. It is important." Niko left it as cryptic as he could without going too far into details. He wanted to reach the hacker and her friend. They could get in touch with Pavel quicker than he could. And their window was rapidly approaching on correcting course or changing it.
His cell phone started ringing from an unknown number and he held it up so Darko could see. It was beyond spooky how quick someone heard his message and began calling him within the few seconds after talking. And how did they know his number? It wasn't like he handed it out to every single person he met.
"Told you. Fucking creeps when it comes to technology." Darko scoffed and looked out his side window to see the skyline of Liberty City come into view. The city lights twinkled and flashed against the dark backdrop of the night sky. It was truly an inspiring sight to see. Tall buildings reached for the heavens crowded in on one another. The endless headlights and taillights looked like tiny specks on the ground.
Niko noticed that Darko was focused on something outside his side window and leaned forward to get a look at what had caught his attention. He had never seen the skyline from this high up and it gave him perspective. He was simply just another dot within the concrete jungle that made up Liberty City. Just simply another man on the path of life.
"I don't appreciate being called a creep, but I've been called worse, so I will let it pass." Paige's lighthearted tone filled both Darko's and Niko's earmuffs.
"Hey. Thanks for the help from before but I could use some extra help if you are up for it." Niko met Darko's widened eyes and shrugged. He was getting used to having someone magically pop up on a piece of technology. The man had done so during their last table meeting.
"Answer your phone and find out."
Niko removed the headset and answered the continuous buzzing from his cell phone, "I am hoping this is who I think it is, and not some random kid with a fancy laptop."
"Ouch! Haven't been called a kid in a long time. What can we do for the head of the Bratva?" The nosily voice of Lester filled Niko's ears and caused him to smirk.
"I need to give the go ahead to Pavel and the yacht to ram into the mansion. Blow it up. Send a firm message we don't take too kindly to threats. Alexi is dead and without their leadership, now would be the perfect time to strike. Between the Albanians and the Pavanos, I have my hands full." Niko scratched at his five o'clock shadow and frowned at how scruffy he was.
"What is going on with the Pavanos?"
"They attacked me and my men while out in Sandy Shores. It's a long story, but Arthur tortured one of my closest men and nearly killed him. I take that very personally." Niko looked out his side window when the plane tilted direction on its final approach to the landing strip. Liberty City was calling to him and he was ready to get off the plane and back into Kate's arms. A good hug was needed. Everything else could wait till after.
"Interesting. Zero chatter on them making moves, which means their move was a success. I'll get Paige to contact Pavel. We talking about mega explosions or just enough to get the point across?" Lester grew thoughtful before laughing, "What am I talking about. Blow 'em to hell, right?"
"Exactly. I want my response to be known. This is how I handle disrespect." Niko could see Darko giving him an alarmed look from the corner of his eye. He was tired of playing things safe and only reacting. It was time to take initiative. Strike back where it hurt. Let it be known he was not someone to walk over. That his Bratva was strong and capable of dangerous threats.
"I'm guessing you are no longer a stand in?" Lester held his breath. It was going to be massive news if Kenny was truly being replaced.
"I think it is time I take my rightful place at the head of the table." Niko turned to smirk at Darko. He felt something settle within. So much had been up in the air and unknown with where this was leading, and now? Now he knew his place in the world, and it would be at the head of the table with Kate at his side. So long as she will still have him…
"Then I need to get working on getting ahold of Pavel. Be safe out east. These moves don't just happen overnight. The Pavanos must be planning something larger if this was the first we heard of them making waves. They used the Albanians as cover, I think. Dangerous territory to be in."
"I've been in worse situations. As you already probably know." Darko reached out and held his fist in Niko's direction causing Niko to bump his fist against it. Things were finally in motion to get all this mess straightened out. And he'd have the help of everyone in his back pocket. The force all his alliances brought was one tough wall to break. And he didn't plan on losing any time soon. Came too close a couple of times for his liking.
"RUS 1406 you are clear for landing. Welcome home."
"We will talk after the bombing happens. Otherwise stay quiet and let only those you trust know what is about to happen. Talk soon. Later." The call disconnected and Niko pocketed his cell. Excitement, the kind that riled up his demons, flourished within. If he was meant to be Kenny, then he would throw his full weight behind the title and take charge. No more second guessing and worrying over the consequences.
'Though… Not worrying about consequences is what got us in this position with Karen…' He frowned at the thought and shook his head. Things would be alright. He just needed to have some faith in himself and others. He would get through all this and make sure he came out on top. He had perfected lying, or giving half-truths, to Kate the entire time he had been around her. Not exactly something to be proud of, but it allowed him to be with her in the way she demanded. And he couldn't deny her even if it depended on his life.
'Kate we will figure things out and get back to those happy thoughts and dreams. Just be there waiting for me… Please.'
'Just be there when you land Niko… Please.' Kate stood between Georgi and the man who had been wounded by Ziad. He kept his weight off his injured leg, but other than that, looked just a lethal and angry as Georgi. Maybe this was their front they had to give the world? The wind picked up and she pulled the edges of Niko's jacket tightly around her.
"You can wait in the SUV till the plane lands if you wish." Georgi spoke softly to Kate as he searched the skies for the familiar plane.
"And miss all the action. No thank you." Kate shivered slightly and bumped her shoulder into Georgi's, "It's not every day you get to stand on the tarmac and watch a flight come in."
"This is true. But for your protection you really should stay in the car till the plane taxis its way into the hangar." Georgi lifted his binoculars and scanned the dark skies and spotted the blinking lights on the wings of Kenny's private jet.
"Kapitan, she needs to be out of the cold. Last thing we need is her getting sick on our watch." Anatoly shifted his eyes over to Georgi before going back to searching their surroundings for threats. He had been asked by his best friend to stand guard and welcome Pakhan home. A task he was genuinely thrilled to undertake. He had yet to meet the new head of the Bratva and if he was anything like the fragile cold killer of Kate, then he was in for one hell of a meeting.
"You want to tell her? Because I am not going to fight her on this." He narrowed his eyes at Anatoly and held the binoculars out for Kate to take. Which she happily grabbed and began her own search for the incoming jet.
"Fight her? Just command her to. Pakhan is literally right there in the sky. Which means she isn't in charge anymore." Anatoly dropped his eyes to Kate as she huffed at not spotting the plane.
"Sounds like a stalling tactic." Georgi hid his smile as he reached out and placed his hand on her head and twisted it slightly to be in the right direction of the flightpath.
"I'm not telling her. You are the one with authority! Hey! What are you-?!"
"Kate let me introduce you to my friend and lead trainer for the Bratva, Anatoly. And I believe he has something he wishes to tell you." Georgi smirked over her head at his friend loving see the color drain from his face.
"Oh! A friend?!" Kate bounced on the balls of her feet trying to stay warm and lowered the binoculars. She turned to look at the man that had been injured by Ziad.
"Ye-Yeah. Georgi is someone I consider friend." Anatoly shot Georgi a death glare before focusing on the petite female between them, "And when he asked me to tag along, I was not expecting to have to babysit as well."
"Georgi what did he say?" Kate locked eyes with Anatoly not liking the way his tone had dropped when he spoke Russian.
"I could tell you, but wouldn't that spoil my fun? Ouch!" Georgi started to laugh before she smacked his arm behind her, not breaking eye contact with Anatoly. He rubbed over the spot she hit and had to give her credit, it actually stung, "I think I picked up baby and sitting when he spoke. Wasn't paying that close of attention."
"Bull shit." Kate glared over her shoulder to Georgi before leveling Anatoly with the famous McReary stare. Which he immediately flinched at.
"Now that I think about it…" Georgi started before Anatoly balked and dropped his face to his hand.
"I was not expecting you to tag along on this mission. That's all." Anatoly answered her and sneered at Georgi between his fingers, "And I do believe this is him just messing with me at this point."
"Geo does that. He loves to rile me up just to see how I react. Highly annoying." Kate rolled her eyes and jumped slightly when she could see the plane with her eyes and not the enhanced lenses of the binoculars, "There they are!"
"And saved by the plane." Georgi sheepishly shrugged at Anatoly mouthing GEO to him. He wasn't prepared for her to drop his nickname like that. Especially to his best friend who was the only one to ever call him that.
The whine of the engines grew in intensity as it lowered down to the ground. The squeal of the tires as they met pavement. All of it sent goosebumps down Kate's back. Niko was almost there with her. The yearning and love built and filled her with excitement. She grabbed Georgi's arm and did a little happy dance seeing the jet slowing down as it reached the end of the airstrip.
"Remember Kate. Anton and Aleksei need to be removed from the plane first. Then Niko can come out. He will want to make sure they get the help they need first." Georgi tried to get Kate to calm down some but couldn't find it in him to stomp on her feelings. She was allowed to express herself and he was going to be there to support her… So long as the situation didn't call for more reserved body language. He pursed his lips when Kate started to frantically wave as the plane made the turn and slowly drove in their direction of the hangar.
"Of course. I'm just so happy to see everyone again and make sure they are okay. I need to thank Anton personally for saving my life, as well as thank all of them for keeping Niko alive and safe. It can't be an easy job to carry on. And I do greatly appreciate everything you and everyone else does for him and myself." Kate lowered her hand and looked up to meet Anatoly's shocked expression, "My name is Kate and I just so happen to love everyone within the Bratva. Get over it." She stuck her tongue out at him and smiled brightly at his flabbergasted look.
"I told you. She is not what people are expecting. And it's why I don't mind bringing her along. You'll catch on eventually." Georgi directed Kate to walk with him to the parked SUV to give the plane the most room to enter the heated hangar.
"I think I am starting to see that… Anatoly my lady. At your service." Anatoly followed closely behind with a slight limp, which didn't affect the way he carried his rifle, or disturb his focus on keeping them all safe. He nodded to the medical team on standby by the two ambulances to let them know their patients were approaching.
"Just keep this one happy and in a good place and we won't have issues." Kate squeezed Georgi's arm before releasing him to turn and hold her hand out to Anatoly.
Which he gladly accepted without hesitation. He kissed her knuckles and pressed them to his forehead, "To give life, blood, body, and service to your will. I will follow your lead and do as you have asked. As you have asked it, it shall be done. That is an easy enough task. But he does like to make it challenging."
Kate busted out laughing and shook his hand, "He does like to make things more complicated than they should be."
Anatoly chuckled with her and smiled innocently at Georgi, "That he does. There was this one time that I swear he was-"
"Enough. She gets the picture. On your spot, Pakhan is arriving." Georgi waved off the theatrics his friend was wanting to stir up and took his position to welcome home the rest of his captains and boss. And possibly get a glimpse at this mysterious person flying the plane. Kate skipped to his side and yanked on Anatoly's hand to get him to stand by her opposite side.
The plane's engines were winding down as it pulled into the hangar before completely shutting off. The door snapped open ajar before dropping down to allow the medical team to rush up the steps to disappear into the interior, carrying stretcher baskets and bags of various medical equipment.
Kate held her breath the longer it took for them to emerge. Just how badly were Anton and Aleksei injured? Were they near death? Broken limbs? The fear from earlier started to creep up her spine. What went down in LS to have them coming home injured so? Her eyes searched the windows of the plane hoping to catch a glimpse of Niko, but only saw shadows bouncing off the walls.
"Kate?!" Niko's voice called out from the plane and instantly Kate snapped her head up to the door, anticipation bubbling.
"Niko!" She returned his call and went to take a step forward before both Georgi and Anatoly held her back, "You will remove your hands or lose them." She glanced between both of the men on either side of her and moved forward when their hands fell away.
"Лепа (Lepa). Where are you, my love?" Niko emerged from the doorway at the top of the steps and met her eyes immediately. He rushed the steps as he saw her dashing forward to him. As soon as she was within arm's length he grabbed her in a fierce hug, burying his face into the crook of her neck and shoulder. The shudder of relief was visible, and he couldn't care. He was back in her arms.
Oh how she loved the way she fit against his body. Tears welled and began to fall the longer he gripped her harshly. He was shaking! A foreign sensation to her. Determination flooded her body, and she returned the ferocity of his hug. She nuzzled into the side of his head and jolted when he hissed.
"Sorry. Sorry! What did… I … do…?" Kate trailed off at the sight of his open stiches and dried blood. A lot of dried blood. Her eyes traveled down the blood trails and noticed several crumbled bullets on his bullet proof vest. His shirt underneath was near nonexistent and soaked up his precious blood. Or was it the blood of others?
'My God Niko… What happened to you?!'
"Yeah… Not in the best shape." Niko cupped her face and searched her eyes for rejection or fear. But the only thing he spotted was sadness and concern for him. Which was far from what he deserved. She should be slapping him. Screaming her head off. Cursing him to hell. That wasn't his Kate though. Her tiny hands landed over his own and broke the trance.
"You are still you. Мој један једини (Moj jedan jedini). My goodness Niko. I've missed you terribly." Kate whispered the words as she looked between all his injuries and would be wounds. So many near misses. Too many. Her lips trembled as she felt the tears spring forward. He had nearly been killed.
His tired eyes studied hers and longed to take away her pain. She had nearly died. Taken from him because his enemies thought they could. It was another reason he wanted Anton to pull through. The man had saved not only Kate but himself. Twice. Once with keeping Kate alive and the other being his sacrifice play.
"I've missed you more than you know. I love you." Niko pressed their foreheads together needing the contact.
"I love you more than anything, Niko."
That simple statement dropped Niko into a depression the likes he had never seen.
aaaaaa
I know it is a super short chapter. But I have such huge plans for them next chapter. Fluff. Just complete love and healing. It is going to be more therapeutic for me I feel. Lol
I'm having surgery on Monday so it could be a while for me to get the next chapter out. Don't lose hope. This story is coming to a close. Promise.
Any way.
Till next time! One Love