Drake Sisters 06 - Turbulent Sea

steady him.
    'Why is this happening?' he asked again.
    Ilya didn't want to take any chances with Nikitin's patience - or the fact that Brian had witnessed a battle between two warring factions of the underworld. 'Sergei must have mentioned to you that he was born into a family in Russia that controlled certain aspects of business. They don't want him getting out. He's been legitimate for some time, but a few powerful people fear his knowledge.' It was Nikitin's standard story, and it was what Brian wanted to believe.
    Believing it now might save his life.
    Out of the corner of his eye, Ilya saw Nikitin visibly relax.
    'I've tried to tell you,' Nikitin said. 'I know it looks bad, but there's little I can do about the family I was born into.'
    'We have to go to the police. These people tried to kill you, Sergei. What if there are more of them?'
    Nikitin handed Ilya's phone back to him. 'Don't worry. This isn't the first time. We don't want the police involved, because these are the kinds of people who buy off the police.'
    Ilya tucked his cell phone safely into the inside pocket of his jacket. He deliberately glanced at his watch. 'Can you perform tonight, Brian? If you can't, say so. Everything has to be exactly as if you never were a part of this. Not only you, but everyone around you would be in danger, and especially Sergei. Can you handle performing?'
    Brian swallowed hard. 'Will you be there?' he asked Nikitin.
    Ilya flinched at the raw emotion in Brian's voice. He didn't want Eddie to have a clue about Brian's relationship with Nikitin. It was too late. Far, far too late. Nikitin flicked a single glance at Eddie, and it was enough to let Ilya know Eddie was a dead man. In spite of his loyalty, in spite of the fact that he'd helped save both Brian and Nikitin, the Russian boss wouldn't take any chances with his relationship being made public.
    Brian had no way of knowing what kind of a man Sergei Nikitin really was and what he was capable of doing.
    Murder was second nature to Nikitin. He'd grown up making hits when other boys were playing ball. He'd learned torture before he ever went on his first date. As with Ilya, there had been no childhood, and violence had become his way of life.
    'I have to make certain Sergei is safe, Brian,' Ilya said. 'Until we know who is trying to kill him, we can't take chances with his life.'
    Brian nodded. 'That's right. You're right. Maybe you should get out of town, Sergei. Leave tonight. We have one more gig to play in San Francisco and then we're finished with the tour.'
    'Where do we go?' Eddie asked.
    'We have to switch cars. This is full of bullet holes. Then we take Brian to the Arco Arena if he thinks he can put on a show.'
    'Yes, yes, if it will help,' Brian agreed. 'Of course.'
    'You have to act as though nothing happened. You have to be normal, Brian,' Ilya reiterated and pulled a cell phone from inside his jacket. His hand slid over the other one, the one with the special chip that had sent every number Nikitin called to Ilya's bosses. They'd be moving on the information, matching numbers with names in order to set up raids.
    The two phones were identical, just in case Nikitin wanted the phone destroyed. Ilya would have cooperated fully.
    He wanted the original phone for evidence, but if not, they still had the numbers.
    He spoke briefly into the phone then turned to Eddie. 'Take this next exit, Eddie. A car will be waiting at the McDonald's parking lot. We'll ditch this one in the parking garage just next to it.' He glanced back at Brian. 'You don't have any blood on your clothes, do you? Or your shoes?'
    Brian shuddered, but inspected his clothing. 'No. I'm fine.'
    'Good. You're doing great.'
    Nikitin nodded. 'I'm sorry this happened. It comes with the territory. At least you know I was telling you the truth.'
    Brian took a deep breath as Eddie pulled into the parking garage and found a dark corner on the second level. 'You don't lead a boring life, Sergei.' He made an attempt to smile.
    Ilya pulled open the door. 'Don't touch anything. Eddie and I will wipe the car down. Stand over there, where I can see you, but no one can approach you.'
    Ilya worked vigorously, wiping the steering wheel, seats and door handles in the front seat, while Eddie wiped down the back and floor.
    'Let's go. Brian, walk normally, we're just looking for a Big Mac,' Ilya instructed. 'You're recognizable, so hunch a little and keep your head down so no one sees your face. You're doing fine,'