SWNOVELS The Arrangement: Chapter 35
We don’t hang around the hospital longer than we have to. As we’re going through the motions of checking out, my phone buzzes with a message from Irina, saying they’re almost at the hospital. The thought of finally heading home, of being away from all this chaos, feels like a breath of fresh air.
Tory’s making small talk with the staff in the lobby. Her resilience amazes me—after everything, she still has the strength to smile, to be kind. It’s one of the many things I admire about her.
I turn my head and see FBI agents milling about the lobby. Their presence throws me for a loop. As I explained to Tory, my plan was simple: a bit of intimidation courtesy of the local police to rattle Aleksey. Yet the FBI is now involved, their interest in Aleksey’s apprehension a clear indicator that this went way beyond my expectations.
And the way they’re glancing over at me, with measured, assessing looks, is unnerving. It sparks a flicker of doubt, the kind that whispers maybe I’m not just a bystander in their eyes. Could they be here for me as well?
The gravity of the situation weighs on me. This isn’t just about Aleksey’s downfall anymore; it’s about the aftermath, about how deep the repercussions might go. As Tory finishes up and turns back to me, her smile a sharp contrast to the churning of my thoughts, I’m reminded of what’s at stake. Our future, our safety, our family—it’s all on the line.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I focus on the immediate: getting us out of here, back to the safety and normalcy of home. As we weave through the lobby, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the heavy FBI presence, Tory leans in, curiosity in her voice. ‘What are they doing here?’
‘I’m not exactly sure,’ I admit quietly.
The truth is, the sight of them has put me on edge. There’s a charged moment where it feels like they might zero in on us, but then, nothing. We pass by without incident, leaving me to puzzle over their intentions. Was this meant to be a show of force, a subtle warning perhaps?
The realization that I might have some local PD in my corner but stand on shaky ground with the Feds is unsettling. Father has always drilled into me the importance of keeping a clean record, of steering clear of anything that might draw federal attention. His teachings are the only reason I can walk out of here without cuffs around my wrists.
Stepping out into the cool evening, the relief of being free from the hospital and the probing eyes of the FBI is palpable. Tory and I are just starting to relax when a familiar voice stops us in our tracks.
“Hell of a night, huh?”
As the shadowy figure steps forward, the adrenaline that had just started to ebb away comes surging back. It’s Nicky. Instinctively, I position myself between him and Tory, wary of any more surprises this night might throw our way.
‘We’ve had enough trouble for one day,’ I say, a clear warning in my voice.
Nicky, hands raised, offers a small smile. ‘I come in peace,’ he assures us. His slight Russian accent colors his words.
‘Is that so?’ I challenge, not ready to drop my defenses just yet. The night has been too full of surprises for me to take anything at face value.
‘Yeah, believe it or not,’ Nicky says, his voice getting a touch more serious. ‘I’m with the FBI. Been undercover for a good while, keeping an eye on Aleksey’s schemes.’
I can’t hide my disbelief. ‘Is that right?’ The words slip out, tinged with skepticism. The thought of Nicky being on the side of the law is a lot to wrap my head around.
He nods, confirming my suspicion. ‘While you and Igor have managed to keep your activities clean—at least, on paper—Aleksey hasn’t been quite as cautious with his endeavors. He caught our attention, and I was assigned to go undercover, gain entry into his inner circle.”
The news isn’t exactly a shock. Aleksey’s recklessness has always set him apart from mine and my father’s more calculated approach to our world. Nicky’s presence here, now, could mean a number of things for our future. But for the moment, it seems we’re on the right side of the law, a small comfort after a night filled with too many close calls.
Tory, not one to stay silent, pipes up with a glare. ‘I don’t care who you are or who you’re with. You hit me.’ Her voice carries anger and defiance, making it clear she’s not easily swayed by badges or titles.
Nicky has the grace to look genuinely remorseful. ‘I’m truly sorry for that. I had to keep up appearances, play the part. But, for what it’s worth, you got a couple good shots in too. Nearly broke my arm with that pool cue.’
A smirk plays on Tory’s lips, a flash of satisfaction at his admission. ‘You deserved it,’ she retorts, her tone light but pointed.
Turning back to the matter at hand, I press him for more information. ‘Why are you here? What do you want from us?’
Nicky takes a deep breath before answering, the weight of his undercover life apparent. ‘Even after spending a year close to Aleksey, the only solid charge we’ve got on him is the aggravated kidnapping of Tory. Turns out, he didn’t trust me as much as I thought.’
The irony of the situation isn’t lost on us. Aleksey’s mistrust, his paranoia about loyalty, might have just been his undoing.
Nicky, maintaining a professional demeanor, shifts the conversation toward me. ‘I came to give you the lowdown, Maksim. We know you’re poised to become the biggest name in Chicago’s underworld once your father steps down. But you should know, you’re not on our radar.’
Tory looks puzzled at this. ‘I don’t get it. Why tell us this?‘
Nicky sighs, sounding a bit worn. ‘It’s about choosing the lesser of two evils, really. Say we busted you, created a power vacuum. What fills it might be worse.”
He then fixes his gaze on me. ‘Just a heads-up, though. Keep things clean. If you cross the line, our next meeting won’t be as cordial.’
Just as we’re wrapping up our conversation, headlights slice through the darkness—a welcome interruption. It’s Irina’s car, and my heart does a little leap at the thought of seeing Adelina.
Nicky catches the change in atmosphere and decides it’s his time to bow out. ‘Guess that’s my signal,’ he murmurs before slipping away as quietly as he came.
The moment the car door swings open, Adelina’s out and into my arms like a shot. ‘Papa!’ she exclaims, wrapping her little arms around me as tightly as she can. I hug her back, feeling the weight of the world melt away in her embrace. It’s one of those moments, so full of love and relief, that you wish you could freeze in time.
Soon after, we’re all settled in the car, Irina taking the driver’s seat like she’s piloting us back to normalcy. Tory leans against me, her warmth a comforting presence, and Adelina, ever the daddy’s girl, rests her head on my shoulder. As we pull away, I reflect on the life I’ve chosen, the dangers and the unpredictability of that life.
But in moments like this, surrounded by the people I love, I’m reminded why it’s worth it. Life in the Bratva is a rollercoaster, but these moments of peace, of simple human connection, they’re what keep me grounded. They’re a reminder to savor every second of love and calm.
I vow to treasure every one of them.