Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
“If my father is surrendering, then why come here and talk to me?”
“I plan to honor his demands.”
“The Brotherhood does not know honor.”
“But my mouse does. Unfortunately, she likes to follow dead men’s wishes.”
Her eyes watered. “I will not allow my father to surrender—”
“You have no choice, Ufuoma.” I knitted my fingers together. “But, you do have choices after his death.”
She raised her eyebrows.
“He wants Black Axe to control Calabria. I am willing to partially give him that, if you can be trusted to not avenge your father.”
“But. . .” She trembled. “There is no need to kill my father—”
“He terrorized my mouse while pregnant. She lost a baby in the womb from his plotting. My cousin is dead as well as others.” I sneered. “His death is the only thing that will finish this. On that, I will not waver.”
“I did not agree with my father’s. . .plans, but all of this was because we wanted fair payment and control of shipments—”
“And you will get it.” I raised a finger. “Once he is dead.”
Her voice came out weak. “Is there. . .any way I can save him?”
“None.” I frowned. “However, the fact that I am even here talking to you, is a start to a peaceful direction.”
“If my father’s blood is spilled, then how would it be peaceful?”
“It would be up to us to leave the games and war alone. It would be our choice to work together.” I leaned back in the chair. “Because you must understand this. . .if your people come for me and mine, I will tear them apart.”
Her face twisted with rage. “It will be almost impossible for my people to maintain calm after my father’s death.”
“You will find a way, or I will handle it, and I am sure you do not want me stepping in.” I pulled my mouse’s phone out and dialed the last number. “However, let us see your father’s thoughts.”
“What?” Ufuoma frantically watched me.
Four rings sounded before Fela picked up. “Yes? Emily?”
“That was a lot of rings.” I sighed. “One would think that you would be awake for your last night on this earth.”
“It is true, Kazimir. I have not been able to sleep.”
“No sleep?” I rose from the table. “More plotting?”
“No. Arrangements. There are too many to put in place.”
I left the table and walked out onto the balcony. Cool air brushed against my skin. “I have just had a short conversation with your daughter. I believe she is smart and able to put her emotions to the side to meet your demands.”
“Ufuoma is fierce with her rationality. I have always admired that about my daughter.”
I walked to the railing and placed one hand on it. “However, your daughter also does not want you to surrender.”
His words came out tense. “Ufuoma has no choice, and Kazimir I ask that you do not hurt her or my wife—”
“I have no reason to touch them, if you are truly intending on surrendering.”
“I am.”
“You planned to surrender last time I saw you.”
“That was last time. This is now.”
“And what has changed from last time to now, Fela?”
“My allies are dead, as well as many of my children. And you have my wife and daughter—the most important people in my life—right in your grasp.”
I was shocked at his raw honesty. A part of me did not want to believe him. It still could be a trap. There were few times I had a reason to trust anyone in this world, especially my enemy.
I did not know what to think.
Still, I wanted to believe that I truly had him in this horrific tight spot, unable to push back and ready to surrender.
Can we really win?
I tapped the balcony’s railing. “If I renege on your agreement with my mouse, I know that you will have tricks up your sleeve.”
“I would not be a smart man, if I did not have back up plans due to you or the Brotherhood ruining my demands.”
“I want to keep my mouse safe.”
“And I want my loved ones safe too and the future of my people bright and peaceful.”
The images from my dream flashed in my head—happy faces and experiences.
Next Pavel’s words trickled into my mind. Some stuck.
I was eager to see if all of that would come true.
I swallowed. “I too want a peaceful future, but can you be trusted? Fela, I do not understand why you would simply surrender.”
“Kazimir. . .”
I placed my view on the thousands of stars in the sky. They were glistening diamonds sewn into the dark fabric of night. I thought of all the constellations that have come and will come. The map of the universe, frozen in the sky for all eternity.
God, help me. Please allow this peaceful alternative to work.
I put my attention back onto Fela. “Yes?”
“You have not had children yet, but when you do. . .you will understand even more why I am willing to give my life to end this.”