Unexpected Bratva Baby

Chapter 20Mikhail

20

Mikhail

I stand at the window of my command center, overlooking the glittering Miami skyline. The city pulses with energy, unaware of the storm about to break. My plan, meticulously crafted over weeks, is finally in motion.

“Sir, the team is in position,” says Sergei, sounding completely calm.

I nod, turning to face the room. Monitors line the walls, displaying various camera feeds and data streams. My most trusted captains gather around a large table, their faces etched with anticipation. “Begin the operation.”

Sergei relays the command, and the room erupts into controlled chaos as the cameras show our teams’ movements. The teams move with precision, intercepting Valdés’ prized shipment, and the hijacking is swift and brutal, leaving no room for error. It’s just one facet of our multipronged attack. I want Valdés surrounded by chaos and having even his inner circle questioning his competence by dawn.

Hours pass while coordinating the city-wide strike against the Cuban mafia’s operations. I’ve spent months cultivating alliances with other Miami crime families, uniting them against our common threat. Now, those connections prove invaluable as we systematically dismantle Valdés’ empire.

“Mikhail?” says Rodion, sounding urgent. “We’ve got movement at Valdés’ main warehouse.”

I stride to his station, leaning over to study the feed. Smoke billows from the building as panicked figures scatter. A smile tugs at my lips. The explosives we planted have done their job. There’s another few million dollars of The Corporation’s profits lost, while the warehouse—whose location is top secret and supposedly known only to Valdés and his two closest captains—being attacked will sow more discord as others in the Cuban mafia start to question how this could happen on Valdés’ watch. “Excellent. How are our losses?”

“Minimal, sir,” Rodion says. “Two minor injuries, but nothing serious.”

I nod, satisfied. The plan is unfolding perfectly, with each piece falling into place like a deadly game of chess. As dawn breaks, reports flood in from across the city. The Corporation is in disarray with their operations currently crippled. I allow myself a moment of satisfaction before focusing on the next phase.

“Any word on Valdés?” I ask, scanning the room.

Sergei shakes his head. “Nothing concrete. Our sources say he’s gone to ground.”

I frown, considering the implications. Valdés disappearing wasn’t part of the plan, but it might work to our advantage.

“Sir?” interjects Natasha, still typing. “We’re picking up chatter. The Corporation is planning an emergency meeting. They’re talking about electing a new leader.”

A ripple of excitement passes through the room. I raise a hand, silencing the murmurs. “What about Valdés?”

Natasha’s brow furrows as she listens to her earpiece. “It seems he vanished before they could formally challenge him. They’re in chaos, sir. No one knows where he is, or if he’s even alive.”

I process this information, considering potential scenarios. Valdés’ disappearance complicates things, but it also presents an opportunity.

“What are your orders, Mikhail?” asks Sergei.

I pause, weighing our options. “We maintain pressure on The Corporation. Let them scramble to elect a new leader. In the meantime, we solidify our position. I want eyes and ears everywhere. If Valdés surfaces, I want to know immediately.”

My captains nod. They understand the situation. We’ve dealt a crushing blow to our enemies, but we can’t pretend there won’t still be future risks and challenges. As the hours tick by, reports continue to flood in. The Corporation is too busy cleaning up their own mess to even consider retaliation against us.

“Mikhail,” calls out Sergei, his voice cutting through the buzz of activity. “We’ve intercepted some interesting chatter. It seems The Corporation can’t be certain we were behind the shipment theft or the other strikes against them. They’re considering the possibility that other crime families were involved.”

I smile, cold satisfaction settling in my chest. This was part of the plan—to sow confusion and mistrust among our enemies. “Excellent. Let them point fingers at each other. It will only weaken them further.”

As night falls again, I’m alone in the command center, nursing a glass of vodka. The city sprawls before me, and somewhere out there, Valdés is hiding, licking his wounds. The thought brings a grim smile to my face.

My phone buzzes, and I glance at the screen. It’s a message from Phoebe. My heart clenches reading her words, full of warmth and concern. For a moment, I allow myself to imagine a different life, where I’m not orchestrating the downfall of rival crime lords, but that life isn’t mine and never will be. This is the life I have, and I’ll fight to make the most of it.

I type a quick reply to Phoebe, assuring her I’m fine and will see her soon. It’s not entirely a lie, but the guilt still gnaws at me.

Turning back to the window, I fortify myself for what’s to come. Valdés is gone, but the danger isn’t over. The Corporation will regroup eventually, and if they still want to come for my territory, I’ll be ready. For now, I savor this victory. This is my domain now, won through cunning and strength.

The night wears on, and I pore over maps and reports, searching for any sign of Valdés. His disappearance nags at me, a loose end in an otherwise flawless operation.

“Mikhail?” Sergei’s voice breaks through my concentration. I look up to see him standing in the doorway, his expression grave.

“What is it?” I ask, straightening up.

He hesitates, then steps into the room. “We’ve received word from one of our informants within The Corporation. It seems they’re not just planning to elect a new leader. They’re considering a complete restructuring of their organization.”

I frown. “What kind of restructuring?”

“They’re talking about breaking into smaller, more independent cells. It would make them harder to track and dismantle.”

I nod slowly. This could complicate things significantly if we have to worry about multiple factions, but I’m not too worried. Smaller factions means smaller forces, and if they’re busy reestablishing themselves, coming after my well-organized bratva , with plenty of soldiers, is going to be low on their list of priorities, at least for the time being. “And Valdés? Any word on his whereabouts?”

Sergei shakes his head. “Nothing concrete, but there’re whispers that he might have fled to Cuba. Some think he’s trying to rally support from old connections there.”

I turn back to the window, considering our next move. The situation is evolving rapidly, and we need to adapt. “Double our efforts to locate Valdés. “If he’s in Cuba, I want to know where, and also keep a close eye on The Corporation’s restructuring plans. We might need to adjust our strategy.”

Sergei nods and leaves to carry out my instructions. I’m left alone with my thoughts. My mind drifts to Phoebe again, and I wonder what she would think if she could see me now, orchestrating the downfall of rival crime lords. The contrast between my two lives has never been starker.

My phone buzzes again with another message from Phoebe. She’s wondering when I’ll be home. I close my eyelids, savoring the image of her waiting for me even as guilt twists in my gut.

“Soon, this will all be over, and I can focus on building a life with you.” Even as I say it aloud, I know it’s not that simple. The world I inhabit doesn’t let go easily. There will always be new threats, but all I can do is prepare for them.