The Bed You Make
Chapter 28, concluded
Yuri Petrov devoted only a portion of his attention to the conversation in his left ear. Though it had been quite a while, they had done business before. Their current give-and-take was just a repeat performance of the dance steps both men knew well.
“Dvesti.”
“You insult me.”
“The job you wish done is not worth what I ask?”
Yuri did not react to the taunt. “What I wish protected is worth many times your asking price. The job of protection, however, is worth only half. As you well know.”
There was a brief chuckle. “Very well, my old friend. One hundred it is.”
Yuri listened for a moment. “I will relay your words.” He ended the call and turned toward Stefan, who had been closely following the exchange. “Dimov,” Yuri relayed, “will take the job. He will handle it personally.”
“I assume that his terms are reasonable?” Stefan asked.
“Yes.” Yuri paused to pencil in a series of notes onto the detailed chart. “The Bratva will see to Prince Nikolas' safety during the time you are apart. They will see to his safe passage to the plane for Greece as well. In return, Cassadine Industries will convert one hundred million rubles on their behalf.”
Stefan's eyebrow rose. “Convert? I assume you mean, as the Americans say, that Cassadine Industries will ‘launder' one hundred million rubles on their behalf?”
“Yes.”
“Very well.”
The lack of outrage over the terms of the deal renewed Yuri's appreciation of his employer. Stefan Cassadine understood the ways of business and had little difficulty navigating its murky waters. He would engage in no labored discussion of right and wrong or good and evil. No, the head of the Cassadine family would concern himself only with the examination of cost and value.
Yuri added one last observation to the chart. He rolled it into a tight scroll and presented it to Stefan. Yuri didn't need to see it to know it. The elaborate flowchart of security details was now imprinted on his brain. “Dimov extends ‘best wishes' on your recent marriage.” Yuri quoted the Russian mobster. “He expresses the hope that your time in Greece will be spent creating in your bride the first of many children to fill your home with laughter.” Yuri stood. “I took the liberty of accepting his good will on your behalf.”
Stefan nodded his understanding. “Spasiba. And as always… Excellent work, Petrov.”