The Bed You Make
Chapter 38, concluded
"… didn't go with them. I am on my way to see you, actually." Nikolas listened intently to the conversation on the other end. "Lunch at the Outback would be fine. I am less than five minutes away from your office. Should I come up to meet you?" Nikolas leaned forward and tapped lightly on the clear partition that separated him from the driver. "Very well, Alexis," he said for the driver's benefit, "I will have the car wait for you at the rear entrance."
Nikolas ended the call. He didn't have to ask the driver if he'd heard his instructions; Ivan was already directing the limousine west on Baldwin Drive. They were less than five blocks away from the legislative building that housed Alexis' office. A left turn at the light ahead and they would be on the outskirts of the parking area that surrounded the building.
The Cassadine chauffeur deftly brought the heavy vehicle to a stop as he wanted for the traffic light to change. Ivan made maneuvering the big armor-plated car seem effortless. Cassadine drivers were trained with a diligence and intensity that far surpassed that of most government security agencies. "Respectfully, Prince Nikolas," Ivan glanced at him in the rearview mirror, "perhaps you should not engage our escort."
"Why is that, Ivan?" Nikolas shifted around to take a look at the white van. It was, as he expected, positioned directly behind them. "Do you think the Bratva are a danger to me?"
There was a pause as the signal changed and Ivan smoothly negotiated the necessary change of direction. "Master Stefan would not have made an agreement with them if he thought it to be so," Ivan replied. "I simply believe that it would be prudent to limit their direct contact with you. So I ," he informed Nikolas, "will have the small talk with them instead. You will remain inside the car." Ivan seemed to remember who he was speaking to. "If you please, Prince Nikolas."
Nikolas gave a small nod. He conceded willingly to the driver's suggestion. Nikolas knew that with Stefan so far away, those assigned to protect him struggled to find a happy medium between respect for Nikolas' authority and the smothering protection they knew would keep him safe. "Very well," Nikolas said. "Before you speak with them, though, you will escort my aunt into the car. There. She is waiting for us."
Ivan smoothly brought the limousine to a stop a few feet away from where Alexis stood. He unfolded his lean frame from behind the wheel and made his way around the car. Curious, Nikolas stole a glance back at their escort. Several of the occupants of the van had exited, but stood watchfully beside it. As soon as Alexis was safely inside the limousine, the men got back into the panel van - all but one, who silently watched Ivan's approach.
"Nikolas," Alexis gazed worriedly at the scene behind them. "What is going on? Does Stefan know the Russian Mob is following you?"
"Don't worry, Alexis. There is no problem," Nikolas reassured her. "The Bratva are my escorts while Uncle is away."
