“Nina, call a meeting with the family. It’s time to get us all back on track, reopening some of our businesses, even if we have to relocate some. We have loyal enough clients that they’ll search us out no matter what.” She pointed to the head still on the floor staring up at her. “Svetlana, take care of that and the others and wait for me to call you.”

They waited for Svetlana to place the head back in the cooler and wave as she headed out. She knew Svetlana would take care of the cleanup and disposal of the bodies. Once the door closed, there was nothing but silence, and it seemed strange in this space. From the time it opened there had been music and people laughing as they enjoyed everything the Hell Fire Club had to offer.

“What do you think?” she asked.

“About what, specifically?”

“What Sacha said, and what the family’s reaction will be,” Nicola said, trying not to get angry. “I’ve been away for a while, and you were at my father’s side all that time. In some ways you might have a better feel for the family than I do.”

“They’re your family, and like you said, you’re Yury’s daughter.” Nina’s tone was cool, detached.

The answer was evasive and not at all what she wanted. “That’s all you’re going to say?”

“You don’t approve of anything I say, but I’d like to keep working for you,” Nina said as if that should’ve been apparent. “You’re the head of the family now, and it seems like that’s how you want to run it. I’m okay with that now that I know the rules.”

“So you’ll have no more opinions?” She found that hard to believe. She’d come to expect Nina’s comments and arguments, and she couldn’t go on without them. To be successful, she couldn’t live in a bubble, but she wasn’t used to open defiance. She’d have to find a balance.

“I don’t need to have an opinion, and I’ve only offered them up till now to help you, not undercut you. It was never to disrespect you.” Nina took her hands out of her pants pockets but left them at her side. “Is there something else you’d like me to do?”

She’d have to let it go for now. “Have you heard anything about Finley Abbott?”

“My contact said she was working on a special project out of one of the precincts and she was with the cyber unit. She’s gone, but the woman she was partnered with is still there.”

“Have the partner picked up, and make sure it’s quiet. I don’t usually mess with cops, but I don’t mind killing one if that’s what’s necessary to get the answers I need.”