Money In Progress (Nebesa's Gate Casino)

[Sofia Vasilieva]

Pavel (Pasha) Vasiliev

The Yakuza act could not go unanswered, but it could have been a tempered response. Retaliation would have escalated, about that the stranger was correct, but it would have been a slower burn too, giving time to reestablish everything that had been destroyed with Yun Kao’s death. Pavel had intended to reign in his siblings’ response, but he knew the path of mediating peace would not have been smooth or easy. Vengeance burned like hellfire in Vasiliev veins. Understanding that Maksim’s life now hung in the crossfire either way made the decision plain. The stranger would not let them leave, even on the promise of blood. There was not a third option to fight for. Between peace and the protections of his family, Pavel would always choose family.

He stood. It was clearly implied that this "friend" orchestrated a reprieve on Maksim’s life. In Pavel’s experience such friends usually required favours in return. He would decide for himself if an ally or enemy pulled the strings here, but for now it was accepted. The flat of his stare was hard though. The stranger should know exactly who he was dealing with on behalf of his benefactor.

Alina would be hurt by the act, but not so much as Maksim’s death would devastate her. Pavel was not a violent man. He did not relish the task ahead. Yet he would not give consent nor blithely watch a stranger lay hands on a member of his family.

If a man was willing to allow this, then he should be willing to enact it.

Maksim was pale with shock and fear as the reality of their situation tightened the noose around him. He trembled like a child. But he at least found his own feet, and walked out to his own fate. It would have been shameful for them both to have to drag him from the back of the ambulance. Any man should be able to take a beating. To do so for his own family was nothing but duty.

Still, Pavel was surprised Maksim did not immediately cower. In their meeting of eyes he realised there was a flash of recognition in the other man’s fear. It tightened the clench of his jaw, but it did not save him.

***

Afterwards, the paramedics were allowed to return. Pavel did not watch as they loaded the bloodied and crumpled Maksim back into the ambulance; instead he began to unroll his sleeves, and landed a cold stare on the stranger. The blonde man had given space, and watched on with a blatant approval for the violence Pavel found distasteful. Now he approached with a wallet. Cheap. Single-use. Pavel stared on, silent and weighing, but did not reach to accept it until he had finished buttoning his cuffs.

"In one hour, I will send details to this device. Meet me at 11 pm where it says. As a gesture of good faith, bring no more than 2 of your people with you and we'll do the same."

Pavel took it with a short nod, then climbed back into the ambulance. The doors slammed shut behind him. Inside, he adjusted his suit and sat. Then he returned his wristwatch, and slid his wedding band back on his finger.

“I suggest you look after Maksim well. I have seen both your faces,” he said to the medics as he retrieved his own wallet. There was work to do between here and the hospital.

---

Some time later, an aide entered the private lounge containing Kristian Osterhagen. He had been well cared for in the interim, and whatever he asked for provided to him in quite some plush comfort. She smiled as she approached.

“Mr Vasiliev sends his apologies, Mr Osterhagen, however he has been detained for longer than expected at the hospital. I’m assured Mr Marveet will make a recovery. In the meantime he extends an invitation to continue your conversation at a later time.” She presented a device containing the details. A car had been arranged for the time shown. Kristian only had to turn up. “We would of course advise you against discussing the things you may have seen or heard tonight. The family takes its privacy quite seriously. I’m sure you understand.”

She stood back, and gestured a hand at the door. “The rest of the evening shall, of course, be our pleasure to accommodate as a token of gratitude. We hope you continue to enjoy your time at Nebesa’s Gate.”

[[Freeing Xander up. Hopefull that works for all ]]