Deadly Crossing (Tom Dugan 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

had established a foothold. Within a year of the Russians’ arrival, all the leaders of the Armenian mob were either dead, along with their families, or working for the Bratstvo . If you cross the Bratstvo , they’ll murder you and anyone close to you or, for that matter, anyone they even suspect is close to you, and they’ll probably torture all their victims first. Coercing people by targeting innocent family members is their stock and trade, and everyone is vulnerable. Italian mobsters are gentlemen by comparison.”
    “If they have the girl here in London, any idea where they might be holding her?”
    Gloria shook her head. “None of my contacts would be brave enough to poke their noses that deeply into Bratstvo business, and I wouldn’t even consider asking them to.” She stared hard at Gillian. “And you shouldn’t pursue this either. These blokes are VERY dangerous.”
    “I’m only going to be passing the information along, so you needn’t worry.”
    “You haven’t been listening, Gillian. If you’re involved in any way, you’ll be in danger.”
    “Perhaps, but I have to pass this along nonetheless. It’s all general anyway. I take it you were unable to find anything more specific?”
    Gloria opened her mouth to speak, then seemed to think better of it and shook her head.
    “Gloria? What aren’t you telling me?”
    “You don’t want to pursue this. Nothing good will come of it.”
    “Gloria, if you don’t tell me, I’ll be forced to make inquiries elsewhere, and that might prove even more dangerous.”
    Gloria sighed. “You’re not going to drop this, are you?”
    “Not a chance.”
    “All right. I don’t have much more, but I did find that the impression on the street is that most of the Bratstvo ’s operations seem to be controlled from a single nightclub in Soho called Club Pyatnitsa . That apparently means Club Friday.”
    Gillian took a notepad from her purse and began to write. “Do you know the address?”
    “It’s in Berwick Street,” Gloria said, “but don’t even think of going there!”

Chapter Three
    Kairouz Residence
London, UK
    Alex was still at work when Gillian reached home, but an anxious Cassie greeted her in the hallway, and Gillian’s plans to phone Dugan and Anna were momentarily deferred.
    “Did you tell him?” Cassie asked. “What did he say?”
    Gillian considered her reply.
    “Your father wasn’t exactly thrilled about your relationship, but I suspect he’ll come around eventually. I think we best give him time to come to terms with it.”
    “He’s not going to do anything mean to Nigel, is he?” Cassie asked, then continued without waiting for an answer. “I knew I shouldn’t have said anything. Papa will ruin everything!”
    Gillian wrapped her arms around her stepdaughter and pulled her close. “Calm down, sweetheart. Your father isn’t an ogre; he’s just concerned about you, that’s all. He’d do anything to keep you from being hurt.”
    “But Nigel would never hurt me, Mum. He’s kind and wonderful! He doesn’t care at all about… about a lot of things. Actually, he’s a lot like Papa.”
    Gillian smiled. “Perhaps you should keep that observation to yourself for the moment. I’m not sure how your father would take it.” She held Cassie at arm’s length. “And where is young Nigel now, and what do you hear from him?”
    “He was in Europe, and we’ve been emailing when he could get a connection. But his ship gets into Southampton late tonight, and I hope we’ll be able to video chat via Skype. It’s ever so much better when we can see each other,” Cassie said.
    “I’m sure. Hmm… Southampton. Perhaps it’s time we renewed our acquaintance with young Mr. Havelock. I think we should invite him to dinner while his ship’s in port.”
    Cassie looked terrified. “No! I mean, I don’t know. He… he doesn’t know I told you, so I don’t know if he would want to come to dinner.”
    Gillian nodded. “I suspect facing