The police commander, caught off guard by Viktor's uniform and his commanding Russian, took off his hat and lowered his head slightly, well aware of the terrifying power that such a uniform could command. However, bound by duty, he mustered enough courage to reply.
The police commander spoke in a trembling Russian voice:
"Господин офицер, прошу прощения. Мы действуем согласно полученной информации о преступлении, связанном с убийством. У нас есть доказательства, указывающие на то, что человек, причастный к этому, находится в вашем доме."
"Mr. Officer, please forgive me. We are acting on information received regarding a murder case. We have evidence pointing to the fact that a person involved in this crime is inside your house."
He hesitated before adding:
"Мы не хотели проявлять неуважение, но закон требует, чтобы мы провели расследование."
"We did not mean to show any disrespect, but the law requires us to conduct an investigation."
The officer couldn't look Viktor directly in the eye. He realized that Viktor's identity was not limited to that of a mere military officer; there was a shadow of the underworld behind him, more formidable than the law itself. He now trembled, awaiting Viktor's next move. Viktor strode toward the police commander, his every step radiating a chilling intensity. He grabbed the commander, slammed him against the wall, and seized his collar, roaring with the harshness of Russian military discipline.
He barked in Russian:
"Кто вас послал? Вы думаете, что можете играть с законом в моем доме? Отвечай, кто дал вам этот приказ!"
Who sent you? Do you think you can play with the law in my house? Answer me, who gave you this order!"
His bodyguards instantly drew their weapons, surrounding the officers. Looking into Viktor's eyes, the commander realized he had stepped into the wrong territory. Viktor's fierce gaze and the glint of the medals on his military uniform seemed to crush the commander's resolve. Viktor threatened again:
"Если вы не назовете имя того, кто вас послал, вы больше никогда не выйдете из этих ворот."
"If you do not name the person who sent you, you will never walk out of these gates alive."
Viktor did not let go of the commander; instead, he stared piercingly into his eyes, as if trying to extract the truth from his very soul. From inside the ballroom, Alia watched, her heart racing she realized that while Viktor had control of the situation, only he knew just how catastrophic the aftermath might be. Viktor tightened his grip, the commander's face turning pale with fear. In a cold, grave whisper close to the commander's ear, he said:
"Говори! Кто послал тебя? Или мне придется самому выбить из тебя ответ прямо здесь?"
"Speak! Who sent you? Or do I have to beat the answer out of you right here?"
Every word of Viktor's carried the weight of a grim fate. He gripped the collar tighter and threatened:
"У тебя есть три секунды, чтобы назвать имя. Иначе ты больше не увидишь дневного света."
You have three seconds to name the person. Otherwise, you will never see the light of day again."
The commander's body trembled; he realized Viktor was not bluffing. He was trapped between the fear for his own life and the orders of his superiors. In this breathless moment, Viktor stared at the commander with a terrifying intensity, barely restraining himself while waiting for the answer. The commander trembled violently, his voice barely finding its way out. Facing Viktor's military authority, he was utterly helpless. Under Viktor's immense pressure, he stammered a reply in Russian:
"Господин генерал... это не мое решение! Это приказ начальника отдела внутренних дел, полковника Иванова! Он сказал, что у него есть приказ сверху... больше я ничего не знаю!"
"General... this is not my decision! This is an order from the Chief of the Internal Affairs Department, Colonel Ivanov! He said he had orders from above... I know nothing more!"
The commander kept his head bowed, awaiting Viktor's reaction. He finally realized that Colonel Ivanov had likely used him as a mere pawn, never imagining he would face someone as formidable as Viktor. The name Ivanov now loomed in Viktor's mind an old enemy who had long been waiting for an opportunity to dismantle Viktor's empire. The expression of disgust on Viktor's face was unmistakable upon hearing Ivanov's name. He shoved the commander away as if the mere contact was an insult. Pulling his military cap slightly lower, he roared in Russian with a voice that shook the courtyard:
"Убирайтесь! Проваливайте отсюда, пока я не передумал и не отправил вас прямиком в ад! И передайте своему полковнику Иванову: если он еще раз посмеет сунуться в мои дела, он закончит хуже, чем те, кого он пытается посадить. Вон!"
Get out! Get the hell out of here before I change my mind and send you straight to hell! And tell your Colonel Ivanov: if he dares to interfere in my business again, he will end up worse than those he is trying to put behind bars. Get out!"
The police team didn't waste a second. They scrambled to secure their gear, shedding any remaining dignity as they rushed into their vehicles. They sped away, sirens wailing, as if fleeing from death itself.
Viktor stood for a moment, staring at the retreating headlights. His medals glinted coldly in the moonlight. He turned back toward Alia, his voice now calmer, but carrying a profound warning:
"The drama for today ends here, Alia. But Ivanov he will be back. He doesn't realize that he hasn't just started a police investigation; he has declared direct war on me."
He placed his hand on her shoulder with gentle assurance:
"Do not be afraid. As long as I am here, the walls of this mansion remain the safest fortress for you." Alia quickly pulled out her phone and called her elder brother, the Prime Minister, to tell him everything. Upon hearing the news, the Prime Minister's voice turned grave. He hung up and immediately dialed Colonel Ivanov.
As soon as the call was picked up, the Prime Minister's cold, powerful voice resonated:
"Colonel Ivanov, I hear you have sent police forces to my sister's mansion regarding my personal affairs. By whose authority did you dare to do this? Viktor is not just a Mafia Lord; he is a high-ranking military officer of this nation. Do you have any idea what you are doing? Shut down your investigation immediately, or be prepared to face the consequences."
Colonel Ivanov was stunned on the other end. He never imagined that the matter would reach the Prime Minister directly. Colonel Ivanov tried to stammer out a defense, "Sir, but you don't understand, I have clear evidence that "
Ivan's voice turned cold as ice. He cut Ivanov off with a sharp, commanding roar:
"Silence!"
The sheer weight of that single word left Colonel Ivanov stunned on the other end of the line. Prime Minister Ivan continued in a voice that was calm yet lethally dangerous:
"I do not want to hear any 'buts,' Colonel. I do not want to see a single police car near my sister's mansion again. Do you have any idea who you are picking a fight with? The watch you are chasing is just an object, but the fire you are playing with will burn your entire career and existence to ashes. Is that clear?"
Ivanov was sweating now. He realized all his plans were crumbling to dust. He replied in a low, defeated voice, "Yes... yes, sir. I understand."
Ivan hung up the phone with a satisfied look on his stern face. Back at the mansion, Viktor and Alia stood looking at each other. Viktor's phone screen lit up with messages his intelligence officers confirming that the police were retreating and that orders to cease the investigation had come from the top.
Viktor offered a slight, knowing smile. He realized that Alia's brother, Ivan, had sided with them. He took Alia's hand and gently kissed her forehead.
"Your brother has made things easier, Alia. But remember, today's events are just the beginning of the war. Ivanov may have backed down for now, but he will return in one way or another. Until then, we will prepare our own battle strategy." Alia hesitated, looking into Viktor's eyes, and said, "Viktor, should I go to my brother? Isn't talking to him directly the safest thing right now?"
Viktor pulled her gently toward him. His voice carried a deep, protective warning one only a husband and guardian could provide. He said in a grave tone:
"Alia, do not make that mistake. You are no longer just the Prime Minister's sister; you are my wife the Queen of this underworld empire. Once you step into the public eye or official circles, enemies like Ivanov will seize the opportunity to brand you a criminal. To them, you will no longer be the Prime Minister's sister; you will be the 'Mafia Godmother'."
Viktor paused, looking deeply into her eyes before continuing:
"They will know you are entwined with me like a shadow. This society, this law they worship power, not truth. If you go to your brother, you will endanger him as well. People will say the Prime Minister is violating state law for a Mafia wife. Do you want your brother's career to be destroyed because of you?"
Alia stood stunned. She had been thinking only of her own safety, but Viktor's words made her realize the gravity of the situation. Viktor said more firmly:
"You are safe here in my fortress. I have kept you under a protection where no state finger can touch you. But if you cross this boundary, you will become your own enemy. Remember, you are now the Mafia Godmother your power lies in the shadows; that is your true strength."Alia's expression softened, though she still looked torn. A strange conflict waged within her the reality of Viktor's security versus her yearning for her elder brother. She let out a long breath and placed her hand over Viktor's.
She whispered, "I understand why you say this, Viktor. I know it's for my protection. But am I to remain hidden in the shadows forever? Meeting my brother, Ivan, isn't just about a strategic meeting it's about staying connected to my family. I need to see him, at least once, in person."
Viktor held her gaze. The sternness in his eyes had faded, though his deep concern remained. He led her to a sofa, kneeling before her.
Viktor spoke in a slow, calm voice:
"Alia, I am not trying to keep you imprisoned. I am trying to keep you from being destroyed. Fine, if you truly wish to meet him it will be on my terms."
He pulled a secure radio device from his pocket and signaled his bodyguards. Turning back to her, he said:
"We will not go directly to the Prime Minister's office, as the enemy will be lying in wait there. I will choose a secure location where I have my own perimeter of guards, and your brother will come to you. I will be there with you, and my men will surround the area. No one will know the 'Mafia Godmother' is present. We will go strictly under the cover of a private visit."
There was a cautious, yet softened look in Viktor's eyes. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"If you want to go, you go with me. But remember, stepping outside these walls means the beginning of a new battle. Are you ready?" Two hours later, inside a heavily fortified private bungalow on the outskirts of the city, the long-awaited meeting finally took place. Viktor's guards had turned the area into an impenetrable fortress.
Prime Minister Ivan stepped into the room. His face bore the marks of deep anxiety, but the moment he saw his sister, the stern mask of the Prime Minister vanished. Tears welled up in Alia's eyes; clutching Viktor's hand tightly, she walked toward her brother.
As soon as she saw him, Alia could no longer hold back. She ran to him, burying her face in his chest, and sobbed, "Bhaiya!"
Ivan pulled his sister into a protective embrace, stroking her hair with profound tenderness. Though he was the head of state, in this moment, he was only a big brother desperate to shield his sister from the darkness surrounding them.
Ivan wiped the tears from Alia's cheeks and whispered, "Calm down, Alia. I told you, as long as I am here, no one can lay a finger on you. The situation is complex, but do not be afraid."
Viktor stood in the corner, watching them with a grave expression. He had draped a black overcoat over his military uniform. Ivan shifted his gaze from his sister to Viktor. A silent exchange of heavy, powerful glances passed between them one the head of the state, the other the Lord of the underworld.
Ivan spoke to Viktor in a serious tone, "Viktor, your protection and my sister's safety from today, this is our joint responsibility. If we are to respond to what Ivanov has started, we must do something he could never even imagine."
Alia continued to sob in her brother's arms, while Viktor rested a steadying hand on his sidearm his eyes already burning with the shadows of a new, calculated strategy.