Chapter 5

"Miroslav, please tell me," Alexei said. "I don't remember," Miroslav said. "Miroslav," Alexei said. "I really can't remember, Alexei," Miroslav said looking down. "Daddy," Ekaterina said running into the room. Ekaterina climbed onto the bed and hugged her daddy tightly but carefully as well. "Alexei," Violetta said from the doorway. Alexei walked over to her before following her out into the hallway. "Did he tell you who did this to him," Violetta asked. "No, he's claiming that he doesn't remember," Alexei replied. "Do you believe him," Violetta asked. "I dont believe him. I know he remembers. It's just that he won't tell me," Alexei replied. "Why wouldn't he tell you. You're his best friend and even his work partner," Violetta said. "It's almost like hes protecting the person who hurt him," Alexei said. "Why would he do that," Violetta asked. "I don't know," Alexei replied. "Alexei," Ekaterina said suddenly. "What is it," Alexei asked. "Daddy said he wants to talk to you alone," Ekaterina replied. "Alright, stay here with your aunt," Alexei said. Alexei entered the room shutting the door behind him. "Is everything alright, Miroslav," Alexei asked. "I need you to do me a favor, Alexei," Miroslav said. "What is it," Alexei asked. "Can you protect Ekaterina and Violetta for me," Miroslav asked looking down. "You know I will but isn't this your job," Alexei said. "Just promise me that you'll take care them," Miroslav said. "What's going on," Alexei said. "Just promise me," Miroslav said hitting the bed. "I promise, Miroslav, but please tell me whats going on," Alexei said. "I...I might disappear again. I can't tell you anything so please don't ask," Miroslav said looking down. "Miroslav," Alexei said. "Please don't," Miroslav said. "Why can't you tell me anything. I'm your friend and I just want to help you," Alexei said. "You're also a detective, Alexei," Miroslav said looking up at him. Alexei saw that the look on Miroslav's face was that of a person whose given up hope. Miroslav believed that he'd never be free from the one who holds his life in his hands.

A few days later, Miroslav dissappeared from the hospital. Alexei stood in the empty room talking to the doctor as well as security. After Alexei finished questioning them, he headed back home. He grabbed everything involving Miroslav and started to leave for the station. "Alexei," Violetta said suddenly. "The cameras at the hospital didn't catch anything," Alexei stated. "How can that be," Violetta asked. "I don't know but Miroslav...(Alexei suddenly stopped talking.) "Miroslav what," Violetta asked. "He knew he was going to disappear again," Alexei replied. "What do you mean," Violetta asked. "He asked me to protect you guys. Whenever I asked him about it he said he would most likely disappear again. Miroslav was right about that," Alexei replied. "How would he know that," Violetta asked. "I'm not sure," Alexei replied. "I did notice a strange man leaving my brothers room the day before he went missing," Violetta said. Before Alexei could speak his phone rang. He answered it immediately as it was someone from the station. After he hung up, Alexei left immediately. The moment he arrived at the station he viewed the cameras from the hospital. "As you can see Detective Miroslav walks out of the hospital on his own. He then gets into an unmarked black car," Officer Smithfield said. "He even changed clothes before leaving. If we find out who owns that car we might be able to Miroslav," Alexei said. "Are you sure we can find him. This is an unmarked car. What if it belongs to a gang," Officer Smithfield asked. "Its a chance we're going to have to take. We need to find Detective Miroslav," Alexei said before leaving. Officer Smithfield printed out pictures of the car and handed them to Alexei.

Meanwhile, Ravon had returned home to see the Wolf standing there with a hammer in hand. Wolf was covered in blood and wasn't moving. "Wolf," Ravon said. "Boss, you've returned," Wolf said. "What the hell happened here," Ravon asked. "The Black Hand attacked while you were away," Wolf replied. "What's the damage," Ravon asked. "We lost a few men and some of the goods were damaged," Wolf replied. "Have everyone head to the other hideout. We must get a jump on them before they strike again," Ravon said. Wolf quickly left to inform the others of the situation. The moment Ravon sat down he received a call from his maid. "Hello," Ravon said. "I'm sorry to bother you, sir, but um Mr Shinazugawa is having some difficulties today," the maid said. "What difficulties is he having," Ravon asked. "Well, he appears to be in pain everytime he moves. He's currently curled up on the floor clenching his abdomen. I've already called the doctor but they have yet to arrive. I know I wasnt supposed to bother you but I really think you should come home. There's definitely some...(the maid stopped the moment Miroslav cried out in pain.) Ravon listened as the maid tried to get Miroslav to the couch. He instantly stood up whenever Miroslav screamed and a thud could be heard. Ravon heard the maid shouting for help as someone else had entered the house. Ravon hung up and headed for the door. The moment he opened it he saw Wolf standing there. "Boss," Wolf said. "Have you taken care of it," Ravon asked as he pushed by. "Yes, sir. Everyone has headed for the secret hideout. Is everything alright, boss. You seem to be in a hurry," Wolf asked. "Im needed at home. Finish getting everything ready," Ravon replied as he walked away. Wolf stood there a moment before leaving as well. The moment Ravon arrived home he heard his maid arguing with someone. "Mr. Volkou, you're home," the maid said rushing over. "What's going on," Kazimir asked. "The doctor wants to take Mr. Shinazugawa with him. But i told him he needed to speak with you. That he couldnt just take him as he pleased," the maid replied. "Mr. Shinazugawa needs medical attention. He's in excruciating pain," the doctor said. Kazimir walked over to Miroslav who was laying on the couch. He gently placed his hand on Miroslav's abdomen. "Don't please," Miroslav said quietly. "Are you in a lot of pain," Kazimir asked. "It hurts a lot," Miroslav replied. "The doctor wants to take you with him," Kazimir said. "Don't want to go," Miroslav said. "Doctor," Kazimir said standing up. "Yes," the doctor answer. "He doesnt want to go," Kazimir stated. "It is important that he goes. His abdomen his extended and bruised. He's in an extreme amount of pain and his breathing is ragged. If he doesnt go to the hospital now he could die," the doctor said. Miroslav grabbed onto Kazimir's shirt tightly as he groaned in pain. Kazimir picked him up gently holding him close. "I want...ugh...to stay...hgn...with Kaz," Miroslav groaned in pain. "You heard him," Kazimir said. "You come as well then. But we must go now. He needs help immediately," the doctor said. Kazimir followed the doctor out to the car before getting in. After a while they arrived at a small clinic in town. Kazimir followed the doctor as he carried Miroslav. "Lay him there," the doctor said as he grabbed some gloves. "Who exactly are you," Kazimir asked. "There's no need to worry, Mr. Volkou. I'm someone that you can trust. I have a legal licenses," the doctor replied. "Hmm," Kazimir said. "I'm a neutral member of the underground. I've helped countless mafia members. I have multiple locations, though i may not be well known as very few know my name. However, Pankratiy informed of Detective Miroslav situation as well as yours. From my understanding this man is important to you," the doctor said. "How is it that you know Pankratiy," Kazimir asked. "Pankratiy is my younger brother. My names Prokopiy Yahontov but most just call me Doc. Pankratiy and now you know my real name," the doctor said. "I'll trust you this once," Kazimir said. The doctor nodded as he immediately got to work. Kazimir stepped outside and called Pankratiy.

Three and half months had passed and Miroslav remained in a coma. Kazimir was sitting near the bed when Dr. Prokopiy Yahontov entered the room. "He's been stable for a few weeks now which is good. Mr. Volkou, are tou aware that the police are searching for this man," Dr. Yahontov asked. "Yes, but they're not going to find him," Kazimir replied. "Doesn't Miroslav have a daughter," Dr. Yahontov asked. "Yes, and she's such a sweet kid," Kazimir replied. "Im going to go check on another patient but I'll be back later to check on Miroslav," Dr. Yahontov said before leaving. Kazimir leaned back in the chair as he sighed. A moment later he received a call from an unknown number. He got up and went to the window before answering. "Hello," Kazimir answered. "Mr. Volkou, Im...hic...scared," Ekaterina said. "Why," Kazimir asked. "There's people...hic...here yelling...hic...and breaking things. Im...hic...hiding," Ekaterina replied. "Who's watching you," Kazimir asked. "The...hic...neighbor," Ekaterina replied. Ekaterina stopped talking as she cried silently. Kazimir heard someone screaming followed by gunshots. "Ekaterina, i messaged Wolf and sent him to your location. I want you to stay hidden until he gets there. Dont make a sound and stay on the phone," Kazimir said. "Ok...hic," Ekaterina cried. Kazimir looked over at Miroslav who was still unconscious. At this moment he was a bit relieved that Miroslav was unconscious. If he knew that his daughter was in danger he'd rush off to help immediately. Kazimir listened to the noise on the otherside of the phone. After a while it fell silent, well other than Ekaterina crying. "Boss," Wolf said over the phone. "Did you take care of them," Kazimir asked. "Yes, I have the child in my arms now. What should i do," Wolf asked. "Bring Ekaterina to me. I'll meet you at the location I just sent you," Kazimir said. "Will do," Wolf said then hung up. "Are you leaving," Dr. Yahontov asked. "Yes, but ill be back," Kazimir replied then left. The moment Kazimir arrived at the location he saw Wolf standing there with Ekaterina. Kazimir got out of the car and started walking towards them. "Mr. Volkou," Ekaterina said running towards him. Kazimir picked her up and she hugged him tightly. "I wasn't able to clean up the bodies," Wolf said. "That could be a problem," Kazimir said. "The police may have already been informed," Wolf said. "Where those people apart of The Black Hand," Kazimir asked. "It appears so. I found this in one of their pockets," Wolf replied handing Kazimir a phone. Kazimir took the phone and stuck in his pocket. "I'll look through it later," Kazimir said. "What are your plans now, sir," Wolf asked. "I'll take Ekaterina back with me for now. Go back and inform the others that we will be putting the plan in action," Kazimir replied. "Yes, sir," Wolf said before leaving. "Mr. Volkou," Ekaterina said. "Yes," Volkou answered. "So you know where daddy is," Ekaterina asked. "Yes," Kazimir replied. "Where is he," Ekaterina asked. "He's resting with a friend of Pankratiy. You'll see him eventually. Let's get you something to eat," Kazimir said. Kazimir put Ekaterina in the back seat before getting into the drivers seat. Kazimir headed straight home before heading inside.

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