THE DINNER PARTY HAD not gone well. Excellent food, but the host had come up short with his tribute money. Valeri had his byki, his security “bulls” persuade the man into coughing up the full amount by offering him some free dental work with a pair of vice-grips. A successful e-transfer of the agreed amount took place immediately thereafter.
Most annoying was Francesca’s behavior throughout the evening. She liked her alcohol, and consumed large amounts of champagne, red wine and vodka, in that order. She flirted with every man at the table, and now hung limp as a fish in Valeri’s arms as his men escorted them to the limo. She giggled and hiccupped as he folded her into the vehicle’s plush interior.
“Great party, wasn’t it?” she slurred, brushing aside a swath of her long dark tresses. “I
