Dmitry's Closet by Nelson, S. (read people like a book .txt) 📕

up with Anatoly, if he has already headed to hospital.”

“Excuse me?”

“Turn back. She will live or die, and I will be there for her as she was for me. The rest of my fate can be determined later.”

“If I turn back, you could go to jail, Dmitry, for a very long time.”

“I have almost one billion dollars. If I can’t get a lawyer who will get me out, what good is my money?”

“Are you sure?”

“I couldn’t be surer.” Dmitry wiped his tired eyes. “Hurry. Please.”

The Thieves'Code

A thief is bound by the Code to:

1. Forsake his relatives--mother, father, brothers, sisters...

2. Not have a family of his own -- no wife, no children; this does not however, preclude him from having a lover.

3. Never, under any circumstances work, no matter how much difficulty this brings. Live only on means gleaned from thievery.

4. Help other thieves -- both by moral and material support, utilizing the commune of thieves.

5. Keep secret information about the whereabouts of accomplices (i.e. dens, districts, hideouts, safe apartments, etc.).

6. In unavoidable situations (if a thief is under investigation) to take the blame for someone else's crime; this buys the other person time of freedom.

7. Demand a convocation of inquiry for the purpose of resolving disputes in the event of a conflict between oneself and other thieves or between thieves.

8. If necessary, participate in such inquiries.

9. Carry out the punishment of the offending thief as decided by the convocation.

10. Not resist carrying out the decision of punishing the offending thief who is found guilty, with punishment determined by the convocation.

11. Have good command of the thieves' jargon ("Fehnay").

12. Not gamble without being able to cover losses.

13. Teach the trade to young beginners.

14. Have, if possible, informants from the rank and file of thieves.

15. Not lose your reasoning ability when using alcohol.

16. Have nothing to do with the authorities (particularly with the ITU [Correctional Labor Authority]), not participate in public activities, nor join any community organizations.

17. Not take weapons from the hands of authorities; not serve in the military.

18. Make good on promises given to other thieves.

Chapter 28

There was complete media frenzy behind the bomb attack on Mother Russiaand the Medlov compound. Outlets from across the nation stood outside of the gates of Dmitry’s home discussing the murder of a young shopkeeper and the attempted assassination of a millionaire of questionable character with alleged ties to the Vory v Zakone by his crime boss brother, Ivan Medlov, who headed the Memphis Medlov Organized Crime Family.

Obviously, the media had it all wrong, which was good for the men who had survived the attack and for his son, who was now the head of the family, but it was not good for his most apparent and haunting dilemma.

For nearly 15 years, Dmitry avoided his name ever making one newspapers regarding his possible connections to the mafia, and now his face was splashed across CNN, MSNBC and Fox News along with newspapers nationwide. He had no choice. He had to leave.

Three months had passed and although the house repaired and the restaurant rebuilt, there were several undercover investigations going on by the MPD, FBI, ICE, DEA and the IRS. Dmitry was embattled, yet none of his worries outweighed the pain he felt for Royal.

He sat in the back of the limo as it escorted him now to the private airstrip,where he had made arrangements to fly to Prague to his new luxury villa that awaited him with a full staff and a newer life.

He also had purchased two large storefronts in the middle of Prague 1 district, where he had already started a new restaurant and an upscale clothing store called Royal Flush, just as he had promised her.

A staff had already been picked and both would be open within the week. Besides, he had done everything that he could here. Dmitry’s Closet and Mother Russiabelonged to Anatoly now. There was nothing more to fix, no more reason to linger.

“What are you thinking about?” Royal asked, taking off her shades.

Dmitry put his hand on her knee and sighed. “You. This is big move so early in your recovery. I’m not sure that you even need to be out of the bed.”

“I’m ready.” She rubbed her growing stomach. “I think we both are. This place is just a memory now. It’s time to move and time for you to stop treating me like I’m made of glass.”

The diamonds sparkled from her neck. Dmitry had purchased a three-million dollar diamond necklace, designed specifically to cover the large knife mark that Ivan had left when he tried to claim her life.

“Prague is a good change. Somewhere new where no one knows me or you,” she said confidently. “I can feel it. Everything is going to be fine.”

Dmitry raised his brow. “They know me, but there is no need to worry. I won’t be bossin Czech Republic. I’ll be shop keeper like you.”

“Well, we’ll finally have something in common.”

The limo stopped on the airstrip and the driver opened the door.

“Mrs. Medlov,” he said, offering his hand.

“Umm, I never get tired of hearing that name,” Royal said, taking his hand and smiling.

“Good, because you’re going to hear it for the rest of your life.” Dmitry stepped out after her.

There was not one cloud in the sky, and spring had brought fresh clean air, warm weatherand unexplainable beauty. Memphis was wonderful that way, always offering all four seasons in full. Royal would miss that.

As soon as the sun hit Royal’s necklace, it lit up the airstrip. Dmitry smiled. No matter where she went for the rest of her days, he would make sure that her lifestyle reflected her name. She would live like a queen. He would see to it.

“Are you sure that you’re ready to leave this all behind?” he asked, straightening his linen suit.

He stood beside her taller and more hauntingly beautiful than ever. His blonde hair brandished streaks of new gray. His eyes wore lines beside