“Relationships.” I let the word sit between us. “These meetings are reserved for family heads.”
“Of course.” His smile doesn’t waver. “My uncle doesn’t have a problem with me representing him.”
I adjust my cuff and check the time without looking rushed. “When succession happens, it happens. Until then, seats at this table aren’t inherited early.”
I catch the flash of irritation before he masks it. Good. I want him irritated.
“Surely you can appreciate the need for continuity. A smooth transition is better for everyone.”
“Whoever sits in that chair will have to prove they belong there. Same as the rest of us.”
“I look forward to that day. I think you and I could work well together, Sokolov. I believe we have similar philosophies about business.”
I doubt that very much.
"I was hoping for a few minutes."
That gets my attention.
He tilts his head, indicating he wants to move away from any eavesdropping.
I move, Kirill right behind me. Yuri looks at him, like he thinks Kirill is going to leave my side. When Kirill doesn’t move, Yuri lets it go.
"My uncle speaks highly of your operation," he says.
"Mikhail is generous."
“He’s also very ill.” I hear the excitement under it. Not grief. He’s not even trying to look sad. "The Baranov family is in transition. That creates opportunity, if it's managed correctly."
"Transitions usually do.”
"I'd like to manage it correctly." He rubs his jaw in an attempt to look casual. "Your weapons pipeline is the most significant operation in this city. Everyone in the room knows it, from what I’ve gathered. The Baranov distribution network is the most extensive." He pauses. "They were built to work together. They just haven't been under cooperative management."
I know where he’s going with this.
"You're offering me the distribution network," I say. "In exchange for what."
“What are all joint ventures about?”
“Mutual benefit.”
“Exactly.” He leans in slightly, lowering his voice. “I can deliver the Baranov network. Every distribution channel, every contact, every arrangement Mikhail has built over forty years. But I needbacking. The Moscow leadership respects strength. They respect alliances.”
I let the silence stretch. He’s offering me something I don’t need. I already have distribution channels that work. What he’s really asking for is legitimacy. My endorsement at this table would signal to Moscow that Yuri has the support of the most powerful bratva in New York.
“That’s a bold thing to offer me,” I say, giving him nothing.
“I think we could do exceptional business together, Sokolov. My uncle’s methods are traditional. Conservative. There’s growth he hasn’t touched.”
Translation:Mikhail won’t give him what he wants, so he’s shopping for a new partner.
“Growth is good.”
I need him talking. Show me where the cracks are.
“I have another business matter I’d like to discuss with you. It’s sensitive.” He glances around the room. “Not appropriate for this setting.”
My preference is to decline. Whatever Yuri is offering, I want no part of it. But I make it a point to know everything that moves through this city. I’m not in the habit of refusing free intelligence.