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guard stepped out to give them some privacy.
    “I apologize for not being able to shake your hand, Edward,” Vasily said, rattling his chains as he shrugged, “and the ambiance leaves much to be desired.” 
    He gestured to the utilitarian room with linoleum floors and metal chairs as best he could with the chain going through a hook on the table.
    Edward Crunch sat down on the other side of the table, “How are you holding up, Vasily?  I will be happy to see you out of here, old friend.”
    Vasily leaned back in his chair, “I plan to be out of here soon, that is, if you have good news for me.  As to how I’m holding up, better than most.  I have a reputation, even in here.  Now, tell me a story.”
    “They’ve come out of hiding.  Actually, they were never in hiding.  After they got all the evidence together - and we still haven’t been able to find out which property room they’re keeping it in - they actually went camping.  They’ve supposedly been hiking all over Wisconsin while waiting for the trial to begin.  Now they’re back at that guy Jalen’s condo, only it turns out that it belongs to Detective Grace Perez. 
    “They came back to town, stopping in DeKalb to visit her sister, Aditya Perez.  It turns out the younger sister is also getting married.  The wedding is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.  Then they are moving to Greece.  She’s already sold the family farm.  The new owners are moving in a week later. 
    “Grace and Aditya were raised by their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. MacTavish.  Mr. MacTavish is deceased.  Mrs. MacTavish has a bungalow at a retirement home in DeKalb,” he paused in his recitation.
    Giving Mr. Kadyrov a thin smile, he said, “I’m afraid the new owners will be disappointed with the condition of the property when they move in.  None of the Perez family or their in-laws-to-be will be able to attend the ceremony.  We’ve set up a welcoming committee for them this very night. 
    “You will be dining at your own table very soon, my friend.”
    Mr. Kadyrov leaned forward, “This has been a very productive visit.  I look forward to having you to dine with me when this is over.”
    He frowned.  “I’m afraid we’ll have to move operations to another city.  Even with the evidence thrown out, our methods are now too well known to the police.  I dislike the fact that I’m being forced to move.  What of the Police Captain, Udaka?  I believe this started with him.”
    “We have made arrangements for him as well.  He will also have a visitor tonight.  He’s sent his family away, and we haven’t been able to locate them yet.  His visitor has instructions to find out.  Your message will be sent, loud and clear,” said Edward.
    “Good.  I would appreciate it if you would come back tomorrow to let me know what news you’ve discovered.  You have control over the last of our funds, so keep them hidden.  When the time is right, those last three accounts, along with the contents of a couple of other stashes, will put us back in business.  For now, it’s time you left.  Forgive me for not seeing you out,” he said with a smile.
    “Soon, Vasily - soon.  I’m sorry we were unable to name the other officers in the case.  Udaka is protecting them and keeping the reports out of the file room, so we can’t get to them,” said Edward. 
    He got up and put away the papers he’d been showing to Mr. Kadyrov.  What they said wasn’t important.  However, it gave the guards something to watch.
    Fifteen minutes later, he was driving away from the jail, and Vasily Kadyrov was back in his cell.
     
     

Chapter Three
     
     
     
    Kevin Udaka did his usual rounds of the house, checking windows and doors, turning off the lights as he went.  It was another late night for him.  On top of his day-to-day business, he was still pushing for more evidence and more arrests in the extended criminal activities related to the Kadyrov crime family. 
    Unfortunately,