5 Chapter 5: Victor Pichenko

A former Russian Marine Commando and member of the Spetsnaz elite fighting squad, The Alpha Group, Victor Pichenko had once been a modern-day gladiator. Able to hunt and kill with the prowess of a deadly predator, after leaving the military he had continued his own rigorous training regimen and had lost none of his edge or skill. He carried himself with the arrogance of one who had no fear. His hands were lethal weapons and he didn't hesitate to use them, but Victor could captivate as easily as he could kill. Charm and wit were part of his arsenal, and were implemented with the panache of a seasoned diplomat.

In spite of his psychopathic soul, outside of money and power Victor held a passion for two things. His lover, Xavier, and art. All types of art. Prized paintings, spectacular sculptures, beautiful bronzes, perfect porcelain figurines, glittering jewelry, and even pottery would catch his eye. With his knowledge and fervor, he'd quickly become a kingpin in the criminal underbelly of the art world. If a private collector became obsessed with a particular piece they'd seek out Victor Pichenko, the man who could arrange intricately crafted burglaries, replacing originals with counterfeit duplicates that could fool the most noted of experts. On occasion the collector received the forgery. Pichenko would keep the priceless treasure for himself, secreting it away in his hidden vault with the rest of his precious possessions.

But above all else Victor was a master manipulator. He saw life as a giant chess game. Except for Xavier, people were his pawns to be moved about in order to achieve his goals, and as he watched Natalie glide into the exhibition room, he felt exceptionally pleased with himself. His meticulously executed plan had worked. Keeping Natalie quietly hidden away had made his arch enemy Oliver Barton desperate to find her. As Victor had exposed her, like a moth to a flame Oliver had come running. Natalie had served her purpose. She'd been the bait on the line and Oliver had come running.

As she walked towards him, Victor had to admire her beauty. Wearing a slinky floor-length emerald green gown with a low draping back and a high-rhinestone collar, she looked like a princess. She'd played the scene in the hotel suite exactly as he'd expected she would. She'd given him a half-truth, the smart thing to do, though he did hold an idle curiosity about her current feelings for the handsome British spy.

"Victor, I don't see him," she said softly as she approached. "Did he leave?"

"He's in the portrait gallery. I assume you have your phone in that bag."

"Of course."

"If you decide to head off for a drink somewhere make sure you let me know."

"You don't have to tell me that, Victor."

"My gorgeous girl," he whispered, gripping her arm as he leaned in, "I don't waste words. If I must tell you something, then I must."

"Sorry, Victor, it won't happen again."

"Tell me, do you still pine for Oliver Barton?"

"No. I don't. I never did."

"So you said, yet I sense you are holding back."

"I'll admit seeing him again is strange, especially here. Perhaps that's what you're picking up."

An evil curl lifted the outside of his lips. He enjoyed toying with her. Like a cat with a cornered helpless mouse.

"Perhaps, but this worries me," he lied. "Strange seeing him. That means you're unnerved."

"Yes, I am, especially with your fingers digging into my skin."

"Don't let him get inside your head," Victor warned, and with a last tight squeeze he released her. "You cannot have divided loyalties. I don't care how good he is in bed, he's the enemy."

"I can have fun and stay removed."

Victor's grin widened. Her retorts always amused him, and stepping back he jerked his head towards the tall open doors that led into the adjacent gallery, signaling her dismissal. As he watched her walk away, he noticed the red marks of his strong hand showing on her upper arm, then shifting his gaze he enjoyed the sight of the silk satin flirt with her bottom's voluptuous curves. Maybe he'd have her there before he killed her. Xavier would enjoy watching that, then shaking his head he changed his mind. He didn't have time for such frivolity. She and Oliver Barton needed to be quickly eliminated.