Back in the Wolf's Den

"Mr. Iliya, you must settle your accounts by Friday. Otherwise it's out of my hands. No, I will not contact the Chairman about this matter, you do not have the authority for such demands. Please, settle your accounts and deliver the final numbers to me. Yes, До свидания."
Cazimir finished the phone call with Russian goodbyes and exhaled slightly. This man was going to be the end of him. Or more like Cazimir's men were going to be the end of him if he didn't explain why his operation had been costing the mafia more money than had been agreed. The most probably explanation was that the man was swindling money from them, and the Alpha wouldn't be happy about that.
Cazimir felt slightly sorry for the man. He considered evening out his accoubts just to buy him some extra time, perhaps give him a chance to run away.

Cazimir walked through the restaurant, giving few of the regulars a brief nod. It was Malakias' job to handle customer relations as well, Cazimir was capable of it but rather didn't do it if he didn't have to. It was mentally exhausting for him, his math was slower after socializing.
As he approached his office Cazimir loosened his tie a bit and opened his top button. He barely could wait to take off his jacket, perhaps wash his face. It had been a long day. Cazimir considered calling up Bastian if the man didn't have a late shift.
But as Cazimir got the door of his office in his sights he also saw something else. Natalie Kurono, a nekomata, journalist and someone Cazimir had been keeping his eye on. She was someone that had been digging, not getting too close for comfort yet. And someone both his younger cousins had or were considering sleeping with.

Cazimir had to stay professional for a some time longer. He closed his button, tightened his tie and stopped by the woman on his way to his office.
"Good late afternoon. Can I help you?"

Natalie was polite at least, naturally she was. If you were a journalist having good manners, and cunning, was a must. Cazimir put his phone away, observing Natalie for a moment, considering her request. He could easily refuse, Cazimir was not obligated to talk to this woman, especially since he knew what she was really after. But...
Cazimir wanted to meet this woman. See if he could use her.

"We have 30 minutes. Come in."
Was all Cazimir said, and held open his office door for Natalie. As she would step inside Natalie would see run of the mill, normal office space with a work desk, armchair and a small couch made from dark leather and one large window that let in plenty of natural light and let out on a small backyard.
Cazimir would go sit by his desk and set down his phone on it. He gestured for Natalie to go towards the sofa and armchair.
"Please take a seat. What is your business here today?"

Natalie didn't beat around the bush or try to charm or trick Cazimir into spilling the beans. That was good, it would've been a waste of time. Cazimir sat straight in his chair, listening to the woman sitting across the desk. How should he handle this?

"Yes, that is correct. I also work as an unofficial advisor for the manager of this establishment. As you may know he is young and this is his first business venture. His father asked me to...look after him, so to say."
It wasn't a lie, Cazimir was telling the truth. Although he had a perfect poker face, that didn't let Natalie know any of his thoughts and feelings unless Cazimir let her see them.
"And may I ask why you are interested in me? I imagine Malakias Volkov must be a much more interesting subject to interview rather than his accountant."

Babysitter? Cazimir had never heard anyone use that term to describe him, it was quite amusing. But Cazimir's expression didn't even flinch, even though inside he was chuckling. Malakias would most probably be very annoyed if he heard that said about him.
Cazimir let Natalie finish her statement, and Cazimir could see the thirst for knowledge in this woman's eyes. He was starting to suspect he could use her, if she had the guts to publish a story that made her a target.

"You are aware that Malakias Volkov is the oldest son of the chairman, correct?"
Cazimir presented it like a question, but it was a statement, since Cazimir would've been very disappointed in Natalie if she didn't know that.
"I am one of the few members of the family, that works in the accounting sector of the company. And the chairman wanted the person to guide his son to be family, and since I am his nephew and have an extensive resume and a lot of experience he assigned me here."
It made sense, in every way. But just calling himself the nephew of that man sickened Cazimir. Though he didn't let that show either.

Natalie was on the right track, but at the same time she wasn't close enough. Cazimir had been put on this position probably just so he would be the first target in case something went wrong. The Alpha had begun suspecting him, or rather he had never stopped suspecting Cazimir ever since his father was killed. The Alpha was worried about Cazimir climbing up the ranks, and thus had tossed him to help his son, competent but green-horned son.
But Cazimir enjoyed the challenge, and he enjoyed helping his cousin, so he welcomed the Alpha's schemes.

Cazimir tapped his finger against the table twice, observing Natalie with stoic calmness, before answering.
"I am here to ensure no such thing happens, and in case it does I do not see why I should share the internal affairs of the company and our family with you."
Natalie had not officially stated her intentions here, she had merely started asking Cazimir questions. And even if they both knew her true purpose here there was officially no business at all. So Natalie was simply poking at private affairs without anything backing her up.