Page 43 of No More Lies

They led her through to the lounge. Dex sat next to her on the couch. Sam and Steve sat in the chairs opposite.

“I know you told Steve what’s been going on, but we need to ask you some more questions,” Dex said.

“OK. Look I know I should have said something sooner. I’m sorry. This is my fault, not Steve’s. He shouldn’t be in trouble over this.”

“Steve’s not in trouble,” Sam reassured her. “All that’s important now, is keeping your family safe and finding Volkov.”

“This isn’t just about his custody battle, is it?”

“No,” Dex said, “and I know you’ll understand when I say we can’t tell you the details. But it is serious, and Volkov is involved in something that could potentially harm a lot of people, so we need your help.”

“I don’t know what else I can tell you.”

“Does Volkov have a home here?”

“No, not anymore. From what I’ve seen in his financials, he sold it, and is in the process of moving back to Russia. He does own the house that Natasha lives in with their child, and a couple of warehouses that haven’t sold yet, and a yard where he keeps some trucks.”

Steve glanced at Sam. That wasn't good news. The owner of a company with US military contracts returning to Russia? How was he managing to do that?

“We’re going to need to see everything you have on him,” Sam said.

Diane nodded wearily, and Steve sensed she was battling to keep it together.

“Do you know where we can find him?” Dex asked.

“He was at a hotel yesterday.”

“Which one?” Sam asked.

Her eyes met his, and Steve saw the silent plea for reassurance and support.

“Tell them what you know, Diane,” he said softly.

“I had to go and meet him. It was at the Fairmont Hotel, room 1002.”

Steve thought his head might explode. That’s where she had rushed off to on Sunday. To meet the son of a bitch at his hotel. Alone. While he and Megan sat and ate breakfast.

He vaguely heard Sam on the phone, telling Ryan to check into it.

“What happened at the hotel?” Dex asked.

“He was annoyed that I was spending time with my family and not on his case. He told me to go back to work, and that he would do whatever it takes to take his daughter back to Russia with him. I thought he was just being an arrogant bully. He seems to be the type of man who is used to getting his own way. My firm have made it very clear how important this client is, so I did as he asked.”

“So, why did he come visit you again today?”

“The car outside Megan’s school this morning. I guess Steve was going to go talk to the driver. Volkov thought I shared information with him, and that Steve might interfere, get nosy.”

Steve stood up and went to look out the window, feeling his wife’s eyes on him.

“Diane, I’m sorry to ask you this,” Dex said, “but how much does he know about what Steve does, about Onyx?”

“I didn’t tell him anything.” Steve heard the defensive tone. Yeah, it was a sucky question, but one Dex had to ask.

“I’m sure you didn’t, but I’m guessing he asked questions?”

Diane shook her head. “Not really. He said he has military connections, and he could find out anything he needed to. He believes Steve is a petty officer in the Navy, and I didn't deny it. Figured it was better he believed that. At least he didn't know about Onyx.”

“Good call.”

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