Page 41 of Goodnight, Sinners

“You didn’t think to call the police?”

Our building alarm connects with the local police department. The moment the building was attacked, law enforcement was informed.

“Yet you didn’t wait for them. You allowed your people to rampage through the building, killing indiscriminately.”

Jozef hadn’t credited Dietrick with having enough balls to come out swinging, not when their first meeting had ended badly for the man. He must feel brave with Interpol at his back. Little did he realize, Interpol wouldn’t lift a finger unless it helped them with an apprehension.

My people defended themselves and the building they were charged with defending.Jozef paused, as if gathering his thoughts.Are you implying we should have waited for the police to arrive? We should have allowed ourselves to be killed? I will remind you that there were casualties on both sides.

“Far more on the other side than on yours,” Dietrick countered.

My men are better trained in high-pressure security situations.Jozef crossed his arms over his chest, bulging his biceps, telling the other man through body language to back off this line of questioning.

Dietrick wasn’t good at hints.

He pressed on. “You could have detained those men. Your guys left fewer men alive than dead.”

Jozef frowned fiercely.How were we supposed to do that? Politely ask them to hand over their weapons and stand down? I’m not pleased with your implication that we could have done something differently that night. I lost my uncle and a good friend. I have nothing further to say. Unless you plan on charging us with something, leave.Jozef’s expression became derisive as he continued,but of course, you can’t charge us with anything because you aren’t actually law enforcement. You’re security, just like us.

If Dietrick ever needed work outside of the Prime Minister’s office, he better move clear across the world, because Jozef planned to make his life very difficult once he lost the protection of his politician buddy.

Moreau took a step toward Jozef’s desk. “I have one more question, if you don’t mind.”

Jozef waved his arm, indicating the other man could ask.

“Do you know the whereabouts of Dasha Koba?”

Jozef stiffened, but otherwise didn’t so much as twitch to give away his thoughts. Finally, after a long moment, he answered,I do not.

They stared at each other, then Jozef signed,do you know where she is?

“No.”

Moreau’s answer came before Havel could translate. He’d deliberately shown his hand. Jozef wondered if the other man was giving away his ability to put himself in Jozef’s camp, or as a warning.

Moreau was a clever man, Jozef knew it in his gut. The man would definitely show up again. The question was, who was he really and what did he want?

Chapter Nineteen

Shaun rifled through her purse, making sure she had everything she needed for a trip into the city. Cell phone, wallet, tissues, tampons, taser, pepper spray, mini first aid kit.

She grinned to herself as she exited her bedroom.

Her life had changed enormously. Two years ago, she would never have imagined carrying a taser and pepper spray. Of course, Jozef was the one who insisted she carry some form of protection. He told her she wouldn’t be allowed to leave the house unless she had the correct accessories.

She skipped down the wide staircase, her steps happy and light. She was going to meet Dr. Cerný at the hospital to go over the particulars of their upcoming joint surgery. She was so happy to finally get back to work that nothing could bring her down. Or so she thought, until she rounded the bottom of the staircase, heading for Jozef’s office to say goodbye before she left.

Standing in the hall was a group of men. Jozef, Havel and two men she didn’t know. As she approached, her steps slowing, she realized she did know one of them. Or had at least she’d seen him.

His head turned as she approached the group, and she couldn’t keep the jolt of recognition from her face, which Jozef saw because he saw everything. His neutral expression turned into a scowl as he noticed her gaze lingering on the man.

“You,” she said, stopping in front of the group.

Moreau dipped his head in a nod as Jozef stepped forward, gripping Shaun’s arm and pulling her away from the two strangers. Havel shifted so he was mostly in front of her. Frustrated, Shaun shoved Havel, trying to see around him.

“Who are you?” she demanded. “Why were you following me?”

Havel stared at the two men. “Which one was following you? Moreau?”

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