Page 10 of Bratva Hunter

“There’s a four-forty-five flight. I booked you. By the time you get to Denver, I’ll have found you an SUV to use.”

“Thanks, Fingers. I’ll need provisions in Denver.”

“I’m texting someone now. The SUV will have what you need. You can leave your stuff in the vehicle at the hotel we usually use, and it will make it home.”

“Fine. Thanks.” Before I go to the airport, I’ll rent a hotel room. So long as the SUV is attached to a hotel visitor, even if there is no one actually staying here, it will be safe until one of the bratva can get here and get my ride. We’ve found Campbell Hotel garages have great security.

The SUV Fingers directed me to in the airport garage in Denver is perfect. Someone stocked the vehicle with the knives, guns, and equipment I prefer. There’s a large stack of money and a few days’ worth of clothes in the bag.

My phone rings; it’s my father. “Hello?”

“You’re in Denver?”

“Yes. Fingers tracked her here.”

Papa pauses. “There’s more to this whole thing than the Aguilars want us to know. It’s been weeks, and she hasn’t gone to law enforcement. My FBI connection hasn’t heard of her. We know both our families are always under scrutiny for investigation.”

“The more I learn about her, the more I’m sure they want her for some other reason. What’s Thane think?”

“He’s sure this isn’t about her witnessing Cynric. Find her and figure out what they want from her.”

“I’m on it.” I slide my privacy sunglasses on my face. Cynric invested in a company which makes glasses that limit facial recognition. I pull the SUV out of the garage and head into downtown Denver. She’s been here for two weeks. Why hasn’t she moved on?

The last time she used a prepaid card was four days ago at a Greek restaurant off seventh. My gut tells me she’s not here anymore. I can’t wrap my head around why she stayed here for so long. Why hasn’t she gone home to family or left the country? I stroll into the Greek restaurant and smile at the young woman hovering around the host desk. “Hi.”

She beams at me. “Hi. I haven’t seen you in here before.”

“I just moved here.”

“Take out or dine in?”

“I’ll dine in if you’ll serve me.” I add just enough charm to get a twinkle from her eyes.

“Sure.” She grabs a menu and walks me to a booth at the back of the place. “Want a drink?”

“I’ll take a Coke.”

She grins. “I’ll be right back.”

It’s late evening, and the place is almost empty. It looks like a typical Greek restaurant with fake statues of Greek gods and Mediterranean plants and photos. The bright yellow wall is overwhelming, but the place smells good.

The server comes back to my table and sets down my drink. “Have you had a chance to look over the menu?”

I motion to the opposite side of the booth. “Can you sit for a second?”

She pivots her head around and my lip raises the moment she decides she will. She sits down. “The gyro is good.”

“Yeah. That and a Greek salad.”

She starts to get up, and I hold out my hand, motioning for her to remain. “What’s your name?”

She leans back. “I’m Nessa.”

“Hi, Nessa. I’m Tyler.”

“So, you said you just moved here?”

“I did. How ‘bout you?”

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