Page 89 of Close Pursuit

“He does work for the FSB. Last time I checked, they’re a reasonably good at finding out something like that.”

He just rolled his eyes at her.

“You gonna make the call?” she asked.

He stared at the screen for several long seconds before saying slowly, “Yes, I think I will.”

She was relieved. She’d been raised on the theory that it was always better to know what your enemy was up to than to be in the dark about his actions.

Alex initiated the call while she headed for the bathroom and clothes.

An unfamiliar voice said something in Russian, and Alex replied in English, “I’m surprised, too. What do you want, Roman?”

He didn’t call his father, ‘father’? Ouch.

Koronov answered in accent-free, American English, “I’m checking to be sure that you and your little family made it home safely.”

Alex answered dryly, “You know they’re a co-worker and an orphaned infant. And as you can see, I’m fine. If that’s all you wanted, I’ll sign off?—“

“Alexei,” his father said sharply.

Katie grinned as she zipped up her jeans. So. That was where Alex learned that particular tone of voice. She slipped into the main room, being sure to stay out of the laptop camera’s line of sight.

Koronov was speaking again. “I did you a favor and sent you that airplane. Now, I need a favor from you in return. A small one that breaks no laws.”

Alex leaned back in his chair. “How small?” he asked blandly.

She didn’t have to see Alex’s face to know the dark, angry predator would be on full display in his eyes. She could feel the menace rolling off of him all the way over here.

“I need some information. A list of all the places your employer has medical teams deployed.”

Her jaw sagged. Roman Koronov wanted Alex to spy on Doctors Unlimited?Why?What did it say about her employer that the FSB was poking around it?

Alex asked back, “What do you know about a pair of SUV’s that engaged me earlier today?”

God, she wished she could see Koronov’s face from here. But it was best that he not know Alex’s “little family” was more than just a co-worker and a random kid.

Koronov’s voice was even, calm, when he replied, “Nothing. Do you need me to look into it?”

Alex frowned faintly. Thoughtfully. He believed Roman, then? “A list of places D.U. has teams? That’s all?”

Alex wasn’t seriously considering getting Roman that list, was he?

“Names would be helpful, as well. Our government wouldn’t want to accidentally interfere with their work for lack of recognizing them, now, would it?”

“No. Of course not,” Alex answered deadpan.

“How soon can you have it?”

“And then we’re even?” Alex responded, ignoring the question.

“Is there any such thing?” Roman asked wryly.

Alex ignored that, too. “I’ll contact you when I have it.”

“Good boy.” If she wasn’t mistaken, Roman sounded faintly surprised. He bloody well should. His son had just agreed to work for him!

She waited impatiently for the call to disconnect. Alex had barely closed his laptop when she burst out, “What in thehellare you doing? Aren’t you the one who’s all hot and bothered not to get trapped? It sounds to me like you just ran headlong into your father’s trap!”

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