Page 98 of Fate and Family

Penny calls from the table, “Oh, he’s being so emotional.”

Donny points to the women. “Look who Alana recruited—Penny Olympian and,” he whispers like it’s a scandalous confession, “Waverly.”

Oh, that’s Waverly McLeod. I didn’t connect her with the rest of this group, but I guess it makes sense.

Waverly grins. “He should calm down and smile more.”

But Donny puts his head back on his knees. “And Alana was supposed to go on a date, but that got all fucked up. Her pretty dress is ruined, and the Chief of Staff called her a bitch.”

Carlos rubs his temples. “Why would he do that?”

“I don’t know,” Donny says, his distress growing with every word. “But I think she’s going to blow up the White House now.” He's in a full on whine merging into a wail.

“You’re being so irrational,” Izzy mocks.

Donny whimpers, “I’m having a panic attack.”

His father slides to the floor next to him and puts his arm around him. “I know. I’m going to sit here until you feel better.”

“I’ll join you.” Carlos also sits. “My stupid knees won’t let me up again, but the tiles feel so nice and cool.”

Only Andrey Koslov remains standing. “Where is my son?”

Waverly pushes herself away from the desk and stands. “He’s in the basement. I’ll bring you to him.” The tiny redhead trains her attention on me. “Alana said you might want to interrogate The Spider.”

What? The Spider? Seriously? I almost jump out of my skin for the chance to get in a room alone with him. Waverly motions for me to follow her, leaving Declan and Marshall standing in the lobby, powerless and useless. And neither one of them likes the situation.

Declan follows, but Izzy steps forward. “Alana said for her to interrogate, not you.” She points to where her brother and father sit. “May I suggest the floor?” She raises an eyebrow. “Your inability to find and save my son means I’m in no hurry to make you feel more comfortable.”

Damn, the power of these women.

Waverly and Andrey stand in the elevator with me as she pushes the basement button, but the elevator only moves when she swipes a keycard. Once the doors open, two male voices echo down the hall.

“Stop touching it, you’re going to get it infected. I didn’t save you just to watch a repeat of the first time.”

“Yeah, you keep saving my ass. It’s because I’m so cute.”

“My opinion about your ass has nothing to do with why I keep saving it.”

Markus!

I push past Waverly and hurry toward the voice. Markus. He’s alive! Safe! Wait, did he rescue Uri while Alana rescued the kids? I guess they would have to divide and conquer to get everyone out.

My former partner seems good—strong and happy. He blinks a few times like he’s trying to remember me, but when the recognition hits, he smiles. Then it fades. His eyes drift behind me to Uri’s father. Markus pats Uri on the shoulder and motions he’ll be in a different room. Later. I need to catch up with him later. Without prying eyes and listening ears.

Uri jumps up and yells, “Holy shit! Katya!” He limps toward me and throws his uninjured arm around my shoulder. His other arm is in a sling, and his face is swollen, but he’s alive, and that’s all that matters. “Girl, we have to catch up!”

“Absolutely, but I’m kinda working right now. You know, dismantling a drug cartel and all that.”

He presses his forehead against mine. “Dimitri is going to be thrilled.”

I whisper back, “So am I.”

He pulls back and his nose crinkles. “You smell like you’ve been in a car with a bunch of old men.”

“How else do you think I got here?” But my joke doesn’t land. Instead, I’m pushed to the side by Uri’s father.

Visually, they’re similar—same build, same icy blue eyes, even their jawlines are mirror images. But where Uri wears his heart on his sleeve, and is warm and friendly, Uri’s father is stiff and cold, hard to read.

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