Page 98 of Keeping it Real

Sergi grumbled something in Russian before spitting in the direction of Agent Kovaluk.

Alek’s teammate’s reply in Russian sounded more like a taunt.Sergi spit again.Henrik put his arm out to keep the player from retaliating.

The senator persisted.“So what’s he doing here?”

“That’s a good question.We’ve been following him for months, hoping to connect him to the gang.We were very surprised when he ventured to Milwaukee last week.And now here to sunny Florida.”Agent Kovaluk’s gaze landed on Sheridan.“Miss Cobert, may I have your permission to speak with your nephew?”

She was momentarily mesmerized by the man’s beautiful eyes before she realized he knew her name.

“How do you know who I am?Or that Finn is my nephew?”

The FBI agent drew in a deep breath.“It’s possible that Finn’s parents may have been tangentially involved in this case.”

The ground felt like it was shifting beneath her feet.“Wh-what?”

Alek wrapped his arms around both her and Finn.“Do we have to do whatever this is in front of an audience?”he snapped.

Agent Kovaluk locked eyes with Alek for a long moment before nodding and giving some indiscernible signal that had his team standing aside.Claire raced forward and grabbed Grace from her husband’s arms.The rest of the Mayhem looked at Alek for direction.

“We’re good here,” he told them.“Thanks for your help.”

No one moved.

“Coach is waiting for you inside,” Alek said firmly.

Gus moved closer.“You sure?”He looked at Alek, then at Sheridan.

Alek gave her a gentle squeeze.“We’re sure.Thanks, man.”

It was another moment before Gus signaled to the rest of the team, and they reluctantly trudged away.All except the senator and his son.

“Senator, if you could give me that phone, we can get this resolved and let everyone get back to their evening.I assure you, your son isn’t in any danger.”Agent Kovaluk held his hand out again.

“Dad.Give him the phone.This doesn’t concern us,” Parker urged.

It looked as if the senator might not agree.He handed the phone off to the FBI agent several tense heartbeats later, however.

“I can get one of my staff on the Judiciary Committee to provide all the intel for me,” he said with a shrug.“Come on, Parker.You need to watch those films before tomorrow’s game.”

He walked away.Parker rolled his eyes again before looking between the guy in handcuffs and Alek, then down at Finn.

“You sure you don’t need anyone?”

She felt Alek’s body relax slightly where it was pressed against her back.

“Thanks, man,” he said.“We’re good.”

Parker nodded.He gave Finn an empathetic look before stepping away.

Agent Kovaluk knelt in front of Finn.“That was a very brave thing you did protecting your friend.”

Finn remained silent.His shoulders were stiff beneath her fingers.His breathing didn’t seem labored, a fact for which she was extremely grateful.

The FBI agent looked over his shoulder at Sergi.“What’s on the phone?”

Sergi spit again.

“Finn?”Agent Kovaluk handed him the phone.“I need you to be brave again and open the phone so I can see why Sergi tried to take it from you.Can you please do that for me?”

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