Page 27 of The Gentleman

“We know all of that.” Kat’s voice was gentle.

Jane’s mouth pursed. She nodded once. “He’s also an avid gambler. High-stakes poker. Millions in play.”

Leo moved to the window, keeping Jane and the street in view. Every instinct screamed ambush. “Korolov’s in London?”

Jane’s teaspoon chattered against china. “I don’t know.” Her breath shook. “But I heard Victoria tell Director Chambers one of our undercover agents infiltrated a Prague arms showcase last month. Korolov was there. He told a Belarusian client MI6 cost him a multi-million-dollar deal.”

She stared at the bottom of the mug as if it might hold answers. “That was all I overheard. Even then, I told myself I was imagining things.”

“But you weren’t,” Leo said flatly.

“Two days ago, there were reports one of our surveillance teams spotted Korolov in London. The team got photographs of him with someone, but when I went looking for them, it was as if they’d never existed.”

She met Leo’s gaze as sirens wailed somewhere in the distance.

“The next day, Victoria had a closed-door meeting with Counter-Intelligence. That evening, they had a warrant to search Kat’s house. They could have spoken to you about it, but they didn’t.” Her gaze switched to Kat. “They came at you without warning, as if you had something to hide…I don’t know. It’s a mess.”

“They found data in my house, Jane. What is it?”

Jane shook her head as if to dislodge the tension building there. “A series of encrypted communications with shell companies linked to Raptor Industries dating back fourteen months.”

“Seriously?” Kat reeled backward as if hit.

“Victoria had the decryption key ready before they even entered your home.” Jane fidgeted with her mug. “I’ve seen the request timestamp. The key was generated at two thirty that afternoon, but the search warrant wasn’t even issued until midnight.”

Adrenaline flooded Leo’s bloodstream—pure and cold. This mess was just getting deeper and deeper.

Kat joined Jane at the counter. “Korolov and Eldridge?”

Jane lifted one shoulder. “Maybe. Perhaps. I don’t know. She’s not been well recently. I have no idea how she has the energy for any of it. None of it makes sense.”

“Think he’s here to watch it happen?” Kat frowned. “Front row seats?”

“He can try.”The promise wasn’t loud—but took root in him, solid as stone. Korolov wouldn’t get that satisfaction. Not while he still breathed.

Jane’s phone buzzed. All color bled from her face.

Leo’s weapon cleared leather before the ringtone died.

Time to go.

“I’m sorry.” Jane swiped angrily at sudden tears with the back of her hand. “They have photos—I had no choice?—”

“How long do we have?” Kat demanded, hurrying to the door.

Leo stepped between her and the hallway. Always between her and danger.

Jane’s voice cracked. “Five minutes. Maybe less.”

13

Heat scorched Kat’s face—betrayalburning hotter than fear.

Korolov was one thing. But framed by her own people?

Jane hurried around the side of the counter. “Running makes you look guilty. Stay and explain?—”

Kat shook her head. “No—” She paused at the front door, easing it open to check for anyone outside.

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