Page 27 of Sergei
“Oh, yeah. Banians are done fucking around, and it’s getting bloody out there. Seems they’re after everyone, and that includes your family ties.”
“They’re not my ties anymore.”
“You can say that all you want, but we both know that isn’t true.”
“This isn’t about me.”
“So, what’s with the sudden interest in Alek Morozov?”
“I just need the information. Can you get it or not?”
“I can and I will, but if whatever this is that you have going on comes to a head, and something tells me it’s gonna come to a head, you leave my name out of it.”
“You know me better than that.”
“I don’t know. The Sergei I knew put his life on the line to get his mother and brothers out of New York, but he did it. And he’s not just living. He’s thriving. No way in hell he’d put all that in jeopardy by getting tied with Alek Morozov.”
“I have my reasons.”
“I hope she’s worth it.” He let out a sigh, then added, “I’ll call back when I know more.”
“Appreciate it.”
I ended the call, and when I glanced up at the clock, I was surprised to find that it was already after four. The day had gotten away from me. I hadn’t checked in on the casino, and I hadn’t given the first thought to what I was going to do about dinner. It was just another thing I needed to do, and it had me feeling on edge.
I barely had a chance to think before my phone started ringing. I glanced down at the screen and was surprised to see that it was Shepard. I immediately answered, “Did you get it done?”
“No, but I’m working on it, but thought you’d like an update. I got the cameras cleared at the bus stop and side streets. I’m about to start working on Chicago and the sister. Looked into the car, and as of now, it hasn’t been reported as missing or stolen.”
“That’s good.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. He could have his own guys looking into it.”
“Yeah, that’s a definite possibility.”
“Either way, it’ll be harder to find her without those security feeds.”
“Yes, it will. I appreciate your help.”
“No problem. I’ll get back at it, and I’ll let you know if I find anything pressing.”
With that, he ended the call, and I didn’t know if I should feel relieved or even more apprehensive. I thought back to what Conrad said about the Albanians. If they pushed hard enough, the bratva would have no choice but to declare war, and if that happened, it would take all of Alek’s attention. It wouldn’t solve all our problems, but it would definitely buy us some time.
I looked back down at my notes and went through it again, line by line. Each time, I felt a little more obsessed. I shook my head as I muttered, “You keep pulling at this thread, you’re going to strangle yourself with it.”
I needed a minute to collect myself, so I grabbed my phone and stepped away from my desk. There was no doubt about it. I was wound tight. I needed a stiff drink. Maybe two.
As I walked by Alina’s room, I spotted her lying across the bed, and at first, I thought she was sleeping. Then, her head snapped up, and she called out, “Sergei?”
I stopped and stepped into the doorway. “Everything okay?”
“I was about to ask you the same.”
“It’s going to take some time, but we’re working on it.”
Her lips parted, and for a moment, she just stared at me. Then, she got up from the bed and walked over to me. Before I could step back or even remotely prepare myself, she wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly.
It was nothing.
