Page 22 of Stolen Empire
"Then I'll go somewhere else."
I push off the bar and start toward the door, and I hear him move behind me.
I'm out the door with him following before he speaks again, which is exactly what I expect.
He's dirty and he wants my money, but he doesn't want anyone knowing what he's doing.
"Wait."
I stop and turn.
He's closer now, his hands shoved into his pockets, his shoulders hunched.
He looks back at the room, making sure no one is paying attention, and then he lowers his voice.
"I might be able to help you," he says. "But it's going to cost you."
"How much?"
"Quarter-million rubles. For the first gig."
I let out a low whistle, shaking my head.
"That's a lot."
Of course this fucker isn't getting a dime, and just knowing one of Dimitri's men is being unfaithful to him sets me off, but I'mso good at selling a line, this man probably thinks I'm having second thoughts about investing in his scheme.
No way he knows I've been sent to nab him.
"It's worth it. You'll make it back ten times over if you bet smart."
"And when do I get this information?"
"Meet me tomorrow night. Behind the training ring, midnight. Bring the cash, and I'll bring what you need."
I nod slowly, as if I'm considering it.
"All right. I'll be there."
He steps back, and I see the relief in his face, the greed already taking hold.
The cool air outside is a relief after the stale heat inside the card room.
My hands are shaking, and I shove them into my pockets as I walk back across the yard.
Dimitri is waiting for me in the tack room.
He's leaning against the wall, arms crossed, and he looks up when I enter.
I close the door behind me and cross the room, stopping a few paces away from him.
"Well?" he says.
"He took the bait," I say and polish one tooth with the tip of my tongue.
Dimitri has a problem on his hands and I've helped him solve part of it.
I fucking hope he gives me my pendant back now and lets me go home.
