Page 36 of Wraith
“Privet.”Liam greeted him.
To Amelia, he looked as though he had just tumbled out of bed and staggered into the club.
“You speak Russian better than the last time we spoke, my friend,” the man said in a hearty voice. “You must be the ghost everyone wants to exorcise.”
The man laughed and patted Liam on the back. Amelia simply stood there wondering what kind of good could come of this.
“And who is this ravishing beauty?” The man’s Russian accent was thick.
Amelia laughed.
“This is Hemmy’s daughter,” Liam replied. “Amelia, Igor Patrichenov.”
Igor took her hand in one of his large paws and bowed over her fingers. “A pleasure, I promise.”
“It’s nice to meet you too,” Amelia said with a smile.
“Hemmy always talked about his daughter.” Igor released her hand. “He never said anything about how beautiful she was. You look a lot like your mother.”
“You know my mom?”
“Da. Met her once when she came in here and tore a strip off poor Hemmy. A woman like her…” Igor sighed.
Amelia giggled. “You know, I think you would have taken care of her.”
“Da.” Igor’s eyes turned serious. “She was something special.”
“Thank you for that.”
Igor nodded. “I assume you are here for the gift Tex requested.”
Liam nodded.
Igor lumbered across the room and picked up a black bag from beside his sofa. He carried it back and placed it by Liam’s feet. “Everything you need should be inside. There is also a car waiting in the alley. Tex told me the ride you’re in is borrowed goods. You should not have any issues with the authorities.”
“Thank you, my friend,” Liam said. “What do you know about Vladimir Storogenko?”
“Not a whole deal.” Igor stopped to pour them a drink.
Amelia declined.
Liam took a sip of his after clinking his glass to Igor’s.
“He was a low-level henchman a few years ago for Radnik Melora back in the day. After CSIS and MI5 came in and cleaned house, they went underground. Next thing I know, this fool comes back with his own crew.”
Liam’s shoulders rose and fell.
“He hasn’t done anything major,” Igor said. “I think this Lala business is just something to put a notch in his belt as you Americans say.”
“How do you know about the Lala?” Amelia asked.
Igor laughed, the same boisterous sound as before. “You are Hemmingway’s daughter. Why else would Wraith bring you here?”
Amelia chewed her lip.
“We should go.” Liam set his glass down and stood with Igor.
“I understand, my friend,” Igor said. “You be careful, neh? And if you need some extra muscles…” Igor flexed his massive arms. “I have plenty to spare.”
