Page 126 of Ripped Veil (Ripped Bratva)

“If she got into your office, she knows too much.”

“I agree.”

“Then I’m assuming you took care of her?”

“No.”

“No?”

“I can use her.”

“For fucking what?” Matvei asks impatiently.

“She recognized Hitoshi Sakamoto from the wall,” I tell him. “Apparently, the bruises on her face are courtesy of him.”

He whistles. “No fucking way.”

“Like I said, she might have information we can use.”

He’s got his skeptical frown on. “Why was she even with the man?”

“I’ll find out. But chances are, she was just working a job. She is a hooker.”

“A hooker who found herself with one of the most powerful allies to Astra Tyrannis. That’s convenient.”

“We don’t have proof,” I remind him.

“The bastard nearly beat her to death,” Matvei argues. “Then, when she escaped, he sent out a stooge in blue to bring her to him. It all checks out.”

“It brings us one step closer to finding someone deep into the organization,” I say, feeling optimistic for the first time in a while. “Apparently, Wild Night Blossom closes for the public every time high profile mob bosses frequent it. Which means…”

“Sakamoto is part of the crowd those nights.”

“Exactly. Or Ozol is.”

“You really think Ozol would go back to that club after what happened the last time?”

“Hubris is one trait every mob boss has in common.”

“Including you?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “There’s a difference between men like him and men like me.”

“Forgive me, oh great and fearless don. Mortals like myself cannot possibly grasp the limits of your magnanimity.”

I lean in and jab a finger against his wound.

“Oh, fucking hell,” he roars. “You bastard!”

Smiling, I get up and turn towards the door. “I know you’ve got a few more days of bedrest to go. Which is why you’re the perfect person to do the grunt work. I’ll bring in a bunch of computers for you. I want you to try and see if Sakamoto’s movements are trackable.”

“Aye aye, Captain Dickhead,” he grumbles.

“That’s the spirit. Glad you’re on the mend, Matvei. The Bratva needs you.”

I’m at the door when Matvei calls to me. “Hey, Phoenix?”

“Yeah?”

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