Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 104127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
From across the space, I continue to assess the Russian traitor.
I thought he’d be a sniveling coward, someone who was in outs with the Russians, running to me as a last-ditch effort to save his miserable life, but that’s not what I see in this guy.
For some reason, I believe him. Men in our position are often looking for a family connection, a brotherhood. He wouldn’t have gotten that with Dima. His betrayal doesn’t surprise me, given his words.
What does surprise me is Nikolai’s next question. “How did he die? Was it quick?”
A heavy feeling forms in my gut. This isn’t something I want to discuss. Digging up the past, especially something so fresh, is never a good idea. “It was relatively quick for the Russians. He didn’t suffer long.”
Nikolai nods and leans back in his chair. He looks relieved, and it makes me know my assessment was right about him.
“They say that Roman stole a significant amount of money from the boss, and they believe that he gave it to his sister. That’s why they’re coming for her,” he tells me.
Interesting. Money. That’s what Roman was up to. Stealing from the Russians.
What a fool he was. Assuming there’s truth to it.
If he weren’t already dead, I’d kill him for putting his sister in harm’s way. “She doesn’t have it. If they’d only seen what condition she was living in, they’d know that isn’t the case.”
The whole idea is ridiculous. Sasha was living in filth, barely making ends meet. If Roman had given her the money, why would she live like that? None of this makes sense, and I need more time to piece it together. At least now I know what they want. This should help us track Roman’s moves better. When it comes to money, there tends to be a paper trail. An idiot like Roman couldn’t have done a good job of hiding it.
“Do you think you can get them to back off?”
He shakes his head. “I’m already on the outs, sir. I have some friends on the inside who are trusted. Maybe they could get the message to the right people, but I doubt it. They’ll keep coming for her.”
That’s what I’m most afraid of. Can I keep her safe?
I’ll die trying.
43
SASHA
I can’t believe it’s morning already.
It’s so bright that I have to squint to see anything.
What time is it?
Reaching my hand out to rub at the remaining sleep lingering in my eyes, I feel a heavy weight on my back.
Gideon. He’s next to me. Actually, his arm is draped over me, hence the feeling of being cocooned.
Slowly, I pull back a few inches to look at him.
He’s still asleep. His chest rises and falls with each breath. A smile spreads across my face as I realize that, once again, he’s here with me.
I’m not sure when he snuck into my bed, but I’m happy.
The idea of him leaving again and me being sequestered to this room for another day doesn’t sit well with me, but I don’t want to think about that now.
I’d rather enjoy this moment a little while longer.
“Good morning, firefly.” Gideon’s body stirs beside me.
“Hi, when did you sneak in?”
“Late. Come here. You’re too far away.” He pulls me closer until I’m fully engulfed in his embrace. In his arms, I feel as light as a feather, like a kite soaring high in the sky.
Every worry seems to drift away, and all that’s left is a sense of peace and happiness.
Who am I?
What has this man done to me?
When did I become this optimistic sap?
I’m usually a pessimist through and through.
But somehow, this man cast a spell on me, and now I’m waxing poetic.
I need to go back to real life, but when I’m here, like this, I don’t want to. “Do you have to leave today?”
“No.”
“Your meetings—they went okay?”
“As good as they could.” He lets out a sigh. “I have to ask you something. I know the answer, but I still need to ask.”
I tense, not having a clue where this is going. “Okay?”
He shuffles around and pulls out a picture. The image on the paper is grainy, but what I do notice is it’s of my brother. There is also another man I’ve never seen before talking to Roman in the image.
As I look at the picture, it feels like my heart is being squeezed in my chest. Roman looks dirty and strung out. This isn’t an old picture. “Do you recognize him?”
I narrow my eyes and study it closely. “Not really? Should I?”
Gideon inhales deeply. “Please, firefly, think.”
I try to remember if I’ve ever seen this picture of the older man. He’s got dark hair, and he looks older, maybe in his fifties. He’s wearing a well-fitted suit.
I take the picture out of his hand and lift it closer to get a better view. There’s something familiar about him. But I can’t place it. Think, Sasha. Where have you seen him?