“Will do.”
Michael gave a nod and headed toward the door. When he reached it, he turned and lifted a finger. “I mean it, Katia. Stay safe.”
Once he was gone, I sat behind my desk, circling my thumbs in my lap as I contemplated. Of course, putting myself in danger was a terrible idea, but I was also pissed.
Pissed that I’d missed the transactions when they initially happened.
Pissed that someone wanted me to turn against Michael and jeopardize everything I’d built.
But moreover, I was pissed that the bratva thought they could fuck with me again. I’d lost my sister to them, and a raging hatred burned in my heart toward anyone who supported trafficking or harming women in any way.
Yes, I would do my best to stay safe. But I also wouldn’t rest until I tracked down the hacker, the men he worked for, and everyone else determined to harm me and the only family I had left.
And the men who thought I’d turn and crumble easily? I looked forward to showing them the cost of underestimating someone like me, who’d already experienced enough pain to withstand anything the bastards threw at me...
Chapter 5
Katia
The meeting with Gerald Hines, the bank manager, went well. Michael was a valued—and very wealthy—client, so they always gave me time when I requested. I spent almost an hour in Gerald’s office going over the transactions and discussing next steps.
“I’ve reversed all three transactions and set up a flag notice to come directly to me if our system spots something strange,” Gerald said from behind his desk. “Our home office will investigate using IP tracking, geolocation data, and transaction timestamps, but hackers are quite effective these days. I can’t promise we’ll discover who did this.”
“That’s fine,” I said, knowing Alexis would be better at tracking than anyone who worked for the bank. “I just want them off our account so we don’t trigger any investigations.”
Gerald eyed me from behind his glasses as he contemplated. “Normally, we would file a Suspicious Activity Report with law enforcement.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I’m still technically required to do that, but Michael is very generous with his donations to our corporate fundraisers each year, and he’s an important patron of NY Bank. I’ll ensure the report is handled and closed quickly.”
“Thank you.” Michael had ensured he supported the bank’s endeavors for years in case something like this happened, and now, that effort was paying off. I knew Gerald understood Michael’s situation, and we’d always had an unspokenagreement. I’d worked hard to ensure Michael’s legitimate businesses covered all of his dealings, and Gerald’s bank benefited from his vast wealth.
“I’ll call you if I need anything else, and I’ll personally keep an eye on the transactions,” Gerald said. “If I see anything suspicious, you’ll be the first to know.”
Rising, I shook his hand. “Thanks so much, Gerald.”
He gave a nod, his kind eyes shining, and I left feeling a bit better, even if worry still gnawed at my gut.
I called an Uber to Michael’s house and winked at Chris as he opened the door. I’d known him for years, and he often hung out at the Gilded Cage when he wasn’t on duty.
“Hey,” I said, breezing into the foyer. “I’m guessing Alexis is in her office?”
“Yes,” he said with a nod. “She hasn’t blown herself up today, thank God.”
Laughing, I patted his arm. “There’s still time. Stay alert.”
I headed toward the study where Alexis worked, inwardly chuckling at Chris’s frustration with what he called theStubborn Rossi Women.
“Hey,” I said, peeking around the doorframe. “Can I come in?”
“Sure,” Alexis said, rising and starting to tug a chair beside hers.
“Let me do that.” I gripped the arm of the chair and slid it across the rug. “You don’t need to be exerting yourself.”
“I’m pregnant, not decrepit,” she teased, grinning as she sat back down in front of her laptop.
I slid beside her and glanced at her belly, which was just starting to show. “You’re absolutely glowing, Alexis. I’m so excited for you guys.”
“Thank you,” she said, biting her lip. She had shoulder-length brown hair, stunning dark green eyes and a fantasticenergy which had only deepened when she fell in love with Nick. “I’ve been a bit frazzled with the wedding planning, but it’s not too bad since we’re keeping it small.”
“You know I’m happy to help. Just tell me what to do and put me to work.”
