“Uh, hi,” he said, breezing into the room. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were coming today.”
“It was spur of the moment,” I said as he sat beside me. “I need to talk to you about a few things.”
“Okay.” He leaned back, crossing one ankle over his knee as he extended his arm over the back of the couch.
Inhaling deeply, I began the conversation that would inexorably change my life. “I want to start by saying that I appreciate you more than you know, Michael. You’ve been an anchor for me for so long, and your friendship is extremely important to me.”
His eyebrows lifted. “But...”
“But,” I said, shrugging. “I’ve outgrown the life you helped me build. I didn’t see it coming, and wasn’t looking for change, but it happened anyway.”
“I agree,” he said with a nod. “You’ve evolved from that young woman who entered my club all those years ago, brokenhearted and lost.”
“Being your accountant has been an honor, and I’ll never be able to repay you for paying for my degree.”
“No repayment needed,” he said softly.
“Dmitry and Alexis are building some intense financial infrastructure for you,” I continued, “and as you transitionfrom traditional banking to backend channels and crypto, you’re going to need someone more well-versed in those currencies. I already struggle with the new encrypted program Alexis installed. It’s one of the reasons I missed the fraudulent deposits at first. You need a new accountant who can take you into this next phase with confidence and expertise.”
“I have no doubt you could learn if you try, Katia.”
“Yes,” I said, nodding. “I’m sure I could. But I won’t be an expert at it, and honestly? I think we both know it’s time for me to move on. I’m going to marry Leo, and we’re probably going to try and have a kid or two. I don’t want to be a mom who works for the mafia, Michael.” Reaching over, I placed my hand on his thigh. “I hope you don’t take that as a dig, because I love working for you and respect the job you’ve given me for all these years.”
Sitting up, he squeezed my hand. “I don’t take it as a dig at all. It makes perfect sense. Plus, I doubt Leo wants your paycheck to come from me anymore. I know he was excited to get you out of the apartment I paid for.”
“He’s a bit of a caveman,” I said, playfully rolling my eyes. “And you are too. But it’s kind of charming in a weird way, so Bianca and I let you both off the hook.”
Michael chuckled. “I hear everything you’re saying, and I’m happy to honor your wishes. I don’t relish finding another accountant, but you deserve to be free of this world.” Taking both of my hands, he held tight as emotion filled his expression. “You’re going to be an amazing mother. I can’t wait to see it.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling my eyes well with tears. “And I hope we’ll continue to be friends, and that you and Bianca will still have me and Leo over for dinner. I don’t want to live in a world where we’re not friends, Michael. You’re too important to me.”
He drew me into his arms, his hand rubbing my back as he spoke softly. “You’ll always befamily, Katia,” he said solemnly. “You always have been.”
Drawing back, I swiped a tear from my cheek. “That means more than you know. And I won’t leave you hanging. I’ll spend as many weeks as we need helping you find a new, qualified accountant and training them on my procedures.”
“I appreciate that. Just find me someone loyal like you who can keep me out of jail.”
“On it, boss,” I said with a salute.
We rose and gave each other one last tight hug. He walked me to the door and insisted Chris drive me home.
When I arrived, I found Leo in the living room, setting up his new laptop and the encrypted email where the task force would contact him.
“How was the coffee shop?” he asked.
“Uh...good. Is Dima upstairs?”
Leo nodded. “Buried in his laptop. We should make him take a walk with us later. That kid needs some fresh air.”
“I love that idea.”
His eyes roved over my face. “You look...different. You okay?”
“Yeah,” I whispered. “I’m anticipating our sushi date and our serious talk.”
Grinning, he tilted his head. “Do you want to tell me anything now?”
“No. We can wait until our date.”
