“Unfortunately, I’ve had to learn some difficult lessons since he died. I was raised to eventually take over his role in the brotherhood. I’ve come to realize there are some things you’re never prepared for. Like how much power changes things. The more you have, the more people circle like vultures, hoping to cash in.”
Was he talking about his uncle?
Or me?
I studied his profile, searching for a hint. A clue. Any indication about the purpose for this drive.
Was he taking me somewhere else to kill me?
Somewhere cleaner with no direct ties to his organization?
But then he turned into the shopping plaza where I’d left my car, pulling the Mercedes into the spot beside my SUV.
The engine idled, but I didn’t make any move to get out. Not yet.
Instead, I remained still, studying Mikhail in the silence.
“My uncle said he didn’t know where your daughter was taken,” he announced finally, his dark eyes meeting mine.
But they were no longer the hardened eyes of the Pakhan. They were tortured. Filled with grief.
I knew that look all too well.
It was the same expression I wore for years after what I’d done to my father.
I didn’t regret it. I did what I had to do.
But I still grieved everything I’d lost because of him. Grieved what I had no choice but to do to someone who was supposed to be my family.
Just like I sensed Mikhail did.
“I showed him her picture, and he remembered her. Said she was one of the girls Victor paid him to acquire for his operation.”
I kept my expression even, but relief rolled over me so violently it almost made me dizzy. Up until now, I only had a working theory. Had no proof she was alive, as Victor claimed.
Now I did.
“And Ariana?” I asked, my voice rough. “Was Victor behind that, as well?”
He nodded. “Usually, my uncle acquired the target and delivered them to Victor where they’d become the ‘entertainment’ for high-paying guests. But sometimes, he’d sell one of the girls to a buyer and my uncle would facilitate the delivery. Your daughter was one of these deliveries. As was Ariana.”
My jaw ticked at the idea that Victor would sell his own damn wife.
“Did your uncle disclose who the buyer was?”
Mikhail expelled a deep breath. “He claimed Victor kept that information to himself.”
“Where were these girls delivered?” I asked.
“It changed every time.” He reached into his jacket pocket and handed me a piece of paper.
I squinted, making out what appeared to be a handful of different co-ordinates. “Is this…”
“My uncle disclosed the last few drop locations before he…expired.”
I nodded, staring at the paper, the numbers blurring together. Then I met Mikhail’s eyes once more. “Did your uncle or his men ever stay to see who came to get the women?”
He slowly shook his head. “He claimed that was part of the job. Drop the woman. Then walk away.”
