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“You didn't assign
backup," Celia's bodyguard James replied.
I kept my voice calm, but I could feel my muscles tighten. “There's no way this was an accident. Whoever he is, he must have been trailing her. He may have even caused the accident just to get hold of her.” I rubbed my forehead. “They probably took her into their territory."
"He said he'd take her to you."
"Yeah, but I have no one on staff with that name."
I threw my burner cell phone across the room. It hit the brick wall and shattered with a satisfying crack, the battery and pieces of the plastic body flying across the polished hardwood.
I grabbed my personal cell phone from my office and took the elevator to the underground parking. I hopped into one of the SUVs and squealed out the exit, driving to Stepan's neighbourhood.
I drove along the streets of one of Boston's older neighbourhoods where Stepan's brother's restaurant was located. I pulled over and sat for a moment, rubbing my head, trying to think ahead, plan my attack.
I dialled George. “Stepan's older brother's got her.”
“Oh, no,” George said, his voice low. "That was quick. What do you want me to do? Is there someone I can call?"
“No, let me call. I want action.”
I entered the number of a contact I had in Stepan's family as I drove back to the warehouse, my blood cold in my veins, the fury at bay for now, but it was just under my skin, ready to burst out.
After a few moments of negotiation with him and promises of an ample reward, I said goodbye and called George back.
"They have her at the family restaurant on the waterfront. I need a full assault team organized in fifteen minutes. At least five men, with everything we’ll need to take the location. I’m going there now and will set up a couple of blocks away. Meet me there.”
I sped through the back streets, not needing to attract the attention of Boston's finest on my way. As I drove, fury bubbled up inside me, and I slammed my hand against the steering wheel.
"Goddammit.”
I drove toward the restaurant Stepan's family owned. When I arrived and parked, I noticed the sentries on each street corner, standing in dark doorways.
George exited a vehicle and walked up to my SUV, hopping in the passenger side.
"Has the team arrived?”
“Not yet. Just relax, Hunter. He has probably just brought her in to scare you.”
“I'm scared.” I'd been such a fool to let Celia get under my skin. “By all rights, I should let him keep her, George.”
“It would be best,” George said and nodded. “What is so special about her? There are other prettier birds, far easier to tame, I think. This one will just give you trouble.”
I frowned. “That’s what you think? That’s your advice?”
“Is not advice. Does not matter what I think—is what is best for you. I just offer one side for you to consider. Is maybe harder choice, but cleaner all around. Will show them how nothing matters to you—certainly not little bird.”
I ground my fist into my temple. “I have to get her back. Everything you said is true, but it doesn’t matter.”
He squeezed my arm. “She will be fine.”
I shook my head, my fists clenched. “She could already be dead.”
“No, no,” George said, shaking his head. “Ivan knows that would mean all-out war. You are Victor's friend. You had his consent to beat up Stepan. She is probably fine.”
“She can’t stay in her apartment any longer. She’s coming to live at the safe house.”
“To stay with you?”
