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I shook my head slowly, anger flooding through me that Celia was now in danger.
Serious danger.
It was my fault. I should have insisted she leave town once the Romanovs took an interest in her. I had known Sergei might go after her but I thought we were on good terms...
"What do you want to do?"
I sighed and considered. "I have to get her back. As soon as I get out, I'll have to meet with Sergei and see what he wants."
I also knew I'd have to talk to Millar and get his okay. I didn’t tell my lawyer that, however. He couldn't know I was working as a black operator for the FBI.
"He won't hurt her," he said, making a doubtful face. "Will he?"
"He won't as long as he gets what he wants from me," I replied, my muscles all tense at the prospect. "Is George going to live?"
"I just got an update from the hospital before I came over. He lost some blood and is in serious condition, but they think he should be fine."
"Thank God."
I leaned back, my legs stretched out straight in front of me, the heels of my palms pressed against my eyes. Celia was in danger but Sergei knew enough that he wouldn't hurt her unless he wanted outright war between us.
He wanted something. Probably my willingness to run guns for him.
"When exactly am I getting out?"
"You should be processed in an hour or so. You'll be a free man."
I took in a deep breath. "What are the police saying about Celia? "
"She's Spencer Grant's stepdaughter. They're wondering if her abduction is connected to his death."
"Of course it is." I frowned. "Sergei killed Spencer, and now he's got Celia. He's killing two birds with one stone. He gets rid of Spencer to shut him up so his ties to Sergei's little underage sex ring won't be exposed. He takes Celia and forces me to comply with his demands to run guns for him."
I leaned forward, my elbows on my knees, and ran my hands through my hair. I looked up at him.
"Do the police know Sergei is involved?"
"Don't know," he replied. "They've said that the murder and Celia's abduction are connected but they have no suspects at this time."
I kicked the chair across from me, anger finally overflowing.
I spent the next hour pacing my cell like a lion in a cage, worrying about Celia, planning my response, impatient for the wheels of justice to turn and let me out of the local lock-up.
Finally, guards came to my cell and I was escorted to processing, where I signed the release forms and was given the rest of my street clothes and my personal property – my wallet, my keys, my cell, my money clip, and my shoelaces. Since I had a permit to carry a concealed weapon, my gun was returned along, with my holster. I took the unloaded pistol from the guard and holstered it, feeling complete for the first time in a long time. My jacket went over top, and I was ready.
The guard led me to the front entrance, where James waited with my SUV.
"Welcome back," he said as he opened the passenger door.
"How's George?" I sat and fastened my belt, then turned to him, waiting expectantly for an update. My cell had died while I was in custody so I couldn't still couldn't check my messages or make a call.
"He's still in ICU but should be released in twenty-four hours if his stats are stable."
I leaned back and closed my eyes as we drove from the jail to the gym. The first thing I was going to do was have a shower, then go to the hospital and check on George. After that, I'd call my men and we'd put out feelers to find out where Celia was being held.
When Stepan's brother Ivan took Celia, he'd contacted me directly to let me know he had her. I expected a message from Sergei to let me know he had her and wanted to meet. He wanted something from me and cooperation with his plan was the price I would pay to get Celia back. I wished I had George with me to discuss options.
While I showered, my cell charged, and by the time I was finished and was dressed in fresh clothing, it had enough juice that I could check my messages.
