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My blood chilled as I noticed the watch the man was wearing. It was exactly the same as the man who’d accosted me at the bar.
I turned away, placing my hand over my mouth. Dear God. What the hell had I gotten myself in the middle of?
* * *
My mind had remained foggy the entire plane ride. I’d spent the few hours surfing the internet, writing notes regarding the Kozlov family and their various operations. From all appearances, they owned several legitimate business operations including a construction company, several real estate developments, and a casino preparing for a grand opening in the near future. However above board they seemed, they’d also been linked to extortion and arms deals, although catching them in the act had proven to be the thorn in Gregory’s side.
Or maybe he hadn’t tried very hard.
I hated thinking that way about the man, but my instinct was bending in that direction.
What few pictures I’d finally found of Alexei had only added gasoline to the still ignited embers. It was obvious he’d shied away from the cameras, refusing to give interviews to anyone. He was also a consummate businessman who’d fought head-to-head with the union on several occasions.
What I’d been told seemed entirely different, including the case I’d worked on with Gregory what seemed a lifetime ago. Of course, the most successful organized crime families had nearly perfected methods of laundering money, murders committed either ignored or all evidence destroyed.
From what I could tell, there was no meaningful reason for Gregory to be so hell bent on destroying them. That left me convinced Gregory had been hiding a portion of his life from me. And I was determined to find out what that was. Being used as a pawn had left a bad taste in my mouth. After confronting Gregory, I planned on ending it once and for all with Alexei. While he might believe the tattoo had an entirely different meaning than the freedom it had represented to me, I would make certain he was very clear that my life was my own.
First things first.
I’d deal with Gregory
I headed into the city, prepared to take on the asshole. I’d left my ex two additional messages. Confronting him at the office wasn’t the best choice, but at least he had a corner office at the end of the hall. If I had to guess, I’d say he’d had it soundproofed in case he brought one his special guests here. I took a deep breath before heading inside. Hell, no, I wasn’t going to put my head between my legs. By now, he’d told everyone what a bitch I was. In my mind, that was a great big whatever.
It was a warm day, but I grabbed my jacket to cover up the ink. Additional questions or accusations I didn’t need.
The receptionist seemed shocked when I walked in.
“Hi, Zoe.” I started to head down the hallway when she raced after me.
“He’s not here,” she said quietly, immediately darting a look from one side to the other.
I narrowed my eyes, finally smiling. “The last time I checked, this was still my place of employment.”
“Oh, I…” Flustered, her face turned bright red. The last thing I needed to do was take my frustration out on her.
“I’m sorry. It’s been a long few days.”
“I know. I’m so sorry he did that to you. I don’t understand men.”
Laughing, I realized whatever the employees had been told wasn’t anything like I’d expected. “What did you hear?”
She threw another look down the hallway then pulled me aside. “I don’t want to gossip.”
“But. Go ahead. Please.”
“I heard what happened at the wedding. Everybody did. It’s just terrible how Mr. Hampton treated you.”
“I assure you, it’s fine.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re okay,” Zoe said. “Anyway, when he took a leave of absence, I think everyone was relieved.”
“A leave of absence?”
“That’s what we were told.” She nodded several times, waiting until one of the associates walked by.
“Glad you’re back, Stephanie,” Brogan said. “You might want to check in with Mr. Parker. I know he wanted to talk to you.”
Mr. Parker? The attorney general almost never came into the office. What the hell was going on?
