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“I managed to find out two military-style airplanes were deployed from somewhere inside Russia six days ago. They had plenty of time to plan Sergei’s escape as well as the attacks on your family.” Kirill had been busy in the wee hours of the morning.
“At least we know some of what we’re dealing with. Continue hunting for Sergei.”
Kirill exhaled, folding his arms. “Unless the man is baited, he’s not going to come out from the shadows. You know that as well as I do.”
I thought about what he was saying. I also knew what he was insinuating. “Stay the course until my release on bail. Then we’ll determine what we need to do.”
My enforcer gave me the same defiant look I’d just seen on Stephanie’s face. I would not allow her life to be placed in danger.
Period.
As Cassian returned, I sucked in my breath. “Looks like it’s showtime.”
* * *
Stephanie
Showtime.
Alexei was cavalier about what he was about to face, but I knew the judge well enough to know that he had enough political pressure on him from the police commissioner, the governor, and from his own aspirations that he’d likely make an example out of Alexei.
I seethed at the thought, furious that I’d been put in a position that would likely preclude me from using the respect I’d earned for anything important at this point. But I’d give it one hell of a try.
I’d also realized that we had yet to discuss that if Gregory was dirty, then he’d left a trail of some kind. I knew him better than most, at least that’s what I’d thought up until about a week ago. Even if a portion of what I knew about him was true, I’d be the one who could find a trail. While everything including my keys was gone, I knew where the man kept a spare.
In his office.
I had a feeling I’d find everything I needed in his office.
I risked the chance his desk had been cleaned out, but when I’d left Harry’s office, I’d snooped, finding Gregory’s workspace almost exactly the same as before the misguided wedding. I doubted they’d be so crass as to box up his things after he’d been murdered. What I needed to do was have an opportunity to go through everything before the police descended, which they would at some point once determining he’d been fired.
Or would they?
It was also possible Alexei’s fate had been sealed, negating the need to search through Gregory’s things. Why bother? He was still such a highly respected man.
Bullshit.
Truths.
I’d worked for almost a decade to find the truth in all things. In doing so, I’d believed in a system that would judge fairly, protecting the innocent. I’d sworn an oath to uphold the law, no matter the circumstances or personal beliefs. I’d been the good girl, following all the rules, even when I’d questioned whether doing so was the right thing.
Never had I imagined being forced to face the possibility of losing all I’d believed in.
Until this moment.
However, what I’d come to wrap my head and heart around over the last few hours was that things weren’t always as they seemed. Not my work. Not my life. Not the world Alexei had been born into. There were always nuances, gray areas where I’d been insistent life, crime and passion was black and white. My gullibility had allowed my guard to fall, but not necessarily regarding Alexei. I’d done that a long time ago.
I had no intention of keeping the finger-crossed promise I’d made to him. There were those times that breaking an oath was necessary. This was one of those times. Alexei had remained cavalier about the situation, although it was obvious the police had homed in on a single suspect.
As the four men were led inside, I was struck almost instantly by the near glee in their expressions. What a joyful day for them to finally be able to arrest such a horrible criminal.
While the Kozlov family attorney, a ruthless man by the name of Bradley Walker, stood by Alexei’s side, his father and brother remaining in the room, I couldn’t just stand by and allow this atrocity to happen.
Get control until you know what you’re doing.
As if I’d listened to my inner voice even once.
I charged forward, ignoring Alexei’s growl of warning.
