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“A necessary evil. Not needed.”
“Uh-huh. I’m glad you can toss a half million dollars out the window. Did you receive the dossier I sent?”
“Yes. And I read every word.” I knew more about Emily than perhaps she knew about herself. Her taste in music. Her favorite wine. Her book collection. I was amazed at how much Diego had acquired in such a short period of time.
“What do you want me to do about her mother?”
The one glitch in the system with removing Emily from her life was the care of her ailing mother, the very reason she’d temporarily returned to New York. “The Kozlovs owe me. They are going to protect Mrs. Shepard.”
“She goes by Janine Pepper now, her middle and maiden name, which surprises me.”
Anyone could decipher her name, securing the woman’s location at any time. Diego was right. It was surprising her husband hadn’t convinced her to go into witness protection if anything happened to him. However, that was of no importance at this point with one exception.
I would use the protection of her mother as a bargaining chip for keeping Emily in line. Keeping Alexei from killing the mother might be the most difficult part of what I was doing. “I’ll handle Alexei. This will give me power over my lovely captive.”
“Hmmm… Not a bad idea. What about this captive?”
“For now, Emily will be allowed to become accustomed to her new home. Then I’ll extract the information.”
“A man who enjoys walking through fire. I admire that about you.” He laughed, although I knew he was being more sarcastic than he wanted to let on.
“Find out just how much damage Eddie Falco created. I need to know names of anyone who spread the information.”
“That may take time.”
I turned toward him, closing the distance. “Get it done, Diego. I don’t need any additional unexpected shit.”
“Understood.”
“And make certain the security is tight surrounding the estate. Any intruders need to be handled expeditiously.”
“You’re expecting another breach?” Diego’s face was pensive, as it always was when facing a threat that we didn’t have a handle on.
“Uncertain, but I’m not risking the possibility.”
“Got it. Just so you know. I had to roust off several poachers only two days ago. They were more aggressive than normal.”
I pounded my fist on the bar, hissing under my breath. “Those bastards are determined to undermine everything I’ve done. I want round the clock surveillance. Double the number of guards surrounding the sanctuary.”
“You’re stretching our manpower.”
Huffing, I glared at him. “I don’t give a shit. And shoot to kill if they breach the fencing again.”
I wasn’t certain of the expression that crossed his face, nor did I give a shit.
“Just do it!” My bark was even harsher. I almost crushed the glass in my hand, my anger so significant.
“No disrespect, Kostya, but you’re on edge. Maybe you need to rethink bringing the woman here.”
It was all I could do not to wrap my hand around his throat. “I suggest you never question me again. We may be friends, Diego, but that doesn’t give you the right to challenge me. I’m in no mood for bullshit.”
Diego shook his head. “I’ll inform the soldiers.”
As he left the room, I fisted my hand, almost smashing it down on several of the glasses. Was it possible that Eddie had been after the same information I realized Emily possibly had access to? If so, she would have a price on her head, the man’s murder only enflaming the situation. While I wouldn’t normally care, the activity in New York could easily draw a conclusion that would compromise my other business activities. Laying low until all the pieces fell into place was the best course of action.
But first, I’d make certain her mother was secured.
I dialed Alexei’s number as I poured another glass of whiskey.
