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“I thought you didn’t owe me any favors.”
Alexei laughed. “Perhaps we owe each other professional respect.”
It was bullshit and we both knew it. “Keep them there for now. They may not be worth my travel expenses.”
“Just say the word and I’m happy to step in. I doubt they’ll talk. I’ve spent quality time with them and nothing.” His tone was laced with amusement.
Fortunately for the powerful Bratva leader, he had no idea what I was capable of. “Any other word on the street?”
“Nothing. I’ll continue to have my men scour the streets, but it might have been a one off.”
Something else he knew better. “I’ll let you know of my plans in twenty-four hours.”
“That’s what I like about you. You’re precise. There’s something else you might give a shit about. Then again, maybe not.”
“I’m listening.”
“The traitor’s wife has taken a turn for the worse. She has maybe a week to live. I didn’t stay on the damn phone long enough to find out why.”
Fuck. If there was any information left by Emily’s father, and her mother had it, it could be lost forever. “Make certain she receives the best care available. I don’t give a shit who you need to fly in.”
“What’s the interest? Are you going soft?”
“Fuck you, Russian. I have my reasons. Just fucking do it.”
Alexei huffed. “I doubt it will do any good.”
“Keep. Her. Alive.”
I ended the call abruptly, my patience for the game being played reaching an entirely different level.
“Should I guess?” Diego asked after a full minute had passed.
“The Russian found some assholes who’ve been using my name in vain.”
“Interesting. Why in New York?”
“I don’t know but I think there’s more of a connection to Jonathan Shephard than I’d originally thought.”
“Let me guess. That means you’re taking an extended trip.”
I turned around, thinking about the options. “I may need to anyway. There’s a strong chance my theory on Jonathan’s little black blook is accurate. However, it’s also possible only Emily’s dying mother knows of its location.”
He laughed softly. “This seems more like a maze than anything else.”
“Yes, doesn’t it?” I rolled the glass in my fingers, realizing I would need to share the news with Emily. “I’ll head to the communications room just before midnight. Tomorrow we’re going to lay out a plan.”
Diego cut me a sharp look before nodding. “I’ll have the plane refueled just in case.”
There was one thing about Diego that I appreciated. He could always anticipate my next move. “Good.”
Diego said nothing else before walking out, but I sensed he remained as tense if not more so than before. Whatever Ovachov had said had troubled him. I found that interesting given Diego was almost as emotionless as I was.
Or as I’d been before the last few days. I shot a look at the ceiling, shoving the majority of thoughts regarding business aside.
After tossing back the rest of my drink, I left my office, heading for the stairs.
“SeñoritaShephard walked to the clinic,señor,” Eve said in her small voice. “Kiki went with her. She told me about what she is doing for the cub. I hope you do not mind. Theseñoritaasked that I tell when you returned. Please. Should I have interrupted your phone call?” Her lower lip started to quiver.
