Page 100 of Keeping it Real

“I believe this is what your friend was looking for.”She handed the phone to Agent Kovaluk.

The FBI agent whistled through his teeth as he swiped through the images.He placed his palm on Finn’s head.

“Your dad was as good a detective as he was a hockey player.You should be very proud of him.I’m going to have your aunt email me this folder and then the phone is all yours again.”

Sheridan didn’t want Finn hanging around that long.“Aunt Eileen?Can you take Finn over to the pool?I think the movie is starting.”

Her aunt looked confused and perhaps a little miffed.It couldn’t be helped, though.Right now, keeping Finn from getting hurt was Sheridan’s highest priority.No matter how much the FBI agent sugarcoated things for Finn, she didn’t want her nephew to know the truth about his parents’ marriage.

“Save me some popcorn.”She traced her fingers over Finn’s cheek and gave him a reassuring smile.

Typical of an eight-year-old, he seemed unfazed by the events of the past few minutes.“Okay.But hurry.You don’t want to miss the part when he yells at the fake Santa.”

Alek shifted closer as Aunt Eileen hurried Finn away.

“Now, what the hell is on that phone?”he demanded as soon as they were out of earshot.

“Some very incriminating photos of a certain Russian crime boss watching our friend here loading stacks of money into a suitcase.”He turned to the big Russian.“And you swore up and down you didn’t work for the guy.This is the last piece we needed to connect you to a string of ugly crimes against people who owe this group money.”

Sergi let out a string of Russian words, all of them sounding vicious and vulgar.

Agent Kovaluk tsked at him.

“Stupid hockey player,” Sergi barked out.“He thinks he can pay off debt by blackmailing.”More Russian words flew through the air.

Alek choked out a sound of disbelief.“Are you kidding me?Jamie wasgambling?With the Russian mob no less?”He slapped his palms on top of his head angrily.“Well, isn’t that a great way to provide for your family?Not to mention keeping them safe.I guess now we know the reason he sold off his family’s legacy.What a dumbass.”

Sheridan gnawed on her bottom lip.One look at Agent Kovaluk’s merciful expression and she knew the real story.He sighed before opening his mouth to correct Alek.Sergi beat him to it, though.

“Hockey player no gambling.He a sucker for his wifey.”He shook his head.“She good gambler.Until she got greedy.”

His words weren’t exactly a surprise to Sheridan.Her heart ached for her brother.Selling the bar to cover Madison’s losses had to have been like selling a piece of him.But he’d always had a soft spot for his wife.Madison had no qualms about taking advantage of his love.

“I’m sorry?Wh-what?”Alek stammered in his shock.“Madisonhad the gambling problem?”

She held her breath, waiting for Alek to deny it.To defend his former lover.It would crush her.

Even if she deserved it.

His hands were in his hair again.“Holy shit.”

“Blondie a terrible driver,” Sergi said.

Every muscle in Sheridan’s body tensed.

Alek took several steps toward the Russian before the agents intercepted him.

“What did you say?”he demanded of Sergi.

“I only trying to give them a warning.”The Russian shook his head.“But she drive too fast.”

The sound of Alek swearing violently echoed in Sheridan’s ears before everything faded to black.

Twenty-Six

The team doctorexited Sheridan’s bedroom in the hotel suite, softly closing the door behind him.

“How is she?”Alek demanded at the same time as the irritating FBI agent.