Page 54 of Break Me

“On their way.”

“Then let me make a few phone calls. Don’t say too much.” This was my Pakhan talking.

“I don’t intend to.”

As soon as I hung up, I dialed Sasha. He would want to know if there would need to be some maintenance done on his beloved Dreamscape’s parking lot and landscape.

“This better be good,” he growled as soon as he answered the phone.

“I think a shooting where your favorite cousin was almost killed might qualify.” With the sirens drawing near, I pocketed my weapon. There was no way of hiding the shooting after the fact, but with Mikhail intervening, there also wouldn’t be any charges placed.

Self-defense.

“You mean Mikhail or Kazimir?”

“Very funny. I was almost assassinated in Dreamscape’s parking lot. You might want to get down here.”

“Geez. Let me see if I can find a babysitter at freaking three o’clock in the morning.”

“You do that. I think we have a problem.”

Sasha snorted. “You mean you do. I’m a nice clean-cut boy.”

“Tell yourself another lie.” I turned in a circle, studying the surrounding area. One vehicle had gotten away. If Papadakis was responsible, he wouldn’t rest on his laurels.

First a fire. Then a public assassination attempt.

It was time we had a long chat with the man and his brother. They needed to understand we weren’t going to take being threatened lightly. Or maybe moving directly into an act of full retaliation was a better idea.

“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes, even if I need to bring Nina with me.”

“Whatever you decide. I’ll be here. And I have company.”

“Ah, no wonder you requested a room at the inn. Good for you.”

“Let’s just try and keep our eye on the ball. I was almost killed tonight.”

“But they missed.” He laughed as he ended the call.

I took a deep breath, turning around to face where Halle was hiding.

She’d stood, ignoring my command, her arms folded and even from where I remained, I could see the pensive look on her face. I couldn’t blame her if she hated me. My life wasn’t fit for anyone with a child.

Sighing, I walked toward her, ignoring the guests who were now clamoring around, asking if I was okay and needed help.

In my mind, I only had eyes for the beautiful woman and I was determined to ensure she was okay.

When I drew close, she tensed, even looking away. She could obviously see the smoking vehicle and maybe she’d witnessed the shooting. By all rights, I should take her with me to my condo, keeping her captive to ensure she wouldn’t admit what she’d seen. However, that wasn’t fair to her or her daughter.

Or her life.

I did have a sense of decency left in me even though others believed that wasn’t possible. Moving closer, I stood just a few inches away, trying to figure out what to say.

“Are you hurt?” she asked, breaking the ice.

“No. I’m fine. I have good reflexes.” My joke was met with a look of disdain.

“As you might imagine, I can’t see you again.”