Page 22 of Claim Me

“That’s not going to happen right now. She’s visiting her dying brother. Sadly, he isn’t expected to make it through the night. If you’ll give me your contact information, I’ll be happy to make arrangements to bring her by the precinct when she’s up for questioning.”

He was several inches shorter, which made him even more uncomfortable than before. As he took a step back, he shot her a second glance. “Very well, Mr. Dmitriyev. However, I will need to question her. Don’t force me to obtain a subpoena for a quick conversation.”

I allowed a smile to cross my face. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

With his head shaking, he pulled out a business card from his cheaply crafted suit jacket, holding it out between two fingers.

Nodding, I didn’t bother looking at it. He could have provided a punched Subway meal card for all I cared. Perhaps he didn’t realize there wasn’t a human being on this earth I couldn’t hunt down if I chose to do so.

Just as he turned away, I sensed he had another thought. Once again, he scratched his jaw while tipping his head. “I’m curious, Mr. Dmitriyev. What is your relationship to Ms. Valentine?”

My deep breath was exaggerated. “Let’s just say I’m willing to do anything in my power to protect her. Against everyone.”

“Ah. Good to know.”

Motherfucking rat.

I watched him head down the corridor, taking several deep breaths. Within fifteen minutes the Popov family would know I was in town.

Then things would get dicey.

Anger continued to furrow deep within. I stood at the window with my hands in my pockets watching time pass.

Ten minutes.

Thirty.

Charlie had yet to awaken and I was beginning to wonder if he would. After at least another ten minutes had passed, I finally heard footsteps.

Six of Dmitriyev’s finest soldiers strolled down the hallway toward me. They were highly trained killers, all of whom had proven their worthiness and loyalty over the years.

In other words, they would keep a thick layer of protection around me and around Marissa.

“Hey boss,” Ryker said as he approached, the other five directly behind him.

I nodded to the small waiting room. “Let’s talk over here.” As I lifted my head to check on Marissa, I noticed Charlie had awakened. I’ll be damned if he didn’t have enough energy to try to use sign language.

Goddamn it. What the hell was I going to do in trying to communicate with her? Maybe I’d need to learn sign language.

The soldiers trailed behind me as I headed to the small waiting room, all six crowding around. “Charlie Valentine is an old friend from years ago. He was shot by what appears to be a Russian Bratva out of Seattle. Your job is to protect him and his sister, who remains in his hospital room. She’s determined to stay with him, but I need to handle some business.”

“Is she in danger?” Simon asked.

I nodded. “Undoubtedly.”

“We’ll take care of her.”

After doling out a few additional details, I was about to tell her about the change in plans when I heard beeping sounds just before a blue light over Charlie’s door began to flash.

“Fuck!” I pushed the men aside as a team of doctors and nurses came running. I was blocked from the room, including being able to put my eyes on Marissa. What the fuck?

In the chaos, I realized they were preparing to perform CPR. The monitor had flatlined. I pushed my way through several people. Additional teams were rushing to yet another crisis. Another flashing light.

Another tragedy.

When I finally managed to push my way toward the window, I had scanned the room searching for her.

What the fuck? She wasn’t inside. How the hell had she managed to rush by me without me noticing? I swung my head toward the stairwell just in time to see the automatic door starting to close. Goddamn it.