Page 131 of See You There

“No, I didn’t even remember seeing Hank’s tattoo until I saw the picture.”

“That’s what I thought,” James said grimly. “You remember when I told you about the Bratva connection to the casino?”

Dahlia felt sick but managed a nod. “My guess is they’ve picked up some lower members they are hoping to flip with this gambling charge.” He shook his head. “It’s different being on this side of it.”

“What?” Dahlia was lost.

“Never mind. Legally, you are under no obligation to go through with this lineup. Regardless of how you feel about my brother right now… I suspect I know exactly how Luke feels about you. And Ireallydon’t want to face him if you…” James glanced at the viewing window. “As an officer of the court, I would never suggest you commit a crime, or obstruct an active police investigation…”

The back of Dahlia’s neck tingled. She understood what James was saying. The police wanted her to identify the men running the casino. Bratva members. Making her a witness against the Russian mob. Dahlia wanted to throw up.

“IhateChandler,” she muttered.

James watched her in silence for a few seconds before saying. “What do you want me to do?”

Call Luke. Ask him what I should do?

The thought froze in her brain. She had wanted her independence. She wanted to make her own decisions. This is what that looked like.

“Tell them I’m ready.”

James’s lips parted like he wanted to say something else, but she turned her back to him, gripping her fingers tightly at her waist.

A few minutes later, the detectives returned, looking satisfied, along with a new man in a very expensive, tailored suit. James was the most agitated she’d ever seen him. He kept trying to catch her eye, but she kept them focused on the empty room.

“Same instructions as before,” the detective began. “If you recognize any of the men, call out their number and where you know them from.”

Dahlia couldn’t manage words for the lump in her throat, so she only nodded.

Again, the buzzer sounded, and several men walked in. Petrov was the second man to enter the room. Dahlia kept her face the perfect blend of confusion and curiosity. She waited until all the men were in place and even gave a step toward the window as if she was trying to get a closer look.

She opened and closed her mouth a few times and bit her lip before finally shrugging.

“I’m sorry. I don’t recognize anyone.”

“Take your time. Do you want anyone to step forward?”

Dahlia pretended to look again, even while the lawyer at the back said, “She said she doesn’t know anyone.”

“I’m sorry I can’t help.” Disappointment colored her words, and she looked at James. “Are there any more men you think it might be?”

The detective looked at her in frustration, and guilt made Dahlia’s nausea worse. It had been bad enough when a roided out thief wanted her dead. She wasn’t about to become a witness against the Bratva.

“Well then, Detective. I assume you’ll be letting my client go,” Petrov’s lawyer said.

James opened the door, ushering Dahlia out of the room while Petrov’s lawyer spoke with the detectives.

When the doors to the elevators closed, and they were alone in the elevator, she felt James’s eyes on her. She should feel ashamed of lying, but she wasn’t interested in being a hero.

“That was impressive,” James murmured.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Dahlia was exhausted by the time Brady opened the door for her and James climbed into the passenger seat.

“I thought everything was done now?” she asked when Brady slid behind the wheel and pulled away.

“It’s a good idea to take precautions until we are sure Hank won’t get bail tonight. Once you give your testimony tomorrow, I’ll be more comfortable.”