Page 50 of Silent Ties

“God, I hope not.”

She lets out a deep breath, internally struggling, but I’m right about Lennie. The girl wears her heart on her sleeve.

“You really think they’re listening in on you?” She passes over her unlocked iPhone.

“You don’t?” My what it must be like to be Boris Akatov’s darling daughter. I bet he dotes on her.

“I’ll stand over there,” she politely replies but I’m afraid I’ve cut her with my remark. I nod, hoping she’s able to read the apology and gratitude on my face.

I get Daisy’s voicemail. I try again and again. If she hasn’t been to any of her old spots, her work, or the bars she frequents, then I’m not sure where to call. There’s Marissa’s bar which is basically a brothel. But if I call there I could end up talking to several unpleasant people.

She doesn’t warn or rush me, but Lennie nervously waits by the door, dark eyes peeking at me every few seconds.

Throwing one last Hail Mary, I dial Daisy’s number again.

“H-hello?”

“Oh, thank fuck.” I tug at my hair, relief washing through me. “You’re fucking alive.”

“Russie?” Her voice is tired but clear. “Is this a new number?”

“No. I just. . . um, I borrowed it in case you know. . .”

“So you’re really married to him? To Max Zimin.”

Three months ago, I agreed to help Daisy pay Marissa back. Now I have a driver’s license with a new last name and Max made me memorize our address. I’m standing in a swanky bathroom, right next to the daughter of one of the biggest crime lords in town.

“Yeah,” I say softly, swallowing. “Are you? Where are you at?”

Marissa promised she’d be free, but that’s not the case. She’s keeping Daisy somewhere.

Her voice quiets. “I’m fine, but obviously. . .”

“Meena’s sister?” I whisper.

Daisy chokes up. “Let’s not talk about it.”

Agreed. “Where are you?”

“I’m fine,” she quickly says. “I mean I’m not in some penthouse like Marissa tells me you are, but I’m fine. Guess what?”

“What?” I ask, avoiding Lennie’s eyes. I’ve already borrowed too much time.

“I’m having a girl!”

A laugh bursts out of me. A blessing among the curses.

“And it’s good?” I’m careful with my words with Lennie nearby. “Everything healthy?”

“Yes,” she promises. “And Marissa is anal about me taking my vitamins.”

Because that’s exactly what Daisy’s kid needs—Marissa as a godmother.

“Marissa promised.”

“It’s fine,” Daisy cuts me off. “Seriously, I’m not. . . She’s not keeping me here. She’s helping me, you know.”

That’s exactly what you thought when you got into this mess in the first place.