Page 27 of Stolen Empire

His voice is tight, strained.

"Business. The operation. Things have been off lately, and I'm trying to figure out why."

I down my second drink, then cross my arms, watching him.

"You've been here a while. You see things. Hear things. I'm curious whether you've noticed anything strange going on around the stables."

He shakes his head quickly, too quickly.

"No. Nothing."

"Nothing at all?" I tilt my head.

"Because there's been a rumor going around. Someone's been sharing security information with outsiders. Racing secrets too. Details about fixes, schedules, which horses are going to tank. That's the kind of information that could make someone a lot of money if they sold it to the right people."

Rodion swallows hard, and I see his Adam’s apple bob in his throat.

"I don't know anything about that."

"You sure? Because if there's a leak in this operation, I need to know. It's putting everyone at risk. The Radich crew is watching us, waiting for an opening, and every piece of information they get makes them stronger."

"It's probably one of the newer recruits," he says, and he tries to laugh, but it comes out strained.

"You know how it is. People get desperate, they make mistakes."

I nod slowly, as if I'm considering his words.

Then I pull out my phone and scroll through the messages until I find the one I need.

I hold it up so he can see the screen.

"Funny you mention that," I say.

"Because we've got you on camera today. Talking to a woman in the card room. My men flagged it. Who is she?"

His face goes even paler, and he opens his mouth, then closes it again.

He's scrambling for an answer, and I let him sweat.

"She's nobody," he says finally.

"Some whore asking for a man so she can eat tonight. I told her to get lost."

His comment pisses me off and I feel the rage flare in my chest.

The sudden protective feeling I have for her is new, but not unwelcome.

But seeing my angry expression, Rodion shrinks back in his chair as I pull out my phone again, sending a quick text to Gavriil, because I have something in mind for this sick bastard that I can't do without the proper tool.

Dimitri: 5:03: Office. Bring a crowbar.

I slip the phone back into my pocket and pour myself another drink.

Rodion's watching me now, his eyes wide, and I can see the fear starting to take hold.

Good.

He should be afraid.