Page 90 of The Games of Madmen

“Because of Roza,” I say, seizing the documents back from his hands and placing them on the table once more. “It’s important to have family history, for health reasons and in case she has questions.”

“What kind of questions? Do you even have questions?” he asks, folding his arms over his chest.

Exhaling, I rub at the throb building in my temples. “I haven’t thought about it until recently. But, yes, I do havequestions. Wouldn’t you?” I shake my head, my jaw clenching in irritation.

“We’reyour family. What good can come from knowing about them?” He stabs a finger down on the documents.

I affix him with an intense stare. “Why are you so opposed to it? Nothing will change how I feel about any of you. The Vetrovs are my family, Ro.Youare my family.”

This is madness. I don’t understand why he’s so upset. It doesn’t mean anything.

“I don't like it,” he finally says, running a hand down his face and flicking his gaze to Abram like they hold a secret between them.

AndIdon’t likethat.

Alyona’s hand glides up my spine. The soothing motion makes my muscles unfurl and gradually slows my racing heart to a calmer rhythm.

“I get it, Z,” she tells me. “I’d want to know, too.”

I pull her into me, curling my arms around her and kissing her bare shoulder.

Clearing his throat, Abram gestures to the other envelope. “I got everything there is to know about Adam Cunningham and his family.”

Releasing Alyona, I stand and glare down at Abram. “Oh, did Daddy give permission for that? Did he?” I snap, leaning my hands on the back of the chair, squeezing the wood until my palms burn and knuckles turn white.

“Get out,” Rodion demands to Abram, pointing in the direction of the door.

Abram stands and leaves without another word.

“That was intense.” Alyona exhales, tucking her long hair behind her ears. “Why are you looking into the Cunninghams?”

“We don’t want to be blindsided by anything,” I tell her, while staring down at the paperwork. Seeing their names and my old name printed in black sends a buzzing through my skull.

Father - Bruce Chester – Status - Deceased

Mother - Barbara Chester – Status - Deceased

Oldest son - Daniel Chester – Status - Unknown

Youngest son- Zane Chester – Status - Living

My eyes trace back up to my brother’s name. Unknown?

“A policewoman said Daniel’s body was found,” I say out loud, confused as fuck over this finding.

Rodion pushes the chair under the table and leaves the room like a storm of fury.

“Who is Daniel?” Alyona asks, hands on her hips and eyebrows scrunched.

“Not a good man,” I say, screwing the paper up in my hand. “There’s nothing of use in these.”

Rodion’s not the only furious storm around here. With an explosion of anger and frustration, I toss the crumpled papers in the trash, and stalk out the door.

“Z?” Alyona calls after me.

I don’t stop to answer her. I need air. A fight. Bloodshed.

One Mississippi…