Page 71 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)

“Sounds good. I’m starving.”

Twenty minutes later, we’re wrapped in robes, compliments of the hotel, and sitting at a table eating a hearty breakfast of Belgian waffles, eggs, bacon, and fruit.

I watch Lucy, for once looking more relaxed, less on edge.

“Can you tell me about your meeting?” she asks.

My instinct is to be vague, but this impacts her life. She’s clearly strong enough to handle the dirty aspects of this life. Plus, she wants in on bringing her parents down.

"Met with Liam, Niko, and a Bratva guy named Igor Peprov.” I study her, wondering if the name means anything to her.

“Bratva? Is that through Niko’sconsigliere?”

I nod. “You know Liam came from Bratva?”

She shrugs. “Just the bits and pieces I’ve overheard.”

I smirk at her. “Spying on us?”

Her eyes narrow. “I don’t like being in the dark. Not when my or Elena’s life is in the balance. Did you have to suffer the black eye before or after getting information?”

I laughed. I’d nearly forgotten about that. “After. We learned that your father is MIA, holed up somewhere like a fucking coward. Your mother, however, she’s got balls. She’s been seen around Atlantic City.”

“That’s why we’re here?”

I nod.

“Would have been nice if she’d gone to Paris.”

“Not liking your honeymoon spot?”

Her cheeks flush. “I like it well enough.”

“When this is done, I can take you…” I remember that when this is done, Lucy will be gone. “Well… you can go to Paris.”

She stares at me, and I think I see sadness in her eyes.

I clear my throat.

She sips her coffee. “I’m not surprised she’s been coming here. She always did enjoy the casinos, more than anything—or anyone—else. My father would try to put her on an allowance. Then she’d concoct some business scheme and—she’s a vile woman." Her words are filled with bitterness… no, something deeper. Hatred. Considering the woman planned to sell her daughter in a trafficking business, I can’t blame her.

I’m not sure if I should mention the next bit, but then I remember Lucy is a strong woman. “We were given information about two warehouses. It’s how we’ll pull the business out from under your father.” I hesitate, and when I do, she looks up at me. I suck in a breath. “It sounds like one could include… people.”

Lucy’s eyes darken. “That’s what you’re taking over?” She jumps up and looks at me with a mixture of disgust and horror.

I rise from my chair as well but keep my distance. “No.” I don’t mind breaking the law, and I do it every day. But I can'tget behind selling women and children. “Liam will handle that through the FBI.”

She stares at me like she isn’t sure she believes me.

“I didn’t have to tell you. You know that, Lucy. I could keep you in the dark, keep you locked up?—”

“You think you can?—”

“I know I can.” This time, my voice is commanding. “I’m being upfront with you, bringing you in because I can see you need to exact your revenge, and I want to help you with that.”

It takes a moment, but I see the tension lessen until she sits back down. I move to her then, squatting down in front of her. I take her hand. “If this is too much, you can go?—”

“I’m not weak.”

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