Page 56 of Stone

“You screw her over, and we’ll have problems,” Nick said.

Knox wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “We won’t have any problems.”

Cursing in Russian cut across the office.

Nola looked over and saw that the rest of the Sentinel Security team had all of Zolotov’s men contained. Devyn was fastening cuffs on the mob boss, and he didn’t look happy about it.

“She’ll never be safe,” Zolotov yelled. “My people won’t stop, they’ll—”

Knox growled, and Nola’s heart did a sickening twist.

Killian took a step forward. “Nola has the full protection of Sentinel Security.”

The deadly tone of Killian’s voice made Zolotov cut off.

“If I see any of your men look at Nola the wrong way,” Killian continued, “I won’t rest until I’ve wiped your syndicate out. Not a single thing left. Not even a whisper.”

Zolotov swallowed.

Several police officers, some in plain clothes and others in uniform, stepped into the office.

“Hawke,” one man in a suit said.

“Burns.” Killian walked to meet the cops. “You missed the party.”

The detective glanced at Zolotov. “Such a shame.”

Two paramedics followed the cops inside. “We heard we have gunshot wounds,” the female paramedic said.

“Yes,” Nola said. “But this is one of the good guys.” She jerked her thumb at Knox. “Treat him first.”

“It’s just a graze,” he insisted.

“I don’t care,” Nola said tartly.

“Nola.” Killian stepped forward. “You need to give your statement to Detective Burns. You need to tell them exactly what you saw in the penthouse.”

Her flush of happiness dimmed.

“You’ve got this, Sprite.” Knox squeezed her arm. “I’ll be right here when you’re done.”

Nola nodded, and followed the detective into one of Sentinel’s empty offices.

“Ms. Newhouse, I’m Detective Mac Burns.” He pulled out a chair. “Why don’t you take a seat and start at the beginning.”

She sat and crossed her legs. “Well, I got a new listing in the High Line Tower.”

It was no fun reliving what she’d seen in the penthouse, but she managed to get it all out. The detective took notes and asked several questions.

“Thank you,” Detective Burns said, slipping his notepad back in his pocket. “With your help, we can put Zolotov away for a long time.”

“That’s good.” After everything she and Knox had been through over the last day, Zolotov deserved it.

“It’s really good. He’s a bad guy, and he’s hurt a lot of people.” The detective held up her handbag. “I believe this is yours. We recovered it in the penthouse.”

“Oh, thank you.” She took it gratefully.

“Stay safe, Ms. Newhouse. Although with the friends you have, I think you’ll be fine.”

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