Page 63 of The Councilor

“A very credible she.”

“Whew,” he whistled. “Do you ever wonder what it would have been like if we’d become prosecuting attorneys?”

“All the time. But we are doing some good.”

He snorted. “In whose book?”

“Mine. I’ll let you know how it goes.”

“I don’t think you’ll need to. Don’t forget to invite me to the wedding.”

I laughed and blew off his comment although I was beginning to think heading out of town was definitely a good idea. The next few days would tell the tale and I’d do that if necessary.At minimum, perhaps we’d go to my Brighton Beach location. It wasn’t on the record in any courthouse, a graduation gift from my grandfather who’d paid cash. Russians had learned a long time ago never to use credit. It would always come back to bite you.

I couldn’t help but feel the tension in the air as I walked through the administrative pool. One look at Raphaella’s face screamed she’d heard a mouthful. The one thing you didn’t do in this town was try to hide anything. The darker and kinkier the secret, the easier it was to discover.

Perhaps it was time to turn into a stone-cold killer.

I took my assistant by the elbow, allowing her to grab her file and purse before leading her toward my office. Once free and clear of the admin pool, she discreetly showed me a screen on her phone.

Notorious Killer to Wed a Mafia Princess.

There it was right out in the open.

“I should have warned you to expect worse,” I told her.

“I already know,” she whispered. When we were in my office, she led me toward my window. “Look.”

I lifted my eyebrows as I walked closer. Well, shit. Reporters were stacked downstairs, blocking off a good portion of Fifth Avenue. That was unprecedented, especially since police had either refused to arrive or hadn’t yet.

“No worries, my dear. There are two ways to skin a cat. Do you have everything?”

“What is that saying? Yes, I do.”

I laughed. “No need to explain. Let’s go. Just remember to keep quiet at this point, and that you’re going to hear things that will push you further into thinking I’m a monster. That’s what the press does.”

“Trust me. That much I know. But here I was already accepting the fact you are a monster.”

I grabbed my briefcase and keys, turning around in a full circle to ensure I hadn’t missed anything. My laptop was more secure at home, which would allow me to turn into Vadim’s Councilor. Right now, with everything going on, good advice would be vital to staying alive as well as thriving in business.

At least she wasn’t taking anything too seriously. Meanwhile, I headed to the executive’s private elevator. It was soundproof, bulletproof, and had been used for many a private… discussion over the years.

It also went to the basement where I’d parked the car. What few people knew was that there were three entrances to the building, one leading through a tunnel. That wasn’t our doing but something built in the fifties with the worry about the Cold War.

But we’d used it to our benefit a few times.

I wasn’t used to being ambushed by anyone and wouldn’t be able to take my weapon into the courthouse of course. But right now, it felt better having one in my hand. There was always the possibility of sneak attacks from whatever enemy decided to pick on the wrong person.

She said nothing as I walked us to my car. There was no one else in this area of the garage but I wanted to be certain. After gettingher safely nestled into the passenger seat, I walked the area, listening for any sounds that I felt were out of place.

Sensing none, I returned to the car, keeping my weapon on my lap.

“Do you plan on trying to smuggle that into the courthouse?” she asked only after I’d revved the engine, reversing then slamming on my brakes. She didn’t flinch at my driving, her dark stare remaining locked on me.

“No, but I’ll use it in the interim if necessary.”

“There are reporters at the courthouse as well.”

“To be expected. I’m not worried about getting in. These things are planned for well in advance, a private entrance secured by a dozen people.”

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