Page 102 of Sinner's Sacrifice

“Witnesses reported gunfire and an explosion in the parking garage, but we haven’t been able to locate any of the responsible parties. I’m sure you want them caught.”

“Of course,” Yvgeny said. “How can I help your investigation?”

“I’d like any security footage you have for that area, and I’d like to talk to any of your staff who might have seen whoever fired those guns or detonated that explosion. Were any of your people injured? Did they defend the building in any way?”

The way he added that last question, in an off-hand, casual tone, made it clear that he wanted to know a lot more.

Yvgeny smiled. “None of my people carry guns, Lieutenant. In the case of an armed incursion, they are trained to evacuate hotel guests and staff, and avoid the invaders if possible. The fire alarm would have helped that along.”

“Why didn’t you and your family members leave?”

“We were about to, but my security team informed us about the incursion and we decided to stay in this secure location to coordinate the response.”

“So, where did the people who attacked you go?”

Yvgeny looked at Mason.

“After the explosion, we have internal, reinforced fire doors that closed off that entrance,” the big man said. “The Fire Department arrived and whoever was trying to get in took off before they could be seen.” Mason gestured toward the elevator. “I can show you the security video now if you’d like.”

Benson looked at Yvgeny. “Where is your assistant?”

“It’s way past his bedtime, so I assume he’s at home.”

“And Detective Johansen?” he turned to stare at Baz. “I thought you two were attached at the hip.”

Baz raised his eyebrows but didn’t say anything for a second or two. “You sound like a dime novel detective who’s certain their suspect is up to something fishy, but can’t prove it.” He smiled. “What do you think we did?”

Benson pressed his lips together.

There was some sound and movement at the stairwell. A police officer stepped aside allowing two people to enter the apartment.

Nika and Brian, and they were carrying drink carriers full of cups of coffee.

“Sorry I took so long, Baz,” Nika said. “It took a little while to get the coffee and then I ran into Brian outside the hotel.”

“It took a while to climb all those stairs, too,” Brian added, a little out of breath.

“You weren’t here when the incident happened?” Benson asked him.

“No, I was on my way home when my phone started going off with texts about the explosion. I turned around and came back, but stayed out of the way until I spotted Nika trying to carry too many coffee holders by herself.”

She and Brian moved through the room offering cups to everyone.

Benson took one with a sour look on his face.

“Sir, we’re running the plates on the vehicles that were damaged by the explosion,” Nika said to Benson. “But they were all rentals, so I don’t know if it’s going to help us much.”

“You saw the vehicles?”

“Not personally. I had hotel security note the tags off the surveillance video.” She frowned. “They were all wearing the same blue suit. Not quite a uniform, but the same exact suit. It struck me as a little weird.”

Brian cleared his throat. “The FBI is prepared to help, if invited in.”

“Do you think this incident is connected to the human trafficking ring?” Benson asked.

“I’m thinking that the Breznik family has been targeted for their interference. This may have been an attempt to discredit them and distract law enforcement.”

“Discredit and distract, huh?” Benson shook his head. “Are they still after you?” he asked Nika.

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