Page 89 of Sinner's Secret

“He wasn’t in a car accident,” Yvgeny said. “Yes, one of my drivers was hit by two trucks and was killed, but it wasn’t Baz.”

Smith’s head came up at that. “I thought it was his car.”

“It was his car, but I’d asked him to take that car in for a service, so he was using a different vehicle. The guy in Baz’s usual car was one of my service technicians doing a test drive.” He leaned toward Smith. “Speaking of which, have you found his body yet? His family is distraught.”

“His body?” Smith asked slowly.

“Yes. I understand someone stole the ambulance before my technician could be removed from the vehicle for treatment.”

“Why would the paramedics think your technician was Baz?” Smith asked.

“Perhaps they identified him based on the ID in the car, which would have all belonged to Baz?” He gave a forgiving smile. “I’m not versed in the processes or procedures EMS might use to identify people.” He paused, continuing to smile like a benevolent uncle, then asked gently, “His body?”

“No, we haven’t.”

“Ah.” Yvgeny settled back in his seat with a congenial smile on his face.

Smith watched him with a frown on his face. Nika could see that her partner was turning what Yvgeny said over and over in his mind, trying to pick it apart.

Finally, he said, “You’re not under arrest, Mr. Breznik. You have been issued a ticket, however, for following too close to another vehicle. You may go.”

“Thank you, Detective Smith.” Yvgeny stood and held out a card to Nika. “This is a card that will give you free rides in my cabs for the next month. Just a little something to brighten your day.”

She didn’t take it. “I’m sorry, our ethical guidelines prevent me from accepting gifts from anyone. I do appreciate the gesture though.”

“Ah, ethics. Pesky things.” He winked at her and left.

Smith shook his head. “That guy is...” he didn’t finish his sentence. “So, you’re going to stay in a hotel?”

“Yeah, one with good room service and decent security. Got any suggestions?”

“Go somewhere highly visible,” he suggested. “That way there will always be witnesses.”

“Times Square visible?”

“Or something close to that.”

“Ugh. Okay, fine.”

“I have something you’re going to need,” he said and led the way to his desk. He opened a drawer and pulled out her purse.

She grabbed it and checked the contents. Her wallet, her phone, and her small backup gun. She smiled. “You are the best partner ever.”

He laughed. “You’re so tired, you’re almost drunk.” He made shooing motions with his hands. “Go. Get horizontal for a while.”

She hummed happily for the first time in days and left the building. Outside, a couple of yellow cabs waited. Nika looked at the drivers, neither of them was Baz.

And suddenly, she didn’t feel comfortable getting into a car with a stranger. Maybe Smith or one of the other officers could give her a ride?

Her phone rang.

She dug around in her purse for it and answered the call. “Hello.”

“Hey,” Baz said. “It’s me.”

“Hi.” She looked around for him, but didn’t see him. “You’re not hanging around the station are you?”

“I’m a block away. Get in the first yellow cab. He’ll pick me up.”

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