Page 2 of Sinful Beauty

“Didn’t say that. You’re looking for a wealthy, connected individual or individuals with connections to a Russian cartel. My source says the contact is an older man, Swiss. I don’t have a name for you. But it’s someone within Lumina.” An older Swiss man matches the profile of a significant percentage of Lumina employees. “You’re off on the big Pharma hunch. The group is within Lumina.”

“Who’s your source?”

“The information won’t help you.” He leans back and rests a forearm over the back of the chair, and one hand goes to his waist. “Why are you defensive?”

I hold up my hands, palms out, and cross an ankle over a knee, downplaying what he perceived as defensiveness. “Curious.”

“You’re looking for someone who has traveled to Moscow, possibly placed frequent calls to Moscow, but chances are he won’t be sloppy enough to leave a communications trail. Might not even leave a travel trail. The contact with the cartel is the one who hired Zolonov.”

Anton Zolonov has been on Interpol’s Red Notice list for years. He abducted Sloane and contracted help to attempt an abduction of the other sister.

“If I get anything else, I’ll let you know. But I’ve dug as deep as I can.” I nod, comprehending all that remains unsaid. If there’s a connection between Saint and these sisters, it’s one he doesn’t want coming to light for their safety. Saint infiltrated a powerful syndicate that boasts expansive and uninterrupted global reach. The international community is relying on him to uncover the members, specifically the members that are currently entrenched in governments around the world. I’m not officially his handler, but I am his contact and I’m one of the few aware he exists.

“What do you have for me?”

He passes a burner mobile to me. “In the notes app, you’ll find a link to a file. Password LetThereBeLight, all one word. The file is a listing of bank accounts contributing to four shell companies that will be contributing to candidates around the world. The bank accounts are from legal enterprises within the syndicate, but Kontinuum owns all four shell companies. From what I can tell, they’ve been created with the sole purpose of influencing elections and stoking unrest. If you find candidates with funding from these companies, then Kontinuum is backing them.”

I slip the mobile into my inside breast pocket. “Anything else?”

“I’ll be in Moscow for the next few weeks. I’ll send communication through the normal channel for our next meet.”

I pass a folder to him. He opens and flicks through the photographs. His face softens, and a thumb runs over one photograph inside. In our roles, we don’t share personal details. But, his reaction to the photographs speaks volumes.

“They’re doing good.” He says it more to himself than to me.

“It’s my understanding the younger one got engaged.”

“No shit. To who?”

“An American. Arrow employee. We’ve crossed paths a couple of times. Likable fellow.” I recall him at the hospital in Kuala Lumpur. “Serious.”

“Name?”

“Ah, Knox.” I rack my brain, but the last name eludes me.

“No fucking shit.” The grin on Saint’s face is one I’ve never seen before. “The scoundrel. Would’ve never seen that coming.” The guy looks genuinely pleased, relaxed and, dare I say it, happy. “Can you do me a favor? Find out when they set a date. And can I get you to send an anonymous gift? Can you do that without creating any red flags?”

“Absolutely. I’ll remain apprised of the situation.”

He closes the folder and slides it across the table, returning it to me. “And see if you can’t help Sloane locate employment in the States for the next couple of years?”

“It’s my understanding that’s the plan.” I set my foot back down on the ground and lean forward. “And your plan is to remain in place?”

It’s my understanding he threatened more than once to blow the entire op if we didn’t secure Sloane Watson.

“Quitting isn’t an option. Good things are coming out of this.” His eyes narrow, and he transforms from friendly chap to operative. “Interpol will crack down on the operation in Cambodia?”

“We’re doing what we can. From a diplomatic standpoint—” He raises an eyebrow and his fingers closest to the handle of his pistol twitch. “I give you my word we’ll catch the person who ordered hits on the Watson sisters.”

“That’s not good enough, Nomad. You need to take them all out. Every single one of them. They’re like ticks. Smash only a part and the full body grows back.”

“Trust me. We’ll get everyone involved.” Saint can’t possibly understand, as he doesn’t know my identity, but for me, this case is personal.

Chapter1

Tristan

Lyons, France

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