Page 98 of Sinful Beauty

“Money?”

He shrugs. “They don’t need it. The Rodina aren’t all bad. They look out for their people. They’ve negotiated lower drug costs for countries in their territories.”

Yeah, I’m sure they’re regular saints. “Rumors are they’ve gained influence in the world’s governments. Is this true?”

“You don’t want these men to be your enemies.”

In my earpiece, Ryan says, “Three tangos on the move. Should we shoot or let them go?”

I press my ear to respond, “Let them go. Get the plates and hand the intel over to the local authorities.”

Graeme asks, “Your ghosts?”

“Something like that.” I sheathe the blade and push Graeme up against the car, positioning us so the car door will serve as cover. I pull my gun, point it at him, and wait. We could climb into the interior, but I don’t have time to clear it of any weapons Graeme could use against me.

A series of car doors slam shut, and headlights back away, then the engine roars as the SUV speeds away.

“You’re going to wish you didn’t let them get away.”

“Oh, trust me. They didn’t get away.”

I pull Graeme up and my eyes go to the telltale dark spot staining his crotch.

“How’d you get involved in this?” Out of my parents’ friends, he was my favorite.

“I’m good at judging people. Your mother knew I could recruit people we could trust.”

“Is Peltz involved?”

“He doesn’t have it in him.” Graeme assesses me with a hint of contrition in his expression. “He’s clueless. His personality assessments showed he’s not one to break rules.”

“My father?”

“He has some idea, but wanted nothing to do with it. To my knowledge, he doesn’t know it went on for as long as it did. He retired. Wanted nothing to do with the business.”

“Did he have anything to do with Lucia?”

“I had nothing to do with Lucia.” His eyes widen in emphasis, but when he’s hit with my glare, he drops his gaze like a coward. “Can’t imagine he did. Your mother…” His words trail. I don’t trust him. Others will need to interrogate him.

The front door opens and Ryan steps out.

“I’ve got handcuffs if you want them,” he offers. “Authorities and medical in transit.”

“You can cuff him. Imagine we’ll be getting information for days.”

As he takes over Graeme, I leave them, and step to my mother. I lean down, pressing a finger to her throat. She’s cold to the touch, but there’s a faint pulse. She might yet live to pay for her crimes.

I take off my coat and search her wounds, balling up my jacket to staunch the bleeding. Two Arrow men approach with a medic bag, and I step back, letting them take over.

With one last glance at my mother sprawled on the ground, I head into the chateau to find Lucia.

Chapter35

Lucia

Two Weeks Later

My mobile rings and I grin. I’m sitting at the bar, by myself once again, drinking a hot chocolate to warm up from the chilly December day while sharing the occasional comment with William. It’s a Friday, and it’s late Kehlani’s time.

---