Page 117 of Wicked Arrangement

“Artem, are you hit?” I ask panicked.

“I don’t…” he starts to say but then we all see it.

The dark stain of blood on his side is growing by the second. I scramble frantically trying to move his clothing out of the way so I can see the extent of the damage. There’s so much blood.

“Fuck guys, he’s been shot, badly. We need to get to a medic now!” I order. “Stay with me, Artem!” I plead as I press my hands to the wound, desperately trying to staunch the flow of blood.

But there’s so much blood. Too much. Artem’s eyes start to close as he slips into unconsciousness.

“Hold on, Artem!” I beg.

But I fear we’re losing him. We’re not gonna make it in time.

Chapter 60

Kimberly

We’ve been staying at Jackson’s safehouse for three days now. That means it’s been four days since Innokentiy’s coup. Four days of not knowing if Yaroslav is dead or alive. Jackson has already managed to crack the flash drive Yaroslav gave us, it contains details of Innokentiy’s deceit and the many shady dealings he’s been involved with. David and I immediately wanted to send the information to the Petrovs and let them take Innokentiy out for us, but Jackson thinks we should bide our time. He reasoned that we should at least wait until my grandmother is safe before making our move. I can’t argue with that.

Thanks to Thomas Gillihan, we know where my gran is being held. Jackson is in the process of devising a rescue mission. We’re just waiting for the perfect time to strike.

I feel as though I’m losing my mind. Jackson’s safehouse is a nondescript three-bed house in the suburbs with a wooden exterior. The place looks like it’s seen better days, and with the three of us here, it feels cramped. It’s amazing how quickly I’ve grown accustomed to the grandeur of Yaroslav’s homes. However, according to Jackson, the more average and nondescript the house, the less likely we are to be found.

David had to be sedated after we arrived. The pressure and reality of the situation finally hit him, and all of his former strength seemed to dissolve. Since then, he’s been almost catatonic in his room. It pains me to see him like this.

It’s still early, and as usual, once I’m up I go straight to David’s room.

“David,” I call out, knocking on the door before entering even though I know he won’t respond.

He’s lying on the bed, stiff as a board, and fully dressed. Pretty much the same position he was in when I left him last night. His eyes are closed, but I know he isn’t asleep.

“Morning, I brought you some tea,” I say trying to force myself to sound happy as I place it on his bedside next to the cold cup from yesterday. The sandwich I made him last night sits untouched next to it. “David, please, you have to eat,” I beg.

But he doesn’t respond. I sit on the edge of the bed, taking his hand in mine, and sing to him. I sing songs that Gran would sing to me when I was young. This ritual is as much for me as it is for him. If I’m getting through to him, he doesn’t show it, but I try, nevertheless. As I sing, I fiddle with the locket Yaroslav gave me. I haven’t taken it off since, it feels like my last connection to him. That and the baby, I dream of a strong, handsome boy with chubby cheeks and his father’s eyes.

In the kitchen, I can hear Jackson moving around making breakfast. His phone rings and I can tell he’s speaking to someone, though I can’t make out the conversation. I’m tempted to eavesdrop, but I know Jackson will tell me any information he finds. A short while later, he appears in the doorway.

“Kim, I’ve got news.”

I look up at him hopefully, I don’t know if it’s my imagination, but does David stiffen? Is this what will get through to him finally?

“Gillihan just called, according to his men, Bogdan Sharkozi has left his home and is heading toward Orlando. We presume he’s meeting with Innokentiy. But this means that there are fewer guards at the house than usual. Amelia is there, and a small security detail, but nothing we can’t handle. We’re going to launch the rescue mission of your grandmother today.”

“We are? That’s fantastic!” I exclaim, jumping up from the bed, “When do we leave?”

“I’m leaving in a minute, you’re staying here,” he says sternly, “It’s too dangerous.”

Placing my hands on my hips and giving him my best ‘don’t fuck with me’ look, I reply, “Jackson, there is no way I’m sitting this one out. This is my Gran we’re talking about here. Besides, with her illness, she’ll likely make things hard for you. She knows Amelia, and probably even feels safe there, to her, you’ll be the ones that are dangerous and frightening. If I’m there, the whole process will be a lot easier.”

For a second Jackson looks as though he wants to argue, but I can tell he knows I’m right. “Fine,” he says with a sigh. “But you have to do everything I tell you to, when I tell you, got it?”

“Understood,” I say with a grin, the thought of finally seeing my grandmother and knowing she’ll be safe has me feeling almost giddy. “David, we’ll be back soon,” I tell him, though I’ve no idea how much of what we’re saying is getting through to him.

“I’ll have someone come and keep an eye on him,” Jackson says.

I’m relieved to know David will be safe. We can’t risk leaving him alone when he’s so vulnerable.

***

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