Page 32 of Wicked Embers

“Yes, it is one of Uncle Dimitri’s favorites.”

“If one of our fathers or Uncle Dmitri killed the Greek bitch’s son, that would explain the retaliation.” Gavriil’s eyes fall on the document again.

“I have no idea,” I say honestly. “We were kids back then.”

“Yeah, but your mother would know, and if we could find Uncle Dmitri…” Gavriil’s voice trails off.

Our uncle is not one of Gavriil’s favorite people. He has also been missing for almost five years and is presumed dead.

“As Oleksi has said, the scumbag uncle of ours is probably dead!”

“Roaches like him don’t die easily.” Gavriil’s eyes flash nastily. “I know I’d love to squash him like the bug he is beneath one of my boot heels.”

“We’ve all already agreed that if the prick resurfaces, you’re the one that gets to send him to hell.” I look at the document. “Would you be able to find out more about the hit on the Greek bitches son?”

“Of course.” Gavriil looks at the document in his hand once more. “Where did you get this document?” He looks at me questioningly.

“Mark Dalton.”

“The man’s a fucking grifter—a known liar and cheat,” Gavriil says, shaking the document. “This thing is probably not even real. He’s probably conning you.”

“I don’t think so. But that’s why I need you to check it out.” I tap the document. “According to Dalton, this is the only copy of the document and the certificate. I believe he called it a loaded gun with the most sensitive hair-triggers.”

“Oh, good. He landed us with precious cargo and a grenade ready to go off.” He flicks his hand over it. “This is probably what the Greek bitch’s goons are looking for. It was very clever of Dalton to palm this and his daughter off on you.”

A bitter taste filled my mouth. If Dalton was lying, he’d just dragged us into a storm that might tear us apart. But if he wasn’t… the truth might be ev“That’s why I need you to check it out. Maybe start by hunting down the attorney listed on the document.” I tap the letter head on top of the page. “You may also be able to ask Carla Craft. She obviously knows the Daltons well—I believe he visits Carla regularly!”

“Yes, they’ve been fucking like rabbits for years.” Gavriil nods. “Why don’t you come to the Ember tonight and we can talk to her together?”

“Sure, we can do that.” Taking the document back from Gavriil and locking it up safely once again. “You can’t let anyone, not even Oleksi or my mother know about that document.”

“I won’t tell them,” Gavriil promises. “I do need the number for GK Attorneys that drew up the document. I hope they are still around.”

“I’ll send it to your phone.”

“Do you think Leigh’s mother killed the son?” Gavriil looks at me questioningly. “And maybe our fathers somehow got caught up in the middle of it? Vivienne Dalton was a headliner at the Diamond Lounge for years and both of our fathers thought very highly of her.”

“I don’t know.” I shrug. “It’s something worth looking into. But if anyone killed Nikolas Vasilikis, my month would be on Mark.”

“Dalton?” Gavriil raises an eyebrow in disbelief.”

“He had a motive.”

“Yeah, but really?” Gavriil is not convinced.

“I think we all underestimate the man,” I warn Gavriil. “There’s something beneath that loser, down and out alcoholic exterior of his, and last night I saw it morph through more than once.”

“You think he’s dangerous?” Gavriil is surprised at my comment.

“I don’tthinkhe’s dangerous, cousin—I know he is. More than we know.“ My brow furrows as a thought hits me. “But I do know someone other than Carla Craft who might know more about Dalton and that document.” My eyes narrow. “The man could’ve been fucking Nikolas’s wife, got caught, killed the man, then fled to Vegas to hide out.”

“The Greek bitch hunts him down in Vegas and comes for revenge,” Gavriil picks up my theory. “What is the connection to our fathers, though?”

I shake my head. “I’m not sure, but I do know someone who would.”

Gavriil’s eyes narrow as they search mine. “Your mother!”

“Correct. When I questioned Dalton about the document’s authenticity, he told me to call my mother.”

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