Page 126 of Beautiful Agony

I feel a familiar protectiveness rise as he stares at my wife. "You're worried about optics?"

"I'm worried about the police's ability to maintain public trust while fighting organized crime." He leans back. "How can I justify to the public that I’m going after the man who's done more to combat human trafficking in this city than the police?”

"That must be so frustrating for you," I say, unable to keep the satisfaction from my voice.

"Vadim," Lacey whispers, a gentle warning.

"There is, however, someone else who is not convinced." Rutledge pulls out a manila folder. "Caroline Riley continues to insist you murdered Nathan Walker on behalf of your wife."

I feel Lacey tense beside me. Her fingers tighten around mine.

"That's ridiculous," Lacey says, but her voice wavers slightly.

Rutledge opens the folder. "We found some interesting prints at Mr. Walker's apartment. Still have them on file. I'm sure that if I were to take your fingerprints right now, Mr. Stravinsky, they'd be a perfect match."

"What's your point, Captain?" I keep my voice level, though my heart pounds faster.

"Look, you know as much as I do that I hate saying this." He meets my eyes. "But what you've done for this city? I can't denyit's made a difference. The trafficking rings are in shambles. Women are being rescued. Lives are being saved." He sighs heavily. "But as long as Walker's murder remains unsolved with you as a person of interest, I can't close any case involving you or Svoboda."

"What exactly are you asking for?"

"I need either incontrovertible evidence that you didn't kill Nathan Walker, or for Caroline Riley to retract her accusation.” Rutledge's gaze is steady. "Give me either, and we can put this whole ugly business behind us."

The irony of this moment isn't lost on me. The very man who swore to bring me down is now practically begging me to prove my innocence.

"And if we can't provide what you’re asking for?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

"Then I'll have no choice but to press charges.” Rutledge's expression hardens. "In fact, given your status as a person of interest, protocol demands I take you into my custody right now."

"No!" Lacey's voice cracks with desperation. "You can't?—"

"Mrs. Stravinsky," Rutledge cuts her off. “Your testimony about Mr. Walker's character and involvement with trafficking was compelling. But your husband's potential fingerprints at the crime scene put a rather significant hole in your story." He fixes her with that razor-sharp stare. "Which makes you an accessory after the fact."

My blood runs cold. The thought of Lacey in prison, pregnant with our child...

“I know what you can and cannot do. Which is why I gave you an option. You have twenty-four hours," Rutledge continues, his voice softening slightly. "Get Ms. Riley to rescind her accusation against your husband."

"Twenty-four hours?" Lacey asks.

"That's how long I can reasonably delay taking Mr. Stravinsky's prints." Rutledge closes the folder with deliberate care. "After that, my hands are tied."

I feel Lacey's fingers trembling in mine. The weight of what we need to accomplish in the next day settles over us both like a heavy shroud.

"One day," Rutledge repeats. "Make it count."

"A moment with my wife, Captain?" I keep my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me.

Rutledge nods, gathering his files. "Five minutes. I'll be right outside."

As soon as the door clicks shut, Lacey's composure crumbles. "Vadim, Caroline hates me. She blames me for ruining her relationship with Nathan."

"Zvyozdochka..." I reach for her hand, but she pulls away.

"No, you don't understand." Her voice cracks. "She was obsessed withhim. The way she looked at me that day in his office when I caught them..." Lacey's hand drifts to her belly protectively. "She won't help us. Shewantsme to suffer."

I study my wife's face, seeing the fear etched there. The bruises from Kirsan's attack are still dark against her skin. "We could try?—"

"What? Threaten her? Bribe her?" Lacey's laugh is bitter. “You know that won’t work.”

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