Page 77 of Beautiful Agony

"Through Svoboda," I say, keeping my voice steady. "We have resources and connections that can help identify the exact officers who are working with Kirsan."

Rutledge frowns. "Svoboda seems remarkably capable for a luxury fashion brand."

"Everything we do is in pursuit of justice," I tell him. "For the women who've been trafficked?—"

"You've already said it once," Rutledge says slowly, "You don't have to repeat yourself." He pauses, and I feel myself starting to relax until he continues: "However, given everything you've told me about Svoboda today, I have every reason to believe it's much more than just a fashion brand."

Before Aleksey can start to protest, Rutledge raises his hand to demand silence.

"Let me be perfectly clear, Mrs. Stravinsky," Rutledge's voice carries the weight of steel. "Whatever partnership we make today between the Seattle Police Department and Svoboda will be one of convenience. If my investigation turns up even a hint of criminal activity or wrongdoing by Svoboda, its owner, or any of its employees, I won't hesitate to bring down the full force of the law on all of you." His razor-sharp eyes fix on mine. "Do you understand me? Mrs. Stravinsky?"

I hold Rutledge's steely gaze, letting his warning sink in.

He's an unbending servant of justice sits, I realize. One who won't hesitate to turn on us if that's what the law requires.

No matter how much good Vadim does, no matter how many women he saves, he'll always be operating in shadows that Rutledge would never accept.

The blood on Vadim's hands may be justified. But to Rutledge, it's still blood that needs to be answered for.

I consider the delicate balance we're trying to strike. Getting the police involved is like dancing with a cobra—one wrong move and he'll strike.

But we need him.

We need his unwavering moral compass to help expose the corruption enabling Kirsan's operations, and bring the full attention of the world upon L.A. for what we're about to do next.

For that reason, this alliance of convenience will have to do.

Like my own marriage to Vadim, sometimes the most unexpected partnerships can yield the results we need.

But I can't shake the feeling that we're playing with fire. The same righteous fury that makes Rutledge perfect for rooting out corrupt cops could just as easily turn against us.

Against Vadim.

Against everything we've built together.

"Well?"

"Yes, Captain Rutledge," I reply. "I understand you perfectly."

25

VADIM

NIGHT

I watchas Freddy walks into the warehouse casino, trying to ignore my instinctive disgust for the man. Our conversation yesterday revealed depths I hadn't expected.

It doesn't excuse his treatment of Lacey, but it makes him more... human.

"Anything?" I ask into my earpiece.

"Usual crowd," Freddy mutters, his voice coming in and out as he fumbles his AirPod. "Some of these serving girls look no older than sixteen."

"Focus," I remind him sharply, though I make a mental note about the underage servers. "We need to identify anyone who acts like police. That's the priority right now."

"Any tips on that?"

"Just anyone who looks like they haven't a worry in the world in a place like this," I tell him. "Should stick out like a sore thumb."

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