Page 26 of Ten

“Sorry.”

“Kostya, are you taking care of her? Promise me you’ll keep her safe,” Holly pleaded.

“I’ll keep her safe,” he promised, his expression softening as she spoke. There was no doubting how much he loved her. I didn’t know everything that had happened after Holly, Savannah, and Lana had been kidnapped, but I knew that he had been badly injured trying to save her. He still moved more stiffly and slowly than he had before the kidnapping. Not that it made him any less terrifying.

“What are the police saying?”

“Nothing much,” I said unhappily. “I don’t think they know much more than we do.”

“Surely, they’ll find him quickly? Right?” she asked hopefully. “He can’t have gone far after hijacking and killing that couple.”

“He abandoned that car in a cemetery near Oakhurst,” Kostya announced. “That was the call I just took,” he explained. “He’s either on foot, or he was picked up by someone else.”

“Oh, no,” Holly murmured. “What are we going to do?”

“Wearen’t going to do anything,” Kostya remarked with a frown. “You’re staying in California with your mother where I know you’ll be safe and won’t get into trouble.”

“I mean, Mom and I will probably get into a little trouble,” Holly argued. “It’s kind of our thing.”

Kostya sighed, and I almost felt bad for him. She was the sunshine to his grumpy, and it must have been exhausting. “Let’s try not to have another international incident.”

“No promises,” Holly said. “Listen, Nisha, I had a few texts from Savvy. She thinks it might be best if you don’t go to work tomorrow. Unless you feel like you would be safer surrounded by friends and clients in which case, please, come to work.”

“No, I’m staying home. I don’t want to put anyone else at risk.” I remembered the mob of citizen journalists outside my house. “I don’t want podcasters and YouTubers and all the other idiots in town who think they’re legit journalists stampeding the salon either.”

“Ugh.” Holly made a disgusted sound. “Kostya?”

“Yeah, I'll handle it.” There was an unmistakable spark of glee reflected in his eyes.

I shot him a perturbed look. I suspected Holly’s expectations of handling it were far less mean and nasty than his.

“So, Mom wanted me to let you know that you are more than welcome to use her place as a hideout. Savvy has an extra key if you need it. The whole place is locked down like Fort Knox. Or, you can head to our beach house. It has an electronic lock so I can generate a code for you.”

“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.” I really didn’t want to run, but if it was the only way to survive, I would take my purse and race out the door with nothing but the clothes on my back. “I’m actually at Ten’s place right now.”

“Uh? WHAT?” Holly practically squealed. “When did this happen?”

“This? There’s nothis.” I lied right through my teeth. “We’re just—.”

“Friends,” Kostya interjected with thinly veiled amusement. I scowled at him, but it didn’t have the effect I’d hoped.

“Uh-huh.Friends.” Holly laughed. “Yes, I, too, was oncefriendswith Kostya.”

“Okay,” I said, irritated. “Are we done?”

“Fine. Yes. But you better call or text me in the morning to let me know you’re okay! I want updates from both of you,” Holly demanded.

“Yes, dear,” Kostya intoned dryly.

“All right, boss.” I matched his tone.

After Kostya promised to call Holly, I hung up and glanced at Kostya. “So—the car?”

“Abandoned. No leads. No evidence.”

“And you know this how?”

“I have my ways.” He looked at his watch. “Ten should have been back by now.” His gaze darted to the front door and then he pulled out his phone. “If he doesn’t answer my message, I’m sending Boy to check on him.”

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