Page 91 of Stolen By The Bratva King

“What? No, why would he be? Look, stop asking questions and get here ASAP. We’re gonna lose lives without you.Children’slives.”

She pauses. “And there’s something else. That little boy, Desi, is leaving first thing tomorrow morning, heading upstate to the orphanage. If you want to see him, this is your last chance.”

How am I gonna get out of here? Felix won’t let me leave for anything; ER emergencies are tragic and terrifying, but orders are orders, and without Leon around to say otherwise, Felix has to hold his post.

“Okay, Em, calm down.” I cast my eyes around, thinking fast. “I’m in a bind here, but I’ll find a way.”

“Hurry.”

She hangs up, and I pause for a moment.

Jess is an experienced nurse; even a multi-patient code red trauma alert wouldn’t phase her to that extent. She also has a young son with a blood disorder, leading to terrifying late-night dashes to the very ER she works in.

Her voice on the call chilled me to the bone. I never even imagined Jess could sound so shaken up; it must be really bad.

And Desi. Ihaveto say goodbye.

There’s no question in my mind: one way or another, I’m going, and when it comes to Leon, I’ll beg forgiveness rather than ask permission.

Not that he’s picking up my calls; they go straight to voicemail.

Actually, to Hell with him. People are dying, and it’s his fault. He said he’s all about keeping order, but what part of that justifies the snuffing out of innocent lives?

My stomach flips again, and I feel weak. I can’t believe I was thinking of food only a few minutes ago?—

That’s it.I’ve got it. A few clicks on my phone, and the plan is in motion.

I open my apartment door to find Felix sitting on the floor, looking bored. He’s working on the New Yorker’s cryptic crossword, and judging by the number of empty squares, it’s giving him trouble.

“Having fun?” I ask, sitting cross-legged beside him.

He eyes me dubiously. “The time of my life. Are you alright?”

“I’m hungry.” I hold up my phone. “I ordered from my favorite ramen place. They’ll be here in twenty minutes, and I’ll go and collect it at the door. Thought you should know.”

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Vasilieva, but I’m not letting you take the risk. I will go downstairs when your food arrives, and you will stay up here, out of sight. Last thing I need is for you to get sniped while picking up noodles.”

He smiles. “And besides, I know how smart you are. You think I’m gonna fall for a ruse like that? You’ll vanish into the night, and Leon will murder me.”

“Whatever,” I say, rolling my eyes. “Smartass.”

He glares at me. “What?”

“Nine down. ‘Donkey too clever for his own good’?”

He glances at the crossword and realizes what I’m talking about.

“Thanks,” he says, filling in the space. “I’ve never been good at these. Let me know when your delivery is here.”

The driver is late, obviously. The one time it really matters, and my order is a full ten minutes behind time.

When my phone finally pings, I’m ready.

I set my shower running and leave the bathroom door wide open. Felix won’t dare come in if he thinks I might be naked in there, so if I pull this off, he won’t even notice I’m gone.

To throw him off the scent, I have my bathrobe on over my clothes, but with only my head sticking out, he won’t be able to tell.

I open my apartment door a crack and smile apologetically.

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