Page 35 of The Mafia's Quadruplets

Jay nods slowly. “You’re right. I’ll do it.”

It seems clear to me he was already leaning that way and just needed someone to assuage his conscience for betraying his friend. Of course, he’d dump that on Claire. I have to breathe in and out to restore calm before speaking. “If you don’t mind, I’d like a moment alone with Jay.”

Claire’s eyes narrow. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I sigh internally. Her stubbornness is admirable, if inconvenient. “Very well.” I give her a look of irritation before proceeding.

I study Jay’s face intently. His gaze darts between Claire and me, a sheen of sweat visible on his forehead despite the cool temperature of the room. I’ve seen that look countless times before, the nervous fidgeting of a man with something to hide.

I keep my voice low and measured. “I’m going to ask you a question, and I need you to be completely honest with me. Your parents’ and sister’s safety may depend on it.”

Jay swallows hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “What do you want to know?”

I lean forward, resting my elbows on the table. “Were you aware the Petrov Syndicate was grooming you to be one of their foot soldiers?”

His eyes widen, and he shakes his head vigorously. “No! No way, man. I had no idea about any of that stuff. I was just gambling. That’s all.”

I glance at Claire. Her expression is unreadable, but I notice the slight tightening of her jaw. She already knows about this possibility from our previous discussion, but it’s still clearly painful for her.

“Are you certain?” I press. “Think carefully. Even the smallest detail could be important.”

He runs a hand through his disheveled hair. “Look, I swear I didn’t know anything about the Petrovs or foot soldiers or whatever. I was just trying to make some quick cash, you know? Things got out of hand, but that’s all it was.”

I study him for a long moment, searching for any sign of deception. His story seems plausible enough, but something doesn’t sit right. “What about Matvey Petrov? Did you have any direct contact with him?”

Jay shakes his head again. “Matvey? No, I never met the guy. I only dealt with some lower-level guys at the casino. Derek was my main contact, but he never mentioned anything about the Petrovs.”

“Derek,” I repeat, recalling the name from earlier. “Tell me more about him.”

Jay shifts uncomfortably in his seat. “He was just a guy I met at the casino. Seemed cool, you know? He started giving me tips and showing me the ropes. Said he could help me make some real money.”

Claire lets out a sound of exasperation. “You didn’t think that was suspicious? Some random guy offering to help you make money?”

He has the decency to look ashamed. “It sounds stupid now, but at the time, I was desperate. I was already in hock to Mr. Rostova, so I figured if I could make enough to pay him off, then I could focus on winning enough to open a restaurant?—”

I hold up a hand, silencing their brewing argument. “I need you to be absolutely certain about this. Matvey Petrov doesn’t have anything over you besides gambling debts?”

Jay meets my gaze, and for once, I see a flicker of genuine sincerity in his eyes. “I swear, Mr. Rostova. It’s just the gambling debts. I never got mixed up in anything else.”

I settle back, considering his words. Part of me wants to believe him because it would certainly make things simpler. Years of experience have taught me to be cautious, especially when it comes to the Petrovs and guys like Jay, who never take responsibility for their actions.

“Alright,” I say finally. “I’ll take you at your word for now, but if I find out you’re lying to me...” I let the threat hang in the air, unspoken but understood.

Jay nods quickly. “I understand. I’m telling you the truth, I swear.”

Claire clears her throat, drawing my attention. “Valerian, what does all this mean? Is Jay in more danger than we thought?”

I choose my words carefully. “It means we need to be vigilant. The Petrovs may have had plans for Jay, of which he wasn’t aware. We can’t rule out the possibility that they still see him as a potential asset.”

Claire’s face pales slightly, but she nods, accepting the situation. “What do we do now?”

I stand, straightening my suit jacket. “For now, we proceed with caution. Jay, you’ll take the plea deal as discussed. It’s the safest option for you at this point.”

He nods, relief evident on his face. “Thank you, Mr. Rostova, and I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused, and the money I owe. I’ll pay you back?—”

I wave off his apology. “Save your apologies for your sister and your parents. They’re the ones who’ve truly suffered from your actions.” I could reveal Claire is paying off his debt, but I decide not to. There’s no reason to be cruel when he’s already half-broken. My mercy will end if I find out he’s lied to me and hidden something that could put her in danger though.

She rises as well, resting her hand briefly on Jay’s shoulder. “No more secrets, okay?”

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