Page 80 of Seven

“You’re bait,” he answered flatly. “I believe that’s what your people call it.”

“Bait for who?”

“Your brother.”

“What does he have to do with any of this?”

“He has information we need.”

“But he said…”

“He has information we need, Miss Warren, and it would be in his best interest not to pretend otherwise.”

A million questions came rushing through my mind, but before I could ask any of them, there was a tap on the door, anda man walked in. He was wearing a black and clearly expensive suit, and like Sergei, he had dark hair and blue eyes. Only, he wasn’t quite as tall, and he looked to be several years younger.

He never took his eyes off me as he walked over and stood next to Sergei. Once they were side-by-side, it was easy to see that they weren’t just related but brothers. He was still glaring at me when he asked, “This her?”

“It is.” Sergei’s tone was nonchalant as he said, “Miss Warren, I would like you to meet my brother, Viktor.”

“She’s quite beautiful.”

“Yes, she is.”

“Does she know why she’s here?”

“We were just discussing that.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Viktor glanced over at me. “I’d say she already knows too much.”

“Well, that’s for me to decide.” Sergei gave him a firm look. “Did you take care of what I asked you to take care of?”

Viktor gave him a look as he handed him the ledger that I’d tossed out the window. “Don’t I always.”

“And the cars?”

“Taken care of.”

“Good.”

I might’ve been wrong, but I had a feeling they were talking about Detective Joyner and my car. I wondered if they might’ve brought it here, and if so, I could possibly use it for a grand escape. I found that doubtful, especially the way these two seemed to handle things, but it was something to hope for.

Sergei turned his attention to me. “We should get her somewhere more comfortable.”

Viktor nodded, then took a step towards me.

“Keep her close, in case…”

“Understood.”

Viktor stopped when he reached my chair and waited silently until I stood. Without a word, he took hold of my arm and led me out of Sergei’s office. His grasp wasn’t too tight or too loose. It was controlled and steady, just like everything else about him. He opened the office door, and my breath caught when I saw that we weren’t in an office complex or shady hideout. No, this place was something else entirely.

I was only in the hallway, and I could tell that the house was positively exquisite. The ceilings were at least ten feet tall, and every wall was adorned with elaborate paintings of landscapes that looked like they belonged in a museum. There were chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and these weren’t just any old chandeliers. These were the kind that made you gasp just looking at them.

The place screamed wealth and power.

Viktor didn’t say anything as he guided me forward. There were so many things going through my head, and the silence was killing me. When I couldn’t stand it a second longer, I asked, “Can I ask you something?”

The side of Viktor’s mouth twitched like he wasn’t sure if he wanted to hear whatever I was about to say. “Go ahead.”

---