Page 30 of Scarlet Angel

Am I placing too much trust in a stranger?

Willow, did you trust him? You didn’t, did you? But if he’d been a concern, you would’ve shared, right?

I’m in the man’s home, yet it whispers none of his secrets. This room, the one they call the billiard room, is the first space I’ve been in that feels like Nikolai, or Nick, as he supposedly prefers to be called. Instead of portraits of ghosts, hunting scenes, or ancient maps, monochrome abstract art adorns the walls. The leather sofas and chairs feature modern shapes. The thick wool sable rugs are positioned for comfort, not design. There are no window treatments on the windows, but with the press of a button, shades fall from the ceiling, closing us in and blocking the draft.

A pool table resides in one corner, giving the room its name. A widescreen television hangs over the fireplace, high enough above the flames that the heat won’t damage the screen, and a round high-top table with comfortable leather stools sits opposite the pool table. We ate lunch there, and I suspect Lina and Nick eat most meals in this room. This is such a formal manor, yet they aren’t formal people.

After watching Lina and Amir board the helicopter that was parked in the pasture while horses milled about, we returned to Nick’s office, and I provided him with the promised information. Wise or not, he’s got everything now. My life is literally in his hands.

The flames lick the wooden logs, and I inhale the pleasant, smoky aroma. I’ve stared into the flame so long that when I close my eyes, bursts of red and yellow color my eyelids.

“Are you cold?”

I flinch and turn, arms raised, defensive.

As if my thoughts summoned him, he’s there, watching me. Why didn’t I hear him approach?

My gaze roves over his relaxed denims and his zippered sweater with the sleeves pushed up his forearms, showing off a bespoke wristwatch and a thick silver bracelet atop sinewy forearms. His attire is relaxed, but his expression is unsettling: intense and purposeful.

If he tries anything, I’m ready. I’ve trained. I’m skilled. With an exhale, I calm myself. Expect the worst, prepare for the worst, and move forward.

“Did you… Is it done?” I ask.

“No.”

“But… What are you waiting on?”

This last step in my plan scares me, and in my life, I’ve found that when something is scary, it’s best to charge into it. Shadows grow into demons if left unchallenged.

“It pays to be cautious. I aim to ensure it doesn’t track back to you.”

I study Nick’s deep-set, intelligent eyes and confident posture. Poised. Strategic. I am not this stranger’s concern. “You don’t want it to track to you.”

“True.”

At least the man doesn’t deny the truth.

“Can I get you something to drink?” He moves to the bar cart that’s against the wall. “The chef will deliver dinner shortly.”

I decline with a shake of my head. “What were you doing up in your office?”

It’s nearly eight. If he wasn’t disseminating the information I gave him, was he squired away in his office avoiding me?

“Tracking Lina.”

He pours himself a golden drink in a high-ball glass and joins me on the sofa.

“Tracking her?”Is he that controlling?

“I have a security detail meeting up with Lina. It’s not her cup of tea.”

“Why does she require security?”

“Well, to most of London, she’s a well-to-do heiress. If it wasn’t for her blasted attempt at being an influencer, she could travel around anonymously. But, in her quest for followers, she highlighted her wealth.”

“You worry someone will target her? For ransom?”

“Better safe than sorry, no?”

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