Page 37 of Sin of Silence

Chapter Twenty-Three

Atense silence fell on the table. Shaun's wide gaze moved from Jozef to the man standing next to the table with two bodyguards behind him. She was relieved to see Havel off to the side of the VIP area, his hard gaze on the uninvited guests. She never thought she’d be happy to see Havel, but he was a familiar face who she knew was on Jozef’s side should anything happen.

Just as the tension grew so thick that Shaun wondered if somehow an enemy had managed to make his way to their table, Jozef’s face split into a wide grin and he slapped the table with the palms of his hands, standing to greet the man. He reached out and they shook hands, then clasped shoulders.

The man's eyes strayed to Shaun, his gaze lingering speculatively before swinging back to Jozef. "I heard that you have new sweetheart." The man had a thick accent, maybe Russian.

Jozef tugged Shaun against his side and nodded at her. She took that as her cue to introduce herself to the stranger.

Shaun took the proffered hand and murmured, “Dr. Shaun Patterson.”

His speculative look sharpened and for a moment Shaun was positive he knew exactly who she was. Was there news coverage of her disappearance? She wouldn’t be surprised. Though the Ukrainian border with Russia had become largely lawless, and it wasn’t unheard of for people to go missing, a woman of her stature, working with Doctors Without Borders, would draw attention. Along with the dramatic hospital exit, Shaun was fairly certain her disappearance was a hot topic. The man didn’t mention the kidnapping though.

"I am Klaus, good friend of both the Koba family and this scoundrel here." He looked at Jozef with a wide grin. "I heard you were back in town. Do you mind if I sit?"

Jozef waved him into the booth and pulled Shaun even closer against his side, his hand at the back of her neck sending pleasurable skitters of awareness down her spine. Apparently Jozef had no qualms about public displays of affection. The guards hovered nearby until Jozef waved them away.

"Do you require translation this evening, sir?" Karl asked before leaving.

Jozef hesitated then glanced at Shaun and shook his head. As she watched, Jozef signed,my fiancé will translate for us.

Shaun raised her eyebrow. It was clear that Klaus was an important contact, possibly a business associate. It was a dangerous game getting someone like Shaun to translate. She suspected that Jozef didn't want his bodyguards nearby because he wanted to retain some of the intimacy they’d shared before they were interrupted.

"You're looking good, my friend," Klaus said as the waitress came back to drop drinks off. She placed Shaun’s glass of red wine in front of her, another drink in front of Jozef and another in front of Klaus.

The club was very good if the waitress already knew that this man would be sharing their table and what his drink preference was.

"Then again, it is hard to be ugly with a woman of such rare beauty at your side." Klaus glanced at Shaun, but his eyes slid away quickly.

Jozef signed,indeed, she is very beautiful. Jozef’s eyes lingered on Shaun and she could feel her face heating under his scrutiny. He continued,what brings you to my club? Were you looking for me?

Shaun translated for Jozef, relieved that it came easily to her. She just had to make sure that she watched his hands carefully and that her attention didn't drift.

"Indeed, I was," Klaus admitted, sipping from his drink. “There are rumours that the head of the Koba clan was captured, but he’s now safely home. This incident could make your family appear less in control than they should be. Others might think there is opportunity to bring the Kobas low. You need to be careful, my friend.”

Shaun translated, but her curiosity was piqued.

I sent a strong and public message to Vasiliy. Hopefully it will discourage others from taking advantage of our situation.

Klaus shook his head. “It was nasty, what you did to Vasiliy’s men."

Jozef’s brows drew downward into a frown.What I did was necessary. The mutilation of Krystoff Koba required a strong response.

Klaus laughed loudly and downed the rest of his drink before replying. "There was nothing subtle about your message. One dead body and seven fingers definitely sends a message."

Shaun froze as she realized what the two men were talking about. Jozef had killed and tortured someone. Suddenly the club felt less warm, less welcoming. The opulent surroundings now felt garish as they housed the brutality of the people within.

Jozef’s hands moved, but Shaun wasn't paying attention.

Klaus continued, chortling as he spoke. "I heard you did the deed on this very table and then sent his men's fingers back to him in a doggy bag. You have a sense of humour, my friend, even if it’s a grim one."

Shaun jerked back from the table, her eyes glued to a mark she saw on the opposite edge, one clearly made by a knife. Her heart sped up in her chest and her palms grew damp. How could she possibly forget for one single second who Jozef was?

Shaun jumped in her seat as she felt Jozef’s fingers at her neck. She swung her gaze to him. He was looking at her with concern, his fingers gently kneading the back of her neck as if trying to calm her.

"I can't do this," she whispered for his ears alone.

They stared at each other, both knowing exactly what she meant. She couldn’t handle that moment; she couldn’t handle Prague or Jozef. She couldn’t handle being forced to become part of a crime family.

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