Page 84 of A Silent Reckoning

Jozef brought Shaun into the bosom of the family, and like a ticking bomb she was responsible for blowing them to hell. Jozef had insisted on protecting the woman, though his responsibility was with his family.

This was Jozef’s war and Krystoff was going to finish it.

He checked his sidearm before climbing into his vehicle and starting the engine. There was a light clicking sound and the engine failed to catch. Krystoff’s heart hammered and he carefully took his hand away from the keys and opened the door. He slid out and ran, leaving the door ajar.

Seconds later the car exploded. Heat seared his back, and he was thrown off his feet and into another vehicle. A sickening crunch told him he’d shattered a window with his shoulder.

He pushed himself to his feet and did a quick body check.

Nothing broken.

He was impressed. Jozef had never been much of an explosives man. He used them if he had to, but he preferred a more personal kill. Bombs weren’t personal. They could be easily misdirected or miscalculated. This one had failed to kill Krystoff, a fact he would take advantage of.

He ran toward the main road, texting his men to send a car.

Then he texted Rassoul and reiterated that the bodyguard was to lock himself in the hospital room with Dasha and call hospital security.

It was the best he could do for his wife. He loved her more than anyone, but he had to focus on the task ahead. Take out the threat to the Koba family.

* * *

Leeza peeked her head around the corner and, catching sight of Krystoff, ducked back into the room she was hiding in. The gentle whir of a machine reminded her that she was hiding out in another patient’s room. The woman didn’t look like she was about to wake up any time soon. The greatest risk was that a family member or nurse could walk in.

It didn’t matter though; she’d be out in a minute. Krystoff had no choice but to leave. He had to be part of the strike team preparing to hit Jozef.

Leeza had texted Saskia, telling her to stay away from the mansion if she could manage it. Saskia’s response had been, “I’ve got this. Take care of yourself, sister.”

Leeza had blinked away tears as she wondered if she’d ever see her wild little sister again. Saskia was even more secretive than their mother. It was why Leeza didn’t really worry about her. The girl had more lives than a cat. Saskia was no longer her concern. Leeza had to protect her child and the woman who had caused this nightmare.

No, Leeza told herself,you caused this. It starts with you, and now it’ll end when you disappear.

Krystoff thought his daughters would be safe at the mansion. He still believed he was holding onto a strong criminal empire. The rest of them had watched it crumble, one piece at a time, until there was nothing left to hold it together. He believed that as long as he had his family, he had something, but he didn’t even have them. His wife had betrayed him and his daughters were scattering to the wind.

Leeza heard quick footsteps coming down the hall toward her. She moved farther back and watched as Krystoff passed by.

She wouldn’t have long.

If her distraction killed him then his men would be all over the hospital looking for the bomber. If it didn’t kill him, he’d double down on Dasha’s security, making it impossible for Leeza to get in the room. She had to move fast.

She placed her hand against the butt of the pistol tucked in the holster at her back, beneath her jacket, and walked toward her mother’s room. Her mother’s personal bodyguard and another man were standing guard.

“You.” She nodded at Rassoul. “Show me to my mother.”

His eyes bugged when he saw her. “You’re supposed to be at the mansion, Ms. Koba-Horácek.”

“Is that so?” she snapped in annoyance. “Well, I’m not. I’m here to see my mom. Now step aside or shoot me.”

She walked past him and shoved the door open. Of course, he didn’t stop her. If there was one thing hammered into the heads of all staff on the Koba payroll, it was to never touch the women. No matter what was happening, they were not allowed to lay hands on family members. Leeza took advantage of Rassoul’s momentary confusion.

He recovered quickly, stepping into the room behind her. It was too late. She pulled the gun and turned, shooting him in the head. The other guard followed quickly behind, but failed to identify Leeza as the attacker, instead waving his gun around the room.

She shot him, too.

Before his body hit the floor, her gun was back in the holster and she was facing her mother.

Her gun had a silencer that muffled the shots, but she could still be discovered by hospital staff if she didn’t move quickly. Besides, once the explosion happened, the hospital would go into lockdown within minutes. Leeza couldn’t be inside when that happened.

“Wake up,” she said sharply, slapping Dasha’s cheek.

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