Page 83 of The Mafia's Fake Wife

“Our informant says Casey and Nikolai are planning a coordinated hit. Targeting both you and Elena.”

My hands curl into fists at my sides. “When?”

“Soon. Within the week, according to Svetozar.”

“And they know about the pregnancy?”

Anton nods once. “Nikolai knows. Our informant couldn’t tell us how he found out, but he knows Elena is carrying your child.”

I walk back to my desk, pick up the photo of Casey with Yuri, and study it. “Where is Casey now?”

“We have eyes on him. He’s at an apartment in Northern Liberties and hasn’t left since this morning.”

I set down the photo and look at Anton. “And our informant? How reliable is he?”

“Reliable enough. We’ve verified most of what he’s told us through other channels. Plus, he has good reason to help us.”

“Which is?”

“Nikolai killed his brother last month. Suspected him of skimming. He wasn’t, and losing his brother has made Svetozar’s mother worsen. If she dies, he’s going to blame Nikolai for that too.”

I nod, understanding the motivation. Revenge is a powerful incentive.

“What do you want to do?” he asks.

What I want is to put a bullet in Casey’s head myself. To make an example of him so brutal that no one would dare come near my family again, but I made a promise to Elena, so no killing Casey unless she changes her mind. “Bring him in. Quietly. I want to talk to him first.”

Anton raises an eyebrow. “You sure that’s wise? If Nikolai has a hit planned?—”

“I need to know exactly what he’s told Nikolai about Elena and us.” I tap the desk with my index finger. “I need to know who else is involved.”

“After you get what you need?”

I meet Anton’s gaze. “Then we’ll see what Elena wants to do with him.”

Anton nods and stands. “I’ll have him here in two hours.”

“Make it one, and Anton—” I pause, making sure he understands the gravity of my next words. “No marks. I need him coherent.”

“Understood.”

After he leaves, I sit back down at my desk and spread the photos out in front of me. Casey with Nikolai’s men. Casey accessing bank accounts. Casey buying a gun. I pick up my phone and dial Elena’s number, hoping she’ll be at a point where she can answer. To my relief, she picks up on the third ring.

“Hey,” she says, her voice warm. “I was just thinking about you.”

“Are you alone?” I ask.

There’s a pause. “Yes. Valeriya is outside the door, but I’m alone in the bathroom before heading to another consultation. Why? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” I lie. “I just wanted to check on you. How are you feeling?”

“Better today. The morning sickness seems to be easing up a bit.”

“Good. That’s good.” I hesitate, not wanting to worry her but needing her to be extra vigilant. “Elena, I need you to stay close to Valeriya during your shift today.”

Another pause, longer this time. “Damir, what’s going on?”

“Just a precaution. I’ll explain everything when I get home.”

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