Page 36 of The Mafia's Fake Wife

Papers rustle in the background, and I hear the distant sound of hospital announcements over the PA system. “Busy. Two traumas came in this morning that required emergency surgery, and I’ve been running between patients since.”

“Sounds like you’re in your element.”

She laughs softly. “I am though I could use about three more hours of sleep and a gallon of coffee.”

I move to the window of my office, looking out at the city below. My city. The one Nikolai wants to take from me. “Listen, there’s something you should know.”

The background noise on her end diminishes, and I picture her stepping into an empty room or hallway for privacy. “What is it?”

“The federal investigation I mentioned when we made our arrangement is heating up.” I keep my voice steady and matter-of-fact. “They’re looking for anything they can use against me, and that includes you.”

A pause. “Me? What could I possibly tell them?”

“Nothing. That’s the point.” I choose my words carefully. “They’ll try to pressure you and make you think you’re in trouble for associating with me. They might even threaten your medical license.”

Her sharp intake of breath tells me she understands the gravity of the situation. “When?”

“Soon. Possibly today.” I move back to my desk, sitting down in the leather chair. “If they approach you, remember what we discussed. We met at the hospital when Anton was injured. You treated him, I visited, and we connected. Our relationship progressed naturally from there. If they want an accounting of my whereabouts for a specific time, tell them you’ll have to check your calendar. You work so many hours, it’s hard to keep track.”

“No lie there.” She hesitates. “I remember the story,” she says, her voice quieter now. “What else should I know?”

“They’ll ask about my business, my associates, and my schedule. Stick to what you know, that I run legitimate investment companies and tech startups. You don’t know the details because you’re focused on your medical career.” I tap my fingers against the desk. “If they push, tell them to contact my lawyer. You’re not obligated to answer their questions.”

“Okay.” She takes a deep breath. “I can handle this.”

“I know you can.” I pause, considering how much more to tell her now versus tonight. “There’s more we need to discuss, but it can wait until you’re home.”

“More about the investigation?”

“Among other things.” I glance at the locked drawer containing Anton’s files. “It’s better discussed in person.”

Another pause, longer this time. “Damir, should I be worried?”

The question hangs between us. I could lie and tell her everything’s fine, but she deserves better than that. “You’re safe. I’ll make sure of it.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

Smart woman, seeing through my deflections. “The situation is complicated, but nothing you can’t handle. We’ll talk tonight.”

She sighs, and I can picture her lips tightening in irritation. “All right. I should get back to my patients.”

“One more thing,” I add quickly. “If the agents approach you, call me immediately after they leave.”

“I will.” She pauses. “Thank you for the warning.”

“Of course.” I hesitate, then add, “Be careful, Elena.”

“Always am.” The smile returns to her voice. “See you tonight.”

The call ends, and I place the phone on my desk, staring at it for a long moment. She agreed so easily to lie to federal agents for me. The rational part of my brain reminds me that’s exactly what she signed up for when she accepted our arrangement—to be my alibi, my cover, but the irrational part wonders if she truly understands what she’s getting into.

I pick up the phone again and dial another number. Anton answers immediately.

“I need you to increase surveillance on the hospital,” I say without preamble. “If federal agents approach Elena, I want to know immediately.”

“Already done,” Anton says. “Valeriya’s with her, Fydor’s watching the parking garage, and I have two more men watching the entrances. If the feds show up, we’ll know.”

“Good.” I pause. “And Casey?”

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