Page 86 of The Mafia's Fake Wife

“Already on it. I’ve also put extra security on Elena at the hospital. Lev is heading there now.”

“Good.” I glance at Viktor, who’s watching me in the rearview mirror. “Change of plans. Take me to the office.”

Viktor nods and makes a sharp U-turn at the next intersection, earning angry honks from other drivers.

“Keep me updated,” I tell Anton before ending the call. I stare out the window, rage building inside me like a pressure cooker. Two of my men are dead, and Casey is in the wind. Nikolai is making his move. The urge to lash out, to destroy something, burns through me, but I force it down, channeling it into cold, calculated fury. Emotion clouds judgment, and I need to be clear-headed now more than ever.

My phone feels heavy when I dial Elena’s number.

She answers on the second ring. “Damir, is it time?”

“There’s been a change of plans,” I say, keeping my tone neutral. “Casey is no longer in our custody.”

She pauses. “What happened?”

I consider softening the truth, but we promised each other honesty. “He escaped, and two of my men are dead.”

Her sharp intake of breath carries through the phone. “Oh, no. When?”

“About an hour ago. We believe Nikolai’s men helped him.”

Another pause, longer this time. “What does this mean for us?”

“It means we need to be more careful. I’ve increased security at the hospital. Valeriya and Fydor will stay with you at all times. Lev is heading there now to join them.”

“And you?”

“I’m heading to the office to coordinate the search. We’ll find him.”

“I know you will.”

Her confidence in me is both gratifying and terrifying. What if I fail her? “Are you still at the hospital?” I ask.

“Yes. I have another four hours on my shift.”

“Stay close to Valeriya. Don’t go anywhere alone, not even the bathroom.”

“I won’t.” She pauses. “Damir, when you find him...”

“Yes?”

“I still want to be there. I need to hear from him why he’s doing this.”

I grip the phone tighter. “Elena?—”

“I mean it, Damir. I deserve to know.”

I exhale slowly. “Fine, but only if I determine it’s safe, and you stay behind me at all times.”

“Agreed.”

“I’ll call you when we find him. If you’re still on shift, I’ll have Valeriya bring you to the location.”

“Thank you.” Her voice softens. “Be careful, Damir. I need you to come home to us.”

Us. Her and our son. The family I never thought I’d have. “I will. I promise.”

After ending the call, I stare out the window again, watching the city streets pass by. Somewhere out there, Casey Harris is running, thinking he can escape me. He’s wrong.

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