Page 228 of Bossy Hero

“You already lost Dempsey and the FBI bitch. Do you really trust the mayor and Alexei to keep this port clear?”

Undersheriff Dempsey was arrested in the first wave. He’s on house arrest while awaiting trial. Needless to say, he’s suspended, pending the criminal proceedings. The fact that he was put on leavewithout payis a good sign that he’ll be officially ousted soon. They wouldn’t do that if they didn’t have their own evidence.

The audio recording distorts a little, and the frame shakes. I narrow my eyes, taking a step closer to the monitor. With only a view behind Katia, it’s hard to tell what’s happening in the room. It sounds like footsteps and then a rustling of clothing. Flesh-colored skin passes by the camera lens. When Lenkov speaks again, he sounds much closer to Katia.

I suspect he’s pulled her into his arms or is groping her ass. An acrid taste fills my mouth.

“Oh, Alexei will do anything I tell him,” he says menacingly.

Katia’s voice is breathy when she replies. “Are you sure?”

“He will do what I say. And you’ll make sure of it, won’t you?”

“Of course. He believes everything I tell him.”

“That’s my pretty little dove.”Mia makes a gagging sound, then continues translating.“Come to my room tonight.”

“What do you want me to tell the mayor?” Katia asks.

“We’ll split the shipments. After you call him, ensure all our personal things are packed. I want to be ready to go at a moment’s notice.”

“Okay. I’ll go tell him. I trust you.”

Lettie groans. “Gross.”

Her comment draws soft laughter from the others.

“After you call him, remember to have your phone wiped.”

“Yes, my love,” Katia agrees. Based on the audio, they share another kiss.

I’m unsure which is worse—her sounding like she’s enjoying it or Lenkov forcing it on her. Both options are possible, but the latter seems less probable based on the tone of this entire conversation.

Poor Bigsby.

The only thing that’ll save her is if she delivers a message to her father or Patterson to let us know they’re splitting the shipments between the two ports. Otherwise, Tomer was right all along.

Considering Bigsby has never indicated she’s pretending to be a double agent, I fear he’s entirely unaware of this.

And until now, we had no idea Lenkov knew we were planning to intercept him in Miami. The only way he would know that is because of Katia or another law enforcement rat.

Aside from Patterson, Salgado, and Bigsby, I’m done sharing intel. My lips are sealed until we gift-wrap Lenkov and his people, then hand them over to the feds.

“I’m gonna throw up,” Lettie adds in response to the prolonged intimate moment between Lenkov and Katia. “He’s so old and vile.Argh.”

The rest of the recording is uneventful. She keeps her phone in her pocket until she gets back to the bedroom. Her stroll through the house gives us a better idea of the interior of the home. But nothing stands out except more boxes.

At least we know they’re planning to move.

As promised, Katia calls the mayor to inform him of Lenkov’s decision to split the shipments. Nothing else.

The video comes to an end.

Tomer explains, “Katia immediately turned off her phone after the call. More than likely it’s being wiped now or will be soon. We backed out at that point so we didn’t get caught spying on her.”

A sharp nod is my only response. I stride slowly toward the window while attempting to process my thoughts. But my mind is foggy. The direction we need to take is unclear. It’s unsettling since I normally see things so vividly.

Disappointment over Katia’s apparent allegiance with Lenkov stings my chest. Especially when I picture how Bigsby will take the news. I’m unsure whether my relationship with Lettie or Maddie has brought more emotions to the forefront. Regardless of why, they’re blocking my ability to see the endgame.

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