Page 53 of Torn Souls

Maxim, to his credit, winces and gives the men a sheepish look. He rubs the back of his neck, “I apologize, I shouldn’t have said that. It was crass and inconsiderate.”

“Chambers abused the women Morozov trafficked?” Hendrix is seething as he asks the question, his chest expanding more with each breath as if he can hardly contain his anger.

I let out a sigh, hating to be the one to explain what I found. “Since we met with him and Oaklynn came to us with the knowledge that her father wanted to use her for inside information, I dived even deeper into the man. Not only was Iable to find pictures of him with some of the women Morozov trapped in his trafficking business, but I also found evidence of him auctioning off his own daughter to the highest bidder after Kirill didn’t fall at his feet in gratitude for his offer.”

“Have you been monitoring the site where Chambers posted the sale?” Kirill’s voice is cold, almost detached.

I understand he needs to put a bit of distance between the fact that Oaklynn could have been lost to us and the matter at hand. Not having Oaklynn in our lives, of her being sold and lost in the void, is too much to consider.

“It’s still up,” I admit and his eyes flash, “but I’ve spoofed it and shut it down to anyone who comes across it, even though Chambers doesn’t know that it’s not live anymore.” I pause and take a deep breath, knowing this next bit of information is going to complicate matters. “He’s been in contact with Lev.”

Hendrix’s gaze snaps over to mine. “What about Mikhail?”

“There’s been no direct contact that I’ve found, but if he’s contacted Lev, he might as well have been talking to Mikhail.”

Hendrix nods as he turns thoughtful. “We need to be immediately briefed with any new information regarding Chambers and his movements.”

I have no doubt that his need for vengeance is riding him hard, but he’s spent years abusing our woman. We’ll have first blood when the time comes and that’s just how it is.

“Of course,” Kirill promises. It’s clear he’s about to say something else, before his private line starts to ring. We share glances because the number of people who have the number is very few.

Baker is quickly tapping on his tablet and then shakes his head. “It’s not Oaklynn, she’s fine.”

Kirill answers and puts the call immediately on speaker. “Volkov,” he barks.

“Kirill,” the smooth voice of Angelo Amato comes through the line.

“Angelo,” Kirill’s voice is neutral, “it’s not often that you call me. What can I do for you?”

“I’ve been hearing some rumors around town,” Angelo begins. “Now, we all know how rumors can be bullshit or all truth. I’d like the opportunity to speak with you and your men, who I’m sure are listening in right now, about the whispers which have reached my ears.”

Kirill glances between Baker, Maxim, and myself. We all give him various shrugs or looks of indifference. Angelo isn’t exactly an ally, but he’s not an enemy. It’s better for everyone if we’re on each other’s good sides.

“I’d be interested in hearing what is going around town right now,” Kirill acquiesces.

“I’ll see you this evening at Second Circle at nine.”

Angelo hangs up and Maxim gets a shit eating grin on his face. It makes me uneasy.

I narrow my eyes at the man who is always up for some mischief. “What is that smile about?”

“I need to go shopping for something our woman can wear out tonight,” he answers while already standing and striding out the door, not at all concerned if anyone has anything to say to his declaration.

Kirill lets out a long, suffering sigh. He’s not the only one used to his brother’s antics, but that doesn’t mean we have to like them.

Apparently, we’ll be going to Second Circle tonight. With our woman.

CHAPTER 18

BAKER

As much as I’d love to be drinking whiskey, like the rest of the guys, I’m not. Not tonight. I’ll be driving our crew to Second Circle for this meeting with Angelo. A meeting I’m dreading.

It feels like too much of a coincidence that he’s reaching out now. Now that we have Oaklynn. Now that Chambers thinks that he’s got us right where he wants us. Now that Mikhail is starting to make waves in the city.

I don’t believe in coincidence. Everything is connected.

The only good thing is that I know Angelo is not in bed with Mikhail. The Italians are just as dirty as we are, but they skirt a line that we won’t ever be willing to come close to. They’re firmly against trafficking and forcing women to do something they don’t want to do, but they’ve found their own way to peddle flesh.

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