Page 65 of Maxim

“Sure, but only if it’s okay with you.”

She drops her doll to the floor and rushes into my arms. I have to stop myself from toppling backward.

“Oof,” I grunt, making her giggle.

Instinctively, I squeeze her tight. As stupid as it is, I need this hug to stick with her until she’s in her sister’s arms once again.

When she pulls back, she ducks her head and blushes.

Despite the fact they are half sisters, she’s Olena’s mini-me. There’s no doubt about it.

“Okay, I’ll see you soon, okay. Be good,” I tell her as I stand.

She bobs her head and picks up the doll before walking across the room. I watch as she sets herself up with a coloring book.

Perfect.

Quietly, I leave the room and head back down the hall. Once I start to approach the office, though, I slow down. The door is basically shut and only partially cracked open.

I lean against the wall right outside but out of view thanks to the ridiculous gargoyle statue he has placed right outside his office doors.

“We need to strike,” the man who has never said a word hisses.

“We can’t. Not yet,” Jan tells him.

“If we don’t do something, we won’t have enough bodies for the auction.”

“You’re worrying too much. We will have the bodies. Are they causing us problems? Yes, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.”

“Chicago needs to be dealt with.” The man says.

“I agree, but not yet. We don’t even know which syndicate it is. We need more intel.”

“I’ve told you, the Yakuza and the Westies are working together.”

Jan scoffs. “Opposing families don’t join forces.”

“They do when they are connected by marriage. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if other families are involved with them,” he snipes back.

“Now you’re being ridiculous.” Jan snorts.

“Then how else do they know our schedules?” The voice challenges.

“That’s a problem for another day. I’m telling you to stop worrying. They will be dealt with accordingly. I have a plan,” Jan says.

“Then tell me the plan,” the mysterious man demands.

Jan tsks. “You know I’ll do no such thing. You’ll find out when everyone else does. Now let’s change the subject before Boyko comes back.”

Shit.

They know.

I mean, logically, we knew that they knew, but we didn’t know they knew it was exactly us.

Fuck.

Tonight when I get home, I have to give Thea another note to inform the families to watch their backs. It’s easier than running to the video game café. Maybe I should head there instead, though.

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