Page 63 of Wrath
Misha had returned with Lilo and both stood by the exit. “Think about it, Wyatt. Dimitri has an unhealthy obsession with me. It goes beyond the fact we used to go to school together. I used to think his warped attention was because I was nice to him back then, but now I’m not so sure. He needs me for something. I don’t know what, but he does. We can use that.”
“That’s exactly why we can’t use you. We don’t know what’s going on in his mind.”
Misha wasn’t swayed. “I can claim that you kidnapped me against my will, that you’re even scarier than he is, and that I need protection from you. It will appeal to his ego, you know it will.”
“That man doesn’t have an ego. He’s pure psychopath.” Wyatt folded his arms.
“I’ve been inside his office many times. I know where he keeps his ledger book. If I can get some solid evidence of his criminal activities, you can put him away for good, right?” Misha said to Liza, already discounting Wyatt’s opinion, and that grated at his nerves.
Liza frowned in return. “Stealing his ledger won’t be enough. We need to catch him in the act, we need supporting evidence, or we need a confession.”
“There is a girl who went missing,” Misha added. “I’m sure he got rid of her after a private party went wrong. If she is dead and we can tie her death to Dimitri…”
“That could work,” Liza said, tapping her chin. “A homicide connection would also involve me professionally, all above board.”
“No,” Wyatt tried again. “I’m not accepting this.”
“Good,” Misha said as if Wyatt hadn’t spoken. As if he had no voice again. “Me groveling at Dimitri’s feet will make him feel as though he’s won. It will take him by surprise. As long as I’m out here, on the run and evading him, he’ll be paranoid that his people think he’s weak. He burned down our restaurant to prove a point to his followers. When I went back after that, he was grateful I kept my head down and went back to work, just like he’d publicly ordered. I know how to placate him. I know how his mind works. Not only can I get some evidence of his crimes, but I can get close and get information about this woman you want. I’ve seen her there many times.”
Wyatt couldn’t believe Misha was saying this. Dimitri burned down her place to prove a point, and that was only because of an unpaid debt. This time, personal humiliation was involved. “And what happens if Dimitri decides to punish you on the spot—to eliminate you this time?”
“He won’t do that. He likes to have power over me. And if it comes to that, Tony will be in the club, right? He’ll be my backup.”
“You’re a civilian, Misha. You’re not prepared for this kind of subterfuge.” Wyatt stepped toward his mate.
“You have no idea what I’m prepared for. You hardly know me.”
Her words were an arrow to his heart. The two of them glared at each other.
Seeking to keep the peace, Parker gestured at Sloan. “Sloan, you can take Misha’s place. Get a job at the club.”
Sloan didn’t respond. In fact, she’d failed to utter a single word the entire time Wyatt had been there.
“Are you kidding me?” Liza said. “Have you seen Sloan in a bikini lately? Then again, maybe if you say she’s working for V-bucks, she might get off her ass.”
Sloan poked her tongue out at Liza.
“Aw, come on, Sloanie. That’s gotta get you laughing.” Liza stretched out her foot to nudge Sloan across the couch. But Sloan just ignored her, as if she didn’t have the energy.
Lilo piped up. “I’ll do it. I know how to defend myself. I know how to gather intel.”
“No, Lilo.” Misha gave her friend a soft smile. “This isn’t your fight.”
Lilo folded her arms and cocked her hip. “Oh, so it’s okay for you to put yourself in danger, but not me? I want your family protected as much as you. They’re my family too.”
A low growl rumbled from Griffin’s throat as he crossed the room to be with his mate. “No. Definitely not. You’re not going in.”
“Don’t you start.” Lilo glared at him. “You know once I set my mind to something, there’s no stopping me.”
Griffin shook his head. “Your face is on the video news networks now. You’re too recognizable.”
“So is Tony!”
“He can act.”
Uneasiness rolled in Wyatt’s gut. He didn’t want to come between Griffin and his mate. “What about you, Liza? You worked in vice. You had girls in the trade as informants. Can’t you get one of them to go in for you?”
“Don’t look at me. I’ve been working homicide for years now. And I have a job. I can’t just disappear to chase down some old contacts. Although, playing stripper does sound like fun.” She shot a worried glance toward Lilo, and then Misha. “And I would prefer not to rely on Lilo. No offense, Lilo.”
