Page 134 of Toxic Salvation
KOVAN
“I’m sorry for just dropping in like this.”
Richard Lovell looks like hell. His white hair sticks up at odd angles and dark circles ring his eyes. The man clearly hasn’t been sleeping well since taking over as board president.
Not that I blame him. Working for me comes with its own set of pressures.
“Not at all,” I say. “My door is always open. Take a seat, Richard. What brings you by?”
It’s been weeks since I’ve set foot in Krayev Headquarters. My personal assistants practically jump out of their skin when the elevator doors open and I walk onto the floor. Clearly, they’ve gotten comfortable slacking off during my recovery. Their usually pristine desks are buried under stacks of files, documents, and neon Post-It notes stuck to every available surface.
I make a mental note to have a conversation with Henry and Maggie about productivity standards.
“You told me to keep you informed of any updates, particularly regarding…” Richard pauses, lowering his voice. “… Ihor Makhova.”
My jaw tightens. “He made contact.”
“This morning. He cornered me in my office and introduced himself.” Richard pulls out a handkerchief and dabs at his forehead. “Very charming fellow. Real smooth talker.”
“I bet he was. Did he mention the Keres organization?”
“Not directly, but he laid the groundwork. Said he was interested in developing a ‘strong working relationship’ with me, just like he had with Jeremy Fleming.”
“Of course he did.” I start spinning a pen between my fingers. “Anything else?”
Richard reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper. He slides it across my desk with shaking fingers. “He wants to make an investment.”
I unfold the paper and scan the contents. A check made out to St. Raphael’s Hospital for ten million dollars, signed by Ihor Makhova.
“How predictable,” I mutter, tossing the check aside. “Did he bring up anything else?”
Richard shifts uncomfortably in his seat. “He asked a lot of questions about your wife.”
Every muscle in my body goes rigid. “He mentioned Vesper?”
“Don’t worry,” Richard rushes to assure me, mopping his forehead again. “I told him I wasn’t at liberty to discuss any of my staff with anyone outside the board.”
“I’m sure he loved that response.”
Richard actually shudders. “There’s something very unsettling about that man, Kovan. He looks at you like he’s deciding whether you’re more useful alive or dead…”
“Don’t worry about Ihor. I’ll handle him. All you need to do is your job.”
Richard swallows hard. His knuckles are white where he grips the arms of his chair. “Am I at risk here? Because I have a wife, two daughters, and an ailing mother who depends on me.”
I study his face for a long moment. The man is terrified, and I can’t blame him. Ihor has that effect on people.
“I’m a little offended you’d even ask that question, Richard. Aren’t I paying for your daughters’ private school tuition? Aren’t I covering that mortgage on your Marin County estate? Did I not personally arrange for your mother to receive care at the most exclusive facility in the city?”
“Of course! I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. It’s just?—”
“I understand. Ihor got inside your head. He made threats and convinced you that you have something to be afraid of.” I stand up and walk around to the front of my desk. “But trust me, Richard. No matter how scary you think Ihor is, I’m ten times worse. You and your family are safe. I guarantee it.”
Richard nods gratefully. “Thank you, Mr. Krayev.”
“I take care of my people. All I ask in return is loyalty.”
“You have it.”
