Page 156 of Toxic Salvation
“I know. Call you and you’ll be here in ten minutes.”
“I don’t want to leave you.”
“I know that, too.” She smiles. “Just be careful. And Kovan?”
“Yeah?”
“Whatever you find out, go easy on them. They’re family. They probably think they’re protecting you.”
I kiss the top of her head and head out, already switching into business mode. I don’t text ahead to warn Pavel and Osip I’m coming.
Surprise visits are more effective when people can’t prepare their lies.
I find them running a full security briefing in our main conference room. Three teams packed around the table, hanging on every word.
Pavel spots me first, but Osip is so deep into his presentation he doesn’t notice me slip inside.
“We can’t afford to let this happen again,” Osip says as he gestures to something on the projection screen. “To that end, we want increased security on?—”
He stops mid-sentence when Pavel elbows him hard in the ribs.
“Go on, Osip,” I encourage with heavy sarcasm. “I want to know what can’t happen again. Especially since your texts told me nothing’s been happening at all.”
Osip’s face pales. He opens his mouth, closes it, opens it again.
That’s what I fucking thought.
I turn to the security teams. “Out.”
The men file out immediately, leaving just Pavel, Osip, and me. I walk to the head of the table where they’re standing.
“You’re in my spot.”
They back away like I’ve grown fangs.
“Listen, Kovan?—”
“Let me stop you right there.” I hold up a hand. “Did I or did I not tell you two to inform me the moment there were developments with Ihor?”
Osip’s shoulders slump. “You did.”
“Did I or did I not tell you to let me know before calling any meetings with security teams?”
“You did,” Pavel mutters.
“Then what thefuckis this?”
Osip shoots Pavel a look. “Told you he’d be pissed.”
Pavel scratches his jaw. “Look, I know you’re angry. I know you gave us specific instructions. But you’re also a new father, and we thought you’d want to enjoy this time with your family. Without dealing with Ihor’s bullshit.”
I sit down hard in my chair. “So shithasbeen happening. I knew Ihor wouldn’t stay quiet.”
“He hasn’t,” Pavel admits. “But it’s been minor stuff. Distractions. We didn’t think it was worth interrupting your time with Vesper and the baby.”
“That wasn’t your call to make.” My hands clench into fists on the table. “I need to know everything. Sit down and tell me exactly what’s been going on. Don’t leave out a single detail.”
Pavel and Osip take their usual seats, looking like kids called to the principal’s office.
