Page 53 of Til Death Do Us Part (Kornilov Bratva Duet 2)

Just as I’m finishing up, my phone rings again. I answer without looking, assuming it is probably Molly calling to check on my progress.

“Viktor. It’s George.” George doesn’t need to announce himself—his voice is deep enough that it’s obvious—but he is too formal for anything less. “I’ve got news.”

“Let’s hear it,” I say, though I hardly mean it. Whatever he has found out, I don’t want to know. Something finally went right. Molly wants me to come over, and I’m excited about it. I don’t feel like being brought down with bad news. Yet, I know this information can’t be delayed.

“I followed Petr again today, but I didn’t lose him this time. I know where he is going.” He pauses for dramatic effect. “He has been going to the apartment of a well-known Mafiosi lieutenant.”

My hand tightens on the phone and it takes every ounce of self-control I have not to throw it against the nearest wall.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes,” George says clearly. “He pulled a hat on before exiting his car, but I still recognized him. He was there for almost an hour before leaving. I saw his face as he left.”

Shit, shit, shit.

“Thanks, George.” My hands are shaking, but my voice is even. I’m grateful for that. I don’t want anyone to know exactly how deep this cut goes. “I’ll drop your payment at the diner.”

As soon as I hang up with George, I call Seamus.

“Eager to see me again?” he asks by way of a greeting. “Niamh just told me we’ll be seeing you tomorrow for dinner.”

“Something like that,” I admit, trying to keep my tone light. “I think I might know who told Fedor where to send the assassin.”

“Who?” Seamus asks, all sign of warmth gone from his voice.

“Petr. My consigliere.”

“Shit,” Seamus says, echoing my sentiments from earlier. “I’m sorry, Viktor. What can I do?”

“Kidnap him and take him somewhere isolated. Somewhere I can question him later,” I say. “I would do it, but I don’t know who I can trust.”

It’s a lot to ask for from a new alliance, but considering Petr assisted in nearly ending Seamus’ life, I know he won’t mind helping out. I’m doing this for his benefit as well as my own.

“Done,” he says. “It’s the least I can do considering you saved my life. I’ll take care of it and see you tomorrow.”

I give him a half-hearted greeting and hang up. The moment I end the call, I drop down onto the couch and rest my face in my hands.

For my brother and now my cousin.

Can I truly trust no one?

* * *

By the timeI get all my suitcases in the car and get to Molly’s, it’s late. She doesn’t respond to my text from the car, so I assume she is asleep as I unlock the door and step inside. The guards are still on duty, and after a quick check to be sure I’m not an enemy, they go back to their allocated corner of the apartment.

I drop my suitcases in the entryway and turn towards the kitchen, headed straight to the liquor cabinet for a drink. Soft footsteps sound behind me, and I smile at Molly’s attempt at a sneaky approach.

“I’d make you a drink, but your condition doesn’t allow it,” I say before she can reach me, my back still towards her.

I feel a hand stroke down my shoulder blade, pressing into my tense muscles, and I relax slightly.

“I hope that isn’t true because I’ve already had several drinks tonight.”

The voice does not belong to Molly, and my entire body tenses. I spin around, sloshing some gin across the counter, and face Hannah.

Her eyes are bloodshot, and she is swaying on her feet even though she isn’t moving.

“How many drinks?” I ask, my voice harsh and cold.

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