Page 87 of Stripped

"Aye. He'll do," Alex said, picking up the boy like a small package. "It's all right, laddie. We'll get you home to your mum."

Pim looked at Wraith. "Where's Sokolov?"

"Gone," he said, a bit coolly. "He disappeared before our eyes."

Master of illusions.More footsteps echoed on the stairs, and Gabriel and Sin appeared. Sin hit a switch, turning on the lights, while Gabriel found a box on the wall at the back that controlled the machines. He flicked the main nob, silencing the contraptions to their dormant state. Silence filled the room.

"Let's get out of here, lads," Alex said. "Before the authorities show up."

Wraith helped her up but made no move to comfort her, keeping his distance. He picked the gun up off the ground, depositing it in an empty holster on his chest. She followed the men downstairs and out of the back of the building, into a close.

"I'll ride with Gabriel. We'll take Hamish," Wraith said, taking the boy from Alex. Pim watched as he piled into the Mercedes with the other men.

"You can ride with me, Pim," Alex said, holding the door of the Porsche open for her. She sat down, adjusting her seatbelt as the colonel got in behind the wheel. "He'll have had a fright."

Pim wasn't sure who he was talking about. The noise from upstairs still reverberated through her mind. She looked at him blankly.

"Wraith, you'll have given him a scare." He reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. "You gave us all a scare, but he was bloody well frightened, knowing what Sokolov did to you before."

"I'm sorry he got away."

"Your and the boy's safety is what matters. We'll get Sokolov."

The ride to City Halls was short. When Alex pulled up in front of the building, the party was winding down and people stood outside, waiting for their cars to pull up from valet. Pim spotted Natasha talking to two security officers.

Wraith got out of the car with Hamish and waited for Pim and Alex. The young boy ran up to his mother. "Mummy," he cried.

"Natasha, can we talk inside?"

The blonde girl looked over at the officers. "Thank you for your help. It seems we found him." She followed them all into the dressing room.

"Where did you find him?" Natasha asked anxiously.

Pim explained the situation as best she could without giving away too much information. "I'm sorry, Natasha. It was one of my grandfather's associates."

"What do we do now?" the young mother asked. "What if he comes back for Hamish?"

"We don't think that will happen," Alex said. "But I will make sure you have around the clock protection until we catch him."

"We need to go to the police."

"We can't," Pim tried to explain. "For now, we have to keep this quiet. These men will protect you."

Natasha nodded.

"I was wondering if you would like to stay in my flat? It's in a better neighborhood," Pim asked. "That is until you can choose one for yourself."

"I couldn't do that." The girl looked down as if she had something to ask but wasn't sure how.

"Natasha, tell me what you want."

"Can Hamish and I go back to Angus' place?"

"You would want to go back there?"

"I know you don't understand, but I loved him. We have good memories there. Hamish likes it there."

"If that's what you want. I'm setting up a trust for Hamish. He deserves half of the estate." She took Natasha's hand. "I know it can't make up for what my grandfather did to you. But please let me help."

The girl nodded.

"One of my men will drive you to Angus'. We'll make sure your things are transferred over as soon as possible," Alex said.

"I'll take her," Wraith said.

Pim looked over at him, but he refused to meet her eye.

"No, you'll take Pim back to your place." Alex picked the small boy up off the chair where he had fallen asleep. "Kian will accompany Natasha."

"Fine," Wraith said shortly. He held his hand out for Pim to go first. "After you."

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