Page 37 of Unbridled Fire
Michael’s dark eyes lifted to mine. “How the fuck are we going to find her?”
“Joaquin and Enzo need to report all of Oskar’s movements to you,” I said, removing my gloves and stuffing them into a side pocket of my backpack. “If anything seems off, even Oskar stopping at a new place for coffee, call me.”
“I will, but Oskar is in South Jersey. He visits someone there occasionally on the weekends, and we think it’s a distant great aunt or something. Joaquin and Enzo tailed him down there, and they confirmed it on my way here. He usually returns early on Monday mornings.”
“He probably had one of his soldiers take her,” I said, frowning. “And they’ll hold her until he comes back. Fuck, this is messy.”
“I would prefer if you don’t get the FBI or the NYPD involved yet,” Michael said, “but it’s up to you.”
“I’m going to hold off as long as I can. Bringing them in could open up more inquiries into you, and into Katia’s managementof your books. I can’t promise I can hold them off forever, but for now, I don’t want anyone else involved either.”
Facing Chris, Michael gestured with his head to the door. “Can you wait in the hallway for me?”
“Sure thing, boss,” Chris said, his gaze drifting to me. “Please find her, Leo.”
“I will,” I said, unable to accept any other outcome.
Chris stepped outside, closing the door and leaving me and Michael standing in the quiet foyer.
“I think it’s time I said something to you,” he said softly.
“I’m not a big talker,” I responded, sarcasm in my tone, “so let’s just skip the fireside chat.”
Expelling a breath, Michael crossed his arms. “We’ve known each other for a long time, Leo, and it took years to build the trust we have today.”
“Thanks for the recap.”
Smirking, Michael tilted his head. “I can see why she likes you. You’re everything she needs but wasn’t ready to accept for a very long time. It’s difficult for her to imagine that loving someone will work out. I hope you’ll change that for her.”
My spine straightened as all of the difficult, intense feelings I had for Katia swirled inside my gut. “I just want to find her and make sure those bastards never touch her again.”
Michael gave a nod. “I know. I have no doubt you will.” Closing the distance between us, he cupped my shoulder. “I respect you more than you know, Leo. You’re a good man, and I’ll do everything I can to ensure you both get the happiness you deserve.”
My lips twitched. “What the fuck has Bianca done to you? I’ve never heard you talk like this.”
Michael chuckled. “She’s turned me into a damn sap. Being married to her has changed everything. I want that for you andKatia. Our past is a distant memory. Please don’t let it fuck up what you two can build together.”
A deep breath left my lips. “I hate that you two were together.”
“I know,” Michael said with a nod. “I’d fucking hate it too. But are you going to castigate her for it forever? She deserves better.”
My shoulders deflated. “She does, so I’m going to let it go. I was already starting to.”
Michael’s eyebrows lifted.
“None of your fucking business, man.”
Michael slowly smiled. A moment of understanding passed between us and he patted my upper arm. “I want to hear from you every few hours.”
“Same,” I said, extending my hand. “We’ll find her.”
Michael gave me a firm shake and backed toward the door. With a final nod, he exited, leaving me alone in Katia’s quiet apartment.
Although Michael had confirmed that Oskar was out of town, I knew the building he lived in, and needed to stake it out for myself. Slinging my backpack on my shoulder, I headed to my car and drove to Oskar’s building in Brighton Beach.
I waited outside for hours, watching... observing... plotting. As soon as I saved Katia, I was going to make this fucking bastard pay.
I’d studied criminals for years, and I doubted that Oskar had given instructions to have Katia brought to his place. He most likely had an abandoned house or warehouse where his men were keeping her until he returned home from South Jersey.
