Page 53 of Unbridled Fire
Chapter 19
Katia
Leo’s father showed up a few minutes before he left for the bank. He entered through the front door and called, “Hello?”
“Hi,” I said, approaching with my hand outstretched. “Please excuse my face. I promise, it’s usually a bit more presentable that this. I’m Katia.”
He whistled at my appearance and shook my hand. “Tony. That looks like it hurts.”
“Like a bitch,” I said with a nod. “But I’ll be okay.”
He smiled, creating little crinkles around his eyes like Leo got when he grinned. They shared the same-colored eyes and looked alike, although Tony’s hair was almost completely gray.
“I’m not here to get in your way, Katia. My son just wants you safe, and I’ll stay out of your hair.”
“I’ve got some work to do on my laptop, and I’m going to use his office for that. You’re welcome to check in anytime.” I lifted my hand to my mouth and whispered, “I’m an accountant, so my work is boring. I’ll need the break.”
Tony laughed. “All right then. I’ll watch some TV and check on you in a bit.”
“Can you go for a walk around the neighborhood with her while I’m gone, Dad?” Leo asked, trailing down the stairs. “She needs to keep her circulation going to help her heal.”
I glanced at Tony. “Apparently, he’s a doctor now.”
Tony laughed. “Man, you’re funny. Keep this one, Leo. I like her.”
“I plan to,” Leo said, approaching me and giving me a kiss goodbye. “I’ll call you when we’re done at the bank.”
He waved and headed out the back door, leaving me alone with Tony. I set up my laptop in Leo’s den, determined to get to work and ensure Michael’s books were in order after my “break.”
After a few hours, Tony stuck his head in and asked me to walk with him. We strode around the neighborhood, getting to know each other better, and stopped by the deli to get two sandwiches for lunch.
As we were headed home, I felt the skin on my arm prickle. Drawn by an invisible tether, I looked to my right toward an older model Honda Civic parked along the street. Its paint job had seen better days, and one of the tires was missing a hub cap. Squinting, I noticed someone was inside.
Emitting a small gasp, I realized it was Dmitry. His eyes met mine and he placed a finger over his lips. I nodded, realizing he wouldn’t approach me if I was with a stranger, even if it was Leo’s dad. My heartbeat raced in my chest as I tried to figure out a way to return without Tony at my side.
As it turned out, Tony was an excellent bodyguard, and he wouldn’t let me out of his sight. I thought about telling him about Dmitry’s presence outside, but I wasn’t sure if Leo wanted him brought into the situation more than he already was. Things were already dangerous, and I would never forgive myself if something happened to Leo’s father.
Finally, Leo called me on the way home from the bank. Leaning back in his office chair, I answered, hoping they’d been able to squash any future investigations.
“How did it go?”
“Gerald is one cool cucumber,” Leo said. “He showed us the books, and he actually did report the fraudulent charges in thecorrect way. The home office signed off on the file closures a bit quickly, but nothing that would warrant further investigation or charges.”
“Thank God,” I breathed, holding my hand to my chest. “So, Michael and I are in the clear?”
“For now. Until more fraudulent deposits are made.”
“Well, I might have an update on that front. Dmitry might not be aligned with Oskar anymore. Or maybe that’s wishful thinking on my part.” I told him about his presence in the neighborhood today.
“Interesting,” Leo said. “And thanks for keeping Dad out of it. Once he goes home, we’ll stake out the spot together.”
“He probably won’t still be there,” I said.
“Maybe not, but maybe he left something behind.”
Leo arrived home about a half an hour later. His dad left, giving me a sweet kiss on the cheek and promising to return when Leo needed him to.
Once he was gone, Leo and I walked to where Dmitry’s car had been parked. Unfortunately, another car now filled the spot, and Leo didn’t find anything left behind.
