Page 23 of Captive

The word on the street was they were planning on moving in within days. I’d been prepared, but not for the news Ivan had given me.

My death was imminent, at least six assassins assigned to the job. It was only a matter of time before I made a mistake. I refused to leave at first, determined to right a wrong. However, things had escalated, making it difficult to survive.

I’d been forced to trust Ivan, a man my father had considered his most trustworthy soldier. He’d loved my father almost as much as I had, loyal since the day he’d been allowed into the organization. He’d suffered almost as much as I had but had long since proven his salt.

So, I’d left my beloved country, heading for America. My credentials were already excellent, my ability to obtain a job possible given the support paperwork. Given I was a Federov, there wasn’t a mafia organization within the United States that would dare come after me.

That made this moment even more enraging.

I moved to the safe, punching in my code and grabbing another bag. I’d amassed a tidy sum over the years, cash the only option. I stuffed the entire amount in the bag, adding it to the collection on my desk. This was all I needed in order for us to survive.

A single blip of the security system drew my attention. Snarling, I took long strides into the room, sweeping my gaze across the various cameras. A single car approached from the west side of the road. When the driver slowed a full block away, parking against the curb and immediately turning off their headlight,I switched the vision on the camera, now able to detect any movement by heat.

Within seconds, an outline of the driver appeared, the man walking slowly in the direction of the house. I yanked one of my weapons into my hand, releasing the safety, my heart pumping hard and fast. While the mystery guest was careful, moving behind several bushes as they advanced, it was obvious they were heading straight for the house.

I continued watching until they were close, then I turned off the light in the room before returning, taking another look. As the person approached, more details became visible. I held my breath as the intruder made his way up the driveway, constantly looking over his shoulder. I could tell the possible assassin was male. As soon as he was on the stoop, he lifted his head.

Jesus.

Travis.

What the hell was he doing here?

I moved to the door, cutting the security then opening. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“I thought you could use a piece of advice.” Travis glanced over his shoulder again.

Huffing, I yanked him inside, closing and locking the door and immediately rearming the system. “You shouldn’t have come.”

“I think I realized that when you asked me to take care of disposing a dead body. What the hell is going on, Nikolai?”

I motioned him to follow, heading back into my office and switching on the light.

He noticed the two bags, eyeing them for a few seconds before lifting his gaze. His expression was one of concern. “It’s happening, isn’t it?”

“It?” I asked as I returned the gun to my holster.

“They’re after you.” While he said the words in a matter-of-fact manner, I could smell his concern.

“I’m not certain who they are, but I have a situation that must be handled.”

“Look, I did what you asked, but barely managed to take care of it before two goons showed up. Don’t worry. They didn’t see a goddamn thing, but there was no doubt they were hunting for you. They had assault rifles as well as other weapons. They didn’t pay any attention to the girl’s car.”

“Shit. I forgot about her damn car.”

“I take it she’s here.”

I nodded, moving toward the bar and making two drinks. “A necessary but difficult complication.”

“Is this Russia we’re talking about?”

“I’m not certain yet.” The less he knew the better. It wouldn’t matter if I left the city, Travis could still have a target on his back. The mercenaries would leave no stone unturned in their effort to find me.

He remained quiet until I handed him a glass. “Her keys were in the car, so I made a decision, taking it before daylight and hiding it in a safe spot. You know at some point she’s going to be reported missing.”

“I appreciate that but make certain it’s nowhere near you. Your house. The bar. A family member. Nothing. I may ask you to dispose of it at some point, but we’re not there yet.”

“Jesus, buddy. This is some heavy shit. I figured as much. There’s no way it’ll be found or can lead to my involvement.”