Page 113 of Cruel Obsession

“And Mr. Russian ice king?”

My smile fades, stomach clenching. “Same as ever. But Di… there’s something I need to tell you.”

“What’s wrong?”

I take a deep breath. “Remember that man I told you about, the one with the tattoos up his neck and across his head? I saw him at Arkady’s house—I even spoke to him.”

“Wait, what? The guy from—?”

“From where Debra went missing. Yes.” My heart races just saying it aloud. “I think Arkady might know something about my sister’s disappearance. Maybe he’s even involved.”

“Shit… Mirabel,” Diane’s voice drops to a harsh whisper. “Get out of there. Now. If what you’re saying is true—”

“I can’t,” I interrupt. “Dad needs these treatments. I need this job.”

“Your life is worth more than money!”

“And what about Dad’s life?” I snap. “Should I just let him die because I’m scared?”

“Do you know what these men do to people who cross them?” Diane asks, her voice tight with fear. “My cousin dated a guy connected to the Russian mob. When she tried to leave, he—” She stops abruptly. “Let’s just say she doesn’t go out in public much anymore.”

My blood runs cold. I’ve seen the casual violence in Arkady’s world—the bruised knuckles he doesn’t explain, the hushed conversations that stop when I enter a room, the way his men touch their weapons when strangers approach.

“Mir, please. At least be careful. Don’t confront Arkady. I’ve heard things about Empire Royale. It’s not just a casino. They say there’s Russian mob involvement.”

“I’m not stupid, Di,” I say, though fear crawls up my spine. “But I need to know the truth. I can’t walk away now.”

“Promise me you’ll be careful,” she insists.

“I promise.” It’s not true. Careful isn’t going to find Debra or save Dad.

After we hang up, I move to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face. In the mirror, I see Debra’s eyes staring back at me—we were identical, after all. I place a hand on my stomach, feeling the slight firmness that wasn’t there just weeks ago.

“I don’t know what I’m doing,” I whisper to my reflection, to the baby, to Debra’s ghost. “But I’ll find the truth. No matter what it costs.”

Chapter Forty

Mirabel

I’m outside my father’s house, glancing at my phone while waiting on the front steps.

The late afternoon sun warms my skin despite the knot of tension between my shoulders. Dad’s health has been declining much faster than expected—his eyes didn’t even track my movement when I kissed his forehead goodbye this afternoon. Each visit leaves me more hollow than the last, the father I knew slipping away so quickly.

I swipe through to the Uber app. Ten minutes until my ride arrives to take me into town for supplies before heading back to Ashwater Heights. My phone vibrates in my palm.

Arkady.

Dammit.

I scroll through his messages, each one growing more commanding than the last.

“Your visit seems to be taking longer than expected.”

“When will you be returning?”

“Answer me, Mirabel.”

“Where are you?”