Page 37 of Scarred Redemption

The blinds were closed, no sign of life, no activity whatsoever.

With the house being owned by Genevieve, the phone as well, at least I knew I was dealing with an actual person.

“Any phone calls?” I asked.

“She uses the phone for work, Maxsim. And she makes a lot of calls. Nothing stands out. There are no overseas calls, nothing to anyone in our databanks that we know and send Christmas cards to.”

It was Diana’s way of saying Genevieve hadn’t been in contact with our enemies. A positive, but it only added so much to the woman’s credibility.

“Any late-night calls?”

“She ordered pizza last night around eight, if you call that late night. Let me check again.”

I continued studying the house. It was well kept, the grass cut and empty flowerboxes on the porch waiting for spring flowers.

“She had an incoming call at around five this morning.”

“Did she take it?”

“She did. Local number. The call lasted less than two minutes. Maybe a wrong number.”

“Maybe. Find out who.”

“Yes, boss.”

I shoved my phone into my jacket and reached for my weapon, which had been placed on the passenger seat. I’d come alone as requested, which wasn’t necessarily in my best interest, but with other precautions taken and with the meeting being in a residential neighborhood, I doubted the house was filled with soldiers.

What a boring conclusion to a game if someone simply wanted to drive a bullet into my brain.

I secured the weapon before opening my door. I had no intention of announcing my arrival to anyone. There was no activity, but it was a workday. I made it across the street quickly, moving toward the side of the house. From what I could tell, all the windows were drawn and there was no way for me to peer inside.

While I was frustrated, I moved to the front door, going up the two stairs. For a full minute, I did nothing more than listen for any sounds. I could hear music or a television on inside, but nothing overt that should cause concern.

I finally opened the storm door and knocked, stepping to the side and pulling my weapon into my hand.

The door was opened less than a minute later, the woman I’d seen at the funeral appearing.

She noticed the weapon in my hand before realizing I was standing there. Her gasp and her fearful expression were real.

“Mr. Aristov.”

I moved in front, looking past her into a small living room. “If this is a ploy, Ms. Parker, you will die. It’s that simple.”

“It’s not a ploy. Don’t you think I’m already afraid of you? You’re responsible for what happened.”

I peered down at her, quelling my anger. “You wanted to speak with me.”

“Yes. Come inside. You weren’t followed?”

A laugh pushed past my lips. “Do you really not know who you are dealing with?”

“I need to make certain.” She closed and locked the door behind me. When she moved in front, she stood slightly off to the side.

“What did you need to tell me, Ms. Parker?”

She was clearly nervous, her complexion pale and her lower lip quivering. “Okay.”

I instantly knew the single word wasn’t meant for me.