land but lets them play shot-caller unless it suits him otherwise. He even has pull in the US, right here in New York, as the distant boss for our local Russian mob hierarchy. As far as we can tell, he’s never committed a crime on American soil. At least not himself, but people have died at his command, and likely at his hand. We’re hoping that this might be our chance to get something on him, and maybe Nathan Stone, all in one swoop.”
“Okay, so Nikolai is the wild card danger. I’ll be extra-careful with him,” I say to show Claire that I’m not taking this lightly.
But she shakes her head. “Not just him. Nikolai is dangerous in a confrontational, impulsive way. Nathan is just as dangerous, but he’s slick, sneaky. I wasn’t sure I should tell you this, but I think you need everything before you walk in those doors.”
I swallow, nervous that after all the crazy shit she just dumped on me, there’s something worse she doesn’t want to tell me. What’s worse than murdered families, thug mafia, and jewels stolen by devious businessmen?
“So, this is all rumor and speculation, but I think it’s a real possibility. Back when Michael Stone was alive, he had an Italian resource named Anna Russo. She was a linguist-slash-historian who worked with him on the more off-book jobs, particularly in Europe.”
“Was?” I ask, dreading the answer.
Claire nods. “Shortly after Michael was murdered, she was found dead in her apartment. She was six months pregnant. Foul play was suspected, but nothing could be proven. We didn’t even find out about it for weeks because the tie between Michael and Anna was quiet and shadowy, and the distance didn’t help. Two intercontinental agencies worked the crimes individually, mostly. Since it happened in Italy, their polizia investigated and the FBI could only do so much. Interpol’s corrupt as shit, and the Italians weren’t interested in our help. But the working theory is that Nathan believed she had something to do with his father’s death and put out a hit on her. An eye for an eye vengeance-type deal.”
“Jesus, that’s awful. Six months pregnant? What kind of monster would do that?” I shake my head, not able to accept the pure evil something like that would require.
Claire takes my hands. “You sure you can do this? I don’t have any other way, but if you don’t want to, I’ll figure something else out. Really, Emma.”
“If these guys are the monsters you say they are, and all you need from me is to play nice at a party and keep my eyes and ears open, I can do that. Let’s just hope I get something that will put these bastards behind bars. The sooner, the better.”
I agree to this madness with bluster and venom, but inside, my heart is pounding and my brain is yelling at my stupidity.
Chapter 4
Carly
After hanging up with Emma, I don’t give myself a moment to back out of the plan I agreed to.
Immediately, I use my phone to book a flight to NYC in a few weeks’ time. I could probably shop around for a better rate, or wait a week to book the ticket, but I might back out if I do that.
But for Emma, I’d do just about anything. And to be fair, she doesn’t know the truly bad stuff since I always glossed over the details, just telling her my parents were malevolent dictators of Carly-land.
She didn’t know about the more sinister side of things in my household. Instead, she was my constant friend who always accepted me, who loved me for who I was and never asked for more. So I click the Book Now button on the non-refundable ticket, ensuring I don’t chicken out.
But even if I am going back to the United States, come hell or high water, I am standing by my decree to not see my parents. I refuse to let their toxic venom back into my life. I’ve had more than enough of it.
“I’ve given you everything, you ungrateful brat! This is how you repay me?”
“You won’t last a day in the real world without me to save you. Stupid girl.”
“You’re a disgrace! Do not call me for handouts. If you walk out that door, you’re dead to us.”
And that was just in our last encounter. There’d been years of verbal beatdowns before that. Never good enough, but expected to do everything to the letter as they prescribed. The perfect little puppet for