The Billionaire's Practice Kiss - Tamie Dearen Page 0,60
be analyzed.”
“That was our first red flag,” Mack said. “A father should be willing to do whatever it takes to protect his children, even if it means incriminating himself.”
“Yes, we suspect that was simply a ruse to get Logan involved,” said Dan. “The photo E-Force obtained was dark, but we ran it through our enhancement software, and got a positive ID. One of the two men with Chester last night was Alexander Krupin, brother of Viktor Krupin. And we’re not surprised. We’d never heard of Dimitri, but this had the Krupin brothers’ handwriting all over it. Viktor tends to make the decisions, and Alexander is the enforcer.”
“So we know who it is, and we know Chester’s involved,” Logan said. “What’s next? Arrest Viktor’s men? And my stepfather? Will he be arrested?”
“Unfortunately, we know what the Krupins have done in the past, but we’ve never been able to get our hands on either of them,” said Dan. “So far, this time isn’t any different. We have no idea where either of the Krupins are right now. They’re like ghosts.”
“Then what’s going to happen?” Logan asked.
“Hopefully, Dan and his men will find a way to apprehend the brothers,” said Mack, looking around the room. “Until then, E-Force is still in charge of protection. We have Logan’s mother in a safe place. So our main responsibility is to keep guard over the people in this room.”
“Which means, we’re asking all of you to lay low for a while,” said Dan. “Except perhaps Cole, because there’s no indication he’s a target at this time, and a sudden change in his behavior might clue in Alexander.” Dan turned to Ellery. “Ms. Akins, we’re fairly confident you would be a prime target.”
“I can’t lay low,” Ellery said. “I just started law school. I can’t miss class.”
“Ughh!” Allegra groaned. “And I’m sick of being trapped here.”
Logan glanced at Ellery, hoping she might guess from Allegra’s comment that the two of them weren’t in a relationship. But as usual, her face was unreadable.
“We’ll be bringing the Senator in on the case, of course,” Dan said, addressing Allegra. “I would imagine he’ll want his daughter close by under these circumstances.”
Her back stiffened, and Logan suspected her dad would have a battle on his hands. Evidently, Allegra had been enjoying her newfound freedom.
“Isn’t there something else we can do?” Josiah asked. “Can’t we tell Chester we’re onto him? Make him tell Viktor the FBI is on the case?”
“We could try that.” Dan took a pen out of his pocket and twirled it between his fingers. Every eye in the room trained on the pen as it walked its way back and forth across his hand, blurred with speed. Dan’s gaze fixed on the blank wall in front of him, while the pen moved as if of its own accord. “But even if Viktor withdrew, knowing we were involved, there’s nothing to stop him from coming back again. Any time. Viktor’s signature is kidnapping…” The pen stopped, trapped in his fist. “Alexander prefers murder—takes pleasure in it. And Alexander usually gets his way, even when the ransom is paid.”
Ellery’s usually impenetrable expression faltered, her lips parting, a tremble in her chin. The scar on her cheek stood out as the rest of her face turned white. She was terrified, and Logan was terrified for her. She didn’t deserve more trauma in her life.
“We feel certain he’s going to move quickly, because the brothers are operating outside their normal MO. Chester was their initial target, but somehow he managed to convince them he was small fries compared to you, Logan.”
“I spent an hour on the phone with him this morning,” Logan said, gulping a lump of air. “He really sounded frantic. He said I have to make the payment today or someone could die.”
“I imagine his time is running out to get you to cough up the money,” said Dan. “I’m sure last night’s meeting was to up the intimidation.”
Ellery would never be safe. Logan had to do something. “We could set a trap. Now. While he doesn’t know the FBI is in the loop. I’ll be the bait.”
“Hmmm… We might be able to use you as bait,” Dan said. The pen started moving again. “We have the advantage for the moment, because they won’t be expecting resistance. And we’d take every precaution to keep you safe. The risk could be minimal.” Dan returned the pen to his pocket. “But I doubt Alexander would bite.”