Targeted Risk (R.I.S.C. #7) - Anna Blakely Page 0,39

my attorney check the records, Jay. Your name was not listed on any of the court documents. Nor was Juliet’s. Mikhail may have chosen the wrong side but not you two.”

“That’s right,” Mike affirmed the man’s statement. “We didn’t turn on you back then, and we have no intention of doing so, now.”

Volkov rested a hand on Mike’s shoulder. “Which is why I did not order the hit on my daughter.”

Mike studied him closely for even the slightest sign of deception. He found none, but then again, the man had spent his entire adult life lying and cheating to get what he wanted.

“Well, someone wants Juliet dead, and for some reason, they’re trying to make it look as though that someone is you.”

“You and my daughter...you are still close, yes?”

As close as two people can get. “We are.”

“Where is she, now?”

“In a safe place. I have a man I trust keeping an eye on her while I’m gone.”

“And you did not bring her here because you feared I wanted her dead.”

“You should know...if given the choice, I’ll protect Juliet over you or anyone else. Always.”

The bastard actually smiled. “This is why I’ve always liked you, Jay. With you, there was never any bullshit.”

“I mean it, Alexandar. Someone comes for Jules, they’ll have to go through me, first.” Mike zeroed in on the other man. “No matter who it is.”

“I’d expect nothing less from you, Jay. And for the record, I hope to find the person behind the attempt on Juliet’s life.

With a shared look of understanding, the two men shook hands before Volkov led them back out of the office. After a few more final, departing words, they left the estate and headed for the jet.

Jake purposely took the long way there, making sure they weren’t being followed along the way. While his brother-in-law drove, Mike sent both Derek and Jules a text letting them know he’d be home in about three hours.

“You think Volkov’s telling the truth about not ordering the hit on Juliet?” Jake asked from behind the wheel.

“I don’t know.” Mike looked over at him. “Schreiber told her as much, but my gut says he didn’t do it.”

Jake nodded. “Mine, too.”

“That’s both good and bad.”

“Good, because that means Alexandar isn’t trying to kill his own daughter,” his friend pointed out the obvious. “Bad because if it’s not him—”

Mike’s gut churned with fear and dread. “We’re back to square fucking one.”

Chapter 10

“You need any help?” Derek hollered from the other room.

Nuzzling up against her, Lydia’s soft, furry hair tickled Juliet’s ankle as she stood at the sink washing the last of the dinner dishes. “I’m almost done, but thanks.”

“All right, if you’re sure.” There was a slight pause, and then she heard, “Hey, there’s a movie startin’ in a few. Looks like a chick flick, but if you want, we can watch it when you’re done in there. Figure your boy will be home by the time it’s over.”

She smiled, thinking Jay was right. Derek was a nice guy. Nice and hilarious.

Between the stories he’d shared about himself and Jay, and his endless supply of dad jokes, she’d been in stitches most of the day.

Somewhere between the first plate and the last, she’d realized that had been his goal. To distract her from the torturously slow speed at which time was passing since Jay had left.

Though Derek hadn’t given her any specifics, she’d read between the lines enough to discover a lot about the work Jay and his team did. And what kind of man he was.

Exactly the kind of man I thought he was.

Wiping away the water from the sink’s edge and nearby counter, her thoughts turned to the earlier emoji conversation between she and Jay. Glancing at the clock on his stove, she smiled even wider, knowing he’d be home in less than two hours.

It was probably ridiculous to feel happy when her own father wanted her dead. But maybe that was the point.

She’d stared death in the face and survived. Thanks to Jay, she’d been given a second chance at life, and Juliet refused to waste it by living in fear.

With more bounce in her step than she’d had in a very long time, Juliet went into the living room to watch a chick flick with her new friend.

“Okay.” She picked up Lydia and headed for the couch. “Dishes are all done. I think I saw some popcorn in there if you want me to—”

The rest of her words were cut off by a barrage