He drank all the water and returned the glass to the bedside cabinet.His head still ached, although not as much as it had before he’d slept.Mikhail prodded at his memories.He had a wife.Bridget.
Except, something about their marriage wasn’t right.He’d learned something important…
A whoosh of air exited him, and belatedly, he winced because the huff of frustration had set off drums inside his skull.Damn, he couldn’t remember.If he left the teasing thoughts alone, the answers would pop into his head when he wasn’t focusing so hard.Or maybe the mystery woman could help.She didn’t send tension through his muscles while Bridget…
He hadn’t felt comfortable in that big house unless he was in the office with Konstantine.His father-in-law had wanted him to learn the business and take over from him.
“What did you do before?”a small voice at the back of his head asked.
Mikhail focused on that tiny voice and tried to supply an answer.The longer he tried, the worse his head hurt.His breath caught as he stood and struggled to internalize the aching throb.
The room where he’d slept wasn’t familiar.He drew back the curtain and immediately let it drop, gasping at the bright eye-searing light.Mikhail stumbled around the room’s confines, not recalling the furniture or the shelf of popular novels.This room, like the one in Konstantine’s mansion, bore no private mementos.Despite his pounding head, the small voice told him to leave.
It was time to seek answers.
Edwinastaredatthefront-page newspaper story, open-mouthed and shaking her head in denial.“What do we do now?”
“First, we obtain a copy of the marriage certificate.We know Mikhail didn’t marry Bridget, but if Smirnoff has bribed officials, he’ll have a marriage certificate in the system.We’ll check the dates against Mikhail’s diary of engagements and might get lucky.My bet is the forgery is excellent.”Roscoe glanced at the man who stood in the open doorway.“We need a copy of Edwina and Mikhail’s marriage certificate as well.”
“I’ll start on that,” the man said.“I’ll contact Ivan or Gregory to ask if Mikhail had the certificate.”
“Thanks,” Roscoe said.“Report back if you learn anything new.”
The dark-haired man lifted a hand in farewell and left the office.
“I presume Mikhail has a copy since the minister gave him paperwork.”Edwina sighed.“Mikhail’s mother is going to be a problem.”
“Remain here with me,” Roscoe said.“That will keep you out of Sasha’s way.”
“But what about Mikhail?They’re saying he’s been abducted and offering a reward for his return.”
Roscoe checked his watch, leaned over, and flicked on a radio.
The news.Not that she could understand a word.Frustrated, she tapped her right foot while she waited for Roscoe to interpret.
After five minutes, Roscoe switched off the radio.“The Smirnoff family says intruders entered their property and kidnapped Mikhail.They’re offering a reward for information leading to his safe return.Anyone who has information should contact the police.”
“None of that is true.”
“We extracted Mikhail clandestinely,” Roscoe said.
“Mikhail isn’t married to Bridget.He’s married tome.Smirnoff wants to regain control of Mikhail, and we can’t let that happen.”
Movement from behind Edwina had her whirling in her seat.Mikhail staggered through the open door, and she hurriedly jumped to her feet.She crossed the distance between them and wrapped her arm around his waist, steadying him.“What are you doing out of bed?”And how had he unlocked the bedroom door?
Mikhail tried to take a step and almost took them to the floor.Roscoe stood and used his muscle to help her guide Mikhail to a chair.
“Heard you talking,” Mikhail muttered.“Needed to know.”
“Know what?”Edwina asked, using her hand to feel his forehead.His skin was clammy, his cheeks red.He’d pulled on clothes but had misbuttoned his shirt, and his feet were bare.
“Head sore,” he said.
“How long since he had painkillers?”Roscoe asked.
Edwina checked her phone.“Barely two hours.It’s too soon for more.”
“What you talking about?”Mikhail’s voice slurred, his words slow, as if he was having trouble forming thoughts.
