"Natasha?" I lit a cigarette and inhaled. "Any sign of that crazy bitch?"
"Last seen in downtown Florence," Artyom said, opening another report. "She went to a law firm."
"A law firm?" I narrowed my eyes. "For what?"
"We checked. She was liquidating whatever assets the family had left."
I snorted. "She had nothing. What was there to liquidate?"
"Maybe that's what made her worse," Artyom said low. "Don, I'm worried. She'll do anything."
"Of course she will." I flicked ash. "Keep tracking her."
"Yes."
The next morning, I was finishing a pile of paperwork, about to head to the apartment to see Elena and Stella, when my phone rang. Elena.
"Igor." Her voice was tight, edged with panic.
"What?" I snapped awake.
"Stella's kindergarten called." She rushed the words. "Some woman came saying she was Stella's aunt and tried to pick her up."
My blood ran cold. "What?"
"The teacher refused—because I hadn't told them. The woman pressed; she was persistent, but she left." Elena was trembling. "Who could it be? From the description, she didn't soundlike Natasha."
I grabbed my coat. "Whether it's her or not, the kindergarten's compromised. Where are you?"
"Apartment. I'm going to pick Stella up."
"Don't move." I barked. "Stay in the apartment. I'm sending people to get Stella. Call the kindergarten and tell them not to release her to anyone. I'm on my way."
I hung up and ordered Artyom, "Go to the kindergarten. Bring my daughter back."
"Yes, Don!"
I tore downstairs and drove like a man on fire to Elena's building. I stormed in and found her pale in the living room. She flung herself at me the second she saw me.
"Stella—"
"My men already have Stella and are bringing her back," I said, holding her. She shook. "She was fine. She was fine. I won't let anyone hurt our daughter."
My phone buzzed. Artyom.
"Don, we have Stella. We're en route."
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Good. Speed up."
Fifteen minutes later, the door opened. Artyom walked in with Stella in his arms, a small, puzzled face peeking out.
"Mom!" she reached for Elena.
Elena scooped her up and hugged her tight. "Baby, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Stella tilted her head. "Why did a stranger come for me? Mom, are you crying?"
"No, no." Elena wiped her eyes and forced a smile. "Mom missed you."
