Adrian’s breathing changes. “And did she?”
“She did. Things have escalated.” I pause for effect. “Dmitri moved me from the safehouse into the main compound.”
Silence on the other end. Then: “You’re inside the family compound?”
“As of three days ago. They’re bringing me deeper into operations. Dmitri wants me involved in planning.”
“That’s significant progress.” Adrian’s voice goes eager. “What have you learned?”
“Plenty. But Adrian, we need to be smart about this. If I start passing you detailed intelligence too quickly, they’ll know something’s wrong. These people are paranoid for good reasons.”
“I’m not paying you to be cautious. I’m paying you for results.”
“And you’ll get them. But if I burn this position by moving too fast, you’ll get nothing.” I let frustration creep into my voice. “Do you want me to complete this job or not?”
Another pause. “Fine. What can you give me now?”
I pull out the folder Dmitri provided and start feeding Adrian the false information about art acquisition networks. He interrupts with questions. I answer each one, providing just enough detail to sound credible.
When I mention the Geneva contacts, Adrian asks about verification methods. I explain the authentication process Dmitri supposedly uses, pulling from the memorized details in the folder. Every word has to sound natural. Unrehearsed.
“This is good,” Adrian praises. “This is what I need. How’s the target?”
The target.
He means Sasha.
“Conflicted,” I tell him. “She’s torn between loyalty to her family and her desire for something all her own. The brothers areprotective, but they’re also using her expertise for their own purposes. She resents it.”
“Can you exploit that?”
“I’m working on it. But Adrian, she’s not stupid. If I push too hard, she’ll shut down.”
“Then don’t push too hard. Be patient. Make her think you understand her in ways her family doesn’t.” His voice turns colder. “That’s what I’m paying you for, isn’t it? To make her fall for you completely before we pull the rug out.”
“That’s the plan.”
“Good. I want another update in forty-eight hours. We’ll extend your contract as needed to make sure this goes smoothly, with extra pay, of course. And Tony? Don’t make me chase you down again. I don’t like feeling ignored.”
He hangs up before I can answer.
I set the phone down and sit on the edge of the bed. My hands won’t stay still. Not from fear—from rage at having to pretend I’m still working for that bastard. From disgust at hearing him talk about Sasha like she’s just a target.
I need to move. Need to walk off this feeling before I do something stupid like put my fist through a wall.
I leave my room and head through the compound corridors. No particular destination in mind. Just walking.
The compound is larger than I realized during my first visit. Multiple buildings connected by covered walkways. Gardens between structures. Guard posts at strategic intervals. It’s impressive work—secure without looking like a fortress.
I pass a kitchen where staff are preparing lunch. A library that looks like it actually gets used. A gym where two of Dmitri’s men are sparring. Normal spaces that remind me these people have lives beyond the criminal enterprise they run.
I find myself heading toward the east wing without consciously deciding to go there.
That’s where Sasha’s room is. I was just there yesterday, standing in that hallway while she told me she needed time. But here I am again, drawn back like I can’t help myself.
I stop at the end of the hallway that leads to her door. Don’t go closer. Just stand there like an idiot, staring at a stretch of empty corridor.
This is pathetic.
