“What’s the proof?”
“He showed me the proof. Bogdan helped investigate. He wouldn't frame an innocent man."
"Wouldn't he?" Alexei's gray eyes are serious.
"I need you to look into it," I say finally. "Quietly. Check Bogdan's evidence, make sure everything adds up."
"And if it doesn't?"
"Then we have a bigger problem than embezzlement."
Alexei nods. "I'll need a few days. Maybe a week, depending on how deep this goes."
“Do it,” I say. “Quietly.”
Maybe I can delay the execution, buy Alexei more time to investigate. Maybe I can find a way to protect Hannah from whatever is coming.
Or maybe I'm just fooling myself, looking for excuses to justify wanting a woman I can never have.
"Dante, what aren't you telling me?"
I pause and consider my answer. I could tell him about Hannah. I could explain why Richard Quinn's guilt or innocence matters more to me than it should.
"Just make sure you're thorough. I want to be certain we're making the right call."
He studies my face for a long moment, those gray eyes seeing too much. "This is about more than money, isn't it?"
"It's about justice," I lie. "Making sure we punish the right person."
"Right." His tone suggests he knows there's more to the story, but he doesn't push. "I'll be in touch."
5
HANNAH
“Wish me luck,” I say to Delilah.
“You don’t need it. You’re going to be the next big deal in Chicago real estate.”
“Thanks. I’ll call you later.”
I slip my phone into my briefcase and step into the elevator.
The elevator rises smoothly to the forty-second floor. I check my reflection one more time in the polished steel doors. Professional blazer, pencil skirt, hair pulled back in a neat ponytail. My new black Louboutins make me look like someone who can handle a multi-million-dollar listing. Which is good, because that's exactly what I need to be today.
This appointment came out of nowhere. A mysterious client who wants to sell his penthouse, someone with enough money thathe doesn't care about market timing or staging. The kind of sale that could set me up for the next six months, especially now that I have other expenses to consider.
My eyes drop to my stomach in the shiny doors. No one can tell I’m pregnant. Hell, I can’t even tell and it’s my body. Right now, I need to focus on work. I want to get into a new place before the baby comes. Delilah and I did a little window shopping and holy shit, baby stuff is expensive.
I need the commission.
The elevator chimes softly as it reaches the top floor. The doors slide open to reveal a private foyer with only one door. Expensive marble, subtle lighting, the kind of understated luxury that screams serious money. I take a deep breath and press the doorbell.
"It's open," comes a voice from inside.
I turn the handle and step into what might be the most beautiful apartment I've ever seen. This place will sell itself—my job is just to not screw it up.
"Hello?" I call out, setting my briefcase down by the door. "Mr...?"
