Lenny’s smile fades, his eyes searching mine. “You sure about this, Wren?”
I nod, my jaw set. “It’s our only play right now. Keep an eye on things here, okay?”
“Always,” he says, shifting Alex to his other hip. “How long you gonna be?”
I glance at the cheap clock on the nightstand. “Give me three hours. If I’m not back by then…”
The unspoken hangs between us. If I’m not back, something’s gone terribly wrong.
“Momma, come splash!” Alex calls from the bathroom.
“In a minute, buddy,” I call back, forcing cheer into my voice. To Lenny, I lower my voice. “I need to check the perimeter. Meet me outside in two.”
Lenny nods, disappearing into the bathroom. I hear Alex’s delighted squeals as the water starts running.
I do a quick sweep of the room, checking locks, peeking through curtains. The parking lot’s quiet; just our rental and a couple of rust buckets. No signs of trouble, but that doesn’t mean shit in this game.
Grabbing my jacket, I slip outside.
I scan the area again. Nothing suspicious.
The door opens behind me. Lenny steps out, his face grim in the harsh motel lighting.
“Alex?” I ask.
“Playing submarine with Mr. Bear. Told him I forgot the bubbles.” Lenny’s eyes dart around, always on alert.
I look at my brother, guilt twisting in my gut. “I’m sorry, Lenny.” The words feel inadequate. He’s seventeen, for fuck’s sake. Should be worrying about prom dates and college apps, not this shitstorm.
Lenny’s head snaps toward me, his eyes fierce. “Don’t,” he says, slapping my shoulder. “Don’t you ever think this is your fault, Wren. We’re family. Where you go, I go. End of story.”
I press my lips together, fighting back the lump in my throat. Nodding to myself, then to Lenny, I take a deep breath.
Shoving aside these bullshit emotions, I cram my hand into my back pocket.
I pull out a crumpled piece of paper, pressing it into Lenny’s hand. “If I’m not back in three hours, or if shit hits the fan, call this number. Ask for D.”
Lenny’s eyes widen. “D? As in—”
“Yeah,” I cut him off. “That D. He’s our nuclear option. Use it only if you have to.”
Lenny stares at the paper like it might bite him. “Wren, are you sure? If we bring him in—”
“I know,” I say, my voice hard. “But Em’s life is on the line. And Alex…” I swallow hard. “If something happens to me, D’s the only one who can keep him safe.”
Lenny nods slowly, tucking the paper into his pocket. “Be careful out there, sis. We need you back in one piece.”
I manage a smirk. “Aren’t I always?”
We both know it’s bullshit, but sometimes the lie is all you’ve got.
65
Dimitri
Saveliy shifts in the passenger seat. “Boss. They touched down at O’Hare International Airport three hours ago.”
The Escalade’s tinted windows turn the evening sun into a weak piss-yellow glow.
