Gene would never see them coming.
“Holy fuck! That’s—” Matt blinked. “Nikolai Volkov.”
“Yeah.”
“The Bratva boss. That Nikolai Volkov? You know him?” At Seth’s nod, Matt’s voice dropped. “How the fuck do?—”
“Long story,” Seth interrupted as he watched Nik approach. “I’ll explain later.”
Matt was quiet for a beat, still gaping. “Do you trust him?”
“Mostly, but definitely today.” Seth shrugged. “Gene’s been invading Nik’s turf, so our interests align.”
“Damn.” Something like respect flickered in Matt’s expression. “You swim in way darker waters than I realized.”
Seth didn’t reply. His thoughts were churning. Whatever happened next, there’d be no going back. But that didn’t change the facts—or his objective.
He couldn’t let Gene escape with a hostage. Or start executing people.
And he couldn’t be too late.
Nikolai reached them, moving with a stealth and predatory grace that usually had his enemies scurrying away. Or shitting their pants. He clasped Seth’s hand—familiar, solid. “My friend.”
“Thanks for coming,” Seth said.
“Of course.” Nikolai turned to Beck, who wore a guarded expression. “Dr. Beckman, I owe apology for startling your woman at hotel. Was not my intention to frighten.”
Beck’s jaw clenched. “You were warning Seth. I get it.”
“Precisely.” Nikolai’s gaze dropped to Beck’s shoulder. “You need doctor. After this, I take you to mine. He is expert with gunshots.”
Beck shook his head. “I’m good. Thanks.”
Nikolai shrugged like it was his loss, then shifted to Matt. “Pleasure to meet you, Seth’s brother. For record, you are all under my protection now.”
Clearly, Matt wasn’t sure what to make of that. “Um…thanks.”
Seth watched the exchange, trying not to torture himself with what might be going on in the house. He had to compartmentalize. Now wasn’t the time for guilt—for digging when he swore he wouldn’t. Or fear—for Heavenly, their baby, his son, and mother trapped inside the house.
Instead, he focused on what needed to be done: containment, rescue, fallout. Denying Gene an exit.
Seth stood next to Beck, who still slumped against the house. He gestured Matt and Nikolai closer. When they moved in a tight circle around him, he dropped his voice. “We’re out of time. Gene knows I’ve got the evidence to destroy him, and he knows I’m here. I’m sure he’s just waiting for backup before he makes a move.”
“Specter will wait long time. My men stop them.”
Seth raised a brow. “Tell them to incapacitate only. No killing.”
Nik pressed a tattooed hand to his chest. “You insult me, Seth Cooper. I am not amateur. Dead cops, even crooked ones, are problem.”
“Exactly,” Seth agreed. And if the situation wasn’t so tense, he’d poke fun at Nik’s dramatic flair. Wouldn’t be the first time.
“How do we stop him?” Matt asked.
“We’ve got maybe ten minutes before Gene realizes he’s been outplayed and goes off the deep end. Somehow, we’ve got to get in there, rescue everyone, and neutralize him. If he panics, he’ll either start shooting or run with a hostage, probably Mom or Heavenly. Either would be catastrophic.”
“Specter will not get far,” Nik assured.
Matt nodded, face grim with resolve. “If he fucking tries, I’ll kill him.”
