"Where's the money going?"
"Walker's account shows regular withdrawals. Cash. Gambling sites. A few transfers to his girlfriend's account." Liam's voice remains steady, but I catch the slight tightening around his eyes. "He hasn't made a single payment to the Bratva."
The folder crinkles in my grip.
Every penny Kristen has bled for, thinking she was protecting her daughter. Thinking she was doing the right thing. Working three jobs, living in that shithole apartment, counting every dollar.
And that motherfucker kept it all.
"There's more," Liam says.
I look up.
"Interest has been compounding. The Bratva doesn't accept late payments. They've increased the total debt to one hundred forty thousand." He pauses. "They've given Walker one month to pay in full."
"Or?"
"They'll collect from the borrower on record."
Kristen.
I'm on my feet before I realize I've moved. My chair hits the wall behind me.
"They don't know where she lives." Liam's voice cuts through the roar in my head. "Yet. But Walker does. And if they apply enough pressure?—"
"He'll give her up." My hands curl into fists at my sides. "He'll trade her location for more time."
"That's my assessment, yes."
I pace to the window.
She has no idea.
She has no idea that the man she trusted—the father of her child—signed her death warrant. That every payment she's made has been stolen. That Russian mobsters are circling her like sharks scenting blood.
"The Bratva won't negotiate." I turn back to Liam. "Not for this amount. Not with a civilian."
"No, sir."
"Options?"
Liam doesn't hesitate. "Remove Walker and hope that buys time."
None of those options solve the core problem. The Bratva wants their money. They don't care who gives it to them—they care that someone does. And if Walker disappears, they'll go straight to the name on the paperwork.
Kristen Thomas.
"Does Pietro know?"
"Not yet. I came to you first."
I pull out my phone. My fingers hover over Kristen's contact.
Tell her, something in my chest demands. She deserves to know.
But knowing won't protect her. Knowing will only terrify her. And a terrified Kristen might run—might grab Lily and disappear into a city where the Bratva has eyes everywhere.
No. I need to handle this first. Then tell her.
