“Thank you, you are excused.” Maxim waved Greg away.
“That’s it?” Boris demanded.
Maxim must be calmer because he didn’t bite Boris’ head off for speaking up. “What else do you want?”
“He was Zoe’s bodyguard, and she was kidnapped on his watch. He should be punished.”
“We have one of the kidnappers, Zoe is back at the mansion, and the package was delivered. I see no reason to punish. Today.” Boris didn’t look happy about that even if Greg was grateful he wouldn’t be punished for something no one could have prevented.
“I’ll take my leave then.” Greg backed out of the room before Maxim could change his mind. He had to find Zoe.
He was heading toward the stairs that led up when he saw Aleksei poke his head out from behind a wall to the left of the stairs. Why was the kid lurking around?
“Aleksei.”
“You survived. Honestly, I’m shocked. I had to see for myself.”
“Thanks,” he said dryly.
“No offense, Maxim is a tough man, and Zoe being kidnapped is a serious crime. No one has dared until now.”
“If any harm had come to her, I’m sure the outcome would have been different.”
“Boris isn’t happy,” Aleksei mused, looking over Greg’s shoulder as if he expected to see him coming up to them.
Yeah, it didn’t take a genius to figure that out. “I’m sure the shock of what happened and you being her normal driver so that this could have happened to you, is what worries him the most.”
Aleksei’s lip tipped in a grin. “He is a very overprotective big brother.”
Brother? Greg hadn’t been aware of that connection. He had assumed they were partners, not familial. There really was a lot of data missing from their case file. “There are worse things than a protective brother.”
“That doesn’t make it any less annoying.”
“It’s just his way of showing he loves you.”
Aleksei rolled his eyes as if he had heard that excuse several times. “I know, but he’s done it since we were children. It’s smothering. I just need to show him I can take care of myself.”
“Your time will come, my friend,” Greg assured him as he placed a hand on his shoulder.
Aleksei gave him a full grin. “Thanks, Logan. You know, it’s a shame you’re straight. I like you.”
“I like you too, kid. Now if you don’t mind, I have to go.”
“Looking for Zoe?” There was no point in lying. Aleksei was her closest friend.
“I am. I just want to check on her to make sure she’s okay after what happened earlier.”
“She’s tougher than she looks.”
“Even the strongest person needs a friend.”
Aleksei nodded sadly. “She’s always been so closed off and guarded. I’m the only one she talks to. Something happened to her. She won’t talk about it, but I know she needs someone. Top of the stairs on the left. Third room on the right.”
“Thanks again, kid.”
“Don’t mention it. Seriously, if Zoe asks, I said nothing. You just wandered the house.”
“I didn’t even see you.” Greg winked and headed for her room. “Zoe,” he whispered as he knocked on her door, but there was no answer. He was surprised there wasn’t a guard on duty. She’d probably sent them away. “Zoe…” He knocked again.
