Her palm touch his cheek.“That’s my call, not yours.”
The bell chimed, Sergei tensing, scanning the entrance.An old woman with a cane nodded to the clerk, no threat.
“Rivera is waiting,” Keisha said, soft.“Let’s go.”
He inhaled sage, rum, her coconut scented hair, nodding.Her trust was his guide.Her hand found his, steady.
When they arrived downtown, they were led to a small conference room.Together.Sergei’s distrust rose even as Tomas Rivera stepped in.
Sergei’s chest tightened—Tomas’s visit meant news.“It’s done,” Tomas said, clipped.“Dmitri’s in custody.We raided at three this morning.Found enough evidence to support your claim and what’s on the flash drive.”
It felt as if the air had been sucked from the room.Dmitri, behind bars.Keisha’s hand dug into his, tremor faint, knees wobbling.Sergei shifted, steadying her subtly.
“Your evidence,” Tomas said to Keisha, “got us warrants.We found it all—adoption records, money trails, foster system comms.Six kids ready for ‘placement.’The DA thinks this is a solid.”
Sergei exhaled.“What about the others?”he asked.
“Pavel’s locked up.We didn’t find any evidence there, but we have enough on him, too.Vera’s gone, but her network’s done.”Tomas flipped his notepad.“Now you, Lisowski.”
Sergei fought to remain relaxed.
“Your leniency hearing’s in a week,” Tomas said.“Judge Ortega is fair but tough.Your cooperation, plus the evidence we found...the DA’s pushing light charges.”
“Light ain’t none,” Keisha cut in.
Tomas sighed.“He used to be a part of Kryvaya Stal, Ms.Crawford.But his insider knowledge got us here.”
She bit her tongue to keep from saying anything that might hurt Sergei’s case.She’d built this case, risked all, stayed despite his past.Dmitri’s fall was hers.“I’ll be there,” she said.“I’ll have my statement ready.”
Rivera nodded.“Your rep helps.”To Sergei.“Tiana?”
“Safe,” Sergei promised.
“I assume you aren’t going to reveal her location?”
“Not until we know for certain, Sergei replied.“Tiana means everything to Keisha, therefore she’s invaluable to me.
Tomas tucked his notepad.“We’re all good here.Make sure you stay close.If you feel the urge to run, don’t.This is your only shot.”
Sergei’s voice failed him as Rivera left.Pavel and Dmitri were tied up, but his freedom hung on Keisha.
“Hey,” she said, tugging his hand.“We’re almost there.”
He nodded, raw.Her hand sparked against his.
“Thanks,” he said, weakly.
She straightened his collar, fingers brushing his neck.“Save it for next week.After we win.”
Her confidence steadied him.
“Let’s go,” she said, pulling him.“I’m starving.”
Sergei followed, her trust his compass, redemption closer than ever.
* * *
Unfortunately, a weekflew by faster than he wanted.Sergei stepped down from the witness chair, feeling as if he’d been through another fight.He retook his seat making brief eye contact with Keisha.
