“We don’t have time. Get every computer tech on it. They should be able to find out about flights coming in from Moscow within minutes.”
“Anything else?”
“Check every single database we have and see what you can find on Anastasia Scavo.”
“Whew,” Donatello answered, albeit skeptically. “Do you want me to cross reference when she arrived at the American Ballet Theater as well?”
“Not a bad idea.”
“I was fucking kidding!”
“I need to know what I’m dealing with. The shit’s getting ready to come down. I can feel it and Alexander is certain of it. Make this a priority and call me when you have anything.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll do my best.”
After the meeting with Carmine, my next stop would be a visit with Irina Novikov.
I took my coffee outside, leaning against the deck railing. Given the time of year, my garden was in bloom, not that I was the one who took care of the landscaping needs.
Especially the goddamn roses.
While I had furniture all over the backyard, most of which I’d never even sat in before, I chose to sit on the edge of the raised deck where there was no railing. When was the last time I’d bothered to spend time outside?
Business was always front and center and had been for decades. I’d preferred it that way for a significant reason. Not only because of my drive and ambition, but because it had been too damn painful otherwise. I hadn’t even paid any attention over the last few years. I’d been going through the motions.
My God. What kind of life had I driven myself into living?
Anastasia didn’t notice me for a few minutes, enjoying her time. She’d ‘borrowed’ a pair of my gym shorts and a tee shirt, which looked far better on her than they ever could on my sweaty body.
Zorro caught the ball midair and she pumped her fist. “Woof. Woof. Woof!” Her exuberance was catching. She threw it one more time and when Zorro came rushing back again, I intervened, snatching the ball from her.
Jumping, she shrieked and almost fell onto the damp grass. When I caught her arm, she still teetered.
My laugh brought a growl from her luscious lips. “You scared me to death.”
“Don’t worry, my sweet ballerina. There are cameras everywhere, my security system topnotch. If any boogeymen would have found their way onto my property, I’d already know about it. Besides, I don’t think Zorro is going to allow anything to happen to you.”
“You don’t?” She threw the furry boy a quick look.
He still had the tennis ball in his mouth. “Nah. I have a feeling he’s more your dog than mine. How did that happen?”
“Because I’m a fabulous person.”
“Oh,” I gasped. “And I’m not. I see.”
“That remains to be seen.”
Jesus. The woman could make me smile.
Together, we walked back to the deck where we both sat down on the edge as I’d done before. Zorro was right by her side, placing the ball in her lap.
Anastasia didn’t mind at all, continuing to toss the ball while I returned to my coffee. “He’s an amazing boy.”
“Now, a guard dog. Who knew Zorro would be so versatile.”
She acted as if she was concentrating, almost monotonous in how she continued to throw the ball. “You have a beautiful home and yard. I love your roses. They’re my favorite flower.”
“Well, I wish I could say I had a hand in keeping them alive, but that’s not my forte.”
