He goes back and does so before returning. Getting straight down to business, he takes an envelope from his pocket and hands it to me. Kent has never been one for small talk.
I open the flap and pull out the folded sheet of paper. After unfolding it, I scan over the contents. “Did the landlord give you any trouble?”
He grins. “He didn’t dare. He took the money for the three month-notice period and said thank you for fixing the door. I think he was only too happy to see us leave.”
“Did he ask questions?”
“Not even if his tenant was alive.” Kent scoffs. “I asked him if he knew anything worth sharing about her, and he couldn’t even remember her name. He had to check what it was on the contract.”
The lease contract was in Tatiana’s false name—Stacia Delacy.
Kent’s steady gaze carries a clear message. “The man isn’t stupid. He’s not going to stir any shit by shooting off his mouth.”
In other words, we don’t have to get rid of him.
Still, I take nothing for granted. “Keep tabs on him.”
“I’ll arrange it.”
The atmosphere turns heavy as Kent continues to observe me quietly. The subject on both our minds weighs a ton. He was Lee’s best friend. He’s as invested in vengeance as I am.
I slide the contract into my inside jacket pocket before asking the question he’s not addressing. “Did you find it?”
He works his jaw from side to side. “We turned the place upside down. If it had been in Miss Teszner’s house, we would’ve found it.”
I let the disappointment sink in. I’ve searched every nook and cranny of Tatiana’s parents’ condo. I had floorboards ripped up and walls knocked down before having it all repaired again. The fact that it wasn’t there only confirmed that Tatiana had it and that she’d hidden it somewhere else. Leander definitely hadn’t gotten his hands on that necklace, or he would’ve sold it a long time ago to save his own skin.
Kent’s gaze pierces mine. “Are you going to ask her?”
“Not yet.” I reflect on that for a moment. “The timing isn’t right.”
“Why not?” He narrows his eyes. “Are you going soft on her because of Noah?”
I’m on him so fast not even Kent, who’s a wrestling champion, sees me coming. I have him thrown against the door and pinned in place by the lapels of his denim jacket before he has time to blink.
“Question me again, and the only way you’re leaving this suite is over the balcony rail.”
“I apologize.” He raises his palms. “It won’t happen again.”
I give him a shake. “Tatiana is the mother of my child. You’ll give her the respect she deserves. Am I clear?”
“Yes.” His nostrils flare. “Crystal.”
“You’re a loyal man.” I shove him away and yank the door open. “I’d hate to lose you, so don’t give me a reason.”
He straightens his jacket, walks to the elevator, and pushes the button for the ground floor.
I go after him.
He only looks at me again when the door has opened and he’s gotten inside and turned around to face in front of him.
I catch the door, keeping it open. “My priorities haven’t changed. I’ll get what I want. The only thing that’s changed is the how.”
Not waiting for a reply, I let the door close. I need neither his understanding nor his consent.
Once alone, I consider my strategy. Tatiana no longer trusts me. She’s not going to give me the information willingly, and I’m not going to torture the mother of my child.
Fuck that.
