Kirill shook his head before tipping his face in my direction. “Not from what the informant told me. A major event has been planned.”
A slow and steady smile drifted across my face. “Then we need to determine who Rafaela is supposed to marry. Where is our Ghost?” The plan continued to change. With the Ghost sent to ensure my lovely little healer didn’t disappear, she was obviously more valuable than even I’d believed.
She would now get her wish from years before.
But not just in visiting Russia. She would soon find Moscow her home.
“You’ll love this. Our Ghost’s counterpart is at your favorite brothel.” Kirill chuckled.
My favorite brothel. I’d been to Paris five times in my life prior to now, four of them for handling the smaller arms contracts in Europe. Every time I’d finished with business, I’d treated myself to a visit at the brothel, Madame Dubois providing me with the perfect companion every time. However, the first time my father had taken me to the location had been all about fulfilling every growing boy’s fantasy.
The madam herself had been my first, paid to allow me to make mistakes and find the lover I intended to be without anyone in the outside world learning of any deficiencies. I’d enjoyed every minute of her tutelage, remembering it fondly. Our friendship would prove to be very helpful.
“Then let’s not waste any time. I have a filthy indulgence of my own to fulfill.”
“There’s one more thing you should be aware of.” My commander took a deep breath.
“And?”
“After you disappeared, I allowed a second article to be written by the same reporter who mentioned the death of your father. I did so thinking someone would search for the information, hoping whoever it was could lead me to your location. You can put a tracker on the internet. Ultimately, with use of one of our computer experts, I could narrow it down to the actual computer’s IP address, but at least the application I had installed on my phone allows me to see be pinged with a city. If anyone found my article, while it would take some sleuthing, details about you and your family’s regime could be discovered.”
With my eyebrows lifted, I waited while he pulled out his phone. “Keep going.”
“The usual suspects from the beginning including our own people did indeed search, likely hoping for any leads. And the Italians did as well after they were grilled about their knowledge of your disappearance. Then all went quiet.”
“Until now.”
“Yes. Now, the interesting aspect is they’d need to know my name.”
I laughed softly to myself. “I used it at the fashion event given the guests’ identities were checked.”
“Then you’ll find this interesting.”
He nodded then handed me the phone, the map providing a clear indication of the person who’d been searching. The city? Paris.
“Rafaela.”
“Does that mean you can trust her more or less?” he asked.
“That remains to be seen, my friend. But after we finish time spent with our Ghost, my sweet angel and I will have a long conversation.”
“Then what?”
I rubbed my chin before answering. “Then it might be a good time to embrace the old ways and take a wife.”
He whistled before throwing open the door. “You do enjoy playing with fire. I’m damn glad you’re back. Life was without meaning.”
Another chuckle formed on my lips even as I fought the same emotions from before. Was my little healer a friend or foe? In truth, did that really even matter?
Not in the least.
I’d meant what I’d told her years before.
She belonged to me.
* * *
The brothel was spectacular, a quaint yet elegant location in a sea of third-rate hotels. Paris had a reputation for taking care of their escorts, which attracted the wealthiest of men who paid for only the most beautiful women in the business.
