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“Wynter is an enforcer, like me. It’s hard to come across people who can accept that is what we do in our lives. You’re in a unique position in that you belong to a family that does what my family does. So it’s not new to you.” I rest my hand on her leg. “And I’m lucky for that. I doubt Wynter will ever find someone who will put up with his grumpiness.”
I pull into the back alleyway behind the butchery. “We can call from inside…” My phone rings, and I glance at the screen. It’s Wynter. I answer it. “Did I forget something?”
“You bring the Sokolov girl here, and next thing, I’m sitting with a building on fire,” Wynter says. I can hear sirens behind him. “You’re lucky you left when you did.”
“What?” I ask, looking at Elena. “This isn’t Elena’s fault. Luka and I will look into it, okay?”
“Best you do because otherwise, I’m going to have to report your little visit to Kervyn,” Wynter hangs up.
Elena looks at me, confused. “What’s happened?”
“Someone’s just attacked the laundromat. I don’t think anyone was hurt, but it’s on fire. Let’s get you a cab so I can meet my brother there and see what’s going on.” We hurry inside, and she orders an Uber while I text Luka to meet me back at the laundromat. I give her a deep kiss before I help her into her Uber and watch her go. I cross the road to my car and get in.
She could have been hurt or killed. My blood feels like ice, knowing I put her in harm's way by showing off what it is I do. It could be nothing. It could be the Pachecos looking to start trouble again. But if it is the Sokolovs, Kervyn’s going to want his pound of flesh.
He can’t have Elena.
As I drive, my fear of what could have happened to her boils over to rage for the person who would have hurt her. The fucking bastards need to be found and dealt with the best way I know how.
I pull up a block away from the burning building and instantly spot Luka.
“Arseny,” he calls. “Over here.”
I walk over where Luka, Wynter, and Clyde are standing, talking to a fire marshal. “We were just telling Captain Hammersmith here that a search won’t be necessary. Clearly a tumble dryer caught on fire,” Luka says.
“We could offer a donation for your time,” I say quickly. “Would a thousand dollars do?” I ask.
“Cash. Right now,” Hammersmith says.
Wynter takes out some cash, counts out a thousand dollars in hundred-dollar bills, and hands it over.
I look at Wynter. “Was anyone hurt?”
“No, but that fire wasn’t started by a tumble drier. I’m telling you it was deliberate.” Wynter looks over to where the firefighters are putting out the fire, and I turn to Luka.
“We’re going to find out who did this,” I say. “And you and I are going to make them pay.”
Chapter 24 - Elena
I haven’t heard from Arseny in two days, even though I have a burner cellphone I can use to contact him. He just isn’t responding to my messages. It stresses me out, and I need to know he’s okay after the burning of his laundromat. I caught that on the news. They’re blaming a faulty dryer, but I know Arseny will suspect it is more than that. Heck, I suspect it’s more than that.
What if someone saw us in public? What if it’s someone acting on my father’s orders? I don’t think I could stand myself if it were my fault.
I’m ready to get in my car and look for Arseny when my phone finally rings. Luckily, I’m alone in my bedroom.
“Where have you been? I’ve been texting.” I pace my bedroom as I speak. “I thought you’d been hurt.”
“I was looking for someone connected to the fire and finally found someone. I’m busy interrogating him now,” Arseny says. “It sounds like he works for your father.”
“Are you at the butchers?” I ask. “I can be there in twenty minutes.”
“Elena…” he starts to say.
“Are you at the butchers?” I ask again, stopping my pacing.
He sighs. “Yes, we are. I’m with my brother Luka. Come around the back. I’ll leave it open for you.”
“I’ll be there soon,” I say and hang up. I grab my purse and car keys and hurry downstairs.
