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The murder of Joshua Haversham. The suspected murder of Sidney Conrad Ewing.
Unsanctioned transportation of a body over state lines.
Dismemberment of a corpse.
Misuse of credentials to obtain classified information.
Bribery of public officials and witnesses.
If I could add a few of my own, those charges would include being a complete fucking dumbass.
And, most unforgiveable of all… fucking with the wrong family.
“Mr. Chekhov.” One of the agents steps over to me and extends his hand for me to shake. “I’m Special Agent Gunther. I’d like to extend our formal apologies for the intrusion of Smithson and his team. We’ll be launching a full investigation into his goings-on with you and your family, but please rest assured that we will not be following you around. Our preliminary scan hasn’t indicated any reason for us to continue such invasion of privacy.”
“I appreciate it.” I shake the agent’s hand firmly. “I’ll be happy to answer any follow-up questions, but during regular business hours here in my office.”
“Of course. Not a problem. We’ll be in touch.”
I’m tempted to ask about their plans for the Hamishes. But I don’t want to press my luck, at least not right now. I’m satisfied with the official removal of Smithson, who won’t stop glaring at me until he’s forced out the office door and into the elevator.
Jack stands next to me as we watch the agents take their leave. He’s as calm and collected as ever.
Once they’re gone, and we can no longer hear their footsteps in the distance, he smirks. “Well-played, sir.”
I do my best to bite back my own shit-eating grin. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
36
DAPHNE
Asya’s on the couch with Taty, patting her back while they watch some kid’s show with classical music. She winks at me and mouths, Have a good time.
Baby’s taken care of: check.
Babysitter is awesome and keeping my secret: check.
Pasha is blissfully unaware and not rushing after me: double check.
I close the door as quietly as I can, even though I’m not actually doing anything wrong. My husband loves me and I love him, but sometimes, I just want to get out of sight of the PashaCopter for a little while.
Lev steps out of the elevator just as I’m about to push the Down button. I grab his leather jacket sleeve and tug him right back into the cab.
Only when the doors are closed and the elevator starts descending do I dare breathe a word. “Thanks.”
Lev cocks a brow but doesn’t look directly at me. “You didn’t tell me where we’re going. Should I be worried?”
“About the destination? Or your boss?”
He snorts a laugh. “Either. Both.”
I shake my head. “No. Neither. I just like having my own thing, you know? I just want to breathe my own air for a few hours.”
Lev doesn’t say anything more. He simply gives me a slight nod and waits with me for the elevator to descend.
Security is doubled-down in the building since Conrad’s last—dead last—stunt in the air vents. Now, there are state-of-the-art cameras in every corner of every ground floor space, elevator cab, hallway, dog run, smoke lounge… You name it, Pasha has eyes on it. Armed security personnel pace the grounds and take turns sitting near the front desk.
We navigate through all of that before we get out to Lev’s waiting car. “So, do I get to know the big secret now?” he asks once we’re seated and buckled in.
