by Zara Chase
“Yeah, let me hear that.”
Peyton reached for the phone and put it on speaker. He and Clyde looked at one another as they listened closely.
“She did mention to us that she’d met one of the Russian guards from the Kremlin. That could well be him.”
“What does he mean by saying he’d see her in the usual place, I wonder?” Fabia mused.
“Let’s see if we can find out.” Peyton dialled the number Sergio had called from. “It’s ringing,” he said, although since the phone was still on speaker, Fabia and Clyde could hear that for themselves.
“Hello.”
“Sergio?”
A long pause. “Who is this?”
Peyton gestured to Fabia. “It’s Sonia’s sister.” Hope spiralled through her as she finally spoke to someone who might actually know where her sibling was. “Is she there?”
“Fabia?”
She gasped. “You know who I am? Where’s Sonia?”
“I can’t talk now. Meet me outside the tennis centre in an hour. Come alone.”
He cut the connection before she could ask any questions. Fabia glanced at her two guys, full of renewed hope and determination.
“You’re not going,” they said in unison.
Chapter Ten
“Just a damned minute.” Fabia jumped to her feet, placed her hands on her hips, and treated them both to a belligerent glare. “If you think I’m gonna miss out on the only chance I’ve had to find out more about Sonia then you’re sadly deluded.”
“Hear me out.” Peyton raised a placating hand as he stood to face her. “Of course you must go, but you’re not doing it alone.”
He was so calmly authoritative, damn him, when all she wanted to do was fight. But it was hard to fight with someone who was being so reasonable and who appeared to be thinking only of her best interests. It was harder still to fight with someone who looked as good as he did. Every time she locked gazes with him, sexy as hell and completely comfortable with his nakedness, she forgot why she was angry with him. Instead, she was reminded how the two of them had just made her body sing and her emotions soar, sending her mind on a sensual detour that had nothing to do with her sister.
This wasn’t good. She absolutely refused to cede power to anyone else—even these two overprotective autocrats—when it came to finding Sonia.
“I have to go alone,” she said in a more reasonable tone, refusing to meet his eye. Her gaze dropped lower, which only made matters worse. She hastily turned away from him, distractedly plucking a jasmine flower between her fingers. “He sounded nervous, and if he sees anyone else around, he probably won’t show.”
“We’ll make sure he doesn’t see us,” Clyde said. “We’re good at blending in. But we’re not risking losing you, and that’s final.”
“You don’t get to decide what I do.”
“Yeah, we do,” Peyton said, finality in his tone. “If you don’t agree to let us be there where we can see and hear what’s going down, then we’ll show up anyway and spook him.”
“He might be genuine—”
“He is genuine. He knew my name. Sonia wouldn’t have told him that unless she trusted him.”
“Then why hasn’t Sonia been in touch with you?”
Fabia swiped her brow with the back of her hand and turned to face them both, angry again. “Damn it, I don’t know!”
“Exactly.” Peyton glowered at her. “There are any number of ways they could have found your name without Sonia telling them. If they know who she is, they could easily find out about her nearest and dearest.”
Fabia felt all the fight drain out of her. “I suppose.”
Peyton’s expression changed from fiercely implacable to recklessly sensual, causing Fabia’s gut to roil. His eyes softened as he reached for her and pulled her against him. She went willingly, even though she was still madder than hell at their dictatorial attitudes. Her breasts collided with the solidity of his chest, and to her shame, she felt the first stirrings of desire.
Again.
What the hell was wrong with her? She shook her head, disgusted with her lack of self-control, and tried to pull away. He didn’t seem ready to let her go, tightening his arms round her until they felt like bands of steel restricting her movement, her breathing, even her ability to think rationally. The deeply emotional expression in his eyes caused her heart to stutter and her pulse to race. He was too strong for her to escape from his arms, so she used that excuse to lean against him again, taking momentary comfort from the power and potency of his fierce protectiveness.
“If anything should happen to you,” he said, dropping a light kiss on the top of her head, “I don’t think I’d ever get over it.”
“Same goes for me. Move aside, buddy.” Clyde tapped Peyton’s bicep, and he immediately released her. Clyde then took his turn to hold her close. “We both love you, babe. There’s no getting round that, so you’d best get used to the idea.”
Fabia shook her head. They couldn’t possibly be serious. They were just saying it to make her do what they wanted and to keep their operation on track. They didn’t really care about her, or Sonia. She and her sister were expendable in the greater scheme of things.
They remained silent, sending her scorching gazes of such deep intensity as to make her ashamed of the hasty conclusion she’d drawn. No one could fake that degree of sincerity. Could they? She’d fallen headlong for the pair of them. Did they, by some miracle, really return her feelings? Fabia shook her head. Now wasn’t the time to get fanciful.
“I love you both, too,” she said, her voice choked with emotion as she decided to be honest, the hell with the consequences. They probably wouldn’t believe her any more than she believed them. “But you must see that I have to know what’s happened to Sonia.”
“Sure you do,” Peyton said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, but we’ll be there to look out for you. If you don’t agree to our terms, we’ll tie you down and prevent you from leaving this loft.”
“You wouldn’t dare!”
“Try me.” Peyton flashed a glamorous smile. “Don’t worry, Sergio won’t know we’re there. But you mustn’t leave the vicinity of the tennis centre, even if he offers to take you to Sonia.” Peyton grabbed her shoulders and forced her to meet his gaze. “Promise me, Fabia.”
Peyton and Clyde stood naked side by side, identical expressions of concern on their faces. Her heart melted at the measures they were prepared to take to protect her. After all, she barely knew them—not really. She nodded several times. “I promise,” she said, standing on her toes to kiss each of them.
“Keep your phone handy with my number on the screen. If you need me, just dial, and we’ll be there before you can blink.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
* * * *
Half an hour ahead of time, Fabia wandered onto the terrace of the tennis centre’s main pavilion. She had arrived alone on her bicycle and not passed anyone on the way. Peyton and Clyde, dressed in dark clothing, moved like wraiths and secreted themselves behind the pavilion. Fabia knew they’d be coming, otherwise she wouldn’t have known they were there. She shivered, even though the night was warm. Apprehensive, she was now grateful to have Peyton and Clyde watching her back.
Disappointment spiralled through her. It was now fifteen minutes after the time she’d agreed to meet Sergio, but there was no sign of him. She’d give it another fifteen and then call it a day. Perhaps he’d been held up somewhere. Fabia sincerely hoped it was nothing more sinister than that. All sorts of increasingly wild scenarios played out in her mind. Whoever had Sonia had intercepted Sergio’s call. Asimov was back and needed Sergio to stay on duty. Sergio was dead. Sonia was dead. Sonia was badly…
Footfalls caused her head to snap round. She’d been lost in gloomy thought and had relaxed her guard. A figure materialised on the terrace beside her.
“Sergio?” She peered at him in the darkness but was unable to make out his features.
>
“Sorry to keep you waiting. I couldn’t get away.”
“I’m just glad you’re here. What can you tell me about my sister?”
“Let’s go somewhere less exposed.”
“No, sorry, but I don’t know you. I’m not leaving here unless you can convince me there’s a very good reason to.”
“It’s not safe for us to be seen together.”
“No one’s around. It’s gone midnight.”
“Even so, I didn’t have to come, and I’m being watched. I’m only here for Sonia’s sake.”
“Is she alive?” Fabia asked anxiously.
“Yes.” He paused. “At present.”
Fabia hyperventilated. “What do you mean, at present? Is she hurt? Has someone—”
The tall young man ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t talk about it here—”
“Come inside, then.”
Fabia had already unlocked the pavilion. She led Sergio through the darkened space into the windowless storeroom at the back. Peyton and Clyde were just on the other side of that thin wall and would be able to hear every word. She hoped. She flipped on the light and got her first good look at the Russian. He was dark haired and very good looking. He also looked scared shitless.
“Tell me what happened with Sonia.”
“I work for Mr. Asimov. Sonia tracked me down to the bar here, and we got chatting. She wanted to know if Asimov had anything to do with the death of your parents.”
“Did he?”
“I should have reported her to my boss straightaway,” he said, ducking the question. “That’s what we’re supposed to do if anyone gets curious about his activities.”
“But you didn’t?”
He shook his head. “No, I didn’t.”
“Why not?”
He shrugged. “Sonia’s a very pretty girl.”
“Yes, she is but—”
“I didn’t like the way things were going with Asimov. He was getting too ruthless, and I couldn’t bear to see anything bad happen to your sister.”
Fabia shuddered. “We’re on the same page there.”
“We became friends…well, more than friends.” His fierce expression softened. “We fell in love. I know this will sound crazy, but I think it happened the moment we set eyes on each other.”
Fabia thought about her situation with Peyton and Clyde and decided it didn’t sound the slightest bit crazy. A nerve worked beneath Sergio’s eye as he waited for her to react. He was uncomfortable being here with her and was putting himself in danger by telling her anything at all. Fabia warmed to him. He really must have strong feelings for Sonia to take such a risk.
“I understand. She’s lucky to have you.” Fabia paused. “Why would something bad happen to Sonia?”
“If she’d been asking too many questions about Asimov, he would know, and he wouldn’t like it.”
“Tell me where she is, Sergio. I’ve been going out of my mind with worry.”
“Tell us all.”
The door opened, and Peyton and Clyde stood there, legs apart, arms away from their sides. They clearly expected trouble and were prepared to face it. Sergio jerked his head round at the sound of their voices.
“Who are you?” His hand reached inside the light jacket he wore.
“Don’t try it,” Peyton said. “We’re friends of Fabia’s.”
“Who shouldn’t be here.” She threw them a disbelieving look. They’d promised to keep out of it. Sergio would have talked to her. Now he wouldn’t say a word.
He removed his hand and glowered at Fabia. “I told you to come alone.”
“Would you have let Sonia meet a stranger at midnight on her own?”
He slouched against the wall and shook his head. “I guess not.”
“Look,” Peyton said, “I know you’re scared, but I also sense you want to do the right thing. We can help you.”
He threw them a look of unmitigated scorn. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, I think I do. Your boss built this place on Mafia money and is now using it to launder more of the same.”
Sergio laughed. “If only that’s all it was.”
Peyton and Clyde shared a glance. “What do you mean?”
“How do I know I can trust you?”
“We’re the good guys. That’s all I can say for now, but we have the power to get you whatever you need. I sense that you’re caught up in something that’s gotten away from you. I know that no one walks away from Asimov unless he’s ready to let them go. We can make that happen.”
“Did your boss have my parents killed?” Fabia asked softly.
Sergio turned to look at her, sympathy in his expression. “Yes. Your father got too close to the truth and had to be stopped.”
“I see.” She took a deep breath and tried to quell her turbulent emotions. She must find out all she could from Sergio before he took fright and ran, as he looked like he might well do. She could grieve properly later. “How did he do it?” she managed to ask round the lump in her throat.
“Asimov knew where they lived. There’s that dangerous bend in the road. Someone who works for him was there on a scooter, waiting. It was the middle of a sunny day. They simply flashed something that blinded your father, and he drove off the road.” He reached across and touched Fabia’s arm. “I’m sorry. It was a terrible thing to do, but Sonia wanted to know and said you would, too.”
“Thank you. I do, but what of Sonia now?”
“Asimov is through with the Mafia. He wants out. He knows the powers that be are on to him here, so he’s putting one last large amount of dirty money through the casino on Friday night, during the gala.”
“We thought as much,” Clyde said.
“But that’s not all. He’s arranging to sell out his interest here to some rich Yanks, but he’s greedy. He’s got another scam going down on Friday night. The biggest yet.”
Peyton’s and Clyde’s identical expressions of surprise said it was news to them.
“What’s he planning?” Peyton asked.
“You must understand that I’m only telling you this for Sonia’s sake, but if I do tell you it all, you must protect us both. If Asimov even suspects that I’ve spoken then my life won’t be worth a dime.”
“You have our word.”
He expelled an elongated sigh. “Have you ever heard of the Russian Business Network?”
“The multifaceted cybercrime organization,” Peyton said, rubbing his jaw. “Identity theft for resale, hosting illegal or dubious businesses, that sort of thing.”
“Yes.” Sergio nodded. “It’s almost impossible to trace the hosts. It can be controlled through obscure locations, and there’s no hardware involved. It’s a safer bet for someone in Asimov’s position who’s acquired a lot of enemies over the years and is tired of looking over his shoulder.”
“He’d better not stop looking quite yet,” muttered Clyde.
“A few years ago, an eleven-man international gang stole almost fifty million from a well-known British high street chain by breaching their computer systems.”
Clyde whistled. “I don’t remember that hitting the headlines.”
“It didn’t because the target company chose to keep quiet and take the hit rather than risk public humiliation and loss of customer faith. They simply tightened up their security and made sure it didn’t happen again.” He shrugged. “That’s one of the beauties of cybercrime, making it impossible for someone like Asimov to resist. Apart from being almost untraceable, it also embarrasses the targets into keeping quiet.”
“How does it work?” Peyton asked.
“Through Trojans. That’s malware that appears to perform a legitimate function but in fact allows unauthorized access to the host machine. The Trojans divert traffic from its correct destination straight into the arms of the thieves, and no one’s any the wiser. They’re in and out, usually on a weekend, as in this case, and the proceeds are long gone before they’re even missed. Asi
mov has tried it a couple of times in a small way. This weekend will be the big one.”
Fabia frowned. “I still don’t understand where Sonia fits in. She works for a large conglomerate in the UK in their systems office,” she explained to Peyton and Clyde, “and can do absolutely anything with a computer. But surely Asimov has his own people to—”
“I smuggled her into the Kremlin one night, into my quarters.” He thumped his fist against his thigh. “It was a stupid thing to do, but I…We wanted to, you know, and I couldn’t leave Tosca Brava without a good reason and go to the place where she was living.”
“Why not?” Fabia asked.
“Our organization works on suspicion. No one really trusts anyone else, and we’re all encouraged to report anything out of the ordinary. Asimov suspects that his money laundering might have been rumbled, which is why he intends to pack it in after this last load of money goes through this weekend. He thinks one of us might have changed sides, so everyone’s under suspicion. Anyway, the only way Sonia and I could be together was at my place in the grounds. I didn’t think we’d be caught.”
All three of his listeners nodded, knowing only too well how crazy passion could make a person. How compelling it could be to take crazy risks.
“That really was a stupid thing to do,” Peyton said, shaking his head.
“Yeah.” The young Russian looked bereft. “Hindsight’s a wonderful thing.”
“What happened?” Fabia asked.
“We were caught.” He shrugged. “I suppose I should have known we would be. Anyway, after that, Sonia’s identity didn’t remain secret for long.”
“So she is dead,” Fabia said bleakly.
“No, fortunately for her, this scam is a two-man job at this end, with others situated in locations overseas. Asimov has to have computer experts he can trust absolutely. One of the people who was due to fly in from Russia to do his part was killed in a Mafia hit the day before Sonia was discovered here. That probably saved her life, because—”
