Chapter 47
Chapter Forty-Seven
A lex placed the USB on Mikhail’s desk. His brother didn’t touch it, just stared, his expression unreadable.
“What’s this?”
“Open it. It’s illuminating.”
Mikhail gave a curt nod, and Sergei opened a drawer and pulled out a laptop, inserting the device.
“One of your games, Alexei?”
Before he could answer Sergei exploded with a vicious curse, his fingers clicking rapidly over the keyboard. “Fucking mudak .”
Mikhail’s eyes sharpened. “What is it?”
“It’s Armstrong—bank statements, wire transfers, conversations.” He lifted his eyes. “There is video and audio, all labeled with times, dates and locations.”
Mikhail’s eyelid twitched. “How did you get it?”
“We suspected Madison’s sister had tried to blackmail Armstrong over something before her death. Felix let slip as much. I found this in an old purse that had been in storage.”
Mikhail didn’t need the true details about how it was found. It was better if he believed it was Alex.
His brother muttered under his breath.
“He obviously intended it for leverage of some type. Either to squeeze more money out of you or to save himself if the Feds came knocking.”
Sergei exhaled sharply. “How did her sister get it?”
Alex’s lips thinned. “No idea, but I think when she tried to use it against him, it got her killed. Does it matter?”
Mikhail didn’t blink. “No. Are there copies? Did he show anyone else?”
“I bet with a little motivation from someone in your employ he would give you those answers.”
“What about your wife?”
“She didn’t know.” Alex met his brother’s stare head-on. “But Armstrong doesn’t believe that. That’s why he’s been coming after her so hard. Keeping her distracted with the custody war.” His jaw clenched. “Trying to kill her.”
Mikhail’s fingers drummed once against the desk before stilling. “Armstrong will be dealt with.” His lips twisted in a smile. “A very clear and public statement will be made.”
Alex inclined his head. “Felix is mine.”
Mikhail waved a hand. “Do your worst.”
“I intend to.”
“I can’t decide if it’s more Picasso or Pollack.” Alex pressed a kiss to the top of her head and stood back to admire the large roll of butcher paper splattered with paint.
“From the splatter, I’m going with Pollack.” Madison laughed and gestured at the colorful dots covering her apron.
“Genius,” he said, ruffling Jax’s curls. “Angela would you mind watching Jax while I have a word with my wife.”
Madison cast him a worried look but immediately got to her feet, pulling off her apron as she followed him to his office.
“Is it over?”
“Not yet,” he said, voice even. “But it will be.”
Madison let out a slow breath, studying his face. “Amanda called. She got us an emergency hearing tomorrow because of Felix’s failed drug test.”
“Good.” It wouldn’t matter in the long run. Felix wouldn’t be breathing for much longer.
Madison’s brow furrowed. “That’s it? No reaction?”
Alex shrugged, taking his seat before meeting her eyes. “Like I said, this will be over soon.”
Her lips pressed together. “You’re pulling some Prince Charming shit again, aren’t you? Tell me what’s happening.”
Alex smirked. “That’s not how it works. I appear on my white horse, and things are fixed, remember.”
She rolled her eyes but then grew serious. “You’re being careful?”
He nodded slowly. “Mikhail was… appreciative. There’s nothing to worry about.”
She hesitated in front of his desk. “You’re not going to tell me what you have planned?”
Alex cocked his head. “Are you sure you want to know?”
She chewed her lip for a second and then sighed. “No, probably not.”
Alex heard Madison greet Liev in the hallway moments before he appeared in the doorway.
“Good to go?”
Alex nodded. “Check every bar he’s been known to crawl into. Talk to the dealers, the club owners—put the word out. I want him found.” He met Liev’s gaze, voice turning ice-cold. “Alive.”
Liev’s brows lifted. “Plans?”
“Extensive.”
Liev cracked his knuckles, looking far too pleased. “This is going to be fun.”
“One more thing. I want a guard on Madison at all times when she leaves this house. Same for Jax and Angela. No exceptions.”
Liev’s amusement dimmed slightly. “You think Felix is stupid enough to try something?”
“I think they’re desperate.” Alex’s voice was like steel. “And desperate men do stupid things.”
Liev nodded, standing. “I’ll take care of it.”
Alex’s fingers tapped against the desk as Liev left.
In a few days, the last obstacle to their new life would be gone. They were so close, he just had to make sure no detail slipped through the cracks.