Prologue #2
If I possessed a functioning heart, I’m sure this would tug on its strings. But I don’t. Not anymore. Which allows me to consider this scenario logically rather than clouded by messy emotions.
I’ve underestimated the potential dangers of this assignment, which could easily cost me my damn life.
If INTERPOL can’t get a leash on Roguilin, what am I—one ex-special forces operative—supposed to do to keep him at bay?
If anyone else had asked, I’d scoff before telling them to take a hike. With Shane Gallagher’s direct involvement, that reaction could land me at the bottom of the Hudson River.
“You said lots of people were named in the court case.” I flip through the stack of pages in my hand. “What makes you think Roguilin will come after Lucy in particular? I mean, let’s face it, if he wanted, she’d be dead already.”
At that comment, Maya releases a small sob.
Veronika fixes me with a dirty glare. “She’s been named as a star witness. Roguilin’s worried she’ll be able to help the DA’s office build a strong case against him. This is all happening as we speak.”
Veronika sounds sensible. But I doubt she’s sharing everything.
On screen, fear pinches Maya’s features as she struggles to maintain her professionalism.
Darren rubs his neck. “Lucy’s having a tough time. Not surprising, after she—”
“Darren!” Veronika issues a sharp rebuke.
Their stiff body language conveys that they really are hiding something.
I want to ask what, but I’m pretty sure I can guess.
They’re attempting to paint this Lucy person as an innocent victim who found herself tangled in Viktor Roguilin’s web of power, deception, and deadly control.
But in reality, she’s probably just another impressionable, money-hungry, pretty face who went searching for attention and fame in all the wrong places.
After all, everyone in this room understands what type of man Roguilin is.
He’s infamous for multiple reasons—all of them terrible—and attracts the greedy and powerful like dogs attract fleas.
In Lucy’s case, her desire to ingratiate herself with that sort of crowd came to bite her—and everyone else here—in the ass.
I stand by my earlier assessment. If Roguilin wanted Lucy—dead or alive—this little meeting wouldn’t even be happening.
She wouldn’t need protection. She’d need a heavily armed search party with an endless supply of means and know-how.
I study Maya’s distraught face. For all I know, she’s embarrassed to share that her sister cut her teeth at one of Viktor Roguilin’s brothels that masquerade as a strip club.
In his world, “model” is usually a euphemism for “escort,” which is typically a euphemism for “prostitute.” Maybe Lucy worked her way into Roguilin’s inner harem.
Women like that will do anything to get ahead.
Too many real victims exist for me to waste time conjuring up half-assed sympathy.
“So, can you share what this assignment specifically entails?” I push the conversation forward, reminding myself of the ungodly sum of money Darren offered if I accept the job.
Darren slides another file toward me. “We want you to guard Lucy. But she won’t make it easy for you.”
“Meaning what, exactly?”
“Ever since we got her back from those bastards,” Maya swallows hard, “I’ve accompanied Lucy just about everywhere to ensure her safety.
But I have the chance to study abroad in Italy for a year.
When I leave, Lucy’ll be all alone. And while I’m not comfortable with that, she refused to let me give up this opportunity.
So, even though she hates the idea, we decided to compromise by hiring a bodyguard. ”
Veronika purses her lips. “To put it lightly.”
I open the second file and freeze when I see a photo of a beautiful young woman with long chestnut hair, expressive dark eyes, and a warm, genuine, dimpled smile.
The photo kicks me in the gut because this is not the hardened face of the wannabe model I envisioned. I linger on the image of Lucy Marlow for a few more seconds before forcing myself to flip the page.
She might be beautiful, and she may be more innocent than I’m giving her credit for, but my instincts still insist that at the core of all this, I’ll be spending the next however many months babysitting a spoiled, self-absorbed brat.
The fact remains that if she’s been singled out as a star witness in the case against Roguilin, she must’ve gotten close enough to pry into his secrets.
No one who breaches the inner circle of organizations like his could be completely free from guilt.
Why else would the man want to come after her?
And why else would Shane Gallagher be involved?
I’m not a fan of protecting these types of women.
They’re always a pain in the ass, start to fucking finish.
But Darren’s business is new. I can’t say no to him or his uncle without a good reason, and I doubt my finickiness over accepting annoying clients counts.
Maya sniffles and swipes at a tear. “I’m afraid something terrible’s going to happen to her.
And since I’ll be studying abroad in Italy, she’ll have no one to help her.
If you can’t do it, Callum, that’s all right.
I can cancel my plans and stay in New York.
At least she won’t be alone in our apartment. ”
The devotion shining in her teary expression twists some remnant of emotion in my chest. Maya’s clearly loyal to her baby sister.
My own sister’s face flashes through my mind. Deirdre. Maya’s waterworks only amplify the deepening ache beneath my ribs.
Despite all my doubts, as well as the headache that’s already throbbing in my temples, I already know I’m taking the job.
Several sets of hopeful eyes fixate on me. Along with Shane Gallagher’s chilly attention.
Fuck.
I release an inevitable sigh. “Okay. I’ll do it.”
Palpable relief flows through the room. Too bad none of it touches me.
Though tears streak down Maya’s cheeks, her mouth lifts into a tremulous smile. “Thank you, Callum.”
The depth of her gratitude and emotion penetrates my iron shell.
Even if Lucy does prove to be a selfish brat, Maya seems like a decent person. And decent people are always the ones who suffer. If I can ease her mind while raking in some cash, then I’ll use that as motivation.
Besides, I can’t afford to decline a job that both Darren and Shane are requesting I accept. Not without facing undesirable repercussions.
The rest of the meeting passes quickly.
Veronika assures Maya they’ll be back in touch soon with the terms of our agreement. Darren tells me they’ll finalize the details by the end of the day. There’s nothing left for me to do except wait to sign the contract.
When my friend and his wife rise to leave, I follow suit, but Shane Gallagher stops me before I reach the door.
“Stay a minute, Callum.”
I freeze before slowly turning back around. “Sir?”
“Rory, leave us.” The tech whiz with golden brown hair grabs his laptop and vanishes.
Unsure of what to do, I return to the chaise across from Shane and lower myself back down, sitting face-to-face with the leader of the Irish Kings.
This can’t be good.
Shane fixes me with an unreadable look. “In addition to protecting Lucy Marlow, there’s something else I need you to do.”
Great. “Of course.” My voice reflects none of my inner discomfort. “Name it.”
“Our intelligence indicates that the girl stole something from Roguilin.”
Even though I knew news like this was coming, an anvil crashes onto my chest, flattening my lungs.
Lucy Marlow, some random twentysomething aspiring model, stole from one of the deadliest men in the whole of the criminal underground? This assignment just keeps getting better.
I should give Shane a polite no and fly book it to Ireland for my annual visit right now. Only an idiot—or someone incredibly reckless and greedy—would steal from a notorious mobster.
If Lucy Marlow’s got that big a death wish, the Kings should keep their money. No amount they pay me will be enough to prevent the heat from coming for this girl. Darren wants to keep Veronika happy by protecting her friend, but we aren’t miracle workers.
Theories fly through my mind. “What did she take?”
“A crypto wallet.” Shane pulls the cigar from his mouth and blows out a cloud of smoke. “Rumored to be worth around one-hundred and fifty-three million dollars.”
My mouth slips open.
How the fuck does someone successfully steal that much money from a monster like Roguilin without being vaporized by his extensive security network?
I don’t know whether to be impressed or horrified.
Shane rises from his seat, towering over me. “Callum.”
I stand up immediately. “Sir?”
“Get me that wallet.”
Not a question. Not a plea. An order. One that leaves no room for argument.
I knew I should’ve flown home to Ireland the second Darren called me.