Chapter 21 #2
She shifted her gaze to Kirill. “I take it this isn’t a social call.”
“No, you have a client who I need to speak with.”
“Ah, then the rumors are true. The Ghost is here.” There was little that occurred in Paris she didn’t know about.
“You are correct. A dangerous man.” I pulled a wad of cash from my jacket pocket. “For your inconvenience.”
“Room three nineteen, but do me a favor and let the girl go. She’s one of my best.” She pocketed the cash in the bodice of her dress, keeping her voice low given there were a few people meandering through the downstairs.
I squeezed her arm. “Don’t worry. I’ll be neat and tidy.” I nodded to Kirill who headed for the stairs.
“When are you returning to Moscow?” she asked.
“Likely tomorrow. I’d appreciate if you didn’t allow anyone to know of my sudden… return from the dead.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. I assume you’ll need transportation back home?” She tilted her head, studying me intently.
“What do you suggest?”
“I always travel in style. I have a plane at your disposal.”
With a single kiss on her cheek, I sealed the deal. “I’ll happily take you up on the offer. Do you have a cleanup crew available?”
She was a woman of her word. Her laugh was exactly as I remembered.
“Of course. Your father taught me well. Let me grab a card key to the room.” After placing the card into my hand, she folded her fingers around mine.
“Be careful, Kazimir. There are those who didn’t mind hearing about your death, including several of your father’s enemies. ”
“That I know. And I plan on dealing with every one of them. Keep your ear to the ground. If you hear anything of value, I’ll make it worth your while.”
Her smile was brighter than before.
When another guest walked in, I took the opportunity to head upstairs where Kirill was already waiting by the door. While walking up the stairs, I took the opportunity to place a silencer on the barrel. Why disturb the guests any more than necessary?
He was ready to kick it in when I showed him the card. “You take all the fun out of doing this.”
“I assure you we’ll have many battles to fight.” There was music coming from the room, which would mask our entrance. And still, I remained as silent as possible, closing the door behind us.
The suite was one I remembered fondly, although it had been renovated at least once. Unfortunately, it would need a new paint job.
With the man busy fucking the girl doggy style, he wasn’t paying any attention to the fact he had two visitors.
At least at first. I could tell the second he realized he’d been compromised by the ripple of muscles in his back. Before he had a chance to reach for the weapon on the nightstand, a single shot was fired directly into his hand.
Instead of howling like most men would do, he gritted his teeth and came out swinging with his other arm. I was shocked at his fluidity as he jumped off the bed.
Kirill knew what to do, grabbing the girl off the bed, along with her robe and escorting her from the room. All without a single scream erupting from her throat.
I smashed my weapon against his head, pitching him to the side. When he was down, I grabbed the rope I’d brought with me from my pocket. He put up a valiant fight, managing to punch me in the eye.
But I’d waited for far too long, keeping my muscles toned for him to get the better of me.
Seconds later, I had the rope wound around his neck and dragged him onto the bed.
From there, Kirill took the two ends of the thick rope from my hand while I straddled his legs, pulling a knife from my pocket.
What a shame it wasn’t the knife my lovely Rafaela had given me.
He had the courage or maybe the nerve to grin, acting like he wasn’t bothered at all he was lying naked on a bed with the blade of a knife positioned precariously by his dick.
“The Ghost. I don’t think I need to waste but so much time explaining how your counterpart died. So let’s be frank with each other.”
“I believe you’re the ghost from what I’ve heard through the grapevine.”
“Perhaps you’re right,” I answered, lifting my gaze briefly to Kirill. The man was in his element. “Now, who are you working for?”
“As you can see, I’m not working at all.”
I took a deep whiff of the perfume lingering in the room, the scent reminding me of the fragrance Rafaela had taken to wearing. “As you might imagine, I’m not interested in wasting time. I’m aware of the identity of your mark. What were you doing with her?”
“My client prefers anonymity.”
I bet he did. While I could literally go for the jugular, I decided on allowing Kirill to take out some of his aggressions.
With a single nod, he tied the ends to the mattress frame, not bothering to see if it was too tight.
I tossed him my knife, grinning as I did.
He knew what to do. This was nothing but a rekindling of old times.
The Ghost’s chest rose and fell, but he shook his head until Kirill moved the knife toward a sensitive area.
His dick.
When his eyes opened wide, I had a feeling he was about to talk. It took the point of the blade being driven against his flaccid flesh to yelp. “Stop. Just fucking stop. I’ll tell you what I know.”
I climbed off the bed, staring at him while I rubbed my jaw. “Fine. One chance. Did the Italians hire you?”
He was shaking, staring up at Kirill. “No, the Russians.”
Russians. Alright. There were enough Russian factions that anyone might want her.
“For an alliance with the Italians?”
“I… I think so. I don’t ask too many questions.”
“But you were to bring her to someone alive,” I continued.
“Yes.”
“Where inside Russia?”
Kirill offered incentive of his own, twisting the rope until he began to turn blue.
“That’s enough, Kirill.” For now.
My commander appeared disappointed.
“I don’t know. They’d only provide the information after proof of life.”
“Why do they want her?”
“Information. She has to know something but I don’t know what. That’s not for me to know.”
In our world, the less known the better. You didn’t show your hand to those not on your team. However, now this was getting interesting. “Do you have their phone number?”
He was still reluctant, the stupid bastard. So I offered another round of incentives by taking the knife and pressing it against his balls. Now he was sweating. “My phone. X. Just under X. Okay?”
“Very well. Any idea what they wanted her for?”
“No.”
I believed him. Which was why I allowed him a death of honor. Or maybe I was just eager to get to my lovely little healer.
Pop! Pop!
Kirill huffed as he lifted his head. “You take the fun out of everything.”