Page 52 of Weeping Roses
“What are you thinking?”
He asks simply and I reply, “Polly has a meeting with Marsha Steele tomorrow afternoon. The woman called her today to arrange it, telling her she has a business proposition to put to her.”
“Interesting.”
I laugh softly. “It will be interesting to hear it.”
“Will Polly agree to it?”
“Of course, because Polly will do what I damn well tell her to.”
Titus laughs softly. “They always do, Valentin. I have every faith in you.”
It makes me smile because he is not wrong. We all possess the gift of persuasion that I’ve yet to meet anyone to refuse. Polly will be no exception and this meeting is a timely one because we need to understand what we are dealing with like yesterday because if Nikolai is involved, our tomorrows may well be numbered.
I push away my thoughts and say deeply, “This organization, Burning Roses. Mikhail only got so far with Miss Steele but I’m guessing she knows way more than we gave her credit for.”
“I agree.” He pauses and then says in a low tone, “I will do my research. She must have a weakness. Mikhail used her past to get answers. I will delve deeper and discover every skeleton in her closet. It will help you get answers. Leave it with me.”
“Thank you.”
I sigh heavily. “How’s mama?”
“The same. Grieving and confused about how anyone could have done this so easily.”
“When we avenge his death, she will get the answers she seeks.” I growl and Titus sighs deeply.
“Just stay safe in the pursuit of it. Nikolai is a rare animal who cannot be underestimated. I’ll see what I can discover under the radar and hope there is enough to end this.”
“What about Ana and Arman?” I reference my brother and sister, and Titus’s voice softens as he speaks of our sister.
“Ana is trying to contain mama’s grief and is working from home. Arman went to New York to deal with business there. The markets are unsettled after pa’s death and he is working to stabilize our investments.”
“Rather him than me.” I laugh softly and add, “Mikhail?”
Titus says with amusement. “I never thought I’d see the day, but he is on vacation with Lilli.”
“Has she drugged him?”
“She must have done.” He laughs. “They are due back in seven days, but he calls me most days and is running his usual shit from the beach.”
“So it can be done.”
I picture Polly waiting for me upstairs and envy my brother. He has fallen hard for his woman which is surprising. Could the unthinkable happen to me, too? A few days ago I would have dismissed it, but after Polly came into my life, I’m beginning to believe that anything is possible.
I end the call with my brother a lot happier than when I started. Titus is an information gatherer and we still don’t know how he does it sometimes. He flies under the radar and has contacts we have never heard of, and yet he gets things done. He always has and I have every faith in him and the rest of my family as we work together to bring about justice for our father.
CHAPTER 30
POLLY
Ican’t think straight.
Everything has now changed.
Those were his words, and he is not wrong. Everything has changed because now I’m freaking terrified. Somebody I met was murdered because of my visit. I am freaking out right now and I feel so responsible. A Russian assassin is following a trail I am walking on behind him and what if he turns around and decides I’m next? It’s a possibility and I am so far out of my depth I’m drowning.
Valentin told me I wasn’t on my own anymore. For now, sure, but what happens when he grows tired or decides he has what he needs? I’ll be alone then and this Nikolai character may decide I’m better off joining my aunt because all the time I know his name, I’m not safe.