Page 78 of The Councilor

Ivan nodded. “Don’t worry. Everything is secure, tests run on the security system.”

“Good. Just coordinate the various men to watch the house. You should also keep conversations going with Vadim’s Capos. I’m unsure if the attack was meant for me specifically.”

“I can tell you have something on your mind.”

“Something is nagging at me, as if this has nothing to do with the Bratva. It’s something I’m going to check out.”

“Just let me know if you need any help.”

“Will do,” I said and clapped him on the arm.

“I heard about the article,” he added sheepishly. “Kristoff and I didn’t see anything unusual.”

“Don’t worry about it. Reporters are tenacious.”

I returned to the car, opening the passenger door. “It’s safe.” I helped her out and she stood for a few seconds drinking in the salty air. I guess I’d taken the area lightly. I’d preferred the sights and smells of the big city, but I had to admit the smaller area, the beach, and the quaint atmosphere was good for the soul.

I only hoped it would be good for the health.

I moved to the trunk, still trying to figure out the next best steps. Vadim had mentioned having discussions with the Irish and Armenian mobs, more to help them understand fucking with us wasn’t in their best interest. She grabbed the duffle bag she’d prepared for me even though I tried to take it for her.

“I’m not helpless. And you know what? I think I’ll like it here,” she said, giving me a highly mischievous look. I was glad to see she didn’t appear worse for the wear.

No, the girl wasn’t helpless at all. I’d thought about providing her with a weapon, which I still might consider.

But not now.

I still needed some time to regroup. As I guided her to the front door, pulling out the set of keys, I was grateful I’d asked the housecleaner to pick up a few items for our stay.

“Can we go to one of those cute restaurants later?” Her question caught me off guard.

“We’ll see.”

“Didn’t I hear you say just about everyone in the area carries a weapon?”

The girl could make me laugh. “Did I say that?”

“I believe you did.”

As I inserted the key, another bad feeling washed over me. My instincts were pretty spot on, the interior swept but given what my gut was telling me, I knew I had to stay on alert. Once the door was opened, she pushed her way inside.

“Wow. This is different,” she said as she placed her bag gently just inside the door, walking forward.

One of the things I did love about the three-story building was the number of windows. The entire back consisted of floor-to-ceiling windows and sets of doors opening to the outdoors. With two massive decks and a beautiful stone patio complete with a firepit, it allowed for stunning views of the water. Even from where I was standing, I could see a soft pink glow on the horizon.

The storm had passed close to dawn, giving way to somewhat tumultuous skies. At least there wasn’t thunder and lightning to contend with, which could mean loss of power. The area was notorious for that, so many residents of the special area of the city yet to replace the old systems and wiring. Why bother fixing what wasn’t broken?

I turned off the security yet closed and locked the door just as she was heading for a set of back doors. It wasn’t that she was oblivious to the danger. I had a feeling she remained determined to live her life her way. How could I not applaud someone for maintaining their convictions during a time of crisis?

Even if it was apparent I’d need to remind her of the rules all over again. Still, I found myself grinning at the thought. My hand was also itching. What did that make me?

Hungry.

She flew outside, immediately moving to the iron railing system.

While she stood basking in the breeze, I moved to the kitchen, which gave me a good view of her position. I didn’t need to look hard to realize the girl that had been with the family for years had done a fantastic job of stocking the refrigerator, the cabinets, and more important, the small liquor cabinet. I pulled out two tumblers, half filling them with whiskey.

I certainly didn’t want her to feel like a prisoner while we were here, even though that was close to being accurate. Not a bad prison to be in with the entertainment system all throughout the house.