Page 33 of Sinner's Sacrifice
What just happened?
Instead of an explosive response, he got understanding and agreement. Why was it that every time she ended a conversation with him, he seemed to teeter on the edge of a conversational cliff, uncertain of his footing and with no idea how to move forward?
She rarely responded the way he expected. The way most women would with recriminations, rage, and revenge. At least, not toward him.
She did react that way to others, if they earned it, but not him.
Don’t read anything into it. She’ll rip you a new one if you’re wrong.
Yvgeny turned away, locked the elevator to this floor, then went to his own bedroom and laid down on the bed.
He didn’t bother to change, since he wasn’t going to sleep, but he closed his eyes and put himself into the meditative state that came as close to sleep as his kind of human could manage.
He wasn’t sure how successful he’d be with Sam in the next room but found a contentment in having her in his space that allowed him to rest better than he expected. When he rose to begin the workday, he felt refreshed. And he had a new employee to harass.
He showered, changed clothes, and left a note for Sam telling her he would be in his office.
Yvgeny arrived at his temporary office on the third floor of the hotel to find Mason standing over Brian Stettler. Mr. Stettler was seated behind the desk right outside of Yvgeny’s office door.
“Good morning gentlemen,” Yvgeny said. “How goes it?”
“He’s good to go,” Mason said. “All set up in HR, payroll, and with all our computer systems. He’s got a work phone and a work laptop loaded with your schedule, contacts, yada, yada, yada.”
The young man choked but didn’t say anything.
“How is our newest housekeeper?”
“Still at the clinic. They kept her overnight due to needing IV antibiotics. A couple of her wounds were worse than the others. The nurse I talked to this morning said it was a good thing we got her help when we did.”
“Excellent. Could you keep an eye out for our onsite paramedic? She’ll want an update. Once I talk to Bazyli, I’ll know what our next steps will be. I think I want to accompany her to the police station when she makes her statement.”
“Yes, sir.” Mason nodded at Brian and walked away.
“Police?” Brian asked, his tone carefully neutral.
“Yes, we had a...situation last night.” He started toward his office door. “Come in and take notes, if you wouldn’t mind. I need to tell the whole story to my cousin, Bazyli.” He glanced over his shoulder at the young man. “Do you know who he is?”
“Um, well...only the basics.”
“That he’s an almost homeless taxi driver who saved a NYPD detective from a rather unsavory group of human traffickers recently?”
“Yeah, most of that.”
“He’s now a police informant, and I think the FBI and NYPD will appreciate information on another predator of the same sort.”
“Why don’t you share this information yourself?” Brian asked. “It would benefit you more directly than using Baz or me.”
“The FBI and NYPD don’t trust me. Baz, on the other hand, has earned some trust. And, of course, you’re an FBI agent.” He smiled at Brian. “I use the tools I have in the most efficient way.” He took a seat behind his desk. “Close the door please, then take a seat.”
Brian followed those orders then sat at one of the visitors’ chairs with a notepad and pen at the ready.
Yvgeny called Baz’s cellphone. It rang several times before it was answered.
“What?” Baz asked in the most irritated of tones.
“Good morning,” Yvgeny said with more cheerfulness than was required.
“Fuck off, you asshole,” Baz replied. “Why are you calling me so early?”