Total pages in book: 188
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
The only person with that much power was the chief. The guy was a prick. He’d always been unpopular around the precinct. Even Gene hated him.
Shit. “Be careful, man. Different scenario, but if you’re right, I’m living proof that—”
“Anyone can get to you or the ones you love at any time. I know.” Tony’s stare darted to the entrance again. “My gut’s telling me there’s danger everywhere and I should keep my head down. Stop asking questions.” He met Seth’s stare, looking rattled. “Like I said before, it’s a good thing you got out when you did. We didn’t talk much about it when we were partners, but I knew the rumors about your dad being dirty were bullshit. Everyone did. Michael was one of the good guys—solid, a damn good detective, and as honest as they come.”
“Thanks. That means a lot.”
“I know it wasn’t easy to stop digging when you did. You and your dad were tight. But I’m starting to think you’re right and that I should take a page from your book.”
Tony didn’t know that Seth hadn’t stopped digging—that he’d hunted down Silas, spent four days torturing the murderer before executing him. That the page from his “book” had been one of the bloodiest chapters of his life. God willing, he never would.
“It would be safer,” Seth pointed out.
“Probably.” Suddenly, Marconi forced a bright smile and stood. “I should check on Megan and get back to work. But hey, text me your address and we’ll send you a wedding invitation, okay? Maybe you and Heavenly can make it back for the ceremony.”
“I’ll see if we can work it out.” By the time he had to RSVP for the event, the fact that he shared Heavenly with Beck would be out in the open.
Smiling, he stood and clasped Tony’s hand, before pulling him in for another slap on the back. “Take care of yourself, man. Seriously.”
“You too, Cooper. And hey, tell your mom congrats on her wedding.” Tony nodded. “See you around.”
“See you.” Seth tipped his chin and watched Tony—shoulders tense and head on a swivel—hurry out of the bar.
With a frown, Seth glanced at his phone. Their conversation had wrapped up earlier than expected, and now he was alone with his churning thoughts and a growing sense of apprehension.
Same shit, different day. But the systematic rot of corruption Tony had described made Seth doubly glad he’d given up his badge.
After finishing his beer, he paid the check and strolled out of the bar. Beck’s speech would likely run another hour, but after Tony’s revelations, Seth felt the urge to look in on Heavenly, make sure she was safe.
He crossed the opulent lobby toward the elevators, rounded the corner—and stopped dead.
There, Heavenly stood, looking wide-eyed and just a bit afraid at the massive, tattooed figure looming over her, pressing her against a wall.
Instantly, Seth recognized the man. Not only did he wear a flashy tailored suit that probably cost ten grand, his dark hair, icy eyes, and ruthlessly carved profile belonged on the big screen. He wielded power like a man meant to reign over boardrooms—but the thin scar running from his left temple to his jaw, his ink, and his thick Russian accent betrayed him as something far more dangerous.
Nikolai Volkov, Bratva boss. The deadliest man Seth had ever called friend—and one he’d never expected to see again, hovering over a terrified Heavenly.
“Nikolai!” Seth raced toward Heavenly and tucked her behind his body protectively. “What the fuck are you doing? You don’t talk to her.”
Instantly, the Russian’s four brutish bodyguards closed in. Seth didn’t back down. With a grin, Nikolai waved them away. “Seth Cooper, my friend. Why so hostile?”
Seth eyed the still-hovering bodyguards before turning his glare back on Nik. Christ, if the wrong people saw Heavenly with the Russian… “Whatever reason you’re here, she’s not part of it. You want to talk? You find me. You don’t approach her. She knows nothing. She’s off-limits.”
Nikolai stepped back and raised his hands in a gesture of mock innocence. “I did not think you want me to interrupt meeting with cop friend. A thousand apologies.”
That was who’d been watching him and Tony? Why? Nikolai didn’t surface in upscale places teeming with polite society without a fucking good reason.
“Heavenly, go upstairs. Text Beck that you’ll be in the room and to meet you there as soon as he’s done. Do it now.”
She frowned, her gaze ping-ponging between him and Nikolai. “Seth, what’s—”
“Don’t argue, angel. Let me know the second you’re safely inside the room. Don’t open the door for anyone except me or Beck. No maids, no room service, no one. Do you understand?”
“O-Okay.” She looked shaken, but she nodded and pulled out her phone.
Seth watched her text Beck with trembling fingers before he guided her to the elevator. “Don’t forget to tell me when you’re safe. If I haven’t heard from you in two minutes, I’m coming after you.”