War(35)

“Priest, my friend,” he said jovially as if he hadn’t seen me standing there.

I was unperturbed, though I knew he was doing his best to get some reaction from me. He’d be disappointed. I’d come here for any information that was to be had, and nothing, not even Markov, would keep me from getting it.

“Did you bring me a present?” he asked.

He kept his eyes on me, but I knew he was referencing Milan. I also knew that if he did look at her, he would get the reaction he was seeking. Further proof that this was a bad idea. I needed to keep my cool, but already, I was distracted.

“No,” I said. “We need to talk.”

Markov waited a moment, another, and then he stood. “Of course, my friend. Follow me,” he said.

I met Milan’s eyes, saw how valiantly she fought to keep the emotion out of them.

“I’ll be back in a moment,” I said.

She was on the verge of protest. I could see it in her eyes, but she said nothing, and instead put her most neutral expression on her face, though I could see the effort it took.

I wanted to comfort her, but didn’t, couldn’t let her importance to me be seen, so I followed Markov.

Leaving her was less than ideal, but I had no desire to push. Markov would push back just because he knew he could, and I wouldn’t let Milan get caught in that.

I also wouldn’t let Markov see me sweat, knowing that doing so might make him move anxious to press his advantage. I had no time for those games right now. So I would overlook Markov’s transgressions, but if he pushed too far…

I had a reputation to uphold, a life that I planned on resuming, and I would never let it be forgotten who I was. So I’d give Markov his moment and hope that it was enough.

Markov led me to the room where he conducted his most important business and then stood in front of me.

“Vasile thought I would be in for some trouble. Looks like it was you,” Markov said after he’d sat.

“Is that what you heard? That I’m in trouble?” I asked.

“One of the things. Heard that you arranged the shooting. I wasn’t there to see it myself,” he said, a moment’s irritation at not having been invited to the wedding crossing his face. “But still, I know it’s not true. I told everyone Priest wouldn’t do that sort of thing,” Markov said.

Lies, I knew, because he wouldn’t miss a chance to denigrate me, or anyone else for that matter. If anything, he had probably been key in spreading the rumor of my alleged involvement. And probably not out of particular malice, but Markov was who he was, and who he was was the type who would relish spreading that sort of salacious tale.

“I’m glad you know me better than to believe something like that,” I said, giving the expected response.

“You’ve been very good to me, and I have nothing but loyalty toward you,” Markov said. Then he smiled, the expression sharklike and insincere. “How can I help you, my friend?”









Milan



With every second that passed, I rethought my earlier vehemence. Maybe staying back wouldn’t have been such a bad idea. It would have been better than being here.

I was still where Priest had left me, only having moved about two inches to get as close to the wall as I could be. I was in the back, in what should have been a corner, but I had a prime location, one that allowed me to see everyone, and more importantly, everyone to see me.

And they did.

Every eye in the place was on me. Even the woman under one of the small tables giving the most uninspired blow job imaginable managed to look me up and down.

I was clearly the most exciting thing in this room.

Lucky me! I said in my head, trying and failing to stop the smile that spread across my face, but quickly sending it away and again setting my face in what I hoped was a convincing don’t-fuck-with-me expression.

I probably looked like a mental patient, but who could tell with a crowd like this. This place definitely wasn’t the kind I’d venture to on my own, but I’d catered enough private parties to know how these things went, and to know when it was time for me to be elsewhere.

And right about now would be the time when I’d collect my money and go.

The vibe seemed good enough, but there was an undercurrent in the room, one I knew could turn ugly in a snap.

“You lost?” a woman asked.

I turned toward the voice on instinct and looked up to meet the gaze of a tall woman. She looked wary and curious, but most important, she seemed fully lucid, which wasn’t something I could say for many of the other faces I’d seen here. She was a couple of years younger than me, beautiful in a way I would envy if she didn’t look so damned sad.