Page 92 of Beloved
Evidently, money was no object for the Ghost’s shadow.
As soon as I walked in, I was struck by how things rarely changed even after thirteen years. She’d likely heard of my death, but wouldn’t dare say a word to anyone about her own ghost gracing her presence.
Madame Dubois’ eyes lit up the moment I walked in. She was so taken aback she pressed her hand over her heart before walking closer. “Kazimir Chertov. I thought you were dead.”
“I was.”
She whistled. “I guess I don’t need to know any details.”
“It’s better if you didn’t. I need your help.”
“Anything. I am so sorry about your father. He was a good man.”
That was in relative terms. He’d been good to her, which was how he’d met Stash’s mother, a former model turned escort. Something even Stash didn’t know.
“Yes, although I’m glad he isn’t here to see what’s to come.”
She shifted her gaze to Kirill. “I take it this isn’t a social call.”
“No, you have a client who I need to speak with.”
“Ah, then the rumors are true. The Ghost is here.” There was little that occurred in Paris she didn’t know about.
“You are correct. A dangerous man.” I pulled a wad of cash from my jacket pocket. “For your inconvenience.”
“Room three nineteen, but do me a favor and let the girl go. She’s one of my best.” She pocketed the cash in the bodice of her dress, keeping her voice low given there were a few people meandering through the downstairs.
I squeezed her arm. “Don’t worry. I’ll be neat and tidy.” I nodded to Kirill who headed for the stairs.
“When are you returning to Moscow?” she asked.
“Likely tomorrow. I’d appreciate if you didn’t allow anyone to know of my sudden… return from the dead.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. I assume you’ll need transportation back home?” She tilted her head, studying me intently.
“What do you suggest?”
“I always travel in style. I have a plane at your disposal.”
With a single kiss on her cheek, I sealed the deal. “I’ll happily take you up on the offer. Do you have a cleanup crew available?”
She was a woman of her word. Her laugh was exactly as I remembered. “Of course. Your father taught me well. Let me grab a card key to the room.” After placing the card into my hand, she folded her fingers around mine. “Be careful, Kazimir. There are those who didn’t mind hearing about your death, including several of your father’s enemies.”
“That I know. And I plan on dealing with every one of them. Keep your ear to the ground. If you hear anything of value, I’ll make it worth your while.”
Her smile was brighter than before.
When another guest walked in, I took the opportunity to head upstairs where Kirill was already waiting by the door. While walking up the stairs, I took the opportunity to place a silencer on the barrel. Why disturb the guests any more than necessary?
He was ready to kick it in when I showed him the card. “You take all the fun out of doing this.”
“I assure you we’ll have many battles to fight.” There was music coming from the room, which would mask our entrance. And still, I remained as silent as possible, closing the door behind us.
The suite was one I remembered fondly, although it had been renovated at least once. Unfortunately, it would need a new paint job.
With the man busy fucking the girl doggy style, he wasn’t paying any attention to the fact he had two visitors.
At least at first. I could tell the second he realized he’d been compromised by the ripple of muscles in his back. Before he had a chance to reach for the weapon on the nightstand, a single shot was fired directly into his hand.
