Page 27 of Wicked Obsession
The car takes off, and before long, it’s just me and the road.I take my time walking as the sun comes up.
As I stroll up a hill, the house rises with me, coming into view.It’s daylight and there are people working in the garden.Woods help hide the back of the house, but the drive rolls right in front.
Windows cover the three stories.I want to circle the whole property, but that would look suspicious.Instead, I head straight for the front door.I make sure my phone is off in my pocket and ring the doorbell.
I’m almost surprised there is a doorbell.There aren’t any houses nearby.But I guess it’s what they’re used to.
A giant of a man dressed all in black opens the door.He looks more like a bodyguard than a butler.This could be the right place after all.
“Hey, my car broke down and my phone is out of juice.Could I either charge my phone or use yours to get a tow?”I give him my best smile.
He glances over my shoulder like I’ve got people waiting in the wings to charge the house.Not seeing anything for miles, he steps back to let me in.
“I can’t thank you enough.It was quite the walk from my car to here and I didn’t see anywhere else to stop.”I take in the marble entryway and whistle.“This is a nice house.Is the owner home?I’d love to thank them for their hospitality.”
“Phone’s in there.”The guy gestures to the office.
“You wouldn’t have a bottle of water.”I touch my throat.Not having to fake it.“It was a long walk.”
He narrows his eyes suspiciously but nods.When I walk into the office and pick up the phone, I dial Dante, knowing it will go to voicemail.I make sure my voice is loud while I talk to the “towing company.”
My gaze takes in this whole room.It doesn’t seem like an actual office, more like a staged office.There aren’t files on the desk or even a pen.The monitor has a few connectors for a laptop, but no computer is present.
“I’m sure I can stay put for a few hours,” I say as the guy in black walks in and hands me a bottle of water.Giving him a smile, I say on the phone to Dante’s voicemail.“Yes, I’m at…”
I look at the guy for the address.When he just stares at me, I cover the receiver.“What’s the address?”
He presses his lips into a thin line, but he tells me and I repeat it into the phone before thanking the answering machine and hanging up.
“I hope you don’t mind.My shirt tore when I tried to fix the car myself and the heat is getting awful out there.”I hold up the bottle and open it before downing the whole thing.“I’m sure there’s somewhere I can wait in a place this big.You won’t even notice I’m here.Quiet as a mouse.”
I glance around for a trash can and then hold the bottle up to the guy.“Recycling?”
He snatches the bottle from my hand, but I give him a smile.If anything, he looks grumpier than before.
“So…” I put my hands in my pockets and glance around.“Is the master or mistress of the house here?”
“No.Mr.Sokolov is out.”He looks behind him and gestures with his head for me to follow him.
“I really appreciate this.”I look up the stairs and wonder if she’s up there.Would Sokolov leave her on her own?I whistle again and say loudly, “This is a gorgeous place.I’ve been thinking of getting floors like this for my place in the Hamptons.”
Can she hear me?I don’t know how they’re keeping her.That knot that’s been there since Dante’s call when Sara went missing tightens.I’m so fucking close, I can feel it.
I check out my host.If he’s the one in charge, leaving Sara in his care would make sense.Not a lot of people could get through him.I wouldn’t even try.
“Should only be a couple of hours, and then I’ll be out of your hair.Sokolov, you say?That wouldn’t be Peter Sokolov, would it?”
He leads me down the hallway.“Yes.”
“I believe my father has some contracts with Mr.Sokolov.”
The guy arches his eyebrow like he’s not impressed.But I want him to know that my people know his people.
“Oh, where are my manners?Finn Lawson.”I hold out my hand but he ignores it.“Yeah, my father isn’t the kind to make friends.Not like me.I’m everyone’s friend.”
“You can wait in here.”The guy opens a door.
I check out the small sitting room.I’d bet anything that he’s going to lock me in here, but I’m also counting on it.“Is there a bathroom I can use?”
