Page 100 of Reaper’s Wrath

I roll my eyes. “We’re not that primitive, but if you have a doctor contact we can use, I’m game.”

Michael, Isa, and I take the car Drake was driving. I’m not crazy about Isa being out and about in her state, but she refuses to leave my side, and I’m not about to deny her.

When we ring the bell, an old man answers. He’s wearing small glasses on the end of his nose, and a permanent scowl hangs on his lips.

“What do you want?”

“Maksim Chertov?”

“Who wants to know?” He eyes us even more warily.

“My name is Michael Savin—I used to work for Biba. We could use your help. We’re happy to pay you.”

The guy looks me up and down, assessing my condition. “I’m retired,” he spits before slamming the door shut, except Michael slides his foot in the way just in time.

“Please, we need your help.”

“You work for that mudak Simeon. You can get lost.”

“No, I said I worked for Biba, as you did. I left the outfit when Biba died.”

His eyes narrow. “No one leaves the Bratva.”

“Then how do you explain me trying to kill Simeon’s second-in-command earlier today?”

The door opens a little. “You went after Ruban?” he asks with interest.

“We did, and we’re going to get him, too.”

“Ruban is a cancer. He’s poisoning the organization, and he’s the one who convinced Simeon to toss me out after Biba died.”

I decide to interject, knowing I’ll need to explain later. “We suspect Ruban was responsible for the death of Michael’s father. We plan to get retribution.”

Michael’s cutting stare catches my own, his jaw flexing, but he doesn’t let the news overcome him.

“You help us get stitched up, and Ruban is a dead man,” Michael adds.

Maksim grunts before opening the door fully. “I suppose I could manage a few stitches. Valeria,” he calls into the back of the house, “get my kit. We’ve got work to do.”

I take Isa directly to our bathroom for a shower the moment we’re back on the boat. We hold one another for long moments under the hot spray, soaking in the relief of being wholly together again. Once we’re bathed and relaxed, we put on some comfortable clothes and sit at the small table in our suite, which contains a tray of food I requested when we first got back.

“Sandwiches.” Isa smiles fondly, and my relief is overwhelming. “How many sandwich picnics did we have together?” We couldn’t be seen together, so one of our favorite ways to sneak time together was dinners in parks or on rooftops. We took turns bringing meals, surprising each other with little treats.

So many happy memories, which is why it was so heartbreaking when she didn’t remember. I’m thrilled to be with her, but it’s truly special to finally get to share those memories with her as well.

“Dozens? A hundred? Not nearly enough.” I hand her a plate full of food.

“I’m sorry I fell apart like that,” she says quietly after we’ve both taken several bites.

“Nothing to be sorry about. I’m glad I was there when it happened.”

“Me, too.” She smiles, then bites her lip. “On the subject of being present, I want to explain why I wasn’t there the day you disappeared.”

I shake my head. “There’s no need for an explanation. I never meant to blame you. It was just all a lot to sort out after seeing you again.”

“Yes, but I need to explain because it involves you.”

I set down the bite I was going to take and give her my attention.