| |
Volkov paced in his hotel room. He wanted an update from his lawyer. Everything had to be perfect for his plan to work. He’d been advised Mrs. Williams continued to ask about Arnold Janssen, even after he’d told her to forget him. He wasn't used to people not doing what he told them. His father had been much softer with employees. Since he’d taken over, he’d replaced most of the board and was now running things his way. The Russian way. Mrs. Willliams needed to be reminded she worked for him, and to do as she was told.
His house in LA had already been sold and he’d been living in a hotel for the past couple of months. With the hearing getting closer, he’d been using an alias to check in, not wanting his whereabouts known to anyone, just in case his plan to get custody of his daughter caused problems. He cancelled his cellphone, using burners instead, and paid cash for everything.
One of his men had been tailing Mrs. Williams for weeks now. A little insurance should his lovely lawyer do anything to jeopardize the hearing or his business. Mr. Williams was deployed, so it seemed he had nothing to worry about on that front. Diane being married to a Navy man had been a risk when allowing her to handle this case, but Sydney Michaels had assured him she took attorney-client privilege seriously, and her husband was hardly ever around. His men had verified Diane, and her husband spent very little time together. He’d tried to find out more about Steve Williams, but the man’s file was sealed. All he knew was he was a petty officer in the Navy. He could have asked one of his contacts in the Navy, but he didn’t want his push to find out more, bringing any unwanted attention. Steve Williams was just a sailor and no threat to him or his plans.
The hearing was five days away and his case was the only thing Mrs. Williams should be focused on. He’d sent her a text message, demanding she come and meet him. The woman needed a reminder of her priorities. There was no room for error if his plan was to be successful.
A knock at the door got his attention.
“Enter.”
His head of security and personal bodyguard, Oleg, entered, holding the door for Mrs. Williams. She walked into the room looking nervously around.
“Mrs. Williams, so nice of you to come. How was breakfast?” He flashed her a smile.
She looked at him with alarm. Good.
“One of my acquaintances happened to be dining in the same restaurant. What a coincidence.” He sat down on the small sofa, crossing his legs. He had not been pleased to hear her husband was back from deployment. His contact had failed to warn him.
Diane stood in the middle of the room, and he deliberately didn’t offer her a seat, enjoying her discomfort. His eyes roamed over her. She was a very beautiful woman and would have made a good wife. He imagined her in front of him on her knees. She'd be popular at the sex club.
“I take it everything is in order for my hearing, considering you had time for breakfast with your husband and child.”
“Mr. Volkov, I haven't spent any time with my family in weeks. I was just having breakfast before heading to the office. My husband is a little...upset...at all the extra hours I am working.”
His gaze fell to her breasts, where he could see the outline of her bra through her thin blouse. Her shaking filled him with satisfaction. “And what did you tell him?” His eyes moved back to her face, seeing her squirm.
“The truth. I go to court in a week, and I need to be ready.”
“Yes, you do. Did he believe you?”
“Yes. Of course.”
“Then it would be in everyone's interest to get this matter resolved quickly, wouldn’t you say?”
“Mr. Volkov, I will be ready for court. I gave you an update yesterday.”
“You did. I told you to forget Arnold Janssen. Why are you still looking for him?” He leaned forward, keeping eye contact.
“I have the transcript, but I wanted to see if he’d be willing to talk to me. I had some questions.”
“You know everything he did. Stop looking for him. I do not want him involved in this any further. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” Volkov, relaxed back on the sofa. “You know, I tried to do all the right things. I offered to marry Natasha. I offered money. She didn’t want anything. I told you she is an unfit mother. Relies on me for income. No stable job. She leaves the child to go out. There are signs of drug use. Alcohol abuse.”
“Her bloodwork was clean. Natasha has also agreed to regular drug testing.”
“She might be clean now, but there are witnesses.” He had paid witnesses to confirm Anya had been left alone, uncared for, and to say Natasha was using drugs. Witnesses that would say anything he wanted them to. Money bought you anything. “The witnesses. You are calling them to testify in court?”
“Yes. Her lawyers will bring their own witnesses, on top of Natasha agreeing to drug testing. You should be prepared.”
Volkov raised his eyebrows. “Prepared for what?”
“Mr. Volkov, I will present the best case I can, but it could go either way.”
He did not take kindly to people telling him he might fail. This woman was brave. He had chosen her because of her good reputation, Sydney’s recommendation, and what he had learned about her desire to impress her bosses at her firm. Winning this case would not only secure her place on the partnership track, but also guarantee her firm his business. He knew Sydney Michaels was eager to expand their connection with him. The man had already proven he would do just about anything to keep that possibility.
Volkov had also agreed to Mrs. Williams as his lawyer because she was a woman. Women were generally easier to manipulate and control. However, she was proving quite the challenge. Her strength impressed him, but he also found it irritating.
“Mrs. Williams, let me explain something to you. When I met Natasha, she was a nightclub waitress. We had sex. She got pregnant, even though I used a condom. One she supplied. She went from being a waitress to having a beautiful home, never having to work, a considerable allowance that she could spend however she wished. When I look back now, I think maybe...I was trapped. Set up. Whose money do you think is paying for her lawyer?”
“You agreed to maintain her allowance.”
“Because I am not a monster. I will provide for my daughter and her mother, but it is somewhat ironic that I am paying for the lawyer who will try to gain Natasha full custody. Accusing me of beating her. I have done everything I have been asked to do. I have not contacted Natasha. I have put up with the scheduled weekly visits with Anya. I am a respected businessman and a loving father. I love my daughter and want what's best for her. I can offer a secure home and a loving family back in Russia.”
“You are taking your daughter away from her mother.”
“Natasha is welcome to come. She is choosing not to. So, in a sense she is taking my daughter away from me.”
“The judge may decide an amendment to the joint custody agreement is all that is required. A child needs both parents.”
Volkov stood abruptly. He’d heard enough.
“Mrs. Williams, when I return to Russia, I will take my daughter with me permanently. Do you understand?”
To his delight, her eyes widened, but her voice was even when she answered him. “Yes.”
“All I need you to do is present the evidence you have. The witnesses will testify, and I will tell the judge exactly what I just told you. I was trapped.”
“And if it’s not enough?”
When he slammed his fist on the nearby table, her jump gave him satisfaction.
“Just do your job as a lawyer. That is what I am paying you to do. I suggest you get back to work. Be ready to present the case. I will take care of the rest.”
“I... don’t understand. What do you mean?”
“It’s time for you to leave, Mrs. Williams.”
Uncertainty flashed across her features, but she recovered quickly.
“Of course.”
Dismissing her with a nod, he turned his attention to the picture of Anya on his phone.
If Natasha had agreed to come to Russia, this would have been so much easier. When he told her his plans she had screamed at him. Cursing and clawing at him like a madwoman, telling him he would never take Anya from her. Things had got heated and he had been exceptionally rough with her. Making her see what might happen if she crossed him. He’d regretted being so aggressive and had even apologized. The next day, though, she had a lawyer serve him papers for full custody and a temporary order that he could not take Anya out of the country. The nightclub waitress was clearly smarter than he had given her credit. At arbitration, she’d even managed to be granted a restraining order. He could not set foot inside the house he paid for. Ludicrous!
He had considered getting rid of her. It wouldn't be the first time he had eliminated someone who was a threat, whether to his business or to win a contract. He could arrange an accident. But she had hired a lawyer. If she disappeared now, even in an accident, all sorts of questions would be raised, especially since she was accusing him of assault. He was so close to returning to Russia; he did not want anything disrupting that. People talked at the Havana Club. They knew who she was. She had accompanied him to one or two events. He didn’t need anyone poking around in his business, his family, or the additional side hustle he had started just a few months ago. No. He could not risk any of it by killing Natasha.
Instead, he had chosen a legal route, although knowing he could guarantee the result. He agreed Natasha could have temporary custody. Didn’t challenge it. He had accepted the limited visits with Anya because in the end, he would have his daughter all to himself. His money and power always got him what he wanted. Even a judge.
All he needed was a lawyer from a reputable firm to present a case in court that raised enough doubt about Natasha. Judge Dolan would ensure the right outcome. He’d made sure of that. Arnold Janssen had failed him at arbitration. Volkov would not be failed again. Mrs. Williams just needed to keep her nose out of what didn’t concern her and stop asking questions.
If she didn’t? That was another reason he had chosen the lovely Mrs. Williams as his new lawyer. A woman with a family was vulnerable. If she poked her nose too far into his business, she could be handled. Because everybody has a price.
Maybe it was time to remind her of that.
***
DIANE RAN THE LAST few steps to her car, scrambling inside and closing the door before collapsing against the steering wheel, her body shaking. The text in the diner. Knowing she was there with Steve and Megan having breakfast? Was it really a coincidence one of his men was there? Damn the text, and now the meeting... She was shaken to her core. He was being the bully she had already guessed he could be. He was trying to scare her.
He was beginning to succeed.
Taking deep breaths, she tried to calm down. Her hands trembled so much she couldn’t turn the key to start the engine. Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes, forcing herself to find some control. She was in her car; she was safe. He was just playing mind games. Right? When her phone pinged, she jumped. She pulled the phone from her purse to see a message from Steve.
Hi Angel. I just wanted to see how your day is going. This morning was so good. Text me when you get a chance, let me know what time you’ll be home and I’ll cook, well, throw some steaks on the barbecue at least. I love you. Xx.
Diane closed her eyes, pinching her nose to stop the tears that threatened. Oh God, she should be home with her family. She wanted nothing more than a Saturday afternoon playing with Megan. Steve grilling steaks, while she made a salad no one except her would eat. They would go to softball or watch movies, talk and laugh. Then when Megan went to bed, she and Steve would make out on the sofa, and when it got too heated, they’d move into the bedroom, so they didn’t wake their daughter. That was how their Saturdays used to be. When she was happy.
Steve. Her one and only love. Never had she wondered what it would be like to date someone else. Steve was it for her. Some days, she still pinched herself that he wanted her. An inexperienced shy girl and a Navy man. Yeah, she knew he could have had any choice of girls. Navy groupies. Diane wasn't anything like those girls who hung out at the bars. She was always more likely at the library with her head stuck in a book. Yet after being behind her in line at a coffee shop one day, he had pursued her. Not in an arrogant cocky way, but slowly, romantically. A perfect, gentle, young man.
Steve being enlisted had never bothered her. San Diego was full of military men and women. It was who he was, and he loved what he did. He had always encouraged her to follow her dreams, to have the career she wanted. When he was deployed, it was scary at first, but she got used to it. The Navy was not a job to him, it was his purpose, and he did it with such passion, honor, and courage. A calling. She had been convinced being a lawyer was her calling, but dammit, working at this firm had opened her eyes to a side of the law she didn’t like. One where money and power were all that mattered. Diane had been assigned some questionable cases before, though, and she had accepted she would have to get used to it. This case was the worst yet. Volkov was making her rethink everything she thought about being a lawyer.
She thumped the steering wheel in frustration. She couldn't go home, not yet. It wasn’t like she could talk to Steve about this case, and trying to play happy families with this going on would be a challenge. Picking up her phone, she texted him.
I’m sorry, I’m going to be later than I thought. Raincheck on dinner? Not sure what time I’ll be home. Don’t wait up.
She hit send before she could change her mind, imagining the disappointment on Steve’s face when he read it. This morning had been so perfect. After what he’d said yesterday, getting that text from him had been a relief. Breakfast had been just what she’d needed. They weren’t going to discuss work or their marriage in front of their daughter. It had been like old times. There was nothing better than the sound of your child’s laughter to warm your heart and make you forget your problems. Until the damn text. Steve had known right away something was wrong. He read people well; it was part of his job. She couldn’t take another conversation with him right now. This was her job, her problem, and she needed to deal with it.
Megan’s ninth birthday was in two weeks. Diane should be focused on giving her daughter the best birthday party ever. Planning a theme, writing invitations, choosing a cake. Normal mom things. There was nothing more important than being a mom. That had been nagging at her more and more lately. She’d been failing at that, too.
Finally, her hands stilled enough to start the engine. Her phone pinged, and her heart sank as she read the text.
I will wait up for you to come home.
Oh shit. He was pissed. No Angel, no I love you or don’t work too hard. She’d given him positive signals, and now she was backtracking. Again. If it was the other way around, she’d be pissed, too. Even she was struggling to fully understand how she was feeling. She loved her husband, and she wanted to be with him, but she was so unhappy. It felt like her life was falling apart around her. Everything seemed to be escalating, rising up, threatening to choke her, but she did not know how to fix it. She should talk to Steve. Yet she couldn’t. Which was ridiculous because Steve would listen. He’d been asking her to talk to him for weeks. So why was she so afraid to talk to him?
Because then you’ll be admitting you’ve failed.
Sighing, she steered the car into the traffic and headed to her office. It was going to be another long day.
***
STEVE THREW THE PHONE on the table, irritated by Diane’s text. Everything was so good this morning. Don’t wait up? What the fuck?
“Daddy, are you OK?”
Steve forced a smile. “Yes, Pumpkin. Listen, Mommy is not going to make it for dinner today, so it’s just you and me. What would you like to do?”
“Ummmmmm. Burgers?”
“I can make burgers.”
“No, not your burgers. Jerry’s burgers.” She smiled at him and as always, he couldn’t resist. Did she even realize how tightly she had him wrapped around her little finger?
“Burgers at Jerry’s bar it is then.”
“Yes!” Megan flung her arms around his neck and hugged him. It never failed to amaze him how he thought he might burst with love.
“Alright, we’ll have an early dinner. In the meantime, you have softball practice this afternoon. Go get your stuff ready. Daddy needs to make a phone call.”
“Okey dokey.” She gave him another hug before running off to her room.
He stepped onto the back deck, out of earshot of his daughter.
“Hey, Stevie boy, heard you took some time off.” Mackie answered on the first ring.
“Yeah, something like that. Listen, I need a favor.”
“Name it.”
Steve smiled. That was his team, his brothers. No favor too big or too small.
“If I wanted to retrieve text messages from a phone, can that be done without the phone?” Steve had no idea on this techy stuff, but Mackie... Damn, the man knew his shit and never failed to impress him with what he could do with a computer.
“Duh, yeah. Assuming it's backed up, which most are. We’d have to run it past Sam. What phone?”
Steve hesitated. “And if I don’t want to run it past Sam?”
Without hesitation, Mackie said, “Yeah, I can do it, but not at the Farm. Everything gets logged there. But I can do it from my home computer. I have the same software loaded.”
“Mackie, I don’t want to put you in a bad position.”
“So long as we don’t get caught, you won’t.” Mackie’s voice held a hint of humor.
“What about pinging the phone?”
“Can only do that at the Farm. I don’t have the GPS tracking capability at home. I can do it if no one’s around. Just need to ensure I erase any footprint. Should be fine.”
He didn’t understand what Mackie was talking about, but he wasn’t risking Mackie doing anything that might get on Sam’s radar.
“No, I don’t want to put you in that position. The texts should be good enough.”
“Steve? What’s this about?”
“Just a bad feeling. Listen, I’ll let you know if I want you to do it. Thanks, brother.”
“Anytime, but you know we might be spinning up at short notice?”
“Yeah. Any idea when?”
“Dex had a brief with Sam today, we’re having a team brief tomorrow, and need to get our physical and psych clearances done. Don’t know anything other than that.”
“OK. I’ll let you know tomorrow if I need it. If you spin up before, I’ll find another way. And, Mackie, can we keep this between us?”
“Sure thing.”
“Thanks, man.”
He ended the call. Spying on his wife’s phone. Is this what it had come to? He didn’t want to. He wanted Diane to tell him voluntarily what was going on, but if she didn’t, what was he supposed to do? He would try talking to her tonight, but if he wasn’t satisfied with her answers, then he would have Mackie run the phone. Yes, it might be an invasion of privacy, but her safety was more important. After she’d got that text this morning, her face had gone pale even though she tried to hide it by turning her face away. He was totally convinced she was hiding something, and he would do whatever it took to make sure she was OK.