Page 66 of Ruthless Serenade
Relieved, I grab the documents I need and lock the cabinet, slapping the key back into my desk drawer. Time to focus on themain task for the day: meet Mrs. Westand set up an anonymous support fund Sharon Williams.
***
"What do you have in mind, Mr. Korolev?" Mrs. West addresses me in her office.
"I’d like to set up a support fund for Sharon. Off the record. It’s for her education. It will also cover any therapy she may need for her condition."
Mrs. West's expression remains neutral. "May I ask why you wish to support her?"
I hesitate. I guess I didn’t think this part through. What am I supposed to tell her? That Sharon reminds me of my late daughter, who passed away? Even I barely know why I want to help that little girl. Maybe it is just my fucked-up way of seeking redemption? Making up for all the terrible things I’ve done in my Bratva days?
"I was impressed by Sharon when I met her at the school event," I tell her. "I believe she has a lot of talent and potential. I want to make sure she has the support she needs to overcome her condition."
Now, that sounded a lot better.
Mrs. West smiles, but it’s obvious that she’s not buying it. It’s like she’s got x-ray vision for my bullshit. "Fine. You don’t have to share your reasons with me, Mr. Korolev," she says. "Whatever the case, this is very generous of you. Please email me the details of the account and I’ll set everything up for you."she glances at her watch, and I can tell she’s eager to wrap up the conversation. "I’m sorry, but I must go. The plumbers are still fixing the pipe and they are waiting for me outside. Is there anything else I can help you with, Mr. Korolev?"
"Actually, there is. " I reply, feeling slightly uncomfortable with what I’m about to ask of her. "May I see Sharon for a minute? Just to say hello."
Mrs. West’s smile fades. "I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Mr. Korolev."
"Why not?"
"She’s not in school today. She is in hospital."
My internal alarm bells go off immediately. She’s in hospital? Why the fuck would she be in hospital? My immediate instinct is to rush to her side and I don’t know why the fuck I feel this way.
"Why is she in the hospital?" I ask.
Mrs. West looks down at her hands. "Mr. Korolev… I’m afraid I can’t give you any details. I’m sure you understand. And now, if you don’t mind-"
I feel my patience wearing thin. "Which hospital?" I snap, sounding more irritated than I had intended.
Mrs. West shifts uncomfortably, feeling the change of energy in the room. "Mr. Korolev, as I said, I can’t share any personal information about our students. "She nervously clasps her hands, "It’s a matter of confidentiality."
I clear my throat and try to keep my cool on the outside, but there’s a fucking storm raging inside me. "Perhaps we could bend those confidentiality rules," I growl.
Mrs. West’s eyes widen and she takes a step back. "I… what exactly do you mean, Mr. Korolev?"
"Mrs. West, I mean no harm," I say, softening my tone. I don’t want to give the old woman a heart attack, but I need her to tell me where Sharon is. "I just need to know which hospital Sharon is in," I pause. I reach into my pocket and place a wad of cash on the table in front her, making a show of it.
She stares at the stack of dollar bills and shakes her head. "No." She looks up at me. "No, Mr. Korolev. I’ve been in this career for almost forty years. I love this school and my job. I won’t stain it like this." She stands up and slides the wad of cash back to me. "Goodbye, Mr. Korolev."
As I meet her gaze, Mrs. West motions for me to exit. Fuming, I rise and storm out of her office. But just as I’m about to slam the door behind me, I feel a hand grip my arm. I turn around to see Mrs. West’s eyes locked onto mine. She holds out her hand, cradling a piece of paper in her palm. I stare at it, and the words stare back at me.
"St. Mary’s. Pediatric ward."
I take the slip of paper and hold Mrs. West’s gaze. "I don’t need your money, and I don’t need to know why you’re looking for Sharon, Mr. Korolev," she says, unwavering. "I trust your intentions are good. Just don’t do anything stupid."
Fucking jackpot.
I smirk and tuck the piece of paper into my pocket as I exit Mrs. West’s office, striding down the school corridor. I don’t know why, but I’m fucking ready to tear across town to find Sharon.
I jump in my car and shut my eyes for a second. What the fuck am I doing? And why? I don’t know the answer and it’s sure as shit I’m not going to figure it out now. All I know is that I would regret it for the rest of my life if I refused to do what my gut is telling me.
I must see Sharon.
Whatever it takes.
