Page 16 of Shadows of Obsession
The drive home is relatively short, and by the time we arrive, I already see Anton waiting for us at the entrance.
"Any news?" I ask.
My back is tense from nerves and my fists are clenched. I try to restrain myself from shaking my lieutenant, but that shipment was important, and Anton is directly responsible for routes and their security.
"That route was changed six hours ago. From what we could determine at the scene, there were ten men on it, Roman." I see the nerves and agitation in his eyes.
He knows he's responsible and he'll have to talk to the families of the dead, so his duty is the greatest punishment for the earlier error.
"Someone tipped them off," Niko now confirms exactly what I'm thinking.
"If we have a mole among us, maybe the Irish aren't our biggest problem," is all I say while walking toward the office.
I look at my brother and lieutenant, who are vibrating with rage just like me.
"I received a message when leaving the restaurant. Start with the driver and his accounts," I tell Anton.
It's almost midnight and I need sleep, but my brain is more awake than ever trying to find the missing piece.
Who would dare turn their back on us?It's clear the driver isn't the mastermind. All soldiers are paid royally, all have houses provided by us, and although there's always a risk, we normally don't have casualties on our side.
So, why would a driver who's worked with us so many times accept a sum of money he could easily make by working another run for us? I cross my arms over my chest and look at Anton.
"I want a list of everyone who knew about this shipment, right down to their dogs’ names. I'll have Lev take a look attheir communications. And don't forget to bring me the driver's banking data."
This is the moment Anton's shoulders relax because he knows he's not a suspect.
Letting him in on the strategy proves how much I trust him. Sure, that botched shipment cost us four good men and more money than I care to count - and yeah, I still want to throttle him for it. But this is the same man who took a bullet meant for me. The kind of loyalty you can't buy. He treats Victoria like his own sister, looks at Anuska, our housekeeper, like she's his mother, and even though he'll always see me as his boss, he knows his words carry weight with me. When he speaks, I listen.
"I'll go gather the names. You'll have them in an hour, along with the banking data."
And in his eyes, I see gratitude when he walks out the door.
"Don't keep him on pins and needles so much, Ro," Niko tells me while pouring himself a whiskey and settling on the blue velvet couch.
"Even if we have a mole among us, this shipment was under his watch. Something slipped past him." But I know my argument is weak.
I'm still agitated because of some freckled redhead who looked at me with fear and wouldn't let me touch an inch of skin. And that leaves me confused. Usually, women are much more cooperative when it comes to me.
I've never had to struggle too hard to have one, and the thought that I have to do it now for a single touch unsettles me. Meanwhile, I pick up the phone and call Lev.
"Ro, I hope it's urgent."
His rushed tone indicates either someone's head is between his legs or he's the one doing due diligence.
"I have a mole and need you to check a list. I'll send it to you in an hour."
I hear a sweet voice in the background, but I can’t make out any words until Lev responds.
"Fuck. You sure?"
"Yes, Lev. I'm damn sure. I want some answers by tomorrow."
I hang up because he seems to have a job to finish and I'm out of patience for anyone.
"I'm going to sleep for an hour until Anton comes with the list," I tell Niko while leaving the office.
"Dream of some green eyes, brother," is all he says, and I smile automatically even though he can't see me because, even if he hadn't said it, surely my subconscious wouldn't have let me escape.
