Sonata (Butcher and Violinist 2)

“Or anything else.”

“I’m really sorry, Jean-Pierre. France doesn’t want any problems with Kazimir or you.” He sighed. “You still have all our agencies searching for Eden. They’re at your full disposal. I hope that’s enough to show the Corsican our loyalty.”

You dickless coward. At least you didn’t give the Lion our military. Pulling back was better.

I reigned in my anger. “You’re in an uncomfortable position. I get it.”

“I’m glad you understand.”

“I do.” I switched to more important topics. “What about France’s airspace? Is that still mine or have you whored that out too?”

I checked the time. A normal flight from Moscow to Paris could be four hours. Five hours had passed since I’d grabbed Kazimir’s lover. I was sure, Kazimir had more people in the air headed our way.

If Russians haven’t already arrived.

The bigger groups would be from Moscow. If I could keep them out, then I’d have more time to find Eden.

The president cleared his throat. “I promised Kazimir that he could land only three planes.”

“Hmmm. Thank you for letting me know.” A dark chuckle left me. “Unfortunately, if Kazimir lands those three planes in France today, then there will be a new president in the morning.”

Silence hit the other side.

“But who am I to speak on things like this? I’m only a simple French man.” I gripped the phone harder. “But if I were you, Mr. President, I would concentrate on the present moment, not worry about the future. Who knows what will happen in these hours to come? Who knows who will even be alive?”

I hung up the phone.

Kazimir wanted three planes. Again, it doesn’t look like you’re focused on the task at hand.

My phone rang.

I answered. “Yes?”

Kazimir’s rough voice carried over the line. “I have your flute player.”

My body stiffened. “Let me talk to her.”

“She can’t talk now. She’s in the shower. She smelled.”

I assumed Kazimir would be above tricks.

Had he called to try and get a track on me. Louis’ hackers were already on it. If he had someone tracking my line, they’d have my location in the Ukraine.

I groaned. “I have no time for your games—”

Kazimir roared on the line. “Where is Emily?”

“Now that’s a question that has not plagued my mind for these past hours. I damn sure know where Emily is.” I closed my eyes. “I have answers for you, but do you have answers for me?”

“Put her on the phone.”

“I won’t.” I opened my eyes and stared out the window. “You wreck my city. You chase my men. You bully my country. I don’t believe you have Eden. I don’t think you’re focused. I don’t think you’re moving with purpose this morning.”

“Jean-Pierre!”

“This is your motivational talk, my friend. Change your life today. The world is yours. Anything is possible.” I turned away from the window and glared at Emily. “Believe in yourself.”

Kazimir’s held nervousness. “Is…she still alive?”

“She is. Of course, she is. I wouldn’t hurt her, but can you give that answer for Eden?”

“I. Have. Her.”

My chest stiffened. “Give me the address or let me talk to her.”

“She fucking smelled! As soon as she gets out, you will know. And as far as the location.” Kazimir laughed. “The exchange must be careful. I don’t trust you.”

“You brought this shit to my doorstep.”

“Currently, you’re like a spoiled brat, dangling his new bike in front of poor kids. I’m going to do you a big favor, Jean-Pierre. I’m going to get your Eden now, as soon as she’s done with this shower, and when her voice comes on the line, I hope that you’ve humbled yourself. Because if not, I’m going to change that stupid tattoo on her back and make it sliced up—”

My heart boomed in my chest. “Careful, Kazimir. I’m close to Emily now. Be mindful of your tone with me.”

Emily glared.

Kazimir cursed in Russian.

My hands shook. “You really have her?”

Kazimir hung up.

Rafael frowned. “That went well.”

I stared at the phone. “He said he has her.”

He mentioned the tattoo on her back.

Rafael’s face brightened. “Did she get on the line?”

“No. He said she was taking a shower.”

Louis shook his head. “Sounds like he was trying to track your phone.”

“No.” Emily spoke up for the first time since we’d been in the limo. Everyone turned to her, even the chef. Emily swallowed. “If Kazimir said he has her, then he does. He wouldn’t play that game right now.”

“Why?” I asked. “Because you’re that important to him? Can the Lion love?”

Silence bridged between us. Hate too. She wore it on her face. And I knew, I wore it on mine.

“Kazimir started this,” I hissed.

Emily’s gaze shifted to deadly. “He didn’t.”

“And you know this how? Are you a new member of the Bratva?”

Rafael laughed.

Louis didn’t and looked at Emily. “Are you?”

She tapped her leg. “Am I what?”

“A member of the Bratva?” Louis asked.

Emily pressed her lips together.