"I intend to interrogate her, sir, fully." I don't want Mikhail to think that I've gone weak. The girl isn't a distraction. She's a prisoner.
"And when might that be? After you've offered her dinner and a drink."
I swallow the annoyance and hold my tongue. Arguing with the Pakhan won't do me any favors. I'd be wise to steer this conversation elsewhere. "Sir, I will get to the bottom of this and find out what she was doing climbing over the fence."
His brow tightens. "How the hell did she get onto the property? I have men with guns guarding the compound. And some little twat manages to sneak inside without being seen?"
Mikhail's hands ball into fists and his nostrils flare. He's waiting for an answer, and I don't have one to give. Perhaps it was because we were distracted by the proposal and subsequent engagement that was to follow.
But how would Lucy have known about Luka's plans? It's unlikely that the two of them even shared a glance before today. There was not even a hint of recognition on either of their faces.
Lucy recognized me.
And that had been my fault. I had bought her a drink after crashing into her at the club, spilling the contents of her Cosmopolitan all over her dress. It was the least I could do, but thinking back, maybe it wasn't entirely my doing.
Had I been set up?
"I'll find out how she got onto the property, sir. Just give me time."
Mikhail isn't the most patient of men, and to expect him to remain calm while there's a prisoner inside his home is unlikely.
But I won't let anything happen to his family or the women and children living under his roof.
He doesn't answer. Instead, he continues down the hallway and out of sight as he heads through the corridor.
I breathe a sigh of relief. I know better than getting on Mikhail's bad side, but bringing Lucy under his roof was a risk.
What was I supposed to do? Should I have left her outside, called for an ambulance, and had her taken away?
Then, I'd never know why she was here, sneaking inside, and what she was up to. At least this way, I will find out.
There's a slight rustling on the opposite side of the door.
Lucy should be asleep. I turn the handle to check on her, and a cold gust of wind jets through the room. The window to the back of the courtyard is wide open, and Lucy is perched on the ledge, attempting to escape.