Blood and flesh covered the front of my shirt and pants. I took the shirt off. Someone handed me a warm wet towel. I cleaned off my hands, arms, neck, and face. I was nowhere near clean, but I could walk around without looking like a complete serial killer.
With no shirt on, I put on my jacket, threw the towel on the Leonid mush, and left the kitchen. “Make sure the head of the other families gets the recording.”
“Yes, sir.”
I dialed Circuit. “Where is my daughter?”
“Safe and in your condo. They showered and dressed. Valentina was upset, but then the chef arrived. Valentina, the nanny, and your daughter are enjoying a five-course meal.”
“And Ava?”
“Standing next to me in hot red silk pajamas.”
“Don’t worry about what she’s wearing.” I made it to the limo and climbed in. “And the Mouse?”
“Maxwell updated me. She escaped the French. He’s meeting up with her now at the exchange sight.”
The limo drove off. “Any scratches on the Mouse?”
“We don’t know yet.”
I nodded. “I’m heading back. Keep eyes on Kazimir until he is on the plane and out of Paris. There cannot be any more problems.”
“Got it.”
Checking my watch, I hung up and dialed Naveen.
He answered, “Everything okay in St Petersburg?”
“Leonid is dead. Valentina and Natalya are safe.”
“And the Xecutioners?”
“That’s a discussion for tomorrow. Where are your people in Paris?”
“They’re at the mall where Kazimir and Jean-Pierre are doing the exchange.”
“Hang back, but offer help to Kazimir if necessary. In a situation like this, he’ll shoot anybody he doesn’t know.”
“Our people are close to the French, but are blending in.”
“Good. Once Kazimir has the Mouse, kill Jean-Pierre if you can.”
“And if we don’t get a shot? Do you want us to stay in Paris and follow him around?”
I considered it. “The only goal at this time is getting the Mouse back safe. In the end, Kazimir will want to deal with Jean-Pierre himself. However, if you get an easy shot, why not take it?”
“And once the exchange is done?”
I leaned back in the seat and closed my eyes. “Fly to Prague.”
“Prague.”
“I have to bury my father. I’m leaving tomorrow morning.”
Naveen went quiet for a few seconds and then said, “Okay. I’ll meet you at the castle in Prague tomorrow.”
I thought about the Xecutioners again. “I need you to do something else.”
“What?”
“Contact Hiro. Tell him I want to meet with him in the morning. He can pick the place, but it must be early and in St Petersburg.”
“Are you sure you want to do this by yourself?”
“I am.”
“I’ll do it before I leave Paris and text the time and location.”
“Good.”
“Be careful with them, Misha.”
“I will.” I hung up and exhaled.
I had a lot of difficulties to deal with. All were almost finished.
When I made it to my compound, several of the Rainbow Hats were leaving. Many looked exhausted. Most probably hadn’t slept the night before.
I spotted Ava next to Circuit, eating a bowl of popcorn and watching the screens that showed Paris. Every wall either displayed the exchange site or footage of Paris news. On one screen, I spotted lions roaming the streets.
Really, Kazimir?
I returned my attention to the exchange site. Firefighters and police cars surrounded the area. News cameras were interviewing witnesses.
I spoke, “Does Kazimir have her?”
They both looked my way.
“He does. They’re heading to the airport now. I relieved almost everybody. Only the essentials will be on the computers tonight.” Circuit grinned. “Where’s your shirt?”
“I had to take it off.”
“Why?”
“There was blood on it.”
Circuit frowned. “You’re injured?”
“It wasn’t my blood.”
Ava set the bowl of popcorn down as if she lost her appetite.
I headed off. “I’m going to clean up. I’ll be back to talk to the both of you soon.”
Circuit grabbed some popcorn. “What will the conversation be about?”
I stopped and turned around. “It will be about why you two decided to change my plans.”
Ava rose. “That has nothing to do with Circuit. It’s my fault so you can talk to me about it.”
“Exactly.” Circuit munched on popcorn. “It’s all Ava’s fault. I was just as much of a victim in this situation as you.”
I glared at him.
He grabbed more popcorn. “It’s been a long day, Misha. Everyone who was kidnapped is safe. I will not be out here when you return. I’m going into my room, masturbating in a hot shower, and then heading to bed.”
Ava crossed her arms over her chest. “And I will be in the bedroom, waiting with the doctor to look over those cuts on your chest, neck, and face.”
“I’m not injured.” I looked down and spotted the marks. “Well, these are just scratches and—”
“Get cleaned up,” she said. “Circuit already called the doctor for you. He’s waiting in my rehearsal room, eating snacks and watching TV.”
I frowned. “I’m the one that—”
“We’re not listening to your shit today, Misha.” Ava gave me a sad smile. “We’re all exhausted. I know you’re mad, but it’s all fine now. So. . .get over it.”