High Stakes by Iris Johansen

Author:Iris Johansen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 2021-09-07T00:00:00+00:00

“And Kaskov said it would be over soon?” Lara gazed thoughtfully down into the coffee in her cup. “What if he was lying?”

“That might be a possibility, but I don’t think so,” Tanner said. “He doesn’t have that reputation. I’m not saying he’s honorable, but he keeps his word. He thinks it’s good business.” He grinned. “We made a deal about Sandrino. I told him I expected him to keep it or I’d keep the merchandise.”

“Merchandise?” she repeated dryly. “I assume that’s me and Maria?”

“I’m glad you’re smiling. Well, I didn’t use that word. But this was a business negotiation and I wanted to make sure he got the point. I think it came across loud and clear.” He smiled crookedly. “He was getting pissed off enough to make a few subtle threats. Look, I was upset last night, and no one can say I’m the most selfless person in the world. I wanted to get the information I needed about Sandrino and get out of the box I was finding myself in. I used you to try to get it. But you should be pleased that he didn’t like the idea of me trying to take over. He even sounded a bit possessive.” He added bitterly, “That might have been why he was so blunt about Sandrino almost certainly being dead. He wanted to punish me for questioning the great Kaskov. It’s definitely not a common practice in his circle.”

“And it did hurt you,” Lara said quietly. “You care about him. I’m sorry. He could be wrong.”

“Yes, he could. It’s only been eighteen months. He doesn’t realize how smart Sandrino is. But it’s unlikely.” He took a swallow of his coffee and leaned back in his chair. “I’ll know everything soon. Kaskov knew a hell of a lot that he wasn’t telling me, but he made it clear that if Sandrino was killed, it didn’t have to be the end of…there was something about bait. He told me he thought it would only be one or two days. That’s all I’ll give him before I follow up.”

She smiled. “And then what will you do? Threaten to get rid of the ‘merchandise’ if he doesn’t give you the information?”

He grimaced. “No, it only took him a couple of minutes to see through that bluff. I’m still working on alternative plans.” He pushed his cup aside. “But I thought you might want to know what Kaskov said about making sure the place where he settles you and Maria would make you very happy.”

“If he told you the truth. He made a deal with you about Sandrino. He had no deal with us.”

“You know I’ll check it over before I let you go,” he said curtly. “I gave you my word.”

“And I think you’ll try to keep it,” she said. “But things happen, and in the end I’m the one responsible. You got us this far and I’m grateful.” She forced a smile as she pushed her chair back. “And I’m very grateful for my breakfast.

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