Trafficked Dreams (Inspector Briana Ryu series Book 1) by Heather Osborne

Author:Heather Osborne [Osborne, Heather]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-05-17T16:00:00+00:00

***

The town car slid up to the Little Russian Tea Room, and the driver opened the door for Kastner and Bri. Portraying the consummate gentleman, Kastner offered Bri his hand to assist her out of the car. She nearly forgot her role and was about to give him a tongue lashing, but checked herself in time, as she noticed they were being closely observed by a few couples entering the establishment.

Kastner tugged her arm through his, whispering, “Relax. You look as stiff as a board.”

Bri hissed back, “This isn’t exactly how I usually work an investigation.” She did her best to plaster a placid smile on her reddened lips, lowering her eyes as they entered the establishment, the doorman taking her black wool coat, another unexpected addition provided by Kastner.

“Just watch. I’ll do the rest.”

Bri knew their words would be picked up in the van across the street, where Trent sat, along with two other officers who been recruited for the operation. “I hope you know what you’re doing…” Before she could say more, Sokolov—Bri recognized him from the photograph—clocked them.

“Ah, my friend! How are you?” He shook Kastner’s hand, but there was something unnatural about how his face paled subtly and his eyes darted about, then up and down Bri. “And who is your lovely guest this evening?”

“Her name is Min. A recent acquisition to my collection.”

Collection? Bri inwardly groaned, but kept her expression neutral, eyes down.

Sokolov lifted her hand in a practiced motion and placed a dry kiss on the back. “A pleasure. I hope you will enjoy your evening?” He intentionally tried to catch Bri’s eyes, but she kept them fixed on a spot on the floor, just in front of his highly polished shoes.

“She doesn’t speak much English, I’m afraid. We have other means of communicating, if you know what I mean.” Out of the corner of her eye, Bri caught Kastner making a lewd wink. Is this what those girls were being subjected to? She imagined Kastner was well-practiced in the methods and behaviors of these traffickers.

“Ah! I understand completely. Please, have this table by the window. The service will begin shortly.”

Bri was familiar with Russian cuisine—thanks to her mother’s side of the family—but she was under the impression this would only be a tasting session. However, her stomach grumbled, since she hadn’t eaten anything since the hasty lunch with Hayes earlier in the day, although part of the upset she attributed to the unexpected nerves she felt. Or was it something other than nerves? Maybe anticipation?

Kastner nudged her, motioning to the seat being held out by the smartly dressed maître-d’. Sokolov obviously spared no expense at his gatherings. She sat, allowing the chair to be pushed in under her. She desperately wanted to ask Kastner questions, but he simply sat, pulling her hand into his and stroking his thumb over the palm. His eyes met hers and she read him as clear as if he had spoken—we’re playing a role. Start acting like it.

Bri

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