Undercover Connection by Heather Graham

Author:Heather Graham
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-09-13T16:37:16+00:00

Chapter Eight

“I have had that door rekeyed,” Kozak told Jacob. “The police asked about it, but it was locked. There was no sign that anyone had forced it. But...how? How did someone get through the balcony without being seen? There were dressers here, makeup artists... But when the show began, everyone was downstairs. Natasha was with the girls backstage. The band members were all downstairs. I didn’t have the key! No one had the key—except for Josef Smirnoff.”

“Someone obviously copied it,” Jacob said flatly.

Kozak shook his head. “I have the only key now. No one knows where I keep it. And I don’t intend to tell anyone. Including you. No offense or disrespect intended.”

“None taken,” Jacob said.

“You are free to look around, but I have to go. Josef’s body is at the funeral home. I will make sure he is given the send-off such a man deserves.”

“Where will the funeral be?”

“A small Russian Orthodox church, up the way on the beach. And then we will come here.” Kozak hesitated. “Will you make the arrangements for it with me today?”

“I thought that I should stay here. We want to know what happened to Josef,” Jacob reminded him.

“We do.” Kozak sighed deeply. “Yes, you must speak with Antonio, Alejandro and Sasha. The thing is...”

“What is it?”

“They have their place. We work carefully. Of course, they are aware... But we never give them facts. They know people, they know who is important, but we have never given them much on the clients.”

“They might have seen something,” Jacob said. “Something they don’t even know they saw. I’ve spoken with Antonio. You didn’t tell me about the door and the key.”

“I didn’t. I had to make sure. Josef brought you in, and he assured me you were solid, that you were a powerful man with a long history. I had to come to know you myself.” Kozak shrugged. “The police checked the door. They remain with nothing.”

“But you know someone within your own ranks had to be involved.”

Kozak looked unhappy. “Yes. But whoever did this, they were clever. They hired out. A man doesn’t guard what he doesn’t see to be in danger.”

“No,” Jacob agreed, trying to read Kozak.

“You must do what you will. I have hidden nothing on Josef’s murder from the police. I will not hide it from you. But I must prepare to bury an old and dear friend.”

It was evident that Kozak wanted company while he made arrangements at the funeral home. Perhaps it was even important to go with him.

“I will go with you,” Jacob agreed.

As it turned out, Kozak didn’t want a driver with them. He had a big black Cadillac sedan, and he asked Jacob if he would do the driving.

“You don’t want one of the guys to come along?”

“A bodyguard?” Kozak asked. “I think you will do.”

They took Collins Avenue north and reached the funeral home. They were greeted by a solemn man in a suit, Mr. Derby, the current owner of Sacred Night Final Rest Parlor.

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