King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

Chapter Three Hundred Twenty-One

Adrik

“We’ve got enough evidence for the police to lock Ricardo up for a very long time, but if the mayor is in Ricardo’s pocket, he won’t go through with it. We’re trying to work around that, if possible. It’s a good move for the people of the city to see their politicians appearing to be tough on crime. We’ve gift-wrapped the doctor that created brawn and now Ricardo for them. We’re just not sure this mayor will do anything with either, yet,” I said.

“You got the guy that created brawn?” Trino asked, surprised. “I knew you stopped their plan. I didn’t know you got the guy that created it in the first place.” He looked at Gus, like he was angry about not being fold.

“I didn’t know either. I didn’t not tell you on purpose, Jefe,” Gus said, defensively.

I chuckled. “We kept it quiet. He’s a piece of work. We didn’t want word getting around that we knew who he is and risk him running. The police have been after him for 10 years,” I said.

“Why so long?” Trino asked.

“He’s been wanted for other reasons. He’s a doctor. He does backroom procedures for cash. He’s been doing procedures against people’s will for years, but he would use a specific anesthesia combination that wiped people’s memories, so nobody could remember what he looked like,” Ivan said.

“How did you find him, then?” Trino asked, curious.

“I remembered what he looked like. His drugs didn’t work on me,” Sephie said.

“Miha. Why did you go to him?” Trino asked.

“It was not by choice. But at least I could remember what he looked like. I gave the police a sketch of him. One of Sal’s guys who’s been feeding us information when it’s convenient for him recognized him and told us he was the one behind the brawn,” she said.

“So many coincidences that they become mathematically impossible,” Trino said. He looked at Sephie very seriously. “Miha, you were always meant to be with Jefe.”

She leaned her head back so she could somewhat see me. “I know,” she said sweetly.

We continued talking about possible outcomes for dealing with Ricardo and the remaining bosses, as well as the Mexicans. We ordered food while we kept talking. Misha and Andrei ran upstairs to make Sephie’s broth and get her antibiotic. She managed to eat a few bites of my food, but that’s all she wanted. During a lull in the conversation, Misha said in Russian, “I’m surprised you’re still awake, gazelle. Are you doing okay? Me and Andrei can go upstairs with you if you need to rest.”

“I’m okay, my adorable Russian guardian. At least for a little while longer,” Sephie said, smiling at him.

“How’s Martin?” Sephie asked Trino. “Why didn’t he come with you?” It was a seemingly innocent question, but I knew that Sephie rarely asked questions for no reason. I glanced at Misha, who got his usual faraway look that meant he was looking for Martin.

“Martin ha tes to travel, especially to the states. Especially in winter,” Trino said. He seemed slightly tense when he answered her, where he’d been completely relaxed before.

glance at Sephie. She said quietly, in Russian, “he’s lying.” Andrei nodded in agreement. Misha cleared his throat, signaling that

want me to pretend you’re telling the truth and let it drop or do you want to tell me what happened?” Sephie asked,

guys made the sign of the cross. He also 100% thinks Sephie is a witch. While he was cursing, Sephie asked Andrei, who was next to us on the couch, in Russian, “they’re disagreeing on how to handle the

“he’s not if Colombia. I couldn’t see very clearly. I need Sephie or Andrei to see it

but didn’t say anything further. She was waiting to see what Trino wanted to do. When he didn’t answer, she instead asked another question. “Was Martin with you when

I took over by

has caused a bigger divide between you than

glanced at Trino’s guys again. More of them were now making the sign of the cross. Yep, they’re going to be scared of her from now

would only be uncomfortable talking about him if you two had a disagreement. The only thing you could disagree on that is big enough

to Trino, winking at

princess,” Ivan

are not to be trusted. Ever. They understand violence, though. They’ve been quiet since I took

in his voice.

already made one attempt your life, they’ve been emboldened by whatever it was. They’re not going to give that up easily, which is why I think it will be easy for Sal to continue to stay in contact with

Mexicans

longer tonight, for Sephie’s sake.” I could feel her getting tired, but she was still fighting

your good side, Miha. I want to always be on your

to help her undress. She still struggled to get her jeans on and off easily with one hand. “Trino’s guys totally think you’re a witch now,” I said, laughing, I unbuttoned my shirt so I could put it

might’ve enjoyed that a little too much. They were all so nervous. It’s too bad they don’t normally talk around me. I could’ve really creeped them

Martin is if he’s not in Colombia. We’ll have to

to be good news if he sees more,” she said quietly as she laid down on her good

You’ve been awake almost the entire day,” I said,

said, yawning. I could feel her relax as she pressed her body closer to mine. Her breathing slowed and I heard her make her cooing noises as she drifted

face when I first woke in the mornings. I brushed her curls from her face and felt her start to stir. I kissed her forehead, not really caring if she woke up yet. I’d

Twenty-one

she wasn’t ving on her good arm, sh touch.

her eyes, her gorgiou ched up and ran

your had shoulder. And your the.

too much.

opened my eves once more.

She laughed quieth

leg putting I knew I had to stop or risk her not