King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

Chapter Two Hundred Fifty-Five

Sephie

“Technically, I was the insurance scam. Lots of villages burned trying to get rid of me. I have a strong dislike of fire because of it,” Stephen said, completely straight-faced. We all laughed loudly. I started laughing even harder when I saw the look of confusion on Keith’s face. He was just staring at Stephen, his mo uth open in complete shock.

“I love how you just have a ‘strong dislike’ of the thing that could ki ll you,” I said, still laughing.

“If you can’t find inner peace in 900 years, are you even trying?” Andrei said, which caused another round of laughter from all of us. I was laughing so hard I was crying by the time I finally gained control of myself.

“Shi t, I needed that,” I said. “Okay, back to serious matters. Seriously, focus people.” I was making myself want to laugh again. I got up and handed Viktor’s computer back to him. “Can you please find out if Armando is also in financial trouble like you did Giana’s family?” I asked. I always felt compelled to be extra sweet when it came to asking Viktor for anything. I think it was the look on his face every time I did. He practically melted every time I asked him for anything. He got busy looking up information as I returned to Adrik’s lap.

“So, let’s just say, for the sake of argument, that Armando is having financial difficulty. He blows up his own office building for the insurance money. Why would he depend on us to stop everyone from showing up to that building that morning? He was the one that set that meeting at his building, with all his people there. We were the ones that stopped people from dying,” Misha said.

“Well, when you say it like that, it makes no sense,” I said.

“Unless that was also the plan all along. If he didn’t show, but everyone else did…” Ivan said, trailing off.

“Assuming he hasn’t found a way to alter his records, Armando is doing fine financially,” Viktor said.

“Does he own that office building?” I asked. “I mean, I would assume so, but let’s check just for fun.”

looking sideways at Adrik. “He hasn’t said anything about the discussion

tomorrow to come clean before I confront him

his computer. “Make sure I’m reading this correctly, but I think this says the owner of Armando’s office building is Giana’s father.” I looked at the screen, reading

ki ll

maybe not. He likely knew she was habitually late. It’s also possible he knew Armando is habitually early. According to Giana’s story, the building exploded sometime between 8:00-8:15 that morning. Early enough that she wouldn’t be there. Late enough that he would,” I said. “But you are correct on the

to begin with. He likely feels guilty about the business deal and wanted to help her out by giving her a job. You were right, Sephie. She probably wasn’t qualified In the slightest for the Jab but he hired her anyway,

get her closer to him,”

playing both sides,” Adrik said. He looked to Keith. “Can you get more recordings of his conversations, especially

easier to record him there. He also has more meetings there than he does here,” Keith

pictures of who he’s meeting with?” Stephen

he said. “I can send it all

loyal to me and you’ll have a job no matter what happens to Armando,” Adrik said. “Chris, too. I reward those who

stood up to leave, understanding that he was free to do so. He shot a quick glance toward Stephen

doesn’t come

have assumed he would know about it by now. She’s spending a hefty amount of

that. I saw his ex-girlfriend’s wardrobe. He doesn’t pay attention to the money

there should be new clothes showing up regularly. Or something showing up in exchange for the money.

have