Chapter 9: Konstantin

Thursday. Titov Enterprises, Arlington, VA.

KONSTANTIN PACED HIS OFFICE. Why of all days did today have no meetings or projects that needed his full attention?

He could do with a distraction. Some mental problem for him to untangle.

What was he going to do about Haley?

Last night he'd convinced himself that they would be okay without her. Today he wasn't as certain. It took a lot for him to trust people in his space. The idea of having to go through a whole new period with multiple new staff did not sit well with him.

It had been years since his father had tried to install one of his people within Konstantin's household. He wouldn't put it past the old man to try again, given the opportunity.

Was there a way to fix things with Haley? Had he simply not come at this from the right direction yet?

He sat down at his desk and fiddled with the mouse.

His most recent searches auto populated the bar as he hovered over it.

Close to a dozen different searches for plants and gardening things taunted him.

Haley wasn't a socialite who would be easily swayed with gifts. Even if he gave her a whole garden, it wouldn't make her change her mind. The gift was the only thing he'd come up with that was appropriate.

His inappropriate list was far lengthier.

This wasn't a problem he could throw money at. And he didn't want to go back to that ugly moment last night when he'd thrown Zasha in Haley's face. Either he convinced Haley to stay with them using logic, or she left. The problem was that everything Haley saw as an issue he saw as a benefit.

What was he going to tell Zasha?

Maybe he could convince her to be the thief?

Haley had said she would stay on for as long as it took to find the thief. While he didn't like the idea that someone working for him was stealing, if it kept Haley in the picture longer...

That was a stupid plan.

He rubbed his hand over his face.

"You are a pathetic son of a bitch," Konstantin muttered to himself.

He should still buy her a plant. Maybe get Zasha in on it. She'd like that. It could be from the both of them.

Where had he gone wrong?

His cell phone rang, breaking into his spiraling thoughts.

Konstantin glanced at it and paused when he saw Haley's name. She rarely had reason to call him. Except...

The thief.

Had she found out who it was?

He considered not answering, but that wasn't like him. He didn't shrink from what had to be done.

"Haley, hello."

"Kon?"

So much was conveyed in those three letters.

Haley was breathless, as if she'd been running. Tension laced every syllable, especially at the end when her voice broke.

"What's wrong?" He yanked the bottom drawer of his desk open, where he kept a loaded sidearm and holster in a case. He pressed his thumb to the display until it turned green. "Are you okay? Zasha?"

"Shit. Zasha's not in her piano class. Ivana told Jeff he had to wait at the entry. I have no idea where they are. Konstantin, I saw the security tape. It's Ivana. She's taken the pictures. I'm on my way to the main office."

Zasha was missing. With Ivana. But still missing.

"I'm on my way. Stay on the phone with me." He strode out of his office, phone to his ear.

Ivana?

His mind wanted to reject that idea immediately.

When he'd run away from home with little more than a backpack and a screaming infant, he hadn't known where he was going beyond America. Armed with knowledge about his father, his goal had been to broker a protection deal for himself and Zasha.

He'd been in over his head.

And then Ivana had shown up. With her came all the things he wished he could have brought. Zasha's toys. Keepsakes. Clothes. Money. And documents that proved his father had, indeed, put all five of his US-based companies in Konstantin's name to avoid federal meddling.

In those early years Ivana had even come to Konstantin and told him that his father had approached her about working for him, informing on Konstantin and Zasha. Ivana had protected them. So why would she do this now?

Konstantin barked orders to his security and in moments they were on the road in one of the white SUVs. He listened to Haley's frantic conversation with someone at the center's office, all while not a one of them knew where Zasha was now.

The minutes dragged on. Eventually he ended the call after a hasty update from Haley that told him nothing.

He'd chosen his office and home because of their close proximity, but today it felt as though they were all worlds apart.

Where was his daughter? Who was she with? What was Ivana doing?

Not ten minutes later, the SUV skidded to a stop in front of the center. He pushed his way out and hung up the phone as Haley and the back-up security detail exited the building.

"You." Konstantin glared daggers at the man. "You're fired."

Haley held up her hands. "Konstantin-"

"He didn't do his job," he snapped.

She pitched her voice over his. "The security tapes don't have them leaving the grounds. They're still here somewhere."

Konstantin turned, looking around the old buildings that comprised the center.

There were probably a couple hundred rooms to search. And Zasha could be anywhere.

"We need to split up," Haley said addressing the other men. "There are four buildings, two playgrounds and a soccer field. I need each of you to take a building. I'll cover outside."

Konstantin glanced around, hating this helpless feeling.

Where was his daughter? Why had Ivana taken her? Was his past coming back to haunt him now? Why? After so long, why?

"Konstantin?" Haley gripped his arm. She was composed now. "It's going to be okay. Stick with them. If any of us find anything, we'll call you directly, okay?"

"Okay. Yes." He pressed his arm against his side, feeling the holster concealed there now.

If Ivana didn't have a damn good reason for doing this, Konstantin just might pull a page from his father's book.

Zasha was off limits. And Ivana had just gone there.