Russian Connection Read online

  After the service, Curt paused and said the usual kind words. As he kissed her cheek he whispered, “I need to talk to you alone, Nikki. Something Luke told me, something you need to know.”

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Nikki and Dayd were the last ones to leave the funeral parlor. A police car followed them out of the driveway. Curt Harrison’s whispered words replayed in her head, devouring her with curiosity. What could Luke have told him? She agreed to meet Curt at the police station, his choice, tomorrow morning at ten. Dayd couldn’t object to that. No place could be safer. She wanted to talk to Detective Sinclair anyway. But why had Curt chosen the police station? Why hadn’t he asked her to come by his office at Norton Airport? Could he be working with the police?

  She glanced over at Dayd. His chiseled profile looked grim as though his thoughts troubled him. Well, what I’m about to tell him will probably add to his distress, but here goes… “Curt Harrison wants me to meet him alone,” she said, emphasizing the last word. “He has important information about Luke.” The sight of the flush inching up Dayd’s neck prompted her to hurry on. “Don’t worry. Our meeting place couldn’t be safer—it’s the police station.”

  Dayd let out a harsh laugh. “Perfect. If he gets out of line, Sinclair can slam his sorry butt into jail.”

  “Don’t be negative. You can drive me. But since it’s obvious that you two don’t trust or like each other, you’ll have to wait outside.”

  “Forget it. If he wants to talk to you, he can damned well do it in front of me, or not at all.”

  “It’ll be not at all, then.” She touched Dayd’s thigh, digging her fingers into his black trousers. “And that could be a mistake. What if he knows something to help us find Glenda?”

  Dayd glanced at her sharply. “It might be a trap.”

  “You’re paranoid. He’s my boss, for heaven’s sake. And what could be safer than a police station?”

  “Curt knew Luke,” Dayd snapped. “That makes him a suspect. He had access to the disks you taped to your desk. Maybe that’s how Godunov learned what was on them.”

  Nikki’s nerves tightened. Everything Dayd said made sense. But… “The leak could just as easily have come from Nazar or Boris. They had access to everything, and they knew Luke.”

  Dayd sent her a quelling look, fiery enough to melt the snowcaps from the San Gorgonio Mountains. Debating the pros and cons with him wouldn’t change his mind. His stubbornness was proving to be a challenge.

  “Don’t you get it?” he said. “Something on those disks made Godunov need you.” Dayd withdrew the second key from his pocket. “And this new key may lead us to that something.”

  “Why chase that lead when we have a better one—the nudist colony?” Nikki said, lifting her chin.

  “We’re not ready to go there, yet. Let’s swing by the locksmith and see if he has any ideas about this.” He gestured again with the key.

  “Are you sure Glenda is your first priority? The key seems to interest you more.”

  His scowl failed to make her feel guilty about her doubts. He’d lied when they first met. Maybe he was lying now, and his mission, not Glenda, was his top priority. But he’d vowed to never lie to her again and she wanted to believe him with all of her heart. Did she dare? “Swing by my apartment. I want to get out of this dress.”

  His shoulders relaxed and he grinned.

  Imagining the picture her words must have evoked, she said, “What I meant to say was I want to change into jeans and a sweatshirt.”

  The glint in his eyes told her he found her correction just as amusing.

  “How about the hotel? You have clothes there. That way we can both change.”

  She nodded. They stopped only long enough to pull on jeans and sweatshirts and grab a couple of leather jackets, then they headed for the key shop. They wanted to get there before the locksmith closed for the evening. Dayd kept glancing in the mirror.

  “Something wrong?” Nikki asked.

  “We might have a tail. Hang on.”

  Nikki braced herself. Dayd made quick right into a liquor store parking lot. When the asphalt ended, he kept going, cutting through a vacant lot, off a curb, and into the next street.

  No one followed. He gave a nervous laugh. “Perhaps I overreacted.”

  “Good thing I have a strong heart,” she said, shaking her head.

  “Sorry. Guess I’m a bit jumpy.”

  She noticed his hand was still curled tightly on the steering wheel. She reached over and patted it. “Take your shortcuts whenever you feel the need. As my mom used to say, ‘Better safe than sorry.’” She grinned. “Besides, it was more exciting than a carnival bumper car ride.”

  He squeezed her fingers. “You’re a good sport.”

  At the key shop, the locksmith took one look at the key and said it would fit a public locker. “See this number?” he drawled. “It’s a sure giveaway.”

  Nikki wondered how many public lockers they’d have to check to find a match.

  Back in the car, Dayd asked, “Are there any lockers at Norton?”

  “Used to be. In the old terminal, but it’s closed. Other buildings that might’ve had lockers are stripped and vacant now, too.”

  “Norton’s out, then. You said Luke left from Ontario on his last trip, right?” Dayd continued on without giving her a chance to answer. “Our best bet is one of the public lockers there. Maybe that’s what Margo and Peter Ziyakbusky were doing at Ontario Airport, looking for Luke’s locker.”

  “But how would they know about it?”

  “Good question.” Dayd rubbed his forehead. “Damn. I’m too tired to think straight. And hungry. Bet you are too. Let’s grab a bite.”

  She pointed at Taco Tia just ahead. “How about there?”

  He turned in and parked. “It’ll do. Let’s eat inside. We can discuss some backup options while we chow down.”

  “We have backup options? I like the sound of that. Finding the right locker at Ontario sounds rather iffy to me. I’d rather be out looking for Glenda.”

  “In a round about way, we’re doing that. But without putting her in more jeopardy.”

  The only people inside the fast food place with its pink walls and turquoise border were the guy behind the counter and a teenaged couple, who had eyes only for each other. Amidst the aromas of taco meat and onions, Dayd and Nikki ate their burritos, side-by-side, in silence, lost in their own thoughts. Nikki stared out the window at the traffic whizzing by on Highway 10. “I wish we were out there on the highway, heading to Reche Canyon and the nudist colony.”

  Dayd reached over and closed his hand over hers. “Have heart. If we don’t come up with something at Ontario Airport, we’ll call the bus depots and the train stations.”

  “We’re getting sidetracked from what’s really important,” Nikki said, “rescuing Glenda.”

  “Trust me, Nikki. This key lead could provide the missing link.”

  “What if it’s a wild goose chase?” She hated to sound negative, but all this running around seemed like a waste of time.

  “We aren’t the only ones in this,” Dayd said. “Boris and Nazar are following Godunov’s men. If they go to the nudist colony, we’ll know we’re on the right track.”

  Nikki held Dayd’s gaze. “And if they don’t?”

  “We’re going ahead on the bet that Glenda’s there. At dawn, Boris is renting a chopper and doing a flyover of the five hundred acres. By tomorrow we’ll be ready to make our move. Be patient just a little longer.”

  “You’re asking me to wait another day!” Her voice rose and the couple glanced in her direction. She lowered her volume to a loud whisper. “If Glenda were your sister or brother would you wait?”

  Dayd’s eyes flashed. “If I knew exactly where she was, I’d go this minute. Don’t you know that?”

  Nikki fought tears. “I keep thinking about what they might be doing to her.”

  Dayd wrapped his arms around Nikki, touching her heart with his gen
tleness. “I know, honey. I know. But thinking about that will only wear you down. And I need you at my side, strong and healthy.”

  He handed her a napkin, and she wiped her eyes. She glanced around.

  The young man behind the counter and the teenage couple were staring at them again.

  She straightened her shoulders. “All right, Dayd. We’ll do it your way. But if Glenda isn’t back by this time tomorrow, I’m taking things into my own hands.”

  He shook his head. “Like you did when you went to the Orange Show Auditorium? Can you risk the same results?”

  “No, Dayd. Not like at the Oktoberfest either, where I was surrounded by you, your team, and the police. And with all that macho manpower we still failed to rescue Glenda.”

  “Game point, Nikki,” he said. “But I’m curious, exactly what would you do next?”

  “I’d talk to the manager of the nudist colony for starters.”

  “First on my list tomorrow. Undercover, of course.” He grinned.

  She frowned, not appreciating his attempt at humor. “Why can’t you be yourself for once? No gimmicks, no cover. Just straight and honest?”

  “The manager could be in with the kidnappers, and I don’t want to tip our hand. Can’t risk Godunov moving Glenda again.”

  He was making sense. Still, she ached to go into action now. All this delay made her eager to talk to Sinclair. What the devil was he doing besides following her around? He seemed more interested in discovering who killed Luke and Kitty than in getting her still breathing friend back from the kidnappers.

  By tomorrow morning she would have to decide whether or not to meet with Curt Harrison. The raging conflict between her curious mind and her cautious mind was giving her a headache. On the plus side, she could meet with Sinclair, too. She needed a backup plan in case Dayd failed her. If only she could trust him completely.

  ****

  After they finished eating, Dayd called Ontario Airport. “They still have some of the old keyed public lockers that include a section in the 500 series,” he told Nikki as he flipped his cellular phone closed. His eyes brightened with excitement, and he touched his lips to hers. Even the light touch brought her lips alive. “If the key fits 555,” he continued, “we’re in business.”

  Caught up in his enthusiasm, she smiled and crossed her fingers.

  As they sped toward the airport Dayd said, “You’re courageous to trust me through all this. I’ll see that you don’t regret it.”

  Guilt surged through her, followed by confusion. She’d abandoned herself to sex with him several times, and felt a strong trust on that level, but on another level she wasn’t capable of complete trust now, and didn’t know if she would ever be. Not the way he wanted anyway. What was wrong with her? He was helping her find Glenda. Something no one else was doing.

  Dayd kept glancing in the rearview mirror. He made a couple of abrupt skidding turns. Nikki gripped the door’s armrest and held on tight. Was he evading shadows again? “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  His jaw tightened. “Not sure.”

  “Are you keeping something from me?”

  “When I’m sure, I’ll tell you.” He frowned and his knuckles turned white on the steering wheel. “My vow didn’t mean much to you, did it?”

  She reached over and gripped his thigh. “It means everything.” Her throat constricted. “That’s why there can’t be any lies between us. None.”

  “Nikki, the problem isn’t me anymore. I promised not to lie to you, and I meant it. The rest is up to you.”

  “I’m trying.” Her heart twisted. “I really am.”

  If only she could dispel the dark cloud hovering over her. But it was impossible to wholly believe in anyone anymore. Not Dayd. Certainly not Boris or Nazar. Not even her boss, whom she’d known for over five years. And definitely not the police. Dayd was right. The problem was hers. Maybe her best bet was to wipe the slate clean and trust everyone until they proved her wrong. Experience told her that wasn’t a terrific idea either.

  Dayd parked in Ontario Airport’s short-term parking. He helped her from the car and, after scanning the lot, guided her forward. In spite of her sense of unseen danger, his firm, warm touch stirred her. “You’re expecting company, aren’t you?”

  He sighed. “Yes. And I hope I’m wrong.”

  They hurried inside and took the escalator to the second floor where they found the rows of old-type lockers. It didn’t take long to locate number 555. “It figures he’d pick this locker,” she said. “Luke considered five his lucky number.”

  “Let’s hope it’s ours,” Dayd said, standing so close she felt the tension radiating from his body.

  Nikki held her breath and stuck the key in the lock. It didn’t turn.

  A security guard passed by, giving them only a cursory glance. Her hand began to tremble and she almost dropped the key.

  “Give it to me.” Dayd tried. Nothing. He tried again, making a loud rattling sound. He cursed in Russian and tried once more.

  Nikki didn’t realize that she’d been holding her breath until, finally, the lock clicked and the door eased open.

  Two airline workers walked by, chatting, totally involved in their conversation.

  Dayd paused and looked around for any suspicious observers before removing the large carpetbag from the locker. “Let’s get out of here.” He grasped her arm. “Now.”

  “Aren’t we going to look inside the bag?”

  His grip on the bag tightened. “Let’s get to a safe place first.”

  “Like where?”

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Would any place be safe? Dayd wondered. As they left the area, he glanced toward the end of the lockers. He saw a blur of motion, as if someone had jumped back out of sight.

  He tightened his hold on Nikki’s arm. “Come on.” He broke into a jog, pulling her along.They raced down the escalator and passed through a set of sliding glass doors.

  “Was that man watching us?” Nikki asked breathlessly.

  “It’s possible. Maybe one of Godunov’s men, staking out the lockers.”

  Nikki looked back. “He’s not following us.”

  Dayd checked for himself. He didn’t see anyone, but the guy could have ducked behind something. They left the terminal, stepping into the cool night air, and crossed the street to the parking lot. He spied their car just ahead and shoved Nikki toward it. “Get in, quick.” He scanned the lot as she climbed in. A man and pregnant woman unloaded luggage from the trunk of a rented Honda. No threat there.

  Dayd slid behind the wheel and gunned his Lexus to life. He waited until he cleared the parking lot to accelerate. Outside the gate, he speeded up some then floorboarded it after he turned onto the main road. He switched off his lights. He knew the risk. But earlier, he’d detected two tails. They could be waiting anywhere along the way, and he didn’t want them to zero in on him again.

  Nikki was right. No place was safe. Especially now that they had the bag, and the likely contents.

  He drove like a crazy man, down dark streets without his lights on, through alleys, across industrial parks. He didn’t know where he was going.

  After they left the developed area and entered a stretch of grape vineyards, Nikki turned and squinted into the blackness behind them. “I don’t see anything back there. Can’t you ease off the blind Indy-500 driving?”

  He studied his rearview mirror once more. The frame of black reassured him, and he slowed to a normal speed and switched the lights back on. His neck muscles began to relax. “Speed and two-wheeled corners not your thing, Nikki?” he asked, in a jovial tone meant to ease the tension electrifying the air between them.

  Her withering sideways glance revealed her contempt for his humor. Her scorn affected him in a way that made no sense. The sight of the disdainful tilt of her head and the haughty uplift of her breasts sent heat coursing to his groin. God, she looked sexy, even when piqued. He felt himself grow hard. To his amusement, he’d found that danger had
heightened his libido. What would Nikki do if he pulled off the road into that grape vineyard ahead and made love to her? If it weren’t for the danger of stopping, he’d find out.

  Nikki toyed with the padlock on the carpetbag between them. He smiled to himself. Her grip on the bag and the way she fiddled with the lock confirmed her impatience and a devouring curiosity.

  “We’ve been driving in circles for over an hour,” she said. “Are we going to drive all night?”

  “You’re right, we should stop. An out-of-town motel should be safe enough.” He headed north toward the city of Rialto. As far as he was concerned, any motel would be safer than the Raddison. And Nikki would be more comfortable making love inside a warm motel room than in a vineyard on a chilly October night. He laughed to himself at his one-track mind.

  He passed several fast food places. He thought of Nikki’s low blood sugar and how stress made it worse. “Let’s pick up something to eat. Once we’re settled in, I don’t want to go out again.”

  Nikki pointed to a Jack-In-The-Box fast food place. “How about here? It’s quick.”

  He pulled into the drive-thru lane and ordered burgers and colas, then headed out again, turning east on Foothill, keeping a sharp eye out for vacancy signs. He passed several. He wanted something nicer for her, but hadn’t seen any to suit his standards.

  “What was wrong with those motels?” she asked, still clinging tightly to the bag.

  The impatience in her voice amused him, but she was right. One was as good as another. “We’ll take the next one, whatever it is, okay?”

  As they pulled into the driveway of the Wigwam Motel with its rows of stucco tepees, Nikki laughed. “Good hideout, Dayd. No one would look for us in a tepee.”

  He loved her laugh, and was relieved she’d regained her sense of humor. “I’m betting on that. Wait here.”

  He checked them in, then parked out of sight behind tepee sixteen. Their tepee was in the center of the Indian village, well hidden from the street and a rear alley. He grabbed the carpetbag. “You bring the food. I’ll get this.”