Hunting Human - Amanda E. Alvarez [9]
“I guess you didn’t register as a threat.”
Chase’s grin issued a challenge.
Braden ignored the invitation. “We missed you last week. Mom was really hoping you’d make it for Dad’s birthday.”
Chase ducked his head, hunching his shoulders. “I know. I meant to. Did your dad get the steaks I sent him?”
“Our dad, Chase. He’s been your father for more than a decade.” Braden wanted to push the point further; Chase was his brother, even if bloodlines said differently. But his expression was closed and his posture defensive.
Not the time for this argument.
“He got them. We went out back, enjoyed a few cold ones and had a cookout on the built-in grill Mom had installed last Christmas. The steaks were great. Must have cost you a small fortune.”
“I’m glad he enjoyed them.” Chase paused, then quietly added, “I wanted to be there.” His gaze wandered past Braden and fixed on the window.
“He understood.”
Chase turned back to Braden, quietly assessing the truth of the statement. “I got a last-minute call. I didn’t think it could wait.”
“Anything interesting?”
Chase stood and removed a folded envelope from his back pocket. Withdrawing a grainy photograph, he smoothed out the creases and placed it on the desk.
Markko Bolvek.
Shit.
Alarm and excitement raced through him. “When was this taken?”
“Six days ago, we caught him coming into Seattle-Tacoma International. He flew in with an American passport.” Chase gripped the edge of the desk. “I did some checking. He’s entered the U.S. under the same name four times in the last six months, always through a major city on the West Coast.”
“Do we know why he’s in Seattle?” Braden asked, continuing to study the grainy image.
“He’s not in Seattle. He was gone by the time I got there.” Chase pushed away from the desk. “It took a while to track him down; he was careful. Used cash for everything. Thank God he’s habitual. It didn’t take long to find a hooker who recognized him.”
“Is it too much to hope he’s chatty after sex?”
Chase snorted and shook his head. “But fifty bucks got us the location of his hotel. He checked out before I got there. He was there less than 48 hours.”
“Security cameras in the parking lot?”
“No. Just behind the desk. The clerk said he paid and got directions for I-5 South.”
“You think he’s coming here.” It wasn’t a question. Chase wouldn’t be so agitated if he wasn’t sure there was a threat.
“It’s a guess. Something’s got him coming in and out of the U.S.”
“How did we get a hold of this picture in the first place?” Braden pushed the picture back to Chase.
“There’s been some activity in Europe—we were looking for him. One of our informants tipped us off that Markko has been moving in and out of the West Coast lately.”
“But why?” Braden swiveled back and forth in his chair, trying to piece together a reason Markko would risk an appearance in Portland.
“I don’t know, but I intend to find out. The Bolvek family is getting bolder. We think Markko’s making some decisions outside his father’s knowledge.” Chase lifted the photo from the desk and stuffed it back in his pocket.
“That could work to our advantage. Markko’s vicious but he’s not as smart as his father. It could be an opportunity to wipe them out completely.”
“That’s the thought. But until we know what Markko’s doing here, you need to watch your back.” Chase cast him a heavy look.
“I will. I doubt he’d risk making any direct contact with me anyway.”
“Even so. Until we know what he wants, he’s dangerous.” Chase paused, his brow creasing. “You’ll talk to your parents and Lucy? I saw Caleb this morning.”
Braden sighed. “Of course. But you should call them, or stop by. They miss you.”
“I will. But right now I’ve got to track down Markko, figure out what he’s doing here.” Chase moved away from the desk. “If you pick up on anything, give me a call.”
Braden followed his brother to the door, placing his hand against the solid wood so