Free Unwanted Sacrifices (Russkaya Mafiya Book 3) by Sapphire Knight Page A

forty-nine seconds since I first discovered Sabrina missing. At this point, she could be located anywhere in the world. Her captors have had plenty of time to fly, boat, or drive many miles away from here, and I’m not even one step closer to finding her. Whoever has her better pray to their god that they don’t harm even a hair on her head.
    I keep playing it on repeat, over and over in my mind of her telling me she needed that stupid fucking cake topper. I know if I would have gone with her, she would be beside me right now. Tate says I can’t blame myself, but I do. I feel it in my gut that she would have been safe accompanied by me. I would have died to keep her that way. It was my only job; I had one thing to do and I have failed.
    I don’t even deserve to have her at this point. Hell, who am I kidding? She’s always been too good for me. Sabrina’s a pure little angel of beauty, while I’m this big ogre, full of dirty blood and secrets.
    I can’t help but wonder what my mother would think of me right now—may her soul rest in peace. Not only could I not protect her and my sisters, but now—even as an adult—I’m useless when it comes to protecting the women I love. Must I be forced to sacrifice everything? Am I not destined an ounce of happiness and love in my life? I will find the trash that took mother and Bina. I’ll search until I take my last breath if I have to.
    My cell chirps and I damn near swerve off the road trying to get it out of the truck console. I slam on the brakes and pull off on the shoulder of the road. People need to stop texting me so much and just call; at least then the voice will come over the speaker instead.
Tate: Tech found Kristof
Me: Address
Tate: I will send guys to meet you at 407 Grape
Me: The projects?
Tate: No, it’s a small house
    Tossing the phone in the cup holder, I peel out, spraying rocks everywhere, pushing my truck’s limits to get me to Kristof as soon as possible. Every second wasted is a moment too long not being with her.
    I’m grateful for Tate having my back on this and sending some guys to help, but I hope I arrive before everyone else. I want to get to her father first so I can beat her location out of him. The scum deserves to hurt and I have every intention of introducing him to real pain. I’ve wanted to for years, but out of respect for Sabrina, I’ve held off. No more though; that trash is mine and if he doesn’t sing like a bird, I’ll float him with the fishes just like he deserves.
    The drive is short, about ten minutes or so, but they feel like ten of the longest drawn-out minutes of my life. There’s a slim chance of her actually being here, but I’m praying with everything in me that she’s here, safe and waiting.
    Come on, Mother, if you have really moved on to another place, please help me find her.
    I bring the truck to a stop and park a few houses away. Kristof has always been a paranoid idiot and I wouldn’t put it past him to have a group of wannabes outside keeping watch for me or anyone else that may drop in unannounced.
    Quietly and swiftly I leave my truck and head up the small alley running behind the shack of a house. The yard is overgrown and I’m correct about him being suspicious. There are a few thuggish looking guys posted on the front porch, one guy on each side of the house and two in the back. So about six or seven total.
    I can take them; hell, I could have taken them out when I was barely sixteen. Not to mention they all look like skin and bones—probably strung out on something strong. I get why some feel the need to escape and do a little recreational drugs—and it’s their choice—but I prefer to stay sober. I need to be completely focused, feeling everything, and in this instant, I can’t wait to feel myself steal the breath from their lungs.
    Kristof owes me something and it’s time to collect.
    One guy in the backyard steps off to take a piss and I creep behind him like a snake, performing my flawless