Chapter 5

Jane touched the door of the coffee shop, hesitating with uncharacteristic uncertainty. She despised the feeling. Jane always knew what she was about. She charged through life head-first and made no apologies. She hated the idea that Sitnokov had her emotions so twisted up that she was now doubting herself. Since when did she hesitate while in pursuit of a potential collar?

Yet, as she watched the small, dark-haired woman on the other side of the glass, she found herself trying to find her usual courage. Her next move could prove extremely deadly. Jane was technically off duty. One of her confidential informants had let her know that the girl she was looking for was on the move. Which lead her to the Knight's Out coffee shop.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and strode in. She was met with a cacophony of noise. Some kind of board game being played by several customers seemed to be getting out of hand. A blond waitress was tearing them a new one, using language that was colourful to even a cop.

Jane made a line for the woman sitting at a corner table by herself sipping hot chocolate and messing around on her smartphone.

"Anastasia Sitnikov?"

The girl stiffened in her seat, her short blue and black hair swaying. She turned slowly in her seat, one small brow arched over a bright blue eye. Even though most of her face was masked in heavy make-up, Jane could tell she was very lovely. Her delicate features bore only a passing resemblance to those of her brother. If Jane weren't used to looking for nuances, she might have suspected she had the wrong person. It was the arrogant slant to Anastasia's eyebrows, a replica of Sitnikov's heavier brows, that led Jane to believe she did indeed have the right woman.

Anastasia sighed and scowled.

"I have nothing to say," the girl announced, swivelling back around in her chair.

Always persistent, Jane walked around the table and dropped into the vacant seat, levelling a stern look at the younger woman. "But you are Anastasia Sitnikov, correct?"

Anastasia rolled her eyes. "Christ, stop calling me that in public. Just Anya is fine."

Jane jerked her head in a nod. "Okay then, Anya. I'm Detective Jane McKinley," she said, holding out her hand.

Jane held her breath as Anya simply stared at the proffered hand for a moment before barely giving the tips of Jane's fingers a squeeze before dropping her own hand back to the table. It was abundantly clear that Anya didn't want to talk to Jane. Jane's understanding was that Anya was not at all involved in her brother's criminal activities. The girl appeared to be more intelligent than her rebel co-ed appearance made it seem.

"I'm here to talk to you about your brother."

Anya snorted, "Really? I wouldn't have guessed."

"Sarcasm isn't necessary, Anya. I just have a few questions."

Anya laughed out loud. "Of course you do, and yes it is. Without sarcasm I would probably be peeing myself right now."

Was Anya afraid Sitnikov might hurt her, or worse, if she was caught talking to a cop? Her detective's heart sped up at the thought of a possible lead. Maybe Anya would be easier to break down than she thought. Jane tried to look gentle. It was a hard emotion for her to produce considering she had zero maternal instincts to get in touch with.

"You don't have to worry Anya," she said soothingly. "Anything you say to me will be kept completely confidential. No one is going to hurt you."

"Oh, I'm not worried for myself, Janie," Anya smiled. Jane flinched at the nickname. Her parents had called her Janie. She hated it. "I'm worried about what happens to you when my big brother discovers you searched me out and questioned me. He doesn't take too kindly to any kind of threat to his sister. And while you don't exactly pose a threat, he's the shoot first and ask questions later kind of guy."

Jane sat up so straight her wooden chair scraped. Her slim hopes that Anya might cooperate flew out the window. She opened her mouth to speak, but Anya cut her off.

"And no, I'm not threatening you, nor is my brother by extension. I'm giving you advice from one woman to another." Anya took a long sip of her hot chocolate and said nonchalantly, "He secretly digs the professional ball-busting type. So if I were you, I would fly under the radar where Vlad is concerned. Way under if you know what I mean. Like, drop whatever it is you think you got on him because you won't make anything stick. Oh, and never, ever mention this little incident to anyone. Not even your cop buddies, because you just know some of those little piggies have got to be in his pocket. This town likes to talk and it could easily get back to him. He would love to get his hands on someone like you. And trust me, you don't want that."

Jane felt a pang of nervousness. Anya was unwittingly verbalizing her fears. Sitnikov would love to get his hands on Jane. She brought her facial expression swiftly under control, but Anya's sharp eyes had picked up on her momentary panic.

"You've already talked to him, haven't you?" Anya asked shrewdly.

Jane nodded, dropping her eyes from the younger girl's. She didn't need the astute woman to pick up more than she already had. A blush heated Jane's cheeks as she remembered the way Sitnikov had held her near naked body and threatened her in an elemental way.

Anya stared at her, blazing blue eyes taking in every inch of Jane as though contemplating her in a new light.

"Nice chatting with you," Anya said brightly, grabbing her camo purse and standing up. "Take my advice and either lay off my brother or move to another city." Anya paused, considering. "Maybe another country, just to be safe! Do svidaniya Jane."