The Big Bad Wolf

CHAPTER 102

“I’M GLAD YOU’RE HERE to see this for yourself, Atticus,” the Wolf said to his lawyer.

“This is such bullshit harassment. My businesses are beyond reproach. You know that better

than anyone. This is highly insulting.” He looked at me. “Do you know how many business

associates you’ve insulted at this party?”



I was still restraining myself from responding to his threat to my family, to Little Alex. I didn’t

want to take him down; I wanted to take him out.

“Trust me, this isn’t harassment,” I told the lawyer. “We’re here to arrest your client for

kidnapping.”



Sorokin rolled his eyes. :re you people mad? Do you know who I am?” he asked. Jesus, I’d

heard almost the same speech in Dallas.

:s a matter of fact, I do,” I said. “Your real name is Pasha Sorokin, not Ari Manning. Some

people say you’re the Russian godfather. You’re the Wolf.”



Sorokin heard me out, then he laughed a crazy laugh. “You are such fools. You, especially.”

He pointed at me. “You just don’t get it.”



Suddenly there were shouts coming from one of the other rooms on the first floor. “Fire!”

someone was yelling.

“C’mon, Alex!” Mahoney said. He and I left Sorokin with three other agents and ran to see

what the hell was going on. How could there be a ?re? Now?

There was a ?re. It seemed to have started in the large study off the main living room, in a

closet. Swirls of smoke came from under the door. A lot of smoke.

I grabbed the doorknob, which was hot. The closet was locked. I lowered my shoulder and hit

the door hard. I slammed into it again. The wood cracked this time. I hit it once more, and the

door collapsed. Thick black smoke billowed out.

I stepped up close and tried to peer inside. Then I saw something move.

Someone was in there. I could see a face.

Elizabeth Connolly was in there and she was on ?re!