The Time Stopper by Dima Zales Read Free Book Online Page A

on his tombstone: ‘Shkillet, the underestimated.’”
    “I’d make that ‘Shkillet, the underestimated rapist.’” I give the dead body a shove with my foot.
    “I don’t know about that part.” Victor extends his hand for the bottle I’m still holding.
    “Believe what you want.” I hand him the bottle. “Ask around. He was a rapist.”
    “But did he do that to Vera?” Victor frowns, pouring himself another shot. “That’s what I have trouble with. Wouldn’t she have told me?”
    “She was probably ashamed. It happens a lot with rape victims. All I can say is, if he didn’t, he sure lied about it. Just like he lied about me being a cop.”
    “And you’re not?” Victor gulps down the shot. “You moved like some Spetsnaz soldier when he attacked you. It was—”
    “I have good reflexes.” I have to get his mind off what he thinks he saw. “That’s all. It doesn’t make me a cop.”
    “But it does make you an accessory to this.” He points to Shkillet. “But here’s what bothers me. If he lied and didn’t fuck her, how’d he know what she had on her back?”
    “Well, we can’t ask him now.” I shrug. “Maybe he was a peeping tom? That’s not strange for a rapist.”
    “Perhaps.” He gives me a suspicious stare. “Or maybe you are. Did you see me fuck her yesterday? Did you watch us and use the info to make it look like he disrespected me?”
    “You wish. That’s one of your voyeuristic fantasies. Besides, wouldn’t you close the door and have some bouncer guard it if you were fucking?”
    Victor sighs and rakes his fingers through his hair. “Talking to you is as frustrating as talking to Nadia. You’re too good of a liar—probably helps you during poker.”
    I shrug and pretend not to know he’s talking about his daughter.
    “So.” Victor exhales. “The fact that he attacked you could mean you’re right. Maybe he knew that if he didn’t attack you, his death would’ve been . . . slow.”
    “You give him too much credit. He’s not that smart—only crazy.” I twirl my finger next to my temple in a gesture for insanity.
    Victor chuckles, but then he stops abruptly and stares at me.
    Feeling like I’m under a magnifying glass, I can’t help but notice the throbbing in my wound. The adrenaline rush has worn off, and it hurts like a son of a bitch.
    “You’re bleeding.” He frowns.
    “It’s nothing.” I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of admitting to weakness. “But thanks for your concern.”
    “Listen, whatever-your-name-is, I want to continue this conversation someday.”
    Great. Just what I don’t need. I think it, but don’t verbalize it.
    “In the meantime,” he continues, “I’ll spread the word that you’re under my protection so you won’t need to worry about the likes of Shkillet in the future.”
    I’m at a loss for words. I didn’t expect him to say that. That’s the third time I’m surprised today. I really should Read people more if I don’t want these surprises, but it’s tricky because of my limited Depth.
    “Here’s my card.” He hands it to me as if this is a normal business deal. “Call me if you need anything.”
    I take the card. Then he walks to the door and lets his bouncers in.
    “Take her to the hospital,” Victor tells the big guy who brought me here earlier. “Put the bill on my tab.” He looks at me after the bouncer nods. “I’ll be seeing you later, Ilona.”
    Numb with shock, I let myself be herded through the club. There’s no sign of the guy I’d danced with. Oh well. It’s not like that would’ve been anything more than a one-night stand. I’m nothing if not realistic. There’s no room in my life for a relationship.
     
    * * *
     
    Patched up and tired as a dog, I take a cab from the hospital to my car.
    As I watch the streets whiz by, I have a million thoughts running through my head. They fight with one another, but the one that keeps getting my attention is that I have to get away.