For Logan (Chicago Syndicate Book 5) by Soraya Naomi Page A

the doorbell at a skyscraper in the city center of the Loop while stealing glances around me. As agreed, I ring it five consecutive times so that Mykhail knows it’s me.
    “Rosalia?” he answers.
    “Yeah, it’s me. Hurry and open up; we have trouble.”
    I’m buzzed inside and march up the stairs to the second floor where he swings the door open and I race inside.
    “What’s wrong? Did you find out anything at Club 7 last night?” Mykhail asks, pulling a lime green polo shirt over his head.
    “Yes, someone mentioned they have safe places to investigate.” I went to Club 7 for one reason: to retrieve information about Dimitri Medlov.
    “Who? Adriano or your father?”
    “No, someone named Henry said that to Logan. I’ve heard his name before. I’m guessing he’s the Syndicate’s hacker. Anyway, on my way driving over here, I saw a guard trailing me, and I think I lost him, but it’s possible that he knows about this address.”
    “Shit!” Mykhail rakes his hands through his hair.
    “Mykhail, maybe the Syndicate will help you?” I insist.
    He lowers his arms and gives me a cynical look. “They won’t. Did you know they killed our underboss’s wife? And they kidnapped his child. What do you think they’ll do to me and Adam?”
    “I don’t know! But this is becoming dangerous for me too. I’m involved with Syndicate business without them knowing. My father will be furious.”
    “But you’re his daughter; he won’t kill you, Rosalia. I’m afraid for Adam and me. Dimitri just up and left us to our own devices. Fucking asshole!”
    The problem herein lies in the fact that my own involvement is putting me in the line of fire. While both Mykhail and I are despairing over what to do, Adam shuffles from around the corner into the hallway, wearing only his pants and clutching a jar filled with cream in his two tiny hands. He just woke up, because his curls are in disarray, and he squints while inspecting me suspiciously as he stops next to Mykhail’s leg.
    Adam yanks his slacks, requesting in the cutest tone, “Myk, medicine.”
    As he extends his arm, I see purple markings on his skin.
    Mykhail rubs his head affectionately. “Hey, little man. We’ll do that later. Go put on your shirt.”
    I inch closer, but Adam immediately retreats behind Mykhail’s legs. “It’s okay. This is Rosalia. She’s my friend and won’t hurt you.”
    “Did your father cause those bruises on Adam?” I probe. Fury crawls over my skin.
    “Yes,” Mykhail admits. “Adam has been through enough already, Rosalia. I’m the only one left to protect him. I can’t let the Syndicate find us.”
    As I stare into Adam’s cherubic, innocent face, I’m incapable of turning them over to the Syndicate without knowing the consequences. I have to buy Mykhail time. “Okay, then we need to go. Now.”
    Mykhail nods and lifts Adam into his arms, disappearing into the living room while speaking, “I’m just throwing on his shirt and shoes and getting his bag.”
    “Hurry.” I return to the door and check the peephole before pushing down the lever and perusing the empty hallway, detecting no movement outside the door. “Do you have a car here in the garage, Mykhail?”
    “Yes.”
    While the coast is clear, I swivel back around into the apartment and snatch a Disney Cars jacket just when Mykhail comes back with a fully clothed Adam clasping his hand.
    I wink at Adam, crouch down, and hold open his jacket. “Shall we wear your jacket?” He hesitates, so I add, “This is such a cool coat. If you don’t wear it, I will.” I pretend to shove my arm into the sleeve.
    “No, silly,” Adam scolds sweetly. “That’s not for girls.” He releases Mykhail’s hand to steal back his jacket.
    “Oh, well, then you should wear it,” I suggest, and he slides his arms in. I zip it closed, wiggling Adam left and right until he’s laughing like he doesn’t have a care in the world as Mykhail grabs his keys.
    “All done. Shall we