“Shit. I didn’t realize they got so big.” I held my rifle closer. “I figured they would be little guys.”
Jeffery took us down to the center of the forest where it was flatter. Every tree towered over us—oaks, beeches, aspens, pines, and chestnuts. The ground served as a bushy cover of young trees and brooms, brambles and ferns, all mingled with hollies.
“A traditional boar hunt is called La Battue,” Jeffery explained. That name sounded pretty accurate for what we looked like—a crazy group with guns, beaters, and dogs.
Twenty minutes later, we spotted several boars ahead. Adrenaline kicked in.
The difficulty was taking a position without chasing all the boars away. Once the boars got sight of the dogs, they rushed off. The dogs tracked their scents and we attempted to keep up.
The whole time, Kazimir roared with laughter. “I’m so glad we’re not dancing.”
It took us three hours of running and tracking the boars through the forest. Everyone joined in. We all laughed, Pavel especially. He’d somehow tied his tresses and long braids. Kaz’s men even lightened up with me, being less traditional and treating me like one of the guys. A few gave me hard pats as I raced against them.
We returned to the castle with four massive boars weighing 400lbs each. Kazimir caught the first one and used his dagger instead of his rifle. After that, he’d declared using the rifle would be cheating.
His men took up the challenge while our guides agreed knives would be manlier. I thought they thought we were crazy, but I joined in.
I caught the second boar. I’d done enough research and watched several videos before the date. There was no way I was walking out of that forest without catching something. Kazimir had tried to step in and help, but I’d waved him away. It had almost cost me a leg. Somehow, I got out of the boar’s path as he charged away from the dogs and got in a slice. Jeffery and Pavel got the other two.
That night, we feasted in the castle. Everything went perfectly, better than I could’ve expected.
My phone rang as the castle’s staff brought out more wine and dessert.
Kazimir eyed it.
I rose and whispered to him, “I’ll be right back.”
Kazimir gestured for his man to walk out.
“I’ve got it.” I waved them away and hurried out of the room. “What’s up, Boris?”
“The phones work.” He sounded shocked.
“I told you they would.”
“And Zahkar invited Yuri and me into the investigation.”
You’re trying, Kazimir. Thanks.
“Any new info?” I asked.
“Zahkar thinks it’s at least five people involved. The monkeys and chimpanzee were taken out of the zoo.”
“Any footage of them being stolen?”
“No.”
Of course not. These men are smart, but not smart enough to not fuck with me.
“There was a maid that was on staff for your room both times,” Boris continued. “She’s gone missing.”
“Send Lemon for the maid. I want you to stay close to Zahkar. Whatever he knows, you need to know.”
It was time to see what my three stars could do.
Damn. I wish Maxwell was there. He needs to hurry up with Misha.
Boris had the monkey situation. Hopefully, he would find Mr. Racist soon. Lemon could try her hand with finding the maid. But now, Blue needed something to do. She was a whiz with electronics. I’d figured she would be my top research and computer security person.
There was something else nagging at me besides the monkey situation.
“Do me a favor, Boris.”
“Whatever you want, boss.”
I rolled my eyes. “Have Blue look up the Corsican.”
“Who?”
“French mafia. The main guy’s named Jean-Pierre. They call him the Butcher. He has three cousins. I want their names and any other information on them.”
“Oh wait. The Butcher? That name I have heard of.”
“Well, get Blue to get as much info to me as possible on him and anyone he rocks with. Have her call me when she has it.”
“Okay. I’ve got it.”
“And call me when there’s something new.”
“I will.”
“Good. Talk to you later.” I hung up and turned around.
Kazimir leaned against the wall behind me. “How’s your investigations going, detective?”
I put my phone up. “Your men are working with mine.”
He leaned his head to the side. “And your inquiry on the Butcher?”
“I’m just wondering about your enemy.”
Kazimir fake pouted. “Truthfully, I’m feeling like you’re violating my privacy.”
I smirked. “I’m protecting you.”
“Oh well. We’ll talk more about that later.”
“Will we?”
“Definitely. But Boris confirmed the truth?”
“And what’s that, Kaz?”
He left the wall and prowled to me. “That I’m being a good boy.”
“You are.”
“I deserve a treat.”
“Do you?”
He closed the distance. “I do.”
We never returned to the castle’s dining room. Instead, he carried me up to our massive room on the second floor. There, I didn’t have to deal with monkey heads, Corsican, or any other threat. There, I was devoured and filled to my soul. There, he showed me how much he loved me even more.