“We all know that there are the things we own in our own names, and the things buried under layers of bullshit that will never be found in this lifetime,” Cain said. “The Antakov family hasn’t been this successful without putting some safeguards in place. We either have to find what those businesses might be or wait for Nicola to show herself and put a bullet in her head before she gets to one of us. Once she’s dead, I doubt Oblonsky or anyone in the organization will be interested in Abigail or us.”

“She’s buried all that, so finding it will be impossible,” Mano said. “But you’re right. If we can get rid of Oblonsky’s biggest problem, he might actually owe us a favor.”

“It’ll take time, but it’ll be a good way to find the new and improved Nicola. She’s had to leave that name and identity behind. Who is she now?” Her cell rang, the burner that Finley had given her. “Give me a minute.”

She walked to the front of the house and glanced out the window. It was nice to not see anyone waiting in the shadows hoping to hear a conversation she shouldn’t be having or doing something that would give them the excuse they were waiting for.

“Hi, honey,” Emma said.

“Hey, lass, I’m sorry for not calling sooner. We got some news on Josh, and I was working through that.” She sat on the sofa and dropped her head back. “The bastard with Jimmy got paid to make a call.”

“Please tell me Jimmy wasn’t that stupid.” Emma sounded mad and it made her smile.

“He got shot too and still managed to pull Josh to safety. That might get him the job with some heavy supervision.” She could hear the others in the kitchen, but she concentrated on Emma. “Are you doing okay?”

“I miss you, but the kids are wild and keeping us busy. Once we get them to go to sleep, we might open some wine and talk about our better halves.”

“I’m sure Muriel and Finley will love that since they’re still there. Go easy on me.” The way Emma laughed made her miss their nights together. She was getting softer by the minute.

“Finley and Muriel are banned but I doubt they’d notice. Both of them have been working since you left, and there might be a mutiny soon because of your taskmaster ways.”

“Tell the girls it’s for a good cause, so go easy on them too.”

“You’ll find them in the same condition you left them, but I’m sure there’s going to be some lessons taught. It’s best not to ask questions.” Emma laughed again, and Cain was glad Emma had friends to share time with. “I didn’t want to bother you, but I wanted to hear your voice. Call me in the morning, okay?”