Lethal Instincts Read Online Free

Normally, she wouldn’t give the family a second thought.
    “You don’t like them?”
    “We don’t always see eye to eye. I like to do things myself, my family like to pay for things to be done. They don’t understand my need for simplicity where they require opulence and fame.”
    “Your family is famous?”
    “Not really. My father runs a large import-export business and my mother enjoys entertaining in the social circles of the wealthy and snobby. I can have everything money can buy but not much of what it cannot. Gosh, doesn’t that make me sound like an ungrateful bitch?”
    “Just a little,” she said, smiling. “So I suppose journalism is not a career they’re proud of.”  
    “No. Ideally, I’d finish a law degree, marry well, have children, let nannies look after them, and attend brunches and galas all year long while resembling a well-kept Barbie doll.”  
    “Sounds like a tough life, though I’m not sure whether the Barbie look would suit you.”  
    “Not my style,” Lexi said. Sure she could tolerate a fancy brunch or a charity event occasionally, but if it was on her repertoire on a daily basis she’d soon enough go crazy. She needed more, much more. So, from a young age she turned herself away from her family as much as she could and continued to do so.
    “So you turned to journalism.”
    “I wanted to do something that had some significance. Plus, I get to meet interesting people instead of those just interested in my bank balance,” Lexi said. “What’s your story?”
    “I like solving crimes.”  
    “That’s it?”
    “That’s it. I’ll look into Tatiana Petrenko, now please try to stay out of trouble. London can be a dangerous place when you start stepping on the wrong toes.”
    Lexi couldn’t help but wonder if that was a threat or a warning.

Chapter 6

    The next morning, Lexi got dressed early and decided to do some of her own investigating. The dreary London weather had decided to clear up for the morning, but she carried an umbrella in her handbag regardless. It was the first habit that she had picked up after moving to London; heading outside without one was like asking to be caught in a downpour. She was getting used to the rain, but it didn’t do much to keep her mind from drifting to the warmer and drier climate she had left behind.  
    The detective’s words from the previous night stayed in her mind. How dangerous could London get? Was she putting herself in danger by getting involved? Stepping on toes was part of her job description, she’d just have to remember to be extra careful. And besides, what harm could asking a few questions do?
    Lexi’s first stop was the bakery where Tatiana Petrenko had occasionally worked.
    It was one of those Eastern European bakeries that had opened up shop since the EU opened its borders. The cakes and pastries melted in your mouth and there was always a ‘babushka’ in the back, kneading dough or folding flour.  
    As soon as Lexi walked in the sweet smells hit her senses, from the freshly baked bread to the jam donuts sitting on the counter, and the cheesecakes and pastries behind the glass. Lexi’s mouth salivated. She’d have to grab a slice of cake when she finished otherwise her taste buds would never forgive her.
    The owner was a short older man. He was balding on the top but keeping the thick sides intact. His belly protruded just above his apron; a spot of icing remained on the corner of his mouth. He wiped it off with the back of his hand as he approached Lexi and introduced himself.
    “When was her last shift?” Lexi asked.
    “Thursday, week ago. Came in for eight hours. Worked through without a break and left. We haven’t seen her since,” he said in good English with a hint of an unfamiliar accent coming through.  
    “What about her next shift?”
    “We tried calling Tatiana two days ago but she never responded. Poor girl. She was so quiet, there was something very sad about her.”
    “What do you