“We should get going,” Mr. Austin tells his daughter. Without looking at me, he adds, “Goodbye, Liya.”
Willow grabs my hand and squeezes it. “Good luck with everything. Don’t be a stranger, okay?”
“Bug,” Mr. Austin says firmly but affectionately. “Let’s go.”
“Just a minute, Daddy. Liya is my best friend.” She smiles warmly. “And I’d do anything for her. Just like she would for me.”
I nod and step back, giving them space to leave. Willow spares an affectionate glance and then turns away with her father, tucking her arm around his back as they walk briskly away. Mr. Austin probably wants to get her home before anything else can go wrong.
Again, I don’t blame him. With the way things have been lately, it’s hard to say what’s going to happen next. I have my ideas, but it’s not concrete.
Except for what Willow offered.
As I ascend to the world above, I tug my phone from my pocket and text Stepan to come get me. I stand near the mouth of the subway entrance and examine my surroundings, searching for strange cars and people who might be hovering a little too close for comfort.
But nothing strikes me as suspicious. Nobody hops out from around the corner. My heart continues to hammer away in my chest. Nothing significant occurs. Yet I keep expecting it.
And it hurts.
You be careful out there, Captain Sharp’s voice whispers threateningly in my head.Lots of bad people just lurking around the corner.
I blanch.
My husband killed Sharp. Sure, the man deserved to get punished, but not like that. And that one rash act by Pavel amplified this shit storm.
That’s when I knew he was taking a turn for the worst, I realize. That’s when I sensed the change in him wasn’t a change at all—it’s how he’s been this whole time.
I was foolish for thinking a ring could have changed all that. As I observe the bare skin of my left ring finger, I’m acutely aware of the car that drifts to the curb, of the man who rounds the vehicle, and of the way he opens the back door expectantly. I know it’s Stepan, and I know it’s time to leave.
Sighing, I push away from the wall, slide into the back seat, and buckle myself in, trying not to stare at my finger again. But I do. I can’t help it. I can’t stop.
Just like I can’t stop what’s going to end my marriage.
But I can stop this war.
And it all starts with calling Mr. Austin.
***
Though there are plenty of people in the house, it feels void of life. After I got home, I anticipated running into Pavel or even Karina, but neither of them made an appearance until dinner. Even then, most of the table remained quiet except for the occasional compliment to Stepan for his cooking.
The lobster was delicious, succulent, and buttery. It went well with the macaroni and cheese that was prepared at the last minute. As delicious as the meal was, it made me an emotional mess. I had to leave the table early so I could lock myself in the bathroom and cry.
You need to eat more, Krolik. Viktoria’s voice lingers in my ear.You’re eating for two now.
I clutch my stomach.
I’m eating for two.
When I close my eyes, tears stream down my cheeks. I scratch my scalp, trying to get myself under control. How long is this grief supposed to last? And how am I supposed to get anything done when all I can do is cry?
A few shuddering breaths later, I splash cool water on my face and collect myself. I can cry later. First, I have to call Mr. Austin and get this new plan in motion.
I stand near the bedroom door and listen to the soft murmurs floating up from the den. Karina and Pavel are staying downstairs with the brigadiers. I have the second floor to myself.
Which is all well and good. I don’t want anyone to hear this.
Once it’s safe, I call Mr. Austin. He answers on the fourth ring. “I have nothing to say to you.”