“Then why did Alex risk going out?”
“It was a calculated risk,” he says in a level voice. “If something were to have gone down, you would’ve been well protected.”
“But you didn’t like the idea,” I say, trying to read him.
“It’s my job to protect both of you. I don’t like taking any risks, no matter how small or well managed.”
“What are you really saying, Igor?”
“This house is the best-protected place you can be. If I were you, I wouldn’t ask Alex to go on another adventure.”
“I didn’t ask,” I exclaim in a whisper. “It was Alex’s idea.”
“Yeah, well, maybe you should dissuade him of those ideas. I’m sure you can find effective ways of occupying him here.”
I pull my back straight. “That was an inappropriate remark.”
“If you don’t want my opinion, don’t ask.”
He nods at the guard, who opens the door.
“Igor,” I say when he steps through the frame. “What’s gotten into you?”
He pauses on the threshold. “Look, we’re all tense about what’s going on. It’s rubbing off on everyone, that’s all. As I said, Alex wouldn’t have taken the risk if he hadn’t been damn sure he could protect you. It just took a hell of a lot of resources and energy that could’ve been better spent.”
“Right.”
“Ah, hell.” He throws his hands in the air. “That’s not what I meant.”
“It’s okay,” I say, backtracking toward the hallway. “I get it.”
“Kate.” He tips his face toward the sky. When he looks back at me, his expression is composed. “I didn’t mean you’re not worth the effort. I only meant our priority needs to be catching the fucker who wants Alex dead.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more,” I say, my stomach knotting at the reminder of the problem we’re facing.
“Just forget I said it. You’re caught in the middle of a war, and we don’t even know what it’s about. It’s not your problem or your fight. We’ll handle it.”
“You’re wrong,” I say, a little too forcefully. “I’m a part of Alex’s life, and that makes this my fight too, whether I like it or not.”
“Leave the dirty work to us. We’ll catch the bastard.” Turning on his heel, he walks away.
The guard shuts the door behind him and takes up his position in front of it, making a silent but strong statement.
Contemplating Igor’s words, I go to the library. Admittedly, I enjoyed the day and I’m more than grateful for Alex’s consideration. Yet I can’t help but agree with Igor. We should keep a low profile until we’re safe again.
A tray with tea and delicate cakes is on the table in front of the fireplace. Someone made a fire. The flames leap up the chimney, radiating welcome heat. I pour a cup of tea and am about to take a seat when Alex enters, carrying his laptop.
“Joanne is available now,” he says. “Would you like to chat with her?”
I nearly drop the cup in my eagerness. “I’d love to.”
He puts the laptop on the table and activates the connection. A second later, my friend’s face appears on the screen. From the logo on the wall in the background, she’s in one of the meeting rooms at her office. It’s almost six o’clock here, which means she must be on her eleven o’clock coffee break. Her red curls form a copper frame around her pretty face. There’s a glow on her cheeks and a sparkle in her eyes when she leans closer to the screen.
“Hey,” she says. “There you are, elopers.”
“Jo.” I take a seat on the sofa. With everything that’s happened, it feels as if I haven’t seen her in weeks instead of days. “How are you?”
Alex sits down next to me.
“Same old on my side. The question is how are you?” She looks from me to Alex. “How’s Russia? Thanks for the selfie, by the way. The scenery is spectacular.” Winking, she adds, “You could’ve told me about your plans.”
“It was a surprise for Katerina,” Alex says, resting a hand on my knee. “She didn’t know.”
“Wow.” Joanne makes big eyes. “That’s a biggie. Careful, Alex. You’ll win the boyfriend of the year award.”
He clears his throat. “How’s Ricky?”
“Busy. He has an exhibition coming up in the new year. We hope you’ll be there.”
“We’ll try our best to make it,” Alex says.
She turns her attention to me. “When are you planning on coming home?”
I glance at Alex.
“We’re playing it by ear,” he says. “Katerina has been working too hard. She’s taking a much-needed leave of absence.”
“Really?” Joanne says, not hiding her surprise. “And the hospital let you?”
“I was heading for burnout,” I say, cringing inwardly at the lie. “It was either granting me extended leave or accepting my resignation.”
She blinks. It’s the first she’s hearing of my supposed burnout. I can almost see the wheels turning in her head, the suspicions forming. But then she must decide I’ve simply been swept off my feet because she says with a sly smile, “I’m sure they don’t want to lose you. And you’re right. You deserve the break. What about Thanksgiving and Christmas? Will you be spending the holidays there?”
“We haven’t discussed that yet,” Alex says.
If she notices that he keeps his answers vague, she doesn’t comment. I’m guessing she’s decided we’re madly in love and doesn’t want to get in the way of that. Instead, she splays her hands and asks cheerfully, “So, are you having fun?”
Infusing my tone with as much excitement as I’m capable of, I tell her about the sights I’ve visited and the food I’ve tried.
Joanne grins. “You make it sound so beautiful. Russia is definitely going on my bucket list.”
“You and Ricky will have to come visit.” Alex draws patterns around my knee with his forefinger. “There’s plenty of room here for you to stay.”
Goosebumps run over my skin, making me shiver.
Her grin widens. “That’s very kind. We’ll definitely consider it.” Then she glances at something to the side and her face falls. “Oh, shoot, I have to go to a meeting. I’ll call you again soon.”
“Sure,” I say, already regretting having to say goodbye. “Don’t work too hard.”
“Send me more pictures.” She blows me a kiss before the screen goes black.
There’s a moment of silence, during which I process a strange sense of loss. A part of me already feels disconnected from my old life.
Alex closes the laptop.
“Thank you,” I say, keeping my tone upbeat. He has enough on his plate. He doesn’t need an emotional girlfriend too. It’s probably just PMS.
“You’re welcome, my love.”
We sit like that for a moment, neither of us saying anything.
“Would you like a cup of tea?” I ask to break the silence.
“No, thanks. I have to get back to work.” He stands. “I have to attend a function in a couple of weeks. It will be a formal affair. I’d like you to come.”