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I have no one but myself to blame for the ets to tell her story? Or will I disappear like thousands of others, slipping through the cracks of a Russian city?

Alex’s voice penetrates the fog of ry?”

“No, thanks”

It’s not as if I’ll be able to eat Not that it matters He’ll probably threaten to hand-feedon ht

“It’s past lunchtime in Russia, and you haven’t had breakfast,” he says “I’lle arrive”

I don’t reply What’s the point? He’s made it clear my opinion doesn’t matter

After a while, he releaseson his phone, and I breathe easier The anger and worry don’t diminish, but I don’t have a vent for those emotions I have no choice but to bottle them up inside

The buildings grow in size until gray, drab blocks doh myA control tower and runway become visible Alex bracesis smooth Theout orders in Russian

The men don their jackets and weapons Alex leans an are cos with singular attention as the plane taxies to a hangar on the outskirts of the airport

Leonid, who’s exa a computer screen, says, “No interference detected”

Alex doesn’t take his eyes off the“Keep the satellite surveillance active”

A convoy of black cars with tinted s is parked on the tarmac Men in dark suits with automatic rifles are stationed around the area in a circle The blatant display of firepower o dry

It looks like a war zone or a drug deal about to go down

When the plane coor appears with an off-white coat that he hands to Alex Alex says soor hurries to open the door

“What did you say to hi on

Alex holds the coat open in silent instruction for o outside”