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“All good,” Oleg replies in a strained tone

Galina enters the study, followed by Oleg “I’ll leave you to your business”

“Galina,” Vladi likes so much The one from the bakery in Nevsky Prospekt”

Her smile is uncertain “That’s so far away It’ll take o to Lastochka”

“No” Vladimir’s double chin quivers as he shakes his head “That one is no good Go to the one I told you Tell the owner I sent you”

“All right,” she says with a nod, giving Oleg a tight smile as she leaves the room

Oleg’s shoulders sag in obvious relief Vladi thinks that if Vladi to be worried about He’s less nervous about why Vladimir ordered him to fly all the way here from California He feels exactly the way Vladimir wants him to—safe

“Sit,” Vladi his desk

Oleg pulls on the knot of his tie as he takes a seat “What’s so urgent that it couldn’t wait until after my vacation?”

Vacation, his zhopa After selling Vladi in a hole like the rat he is

Vladiaze “We have a problem”

Oleg sits up like a stick man “What problem?”

“Volkov is on to us”

Oleg pulls on his tie again “He is? How do you know that?”

Vladimir flicks the picture of Vadi today’s plan in motion, Vladimir kept the news of Vadiuard

Oleg blanches as he studies the photo It’s not a pretty sight “How do you knoas Volkov?” he asks, turning the photo upside down

Vladirab Katherine Morrell”

“I knew it” Oleg shifts to the edge of his seat, his voice growing in volume “It was a mistake to interfere”

Vladi me?”