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Stefanov isn’t naïve He knows I’d never trust hiain He’s prepared for a war, but it doesn’tmy house Stefanov won’t knohat’s hit hiround before the day is over He can stand there with his self-satisfied look, thinking the fiftyfor his life Only before it comes to that, I need to knoho betrayed me

I watch him carefully as I ask, “How did you find out who I was?”

His grin says he’s already savoring his prerave keeper told raves She took a photo and sent it to me”

“The old woraves?” No wonder I felt liketo warn me after I visited them that first tiriive it to you, Stefanov You don’t leave anything to chance”

He looks pleased with hie I have to say, I didn’t think you’d survive on the streets”

“I survived rather well,” I say with asmile

He gives ave you the tape? Tell me now and I’ll finish you quickly”

I don’t fucking think so

Pop, pop, pop

Gunfire comes from upstairs

It’s the distraction I’ve been waiting for

Stefanov gives a start “What the—?”

Before he’s finished his sentence, I have an ar him like a shield in front of ainst his neck

“Drop your weapons,” I say to the guards “It’ll only take a little pressure to ”

“Shoot him,” Stefanov yells

The guards aiuns, undecided If they shoot at my hand, they’ll put a bullet in his neck They can’t shoot at h his skull They’ve been trained to protect Stefanov, and that training won’t allow them to take an uncalculated risk

“Shoot the worip

“You shoot her,” I say, “and your wife is dead”

On cue, a woman’s shrill voice sounds from the top of the stairs “Don’t shoot, Vlad! It’s Galina Please They have me”

Stefanov curses as footsteps fall on the stairs A group of h the door They’re arrenades, co a gun at the back of her head Igor co his broith his sleeve when he spots me