We talk about nothing. I don’t share, and he doesn’t ask. My coach always knew when I was ready to say something and when to push me and when to back off. Today is the latter case. Today, I don’t want to talk about work. I just need a friend who can help me disconnect. And Viktor is just that.
I leave the gym in the evening and get into my car. At that moment, one of my assistants calls:
- Mr. Adam, we’ve gathered all the information you requested about Nazar. - I hold my breath. The situation is about to be resolved. - He has been in prison since then, and no one plans to release him. He’s serving time for attempted rape and several other charges. And that’s news. I knew Korniyev had packed him away for a long time, but I didn’t know how exactly. I thought he was imprisoned solely for attacking Amanda. It turned out that wasn’t the case. Her father did well to ensure Nazar never approached his daughter again.
And it’s strange to realize that this scumbag is my own brother, of whom I knew nothing. My mother never distinguished herself with fairness, honesty, or, especially, love towards me. But I never thought she was capable of having a son on the side and never telling me about him. Although in recent years, we even communicated somewhat. Not closely, but she could have at least hinted at this, so I wouldn’t find out this information from my, how should I put it, stepfather.
The thought that Nazar is behind bars eases my mind. So, he poses no threat to Amanda. But why did he call? Not just for nothing. He couldn’t have phoned just to say one phrase. It’s some kind of game. And he clearly didn’t organize it himself. Nazar doesn’t have that many brains to come up with such manipulation. So, there must be someone else in this game. There’s that detail I’ve been thinking about for a long time, and I can’t seem to find it. Maybe it’s somehow linked to the fact that the Korniyev saga isn't over. Perhaps it’s connected to the business. Maybe something else. My brain simply can’t handle this. My head starts to pound. I lean back in the seat and close my eyes.
- Damn, when will this all end? - I really feel that I’m tired. Perhaps at my 32 years, I have endured too much, and more is yet to come. I continue to worry about Amanda. I keep worrying about her state because I don’t know what’s going on in her head. She’s silent. And she seems to smile, like everything is fine. And our relationship hasn’t changed, but in the greenery that once flourished with warmth, I see nothing. It’s as if she’s covered in frost. And I’m really afraid that this will never change.
These thoughts are interrupted by a call from Amanda.
- Yes, Kitten, I’m already on my way home. - I hear that she’s walking somewhere.
- Adam, I won’t be having dinner at home tonight; I have an important meeting. - she says this somewhat anxiously, and I realize she’s worried.
- Amanda, with whom? Where? Maybe you need my help? - I’ve already offered her my support and help many times, and even though she wants to sort everything out alone, I’m scared to let her go. I know what partners Korniyev had, and Amanda isn’t ready to meet them. Or maybe it’s just me wanting to think she’s not ready. Maybe I still see her only as the little girl who believed she could create and live a beautiful life. Perhaps she’s not like that anymore.
- We agreed to meet at one of Korniyev’s restaurants, or rather, now mine. I’ll be home past midnight. I’ll have security with me, so don’t worry. - Easy for her to say, don’t worry. I know what kind of people circulate in this business and how they conduct their affairs. Sometimes, having just security isn’t enough.
- Maybe I’ll send a few of my guys? It’ll make me feel better. - this, of course, doesn’t change the fact that I will still worry, but knowing that my guys are there, I’ll feel a bit more at ease.
- Okay. But please, Adam, no… Don’t go overboard. Just a few people. I’m going there to settle business, not to kill someone. - for some reason, I smile at her words. Exhausted, worn out, but I smile. She has no idea how problems like that were settled by Korniyev.
- Alright. Kitten, just a few people. They’ll be with you in about half an hour. Don’t go alone. I love you. - she sighs, and as she says, "I love you too," it’s cut off.
My only desire is to lash out and go to this meeting with Amanda, but I can’t do that. She would never forgive me because she would think I don’t believe in her skills, her capabilities, and I don’t want her to doubt herself. So, I have no right to do that. I call my head of security to send two trusted guys to help Amanda's security. I don’t know with who she’s meeting, but I need to find out to at least understand what danger awaits Kitten. Who to call, I don’t know. I have Victoria’s number, but for some reason, I doubt she’ll tell me anything. She was completely devoted to Korniyev, and now she’s just as devoted to Amanda. So, I have no choice but to go home and wait for her call. And just at this time, I’ll think about how to properly execute our plan concerning Kirk, because there’s not much time left. And in these three days, everything must be settled because there can’t be any mistakes. And as soon as this all wraps up, I hope Amanda and I will find time to get away, even for a few weeks. Maybe she’ll agree to go back to London. She’ll wrap up her business, and we can take a break from all the craziness that has piled up on us.
Lost in thought, I don’t notice how I arrive home. I go into the house, head to the kitchen, pour myself a coffee. I would really like some whiskey, but I’ll drink the coffee. I don’t want to fall asleep before Amanda arrives. I sit down on the couch. I take out the documents Marina brought, where all the dirt on Kirk is, and begin examining them closely. I can’t shake the feeling that Marina is acting clearly not for noble purposes and isn’t only interested in saving our business. But where the skeleton is buried, I still don’t know.
Then I get the idea to drop by Marina and discuss this topic with her. I'll ask her outright, and I think the woman will have no choice but to tell me the truth. I’m sure we need to know this truth so our plan goes smoothly without any surprises. So, I get in the car and drive to my country house. Before that, I text Amanda that I’m going to see Marina to find out some details. She doesn’t reply. I realize she’s probably already at her meeting.
Marina is sitting on the couch and drinking tea.
- Hi. I’m not bothering you am I? - The girl turns at the sound of my voice and wraps herself in a robe.
- Mr. Adam, you’re not bothering me. I didn’t expect to see you. - it’s clear she’s scared. I understand she’s been on edge lately after what happened with Karina.
- I have a conversation for you. - I sit opposite her, I see her tensing up.
- I told you everything; I have nothing more to add. - for some reason, her voice trembles. She probably thinks I want to accuse her of something.
- Marina, calm down. I want to talk about Kirk and the partners' ball. - I see her shoulders relax, and she sets her cup down. - Did you read the documents I gave to Ms. Amanda? - I nod to confirm. - Then I have nothing more to add. That’s all I know.
For a moment there’s silence.