I try and read the intention in Budimir’s face, I try and predict his next move, but his eyes are black pits of determination.
“I thought of you as a second father,” I hear myself say in a low voice.
“I know you did,” Budimir says. “You were meant to. I worked carefully to maintain my relationship with you. I didn’t want you getting suspicious. Of course, I didn’t have anything to worry about once your head was turned by that woman.”
“You should have known, Artem. Women exploit your weaknesses, and if they don’t, they make you weak.”
“The time for talking is done, old man,” I snap. I’ve had enough of his preaching. “Let’s get this over with.”
Budimir laughs. “The impatience of youth. That’s where we differ. See, I like to take my time.”
I bolt to the side, grab his outstretched arm,
