Maksim straightens up. His forehead is beaded with sweat, face as pale as I’ve ever seen it. He should be in bed right now,recovering from his surgery, but here he is, bargaining for Kallie’s life.
If there was any doubt he was the right one for her, there isn’t anymore.
“What do I do?” He squares his shoulders. His eyes shine with a new, determined light. “What do you need?”
I exhale slowly with relief. It would have been hard to get this done alone, but with Maksim, I can do it.
I hope I can do it.
I have to do it.
“Get the car ready,” I tell him.
“Got it. And what will you do?”
I pick up something. Two things. One tool I’ll need, and another I hope I’ll never have to use.
“Exactly what I have to do.”
My knuckles whiten around the railing. I want to punch something, take my rag
