Page 107 of Under Control

He takes my hand in his and holds it tight. “I know this is going to be hard, but I need you for something.”

“Anything. You know that.”

“Arsen’s coming to Philadelphia and he wants you at the meeting.”

I hesitate and glance back at Mama. “You’re right, it won’t be easy leaving her right now.”

“I’ll post guards. Nobody will get anywhere near this room until you come back.”

“I know that.” I shift my weight and lean forward. “It’s just, I felt so powerless when she was gone, you know? I want to sit right here and makesureshe’s safe.”

“You couldn’t have done anything for her last time.”

“But at least I would’ve been there.”

He pulls me back and leans down to kiss my cheek. “You’re strong, but nobody is that strong. Let me be here for you.”

I nod to myself. I knew this was coming. I had hoped I’d get a day or two without any interruptions, but things are moving fast now, and I can’t slow them down just because I’m worried about my mom.

I want to live up to Valentin’s idea of me.

“When will Arsen be here?” I ask and lean my head against my husband’s shoulder.

“He’s on the road now. I can give you two more hours with your mother, and then I need you.”

“Then I’ll see you in two hours.”

Rittenhouse Park isone of the most famous and busiest open spaces in the whole city. It’s a series of concentric rings around a central fountain. Grass, some trees, but mostly walking paths and benches. Enormous downtown skyscrapers blot out the pink-and-blue sunset. Nearby, a busker plays guitar, and a couple of guys juggle bowling pins back and forth.

Arsen’s sitting on a bench already, just like last time. Except now, he’s on Valentin’s home turf, in his home city, and half the people in the park right now are related to the Bratva in some way. All of them are armed and ready.

“How’s she doing?” Arsen asks when I sit down beside him. Valentin sits on my other side. Just like our first meeting.

“Good, actually. She’s been asleep but the doctor says your people took good care of her. I’m grateful for that much.”

Arsen looks away. “Don’t thank the kidnappers,” he says.

“You came a long way for this conversation. What’s going on?”

I can tell he’s bothered. Last meeting, back in Baltimore, he seemed totally calm and self-possessed. It was almost impressive the way he handled that extremely stressful moment.

But right now, he can’t seem to sit still. He’s fidgeting and agitated, and I suspect that’s a very bad sign.

“My father suspects something,” he says and gives me a hard look. “It’s only a matter of time before he starts purging everyone that knew about your mother’s whereabouts.”

“Including you?” Valentin asks.

“He’ll get to me,” Arsen confirms and his jaw works. “And his questioning style is very similar to yours.”

Valentin’s smirk is vicious. “Are you complaining about your treatment? You’re alive. You’re not missing any fingers or toes.”

“You’re right, I should be thanking you. But I wonder what you would’ve done if I weren’t so useful.”

“Be happy that didn’t happen.”

I can tell this isn’t going anywhere good, and I quickly cut in. “Arsen, would you like to go for a walk with me around the park?”

He seems taken aback. Valentin looks downright furious.

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