Page 23 of One For my Enemy

“I don’t know,” said Roman, in a way that suggested very much the opposite.

Lev grimaced again.

“Fine, have it your way.” He slid the package into his bag, nestling it gingerly at the base. “Anything else I should know?”

“Yes. From ten to eleven only his daughter will be home,” Roman said. “Hisfavoritedaughter,” he clarified slowly, “and the daughter for which he would do anything not to lose. Are we clear?”

“This isn’t subtle, Roma,” Lev grunted, rolling his eyes. “You’re cursing his daughter so he’ll come to Papa for the antidote?”

“Listen, I’m just trying to provide comfort toyourdelicate sensibilities,” Roman reminded him impatiently. “You realize normally Dima has me to do these things, right? And I don’t typically need to wrestle with my conscience first. But, today I’m busy,” he sniffed, “so try to keep your moral ponderings to something of a reasonable level.”

“Busy doing what?” Lev asked.

“None of your business. Now go, would you? And be sure she opens it personally,” Roman said briskly. “No point delivering it otherwise.”

Lev sighed, tucking his phone into his pocket.

“Fine,” he conceded, nodding to his brother before he left.

II. 5

(Thoughts and Questions.)

LEV:how’s the store?

SASHA:you again, huh?

LEV:yeah. I thought about waiting until I saw you tonight, but then I thought nah

LEV:that doesn’t sound fun at all

SASHA:ah, I see

LEV:so? how is it?

SASHA:quiet. though to be clear, that’s a good thing. my sisters were, per usual, a noisy pack of apes this morning and I finally have time to think

LEV:interesting

LEV:what are you thinking about

SASHA:that’s a weird question

LEV:no it isn’t. watch

LEV:ask me what I’m thinking about

SASHA:fine. what are you thinking about

LEV:I’m thinking about how strange it is that people trust their doormen so implicitly. like, if I really wanted to carry out a long revenge plot, I think I’d become a doorman. obviously I’d build up some sort of false identity beforehand which might take a while, but if I were really serious about it I think I could put in the time. also, why do people ever open the door to anyone, honestly? even without magic modern technology makes it so you always know to expect something that’s arriving, right? so if a stranger shows up that just HAS to be bad news

LEV:I’m also thinking about how much I want to see you

LEV:can I kiss you? actually no don’t tell me

LEV:surprise me

SASHA:I honestly don’t know what to say to any of this

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