Page 14 of Triplet Babies
“This is excellent work,” I say, meaning it. “You have good instincts for this.”
“Thank you. I’m finding it more interesting than I expected.” She pauses, then adds, “Though I do miss being outside.”
I have to fight down the urge to smile. “The grounds will still be there when you have breaks. Feel free to walk the gardens if you need fresh air.”
“I appreciate that.” She smiles again, and I suddenly want to prolong the conversation.
“Sarah, I have a project that will require some evening work this week. Are you available to stay late tonight?”
She frowns. “How late?”
“Probably until eight or nine. It’s an audit of some business files that needs to be completed before Friday’s meeting.”
She considers this for a moment. “I can do that, but I’ll need to charge double my hourly rate for anything after six o’clock.”
The request surprises me, not because it’s unreasonable, but because most employees would simply agree without negotiating. “That’s acceptable.”
“Then yes, I can stay late tonight.”
“Good. I’ll have Mrs. Nykova arrange dinner for us since you’ll be working through the evening.”
“That’s not necessary but thank you.”
I leave her to her work and spend the afternoon reviewing contracts and taking calls, but part of my attention remains focused on the evening ahead. Working closely with Sarah for several hours will give me a better sense of who she is beneath the professional competence. It will also give me time to observe whether she’s hiding something, as Valentin’s research suggests.
By six o’clock, the estate has settled into its evening quiet. Most of the day staff have gone home, leaving only security and essential personnel. I find Sarah in the conference room adjacent to my office, surrounded by file boxes and legal documents.
“Mrs. Nykova said you wanted these files audited for compliance issues,” she says as I join her at the large table. “I’ve been organizing them by date and transaction type.”
“Perfect. We need to identify any irregularities or missing documentation before the lawyers review everything Friday.”
We work in comfortable silence for the first hour, occasionally discussing specific documents or clarifying procedures. Sarah creates detailed notes and flags potential problems.
Around seven-thirty, Mrs. Nykova brings us sandwiches and coffee, then discretely withdraws. The room feels different at night, more intimate somehow, with just the two of us working by lamplight while the grounds settle into darkness outside.
“Can I ask you something?” Sarah asks during a break in our document review.
“Of course.”
“What kind of business requires this level of documentation?” She gestures to the boxes of files we’ve been examining. “I’ve worked for landscaping companies and insurance agencies, but nothing that generated this much paperwork.”
“Import and export involves significant regulatory compliance. Every shipment needs proper documentation for customs, insurance, and tax purposes.” It’s a simplified version of the truth, but accurate enough. “One missing form can hold up a shipment worth millions of dollars.”
“That makes sense.” She returns to her work a few minutes later, but she still seems to be absorbing the information.
We’re deep in the audit when I hear footsteps in the hallway outside. The sound is distinctive and recognizable as high heels tapping across the floor with the precise rhythm I’ve learned to associate with Katya Nikitina’s unique sway.
“Expecting someone?” asks Sarah, looking up from the file she’s reviewing.
“Not exactly.”
Katya appears in the doorway wearing a black dress and an expression that suggests she isn’t here for a social call. She stares at us, taking in the conference table covered with documents, Sarah and me working side by side, and the intimate lighting of the evening setting. “I apologize for interrupting,” she says, though her tone suggests no such thing. “I was hoping to discuss some details about our upcoming engagement announcement.”
I stand, immediately shifting into the formal mode Katya’s presence requires. “Of course. Sarah, would you excuse us for a moment?”
Sarah nods and begins gathering the files on which we’ve been working. “I’ll organize these in chronological order while you’re talking.”
“How dedicated,” Katya says with a hint of mockery while watching Sarah’s movements with sharp eyes. “I do hope you’re not working your dear assistant too hard, Yarik. She looks rather tired.”
