Page 135 of Toxic Salvation
“Good to know.” I glance at my watch. “Now, tell me—did you contact the doctor Vesper recommended? Dr. Walters?”
“I called her office just before coming here,” says Richard. “Made her an offer she’d be crazy to refuse. She said she’d get back to me within the next few days.”
“Make sure she says yes. I want Dr. Walters on staff at any cost. It’s the only way Vesper will be able to enjoy her maternity leave without worrying about her patients.”
“Understood. I’ll make it happen.”
“Excellent.” I grab my car keys from the desk. “I hate to cut this short, but I need to get home. My son is expecting me for dinner.”
Richard’s face brightens. “How is young Luka adjusting to everything?”
“Better than expected. He’s excited about becoming a big brother.” I shake Richard’s hand. “Thanks for the heads up about Ihor. Keep me posted if he contacts you again.”
“Will do, sir.”
We leave the building together, Richard heading to the parking garage while I climb into my SUV. Everything is proceeding according to plan. The one variable I can’t control is Ihor and his proximity to Vesper.
But I intend to address that problem very soon.
The first thing I notice when I walk into the house is Vesper perched on the mezzanine bridge overlooking the formal living room. She’s trying to stay hidden behind one of the marble columns while spying on whatever’s happening below.
I snap my fingers to get her attention, but she’s too focused on her surveillance mission to notice me.
Pavel emerges from the kitchen, carrying a bottle of beer. “She’s been up there for thirty minutes,” he tells me. “Yana brought a bag full of video games for Luka.”
“Let me guess:Grand Theft AutoandCall of Duty?”
“Worse. Some new game where you play as a cartel leader building a drug empire.” Pavel takes a swig of his beer. “Real wholesome stuff for a nine-year-old.”
“Jesus Christ.”
“Luka’s not having any of it, though. Kid’s got good instincts. He keeps suggesting they play chess instead.” Pavel grins. “You should see Yana’s face every time he rejects another violent game.”
“The kid likes pushing her buttons.”
“Can you blame him? Every time I see that woman’s face, I want to set something on fire.”
“We need to keep the peace for now, Pavel. Antagonizing her won’t serve us in the long run.”
Pavel sighs. “Try telling that to Luka. He’s the one who has to sit through these visits with her.”
I glance up at Vesper, who’s now crouched behind the column like some kind of pregnant spy. “Get her out of there. I don’t want Yana spotting her, especially with her belly showing.”
“I already tried twenty minutes ago. She told me exactly where I could stick my suggestions, using some very colorful language. For a doctor, I don’t think she knows a lot about anatomy,though, because some of her ideas were just not physically possible.”
I shake my head. “She’s gotten so much more stubborn since the pregnancy.”
“‘Stubborn’ is one word for it.” Pavel drains his beer. “Good luck getting her to move. I’m staying out of that particular battle.”
“Coward.”
“Smart,” Pavel corrects. “I’ve learned not to argue with women, pregnant or otherwise. Charity taught me that lesson real quick.”
“Speaking of Charity, how are things going between you two?”
Pavel’s entire demeanor shifts. The teasing expression disappears, replaced by something more serious for a change. “Really good, actually. She’s different from anyone I’ve ever been with. Makes me want to be a better man, you know?”
“I’m happy for you, brother. Truly.” I pat his shoulder. “Now, go get my stubborn girlfriend away from that balcony before Yana sees her. I’ll deal with the witch-in-law.”
