Page 29 of Last Violent Call
“Open it.”
“There is a fish in my face, dorogaya.”
“Ignore the fish and open it.”
Roma opened the envelope. Out fluttered a slip of paper, penned in Russian.
I told you there would be consequences. I am the only one who can help you now.
For a long moment, Juliette and Roma both stared at the words, uncomprehending. The moment that Roma shouted aloud, Juliette pivoted fast too, hurrying to set the fish into the icebox in the kitchen, washing her hands and shaking water everywhere.
They had been waiting for more hired men to show up, hopeful that they could garner some answers and stop the facility from coming after Mila. But this address change had summoned Mr. Pyotr directly.
“It’s only two o’clock,” Juliette exclaimed. “The postman is most definitely still in the area. He must havesomefirm answer on where this envelope came from, or else he wouldn’t have known to deliver it here.”
Roma reached under the desk, pulling free a knife taped to the base and handing it to her. Juliette blinked. She had forgotten it was there. Far too many weapons were taped in the strangest places around the house.
“Here. You take the route along the western canal. I’ll circle through the north.”
“What is our signal if we find the postman?” She accepted the knife.
“It’s only the postman. Shout really loudly.”
Juliette harrumphed. “Zhouzhuang isn’tthatsmall.”
“It will work. Come on, we’re burning daylight.”
Roma pulled the door open, patting his pockets to check for weapons. With a grumble, Juliette hurried up behind him, propping her hands on his shoulders and leaning close to his ear.
“I’m going to count this as an argument.”
“That was a mild disagreement and some cajoling on my endat best.” He craned his head back, giving her a short kiss. “But I will let you say so if it pleases you.”
Roma hurried off.
“Stop pleasing me so much!” Juliette yelled after him.
“I can’t help it, you’re the love of my life!” Roma shouted back. “Meet at the main road if you find the postman!”
He disappeared over the bridge. Fighting back an embarrassing little smile, Juliette pulled their front door firmly shut, crossed the bridge, and set off in the other direction.
Roma kept his pace natural, not wanting to incite any suspicion while he sought his target. He doubted the postman was responsible for any of these events, but one could never be too careful.
“Mr. Mai, I haven’t seen you in days.”
Right before Roma could pass by the flower shop, the owner inside gestured for him to come in. He could hardly say no. Besides, maybe the owner could help.
Roma ducked under the low-hanging wind chimes. The shop fronts by the main canals were stout, cramped spaces. The flower shop barely had room for two shelves on either side holding up its bouquets, with a register in the middle to conduct business.
“Sheng lao ye,” Roma greeted. “I don’t suppose you have seen the postman come through?”
Mr. Sheng pulled his white beard, deep in thought. He sprinkledsome water over the nearest bouquets. “The postman? I don’t think he has been around yet. I am waiting for money from my son. I would know if it had arrived.”
Which meant that maybe the postman was still somewhere south of here.
Excellent.
“Let me know if he comes by, would you?” Roma asked. He pointed to a small bundle of red roses. “Also, I will have that.”
