Page 26 of Lenkov

Grabbing the paper on Lenkov’s chest from his father, his shoulders slump. “Orlov Love child?” he whispers. “Well, looks like Katherine survived.”

“What does she want?” I whisper.

He shakes his head. “To talk to me and gain some protection.”

“And you’re going to provide her with that?” I sputter. The blood drains from my face, and my stomach turns.

And it has nothing to do with the fact that she slept with Lenkov.She’s willing to throw an innocent in harm’s way to get what he wants. That tells me everything I need to know about her.

“You want to help her after everything she’s done?” His father asks.

“Maybe it's better to know her every move than to leave her up to her own devices,” Lenkov says. “Let’s work through the details in my office.”

I reach out and grab Lenkov’s wrist. “Are we okay here?”

He smiles. “Yes. The police understand you need time to recover before making a statement, and The Diner knows you're safe. They’re currently closed for repairs, which are being covered through their insurance.”

“Why do you know that?”

“Because I knew you’d worry if I didn’t.” He winks.

“He’s your twin,” His father whispers.

“Yeah.” Lenkov smiles. “He is.” They walk away from the living room down the hall toward Lenk’s office, and I sit up.

“Mama, why didn’t you tell me?”

“Do you remember what I told you about your dad?”

“That you lost him?”

“Yes, and then, like magic, he walked into Mommy’s work one day.”

“Wow,” he whispers.

“Yes, and we were both so surprised.”

“Is that why he came to take us away?”

“Yes. Because if Lenkov knew about you, he would’ve been around the whole time.”

“Cause he loves me?” he whispers shyly.

I nod enthusiastically. “Very much.”

“And you too, Mom?”

“It’s different for adults. But we will always both love you.”

His lower lip trembles. “You don’t love my Daddy?”

“I love him for giving me you.” I split hairs, covering his face with kisses to distract him. He giggles, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Things are about to get a lot more complicated.

“Why don’t we go get cleaned up? Mom is feeling a lot better today.”

“Good idea. Lenk-Dad...” his tiny brow furrows. “Can I call him Dad?”

“That’s something you’ll have to ask him.” I cuddle him. “But something tells me he won’t mind.”

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