Page 3 of Her Sweet Surrender
“I will go,” Marquis announced. “However, the trip will have to wait until I finish the current training session.”
“How long will that be?” Rytsar asked in frustration.
“We’ve just begun the second week, so about five weeks from now.”
The Russian furrowed his brow. “Too long. This needs to be addressed now so we have time to formulate a foolproof plan.”
“Agreed,” Captain stated. “With Wallace currently indisposed, I should be the one to go. I can speak to my supervisor tomorrow and arrange the time off without any problem.”
Brie appreciated Captain’s military experience. She knew he had played an integral role in eliminating the Koslov brothers in Russia. It was easy to understand why Sir had chosen to include him. Captain was not influenced by emotions the way Rytsar was, and he understood the necessity for violence at times—unlike Marquis.
While Brie was comfortable with the idea of the two men assessing Lilly in her stead, Marquis voiced his concern. “It is imperative an experienced therapist evaluate her.”
Rytsar’s eyes narrowed. “What? You don’t trust me?”
“It has nothing to do with trust and everything to do with professional experience.”
The Russian looked to Brie. “Do you agree,radost moya?”
She had never considered it, but Brie liked the suggestion. “I think it will make the decision even clearer for me.”
Sir nodded in approval. “An assessment from a certified therapist would give us vital information.”
“Then I will arrange it,” Rytsar declared. “And, there is only one man I would trust with such a task.”
Marquis asked pointedly, “May I ask whom?”
“The highly respected Russian psychologist Mikhail Volkov. I’ve worked with him extensively in the past.”
Captain spoke up, asking, “In what capacity?”
Rytsar’s answer completely surprised Brie.
“He once headed a shelter I created for victims of sex trafficking.”
“In Russia?” Brie asked. She knew about the one he’d set up in America, but she’d had no idea there were others.
“It is no longer running,radost moya,” he explained. The sorrow in his voice left Brie to wonder what had happened.
Turning to Marquis, Rytsar added, “However, the groundbreaking program Dr. Volkov created is still being used in facilities throughout Russia.”
“He’s an excellent choice,” Sir agreed.
Brie looked at Sir with interest. “Do you know Dr. Volkov?”
“I never met the man, but what he was able to accomplish at the shelter was impressive.” He glanced at Rytsar. “I recall he unfailingly put the needs of the girls and the program above all else—even his own reputation.”
“Da, that he did,” Rytsar agreed somberly.
Brie appreciated learning something new about Rytsar’s past because he was so closed about it. She was certain there was a much deeper story behind the shelter and the reason for its closure. She hoped someday he would trust her enough to share it.
“When do you want to leave?” Captain asked Rytsar.
“As soon as possible.”
Captain nodded curtly.
Brie frowned, disappointed not to be traveling to Russia with them. “I wish I could go with you.”
