Page 86 of Deceitful Lies

The four of them—Andrei, Dmitri, Natasha, and Vanya—have been making plans for hours, locked in the office while I watch them, feeling useless.

Andrei discusses with Natasha who would be the best suited for each individual job. Who’s the best driver, the best spy, and the best shooter. Dmitri examines the routes to and from, including possible escape routes. Vanya checks in on guards sent out on surveillance. They send him detailed reports on what is happening at Talia’s home and in the Poconos.

The details are intricate, the stakes are high, and the risk is real. I want to be involved but keep myself from interfering. The goal is to get Emma back, not prove that I belong.

Viktor knocks again and pleads his case as soon as the door is opened. “I want to go,” Viktor says, pushing his way into the room. “Emma will see me and know it’s a rescue.”

This time, Andrei relents, knowing that Viktor is right. Andrei has never looked this troubled, and he is willing to consider all suggestions that won’t put Emma’s life further at risk. He points out to the others that Talia has never met Viktor, and he can easily blend in wearing a hotel uniform.

“Remember. Don’t try to be the hero,” Andrei warns Viktor. “You’ll be our eyes.”

Viktor solemnly agrees and takes a seat by Vanya. He glances over at me, and I can’t even imagine how frightened I must look. I’m trying to look brave but failing. Viktor gives me a sympathetic smile, and I notice the sadness in his eyes. A small show of understanding, and I feel a pit lodge in my throat. Viktor feels what I feel more than anyone else in the house. I smile back shyly and leave the room.

***

“They’re late.” Andrei paces the hotel room, waiting for the signal—headlights flashing three times in the parking lot. “There’s no reason for them to be late. It’s a simple trade.”

I look down at my watch, and the glowing numbers change too slowly. An hour has passed since we arrived here at the Colonial Inn, and still, no sign of them. I step over to the window and peer out into the darkness. Is this part of Talia’s plan? The trade was scheduled for while the sun was up, but it’s long gone now.

Dmitri takes my hand. “Please, Paige, don’t go near the windows.”

“The lights are off,” I explain as he leads me over to the couch.

The hotel room is dark except for the ambient light from the nightlight in the bathroom. The overstuffed furniture has been moved away from the door and moved closer to the walls. Everything has been rearranged, so if someone bursts inside, there’s a clear shot. I sigh as I sit down heavily. I’m starting to understand why they do certain things.

“They may have infrared scopes on their weapons,” he replies. “Better safe than sorry.”

For the first time, I appreciate that Dmitri is a part of the Barinov Bratva. The plan was simple. We would wait for Talia’s men to bring Emma to the parking lot of the Colonial Inn at 8:00 p.m. sharp, and one Reyes would be traded for another. But I wouldn’t be leaving with her men.

Now the plan has changed again. Talia is late.

From a safe distance on the couch, I watch the parking lot below and wait to see the headlights. Each time a car turns into the lot, I’m on my feet and back at the window. But there’s no signal. Something bad must’ve happened, and my anxiety is driving me wild as my nervousness begins to show. I start to consider what I’ve been shutting out of my brain. I’m afraid I won’t see Emma again.

Suddenly, the faint rumble of an SUV is heard in the distance. This time is it them? My heart pounds in anticipation, overshadowing my fear. I grip the seat cushion underneath me, digging my nails into the stiff tweed fabric as I wait to see the signal.

The SUV stops, and there it is. Three quick flashes of light in the dark. It’s time. I rush toward the door leading out into the hallway.

“No, Paige.” Andrei’s hand grips tightly onto mine, preventing me from opening it. “We have to wait. If you open the door, we won’t know who’s on the other side waiting.”

“But she’s out there,” I argue, pointing to the window. “She’s in that car.” As I look out, the headlights flash again—three more times. My struggle increases as I try to wiggle my hand out of his firm grasp.

Andrei pulls me into his arms, tight and hard against his broad chest. His body is solid and steady against me, and it calms me down while I catch my breath.

“Emma means a lot to me,” he whispers. “But I’m not going to risk your life for anyone. Paige, I’ll save her.”

I kiss his chin softly and nod. “I know. I’ve seen you save me.”

There’s a knock on the door before Viktor opens it with a key card. He’s dressed in a navy uniform, which matches the kitchen staff of the hotel. He peers into the room, his eyes adjusting to the low light.

“It’s clear,” he says before he moves away from the door.

We head downstairs in the elevator, and I squeeze my eyes closed, wrangling in my mixed emotions. The elevator beeps at each floor like a mocking countdown until I see my sister. Hope and fear battle each other in my chest and squeeze my heart. I open my eyes, determined to play it cool. My hatred for Talia makes me determined and strong.

Viktor’s phone buzzes, and Andrei turns on him.

“I said no contact!” shouts Andrei.

Viktor speaks in a panic. “The license plate is wrong. Vanya said the plate on the SUV that left the house was DKY-592. The plate in the parking lot is MNK-943. They switched cars while on the road!”

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