—What choice do I have?

—A return to the Soviet Union might achieve nothing.

—My country is not as it once was. They have no interest in harming my daughters. They are vindictive only if it serves some purpose. If I return, I believe my daughters will be unharmed. I can’t be sure…

—You will be a traitor.

—I am a traitor.

—They will execute you?

—I’m working for the Americans. I’m giving them information that will result in the death of Soviet soldiers.

—Those soldiers are dying because they were sent to Afghanistan, not because of you.

—That is irrelevant. I am a traitor. There is no argument.

—Is your own life so meaningless to you?

Leo thought about the question.

—I see my life only in relation to the people I love.

—You love us?

—Of course.

—But you’ll leave us?

—Nara, I have no choice.

Nara was working hard to keep her emotions in check. She was a mother: she had a responsibility to assess the situation with cool logic.

—Bear in mind if you find Agent Yates that you are leaving this country. We are not. We still have to make a life here. Your actions might have consequences for us.

—I would never allow anything to happen to either you or Nara, just as I would never allow anything to happen to Zoya or Elena.

—Going after Yates will not help your daughters.

—That is true.

—Then why?

—I’m not doing it for them.

—You’re doing it for your wife?

—Yes.

—I don’t believe you. She’s dead, Leo.

—I made a promise to her. I can’t explain it. Nara shook her head.

—You’re not doing this for her. You’re doing it for yourself. Your life is not just about the people you love. It’s also about the people you hate.

Leo became angry.

—Yes, you’re right. When the person you love more than anyone else is murdered then it becomes about hate. I hope you never have to experience that.

Nara turned towards the window. She was angry. Leo was angry too. Was his quest for the killer of his wife a selfish act full of hate and bitterness? It didn’t feel that way, although he could not explain who else might benefit from his actions. The investigation felt vital, as if he had no choice in the matter. He turned away from Nara and the two remained silent until the bus arrived at its destination: the town of Teaneck.

New Jersey

Bergen County - The Town of Teaneck

Cedar Lane - Same Day