Thirsty now, I go in search of some refreshment. The only juice in Carolina’s fridge is out of date by two months. I add OJ to my mental grocery list. The woman lives on the worst food. She really shouldn’t look as good as she does. Maybe it’s the olives keeping her glowing? All that omega three. I laugh to myself as I make do with water from the filter jug. Then I set about using her coffee maker.

I rustle up an omelette and have that for breakfast. After I’ve eaten, and on my second cup of coffee, I check my emails on my iPad.

There’s one from Silvanov, the head partner in the security firm I work for.

Thanks for the sit rep yesterday. I’ve talked with Andrius about the friend and her situation. Sounds like it could develop. Keep an eye on it, and if things worsen, tell her to call us. Cassie will speak with her. We are still training the first tranche, but we do have a few of your guys on board. Priest recommended Legend if she needs someone ASAP.

So far as the client goes, social media is all clean and good. No threats detected. Nothing being said on the dark web either that we’ve picked up. Nothing about the dog or who might be responsible. The father has some ideas; will discuss later. Agree with your assessment. Seems out of place. Keep alert.

BTW - We need to come up with a fucking name for this organization. Can’t agree on one. Any suggestions feel free to throw them in the ring.

K

I smirk at the way he even swears in emails. Silvanov is abrasive at times, but I respect him. What you see is what you get. Plus, he’s the very definition of still waters running deep. If you didn’t know him, you’d only see the asshole. But after spending time in his company, I’ve seen how much he loves his wife and kid.

If anyone had told me two years ago I’d be working for an ex-Bratva Pakhan, I’d have laughed at them. Yet, here I am. Life throws weird curveballs at times.

I don’t know much about his past, but he’s doing the right thing now. He’s even renouncing his Russian citizenship and keeping his British citizenship as he applies to become a Greek resident.

Andrius, his other partner, is more like me. I clicked with him more easily. We are both similar. We keep our cards close to our chests. Neither of us put on a show of strength in the same way Konstantin does. He is the kind of person who walks into a room and leads things from the get go, while Andrius is in the corner, watching, calculating, making mental notes. I’m similar. It’s what comes from my line of work.