The rain has slowed considerably by now. Enough to allow us to see the crowd of people standing outside the black gates of Kolya’s home with umbrellas. Men and women, all in uniform, all with the pinched expressions of people who aren’t here to deliver good news.

“Kolya…?”

He’s tense. I can tell from his posture that he’s not expecting this, either. We park inside the gates, and he gets out of the car with his chest held high.

“Officers,” he booms as he approaches the herd, “this is private property. Can I ask why you’re blocking my gates?”

“We’ve received a tip,” one of the officers announces, stepping forward. He’s a large man with a silver beard and close-set eyes. “An allegation concerning you, Mr. Uvarov.”

“Alleging what?”

“Abduction, sir.”

That’s when I notice Geneva.

“Oh no, Genny,” I whisper to myself. “What have you done?”

The cops start to inch closer, hemming Kolya in against the car. He looks unbothered by their presence, but I sense that it’s an act. This isn’t his plan, not by a long shot.

“Then I can only say there’s been some sort of mistake, officers,” Kolya says smoothly. “I haven’t abducted anyone.”

“Yes, he has!” Geneva interrupts, pushing between the cops to break through the front line. “My sister. He has my sister!”

I wonder if she can even see me sitting here. The rain has obscured the windshield, twisting all the people outside the car into misty silhouettes.

Kolya glances towards me, and I see the uncertainty in his eyes. If I step outside of the car and back up Geneva’s claim, then he’ll be arrested on the spot.

I open my car door and emerge. The rain is gentle now. Warmer.

Geneva’s eyes land on me and go wide with shock. “June…!”

The officer in charge looks between the two of us. “Is this the sister you claim was abducted by Mr. Uvarov?”

Geneva nods. “Y-yes. Yes, she was—I mean, she is…”

I glance towards Kolya and then back to the silver-haired officer. And just like that, I make my choice.

“I have no idea what my sister is talking about.”

Geneva’s mouth falls open. “June! Don’t try to protect him!”

“I’m not protecting anyone,” I reply. “I’m telling the truth. Kolya didn’t abduct me. I’m here because I want to be.”

I’m not even trying to be convincing; it just comes out sounding that way. I watch as the officers exchange concerned glances. The silver-haired policeman steps forward.

“Ma’am, your sister came to us a few days ago and filed a missing persons report.”

I spread my arms wide. “Well, as you can see, I’m not missing.”

“But you were!” Geneva snaps. “S-she’s been brainwashed by him. Or he’s threatened her or something! He’s a dangerous man, Officer Yelsing.”

Officer Yelsing’s expression has turned from determined to apologetic. Behind me, I can feel Kolya’s surprise radiating.

I hate that I’m thrilled to have impressed him. I shouldn’t care. I don’t want to care.