I take the stairs instead of the lift, knowing that there’s no way the receptionist or the manager will be walking up them to try and corner me before I do a runner. I have the cash to pay now, but that makes it even more invigorating as I open the fire escape and head outside. I let Ivan in this way the other night, so I already knew that the door isn’t alarmed. I hurry down the alleyway, not looking back. I pause for a moment as I pass the dark stain on the ground, closing my eyes briefly – remembering what happened to Sergei. Then I blink it away, and carry on. I need to get away from here. The good thing is, there is no record of me being here at all. Another one of the benefits of sharing Carrie’s accommodation.

No one is looking for me, because they don’t even know that I exist.

It’s strange being on the train without Carrie. Even stranger not having a cabin, or a ticket, but as long as I keep moving I’m pretty sure I can get away with it. I just need to be careful at the station stops, make sure I avoid the guards. I walk up and down through the carriages until I find a luggage rack with some space at the end of the standard-class dining car. Perfect. I push my rucksack as far back as it will go, then cover it with a bright-red wheelie suitcase. It reminds me of some of the luggage on the first train, where Carrie was chatting to the tour group. That couple she befriended … Steve something. Street? Yes, Steve and Marion Street. The couple she planned for us to meet up with in Moscow. Well, that’s not going to be happening now. It was all so effortless for Carrie – the way she slid into the seat beside them, started charming them, making them laugh. I wasn’t interested then, but I might have to dig deep if I want to make it to Moscow without attracting any attention from the guards.

I’m sliding the red suitcase back into position when I realise that neither the main compartment, nor any of the pockets on the front or back, are locked. I smile to myself. Rookie mistake. Everyone knows you’re supposed to lock up all your zips when you leave your luggage on an unattended rack on a train. Especially in a strange country. Didn’t these people read the guidebook? I think about the long cable padlock that Carrie had, and I wish I’d bought one for myself. I didn’t before, but I have something in my bag that’s worth stealing now.