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Pavel’s gaze met mine, right as we headed to the top of the stairs. “I will help you, cousin.”
“Damn right you will. That is clearly why you are with me.”
“You are also right about Paolo. He needs the best Emily he can get.” Pavel raised one finger. “However, I help you find a clue or two, and then we go.”
I nodded.
At the top of the stairs, the little girl waited for us.
My eyes narrowed as I spotted another set of stairs winding upwards. The steps—coated with dust and rust—spiraled into darkness above us.
I pointed that way. “Who lives up there?”
The little girl paused and looked in that direction. “There is no up there.”
“What do you mean?”
She appeared confused.
I gestured at the dusty steps. “Those stairs must lead to something.”
“But, there are no stairs.” She backed away from me like I was a crazy person, turned around, and headed off.
Where do those stairs go?
Pavel got to my side. “This place. . .it is beyond our understanding. If she says there is nothing up there, perhaps it is best we listen.”
My eyes lingered on the staircase, and I swore the call of the unknown whispered to me.
Tempting me to explore.
But, the little girl continued away and rounded the corner.
I gave up on that staircase and headed after her.
We walked down a dark, narrow hallway.
Here, the air carried a chill.
The little girl kept her voice low. “To get to the roof, we have to go through my apartment.”
“That is the only way to the roof?”
“Yes.” The stuffed lion bumped rhythmically against her hip with each measured step.
I assessed what she said. “So, M’s apartment has no way to the roof?”
“No way.”
“Interesting.”
She glanced over her shoulder and eyed me. “You are funny.”
I smiled at her.
Pavel shrugged. “I think that is a clue right there. Now we only need one more.”
“That was not a clue—”
