Page 83 of Cruel Demands

Recent social contacts include Viktoriya Milova, Dmitri Sokolov, Alina Morozova, and Katya Lebedeva from the governor’s office. Taylor has been photographed twice leaving restaurants with the group after work and once entering a café with Viktoriya and Dmitri during lunch.

My attention catches on Dmitri’s name.

There are three photographs. In the first, he is holding a door open while Taylor walks through it. In the second, he is standing beside Viktoriya with his hand at the small of her back. In the third, the three of them are laughing over something on Taylor’s phone.

The report notes that Dmitri and Viktoriya appear socially close.

I read that sentence. Then I look at the photograph of Dima standing beside Taylor again.

The question itself does not bother me.

Asking it in front of Arkady does.

“Dmitri.”

Arkady’s shoulders move. “What about him?”

“Nothing.”

“You said his name.”

“I am aware.”

“Would you like the photograph framed, Governor?”

I look up.

Arkady’s face is perfectly solemn.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Say it.”

“I value my position. And my limbs.”

I return my eyes to the file, skimming further for any serious relationship, any man who appears repeatedly, any romantic entanglement that could be exploited by someone with more imagination than caution.

“I just could not help but notice,” Arkady continues, “that you asked whether there was a serious man in her life.”

“I asked whether she had exploitable connections.” I snap the file closed. “A lover is exploitable.”

“Of course, Governor.” His voice is so respectful I briefly consider shooting him. “But why a serious lover?” he asks. “Lovers are exploitable, serious or not.”

“You are becoming irritating.”

“I am flattered you did not think me so before this.”

Pavel pulls beneath the covered entrance of the government building and stops.

I drop the folder beside me and reach for my briefcase. “You have something useful to do today?”

Arkady smiles. “Several things.”

“Good. Find the link between the second phone and Orlov’s transport office. I want to know who authorized the number and who they report to. And find out how they got my mother’s pharmacy.”

The amusement leaves his face. “I am working on it.”