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The claim gave Belov’s men a reason to take her without making it look tied to my shooting.

Maksim taps Leonid’s folder. “Elena’s father used the Blacklist the same way. He hid private orders inside fake debts and legal papers.”

“Elena broke his system.”

“She broke the part he used against her. Later, Cara found out how Morozov and Patrick had built parts of it again through New Harbor and Sable Crown.”

“Someone kept those parts alive and used them.”

Maksim nods.

Our phones vibrate at the same time with Petrov’s first report. Rudenko moved contractors through the west district, and two trucks tied to Chernov passed Vera’s hospital during my surgery.

“Chernov owns a waste company,” I say.

“Medical waste would get them inside without questions.” Maksim rubs the back of his neck.

“And carry information back out.”

Maksim takes back the tablet. “Elena and Leonid will trace every company tied to Vera’s father. Cara will check the payments when she wakes.”

I open Leonid’s folder. Vera’s photograph lies beneath the active Blacklist notice.

“Keep the captains comfortable. Let them think we’re focused on my recovery.”

“And Vera?” Maksim asks.

“She stays in the west wing. Sergei remains with the children, and Abramov covers every entrance and passage.”

“You’ve known her for one day.”

“I knew her almost four years ago.”

Maksim studies me. “Does she remember?”

“Yes.”

“And the boy?”

“I don’t know.”

“Find out before you make decisions for both of them.” Maksim gets up.

“I’m keeping them alive.”

“Elena taught me that protection fails when the person has no choice,” Maksim says. “Cara taught Dmitri the same thing.”

“I remember.”

“Good.” Maksim starts for the door. “Sleep.”

He stops at the door.

“Whatever Vera and the boy are to you, decide it before Belov does.”

He follows Abramov toward the elevator that leads down from the west wing. Irina steps out to collect another tray, and the medical bay grows quiet enough for me to hear the clock near the sink.

I wait thirty seconds.