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“What’s going on?” I ask.
“Oh, that,” Leonid says, beaming. “Did I forget to mention that I only share my power when I feel like it?” Now he’s positively gloating. “And I’m not sure I’ll ever feel like sharing the water power.” He pauses. “Oh, and, two minutes left.”
Alexei looks gutted. Grigoriy’s unconscious and still smoking. Aleks and Alexei lift him up and carry him toward the door. No one stops them, so the three of us rush to follow.
“Kristiana,” Leonid says. “I have to allow you to leave Russia safely, but there are any number of ways you can leave that are safe, but not really very satisfying. While you’re thinking on that, I’d love to offer you a follow-up bargain.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ll heal your friend there. He should be exhausted enough that he won’t have the energy to lash out again—and I’ll let you all export your property out of Russia over the next month or two without interfering in any way. But in return, I want you to answer a very important question for me.”
“What?” Kristiana lifts one eyebrow.
“Unfortunately, to be eligible for this deal, you must promise to answer before knowing the question.” Leonid looks utterly pleased with himself.
“Screw him,” I say.
“Do it,” Mirdza begs.
I wonder what I’d say if Alexei smelled like the local barbecue joint.
“Fine,” Kristiana says. “Now heal him.”
“Don’t forget your promise,” Leonid says. “I can always throw a few more fireballs around before I allow you all to leave if you renege.”
“I won’t forget,” Kristiana says.
We all watch as Leonid heals Grigoriy.
“Sheesh, that was clumsy,” Leonid says. “But it worked. I healed him perfectly.” He inhales slowly. “Water is everything I hoped it would be.”
“Fabulous,” I say.
“Now it’s your turn.” Leonid turns to Kris. “Other than your father, what family do you have? My searches yielded nothing. Are you an only child?”
Kris grits her teeth.
But she’s not going to be able to lie. Not after swearing that she would answer his question. “I have an older brother.”
“Why isn’t he on any of the paperwork?”
“After our mother died, he left. He had my grandparents adopt him. He wanted nothing to do with us, or with Latvia. With any of it.”
Leonid looks happier than I thought possible. “That’s why you’re a null.” He nods. “Now tell me his name and where he lives.”
A null?
“Ah, ah, ah,” Kristiana says. “You said one question, and I already answered it.”
She practically sprints out, which is wise. Alexei and Aleksandr are still stuck helping Grigoriy walk—Leonid kept his promise and healed the burns, but it was draining for Grigoriy I’m sure. And I wouldn’t put it past Leonid to lash out again.
But ultimately, with his resources and the knowledge that she has a brother, he’ll find Gustav. It’s only a matter of time. We can all guess what he plans to do when he finds him.
We follow Kristiana and the guys as quickly as we can. Thankfully, the SUV we planned is waiting for us. But when I hop inside, there’s someone I didn’t expect. Someone I’ve never seen before.
A redhead.
She’s gorgeous. Her bright green eyes flash. “I thought you were never coming,” she says in flawless Russian.
