Page 81 of Crimson Oath
“It melted.” Oleg leaned against the wall of his boyar’s office, staring at the stacks of files on Mika’s desk. “You’re busy.”
“Yes, but I can send someone to get you another Nocht-compatible device. Anton!”
“Don’t bother Anton,” Oleg muttered.
A short human popped his head into the office. “Yes, boss?”
“Oleg needs a new phone.”
To his credit, Anton didn’t ask. “Right away. Same number?”
She might want to call him again. He couldn’t call her, of course, because the number was blocked.
“Yes,” Oleg growled. “Same number.”
“Yes, sir.” Anton scurried away.
Mika crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re giving me the number this time.”
“It’s not necessary.” Oleg looked at the state of Mika’s desk. “Do you have someone who can take over your duties here in the office for a few weeks?”
“Yes.” Mika narrowed his eyes. “Why?”
“I think I may need you out of the office for some time.”
“Because you want to… go to Las Vegas for a poker tournament?”
Oleg smirked. “That does sound amusing, but no.”
Now that Oleg had decided what he was going to do, that annoying twisting sensation in his chest was no longer bothering him.
Polina would tell him the rough location for the kamvasa within days.
Once he had that, he didn’t need anyone else. He’d takenTatyana’s blood. Her amnis would lead him to her once he got close enough.
He’d be able to find her within a few days, if not sooner.
Mika was clearly suspicious. “Perhaps you’re wanting a holiday in Italy? It’s been too long since you’ve enjoyed the boat.”
“No.”
“Business trip to Argentina?” Mika spread his hands out. “Buenos Aires is beautiful in the fall, and it’s been too long since we visited the ranch. What an excellent idea.”
Oleg smiled a little. “I had something much closer in mind.”
His boyar’s smile looked a little more like he was baring his teeth. “Then why do you need me to leave the office?”
“Because you, me, and Lazlo—and maybe Ludmila and Oksana—are going on a hunting trip.”
“What an excellent suggestion. Polina was right. Her country home is very welcoming. Please say you’re craving venison and not?—”
“We’re going to find the kamvasa ourselves.” Oleg clapped his hands together. “What fun. Once Polina gives us a region, it should only take a few days.”
Mika stood, walked to the door, and closed it carefully before he spoke again. “This is a terrible idea, and you’re going to anger Radu and the rest of the Poshani.”
“We can camp in the wilderness like old times.”
“You mean the times your druzhina was bloody, hungry, and trying to root out the last of your sire’s old allies while other vampires tried to kill us every night? Those times?” Mika curled his lip and walked back behind his desk. “This is a ridiculous idea.”
