Page 144 of Stolen Empire
"His brother, then. Whoever's running things now." The man spits blood onto the snow. "They just want to know your movements. They didn't tell me why."
I exchange a glance with Gavriil.
The Radiches already know we're protecting Katya, which means they'll be planning their next move.
They're watching us to figure out our security protocols, to find weaknesses they can exploit.
This spy is just the opening move in a larger game.
"Take him inside," I tell Gavriil.
"Get everything he knows about who hired him and what he's reported so far. Then make sure he can't report anything else."
Timofey starts struggling again, pleading in Russian too rapid for me to catch every word.
But I'm already walking back to my car.
I've seen this scene play out dozens of times.
The spy will tell Gavriil everything he knows, and then he'll disappear.
That's how this world works.
That's how we maintain control.
I pull out my phone and call the apartment.
Katya answers on the third ring, her voice still tinged with sleep.
"Dimitri?"
"I'm doubling your security detail," I tell her gruffly.
"Things aren't good, okay? Remember what I said about staying inside and away from windows."
"What happened?"
"The Radiches are watching us. They know where you are, and they're planning something."
I climb into the back seat and signal the driver to drive.
"I'm on my way back now. Just stay inside and stay away from the windows."
"Okay."
She sounds scared, and I hate that I can't reach through the phone and pull her close.
"Be careful."
"I will." I end the call and stare out at the snow-covered streets as we drive.
My mind is already working through scenarios, planning for every possible move the Radiches might make.
We're running out of time, and the walls are closing in from every direction.
But I'll burn this entire city down before I let anyone take her from me.
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