“Yes, exactly. The CCTV tapes were backed up online. I still have access, even to the ones from years ago.”
Nina did visit the Estate a few times, but only ever to see me.
I can’t think why she would have been there when I wasn’t.
I cast my mind back. I’d been busy investigating a new business partner in Chicago, in the days before she left.
“The tapes only show the entrances and exits. She came into the house for a good hour or so. You were not there at the time.”
That day, I returned from Chicago with Karolina late in the afternoon. But I didn’t remember seeing Nina. She didn’t meet me at the house.
I regret not giving her more of my attention now, of course. I regret many things, when I think about it.
The day before she left had been the day
“What are you implying?”
“Sir, I think the father of Nina‘s child might be someone in your own family.”
9
NINA
“Thank you so much, Ms. Orlov.”
The old lady standing in her doorway, holding Ava’s hand, is the picture of a kindly old grandmother. She’s even wearing a polka-dotted dress, for God’s sake.
Once again, I feel a wave of gratitude for my living situation. When I moved to New York for my residency, I found a cheap, rent-controlled apartment, with a neighbor who has the time and patience to let a four-year-old stay the night. That kind of thing never happens.
I guess, after dropping an unexpected baby on me, the universe decided that I needed a win.
I do not know how I would function without Ms. Orlov. During the day, Ava goes to preschool, but for night shifts? I would have no option.
“You’re welcome, my dear. You know I’m always happy to see my favorite girl.”
My old neighbor pinches my cheek. “And I hope you’re looking after yourself, Nina. They work you too hard at Middlefield.”
I make a face. “Theoretically, it’ll be better once I’m done with my residency. Then we might not be bothering you so much.”
“Oh, it’s never a bother. I would miss having this little one around.” Ms. Orlov pats my shoulder and hands me a container full of fresh baking. “We cooked these for you today, didn’t we, Ava?”
Ava’s face lights up as soon as she sees the container. “Cookies!” she yells.
“That’s right. We kept it simple today, but one day we’ll do a proper dessert.”
“You’re too kind.” Ms. Orlov sends us both off with a hug.
“Goodbye, Ava! I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Ava waves up at her. “Bye bye, Mizz Olo.” She hasn’t quite got a handle on the pronunciation yet, but our neighbor treats her like a long-lost grandchild anyway.
We walk a few doors down to the apartment, and my phone immediately buzzes with a new email. I ignore it. There have been so many updates from work recently.
It seems that Art has made it his mission to overhaul literally everything that was wrong with the hospital. We’re getting new equipment, more staff, better training, even free fruit in the break rooms.
I know what no one else at Middlefield does. Overhauling a run-down, understaffed hospital is a world away from his usualbusiness, which involves dealing in human lives.
I’ve watched Art order hits like he’s ordering room service.
