Please don't come looking for us. It's better for everyone.
Anna
The paper shook in my hands. Her handwriting was still so familiar, but the finality in those words cut like a knife.
"Don't comelooking for us."
Did she really think I'd give up on them? Did she think I'd let them face this dangerous world alone?
I stood up, gripping the letter tightly. Enemies still lurked out there, Marcus Warren's threat hadn't been eliminated, and the most precious people in my life thought leaving me was safer than staying.
This pain was more excruciating than any physical torture.
But I wouldn't give up. I couldn't give up.
I grabbed the phone and dialed another number.
"It's me," I said to the voice on the other end, my tone carrying an unfamiliar coldness even to myself. "Cancel all other operations. There's only one priority now—find my family. Use every resource, every contact. Find them fast."
After hanging up, I took one last look at Sofia's room. That drawing was still on the wall, that innocent sketch of a happy family now seeming both precious and distant.
I walked to the window, gazing out at the peaceful garden. Sunlight danced on the rose bushes, dewdrops sparkling. Anna loved pruning the flowers at this time of morning while Sofia chased butterflies on the lawn. Those ordinary mornings, those tender moments I'd missed because of work—looking back now, every single one was precious.
I picked up Anna's letter again. I noticed a blurred mark in the bottom right corner, like a dried water drop. Were those her tears? Had she been in as much pain as I was now when she wrote this?
This discovery made my heart even heavier. She hadn't left coldly—she'd left with the same pain and helplessness. That made me even more certain I had to find them, not to imprison them, but to make amends.
A knock at the door interrupted my self-recrimination. Tatyana.
"Alexander, I heard Anna and Sofia are missing." Her voice carried concern. "Do you need my help?"
"No," I answered curtly. "I'll handle it."
"Listen, I know we've had our differences, but if you need my intelligence network..."
"I said no." I cut her off, my tone harsher than intended. "Actually, Iwant you to move out of the manor temporarily. I've booked you a hotel room. Ivan will take you there."
Tatyana froze. She was silent for a moment. "I understand," she finally said, hurt creeping into her voice. "If that's what you want."
After Tatyana left, I felt a surge of relief. This decision should have been made long ago. Anna's feelings mattered more than any strategic advantage. If I'd understood that sooner, maybe things wouldn't have come to this.
Outside, storm clouds were gathering, promising heavy rain. The thought of Anna and Sofia somewhere out there, cold and wet without proper protection, made my heart clench painfully.
Ivan called back, and I answered immediately.
His voice carried tension. "Pakhan, we have something. Someone spotted a vehicle and people matching the description at a motel on Long Island. But when our people got there, they were already gone. The staff said they only stayed one night and checked out early this morning."
"Any clues about where they were heading?" I asked urgently.
"Mrs. Volkov seemed cautious, didn't reveal anything. But the staff said she asked about directions and timing to get to the airport."
Airport. My heart sank. If they left New York, the search would become infinitely more difficult.
"Double the surveillance at all airports, train stations, and bus terminals immediately. I want our people at every exit." I ordered. "And keep tracking that vehicle. They might have switched cars or changed their travel method."
"Understood." Ivan nodded and left quickly to execute the orders.
I walked to the window, watching the darkening sky outside. The first raindrops hit the glass, then multiplied rapidly until the entire world was shrouded in rain.
