"Inside... sleeping," Yekaterina wiped her tears, struggling to compose herself. "The fever's come down a little. I used cold compresses. But she's restless, keeps calling for her mama..."
"Let me see her." I pushed past without waiting for permission.
The apartment was warm and tidy, but I moved through it like a hurricane, seeing nothing but my destination. I spotted her immediately—that tiny figure curled on the couch.
Sofia lay wrapped in blankets, her little face flushed with fever, brow furrowed, sleeping fitfully. Her small hands clutched the covers, searching for comfort—and her beloved rabbit, the one she never went anywhere without, wasn't even with her. That detail pierced my heart like a needle.
I knelt beside her, reaching out to touch her forehead. Burning heat met my fingertips, setting fire to my chest. My hand trembled.
She twisted restlessly in her sleep, little lips moving. "Mama... comingback... don't go..."
Then her small hand reached blindly into the air. I caught it immediately, that soft, burning touch nearly searing my skin.
She cracked her eyes open barely a sliver, murmuring hazily. "Alex..."
Then she slipped back into unconsciousness, breathing more steadily, but my world had just exploded.
That single word—mixing her dependence on her mother with her trust in me—cut through me like the sharpest blade. Guilt, rage, and terror surged through my veins like molten lava.
I leaned down, pressing a solemn kiss to her burning forehead, swearing in a voice only we could hear. "Daddy's bringing Mama home. I promise."
I stayed there a few more seconds, studying her face. Her cheeks burned with unhealthy color, tear tracks still visible on her lashes. This image cemented my resolve—whatever the cost, I was bringing Anna home safe.
I turned to Yekaterina, who stood frozen in the doorway, my voice like ice. "Tell me exactly where the pharmacy is. And every detail about when Anna left."
Yekaterina nodded quickly, fighting for control. "Fifth Avenue and Brooklyn Street intersection. The 24-hour place with the green sign. Anna was wearing my gray hoodie, baseball cap, and black-framed glasses as a disguise. She said she'd take the main road, no shortcuts."
She paused, voice shaking again. "But it's been almost an hour. Even walking, the round trip should only take twenty minutes... I'm terrified something's happened."
"Did she take her phone?"
"Yes, but it goes straight to voicemail." Fresh tears began flowing. "Mr. Volkov, please—you have to find Anna. She's been my best friend since high school. If something happens to her... and Sofia needs her mother."
She looked at me with desperate, pleading eyes. "I know you two had problems. I know why Anna left. But none of that matters now. She needs you, and Sofia needs her mama. Please... bring her home safe."
I studied this woman crying her heart out, knowing she genuinely cared for Anna. When Anna needed help most, she'd taken them in.
"I will." My voice was steel. "I'll bring her back in one piece."
I turned to Ivan. "Leave Viktor and Nikolai. Twenty-four-hour shifts. Any unfamiliar faces approach—no warnings. Eliminate on sight."
"Understood."
I looked back at Yekaterina. "My men will protect Sofia. Until I bring Anna back, you don't go anywhere. Don't answer the door for anyone—my people will handle everything."
"I... I understand." She nodded.
I took one last look at Sofia sleeping on the couch, then turned and strode out. Every second of delay could mean Anna faced greater danger.
Downstairs, Ivan was already coordinating. "Pakhan, I've sent people to the pharmacy. We're pulling security footage now."
"Good. Also—"
My encrypted phone cut me off mid-sentence. This number was known only to family and my core inner circle. Strangers never called this line.
Dread crawled up my spine. I answered without speaking, and a processed, gravelly voice came through. "Mr. Volkov. It's finally time we met."
A muffled whimper came through in the background—Anna's voice!
