“Yes, sir.”
As they started out of the house, I fell in step beside them. Glancing around the street, I searched for any curious neighbors who might’ve heard noises and came out to get a front row seat to the drama. Thankfully, the front lawns and porches were empty.
Once Silas was loaded into the back of the SUV, Oleg whirled around and vomited onto the grass. When he was done retching, he swiped his mouth on the back of his hand before shooting me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry.”
“That’s not necessary.”
He shook his head. “I’ve smelled blood and shit and intestines, but nothing has hit me like that.”
“I know. It was almost like decomp,” I replied.
“Exactly.”
“Glad I dodged it,” Vasily mused, to which Oleg playfully punched his arm.
“To make up for it, you can ride next t-to him on the way t-to the compound.”
Vasily’s eyes popped comically wide while Oleg snickered. To put him out of his misery, I replied, “I’m joking. Put all the windows down, and have one of the guys call our detailer asap.
“Anything else?” Vasily asked.
“After you take care of him, I’m going to want two cleaners here ASAP. I don’t want Sarah’s mother to have to lift a finger.”
“Yes, sir.”
As they loaded up, I glanced back up at the house. I wondered how the conversation was going between Sarah and her parents. I hoped her father wasn’t too rattled.
After the guys pulled out of the driveway, I made my way back inside the house. When I got to the foyer, Sarah stood with a woman who looked like an older version of herself. “Maksim, this is my mother, Grace.”
With a smile, I said, “D-Despite the circumstances, it’s nice meeting you.”
When I extended my hand, Grace threw herself at me, wrapping her arms tightly around me like I was the life preserver that had been thrown to her at sea. For a moment, I just stood stiffly with my arms at my side as Grace sobbed hysterically.
It had been twelve long years since the last motherly figure had their arms around me.
It was two nights before Father had murdered Irina. I’d been spending the night with Dima. We decided to go to the movies, and she’d given us both big bear hugs before we left. Even though we towered over her and weighed twice as much, nothing felt safer than being in Irina’s arms.
As I fought those memories, Sarah stepped forward to try to peel her mother away, but I shook my head. “She’s fine.
“Are you sure?”
Nodding, I then tentatively brought my arms up to wrap them around Grace. Her fingers twisted tighter into my shirt. With my own emotions clawing to be freed, I desperately sought a way to comfort the both of us.
Swaying the two of us back and forth like Irina used to, I said, “Shh, it’s okay. He’s g-going to b-be okay.”
My words only caused her to weep harder. When I glanced up, Sarah had her arms wrapped around herself like she wastrying to keep herself from coming undone. Tears streamed down her cheeks.
I wanted to be able to comfort her as well as her mother. She looked so broken and defeated standing there all alone. As if she could sense my turmoil, she whispered, “I’m okay. Stay with her.”
“Grace? Where did you go?” a voice called from down the hall.
Immediately, Grace froze, her cries turning into snubs and shudders. When she brought her head from my chest, she stared up at me. A look of horror crossed her face. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” she apologized.
“It’s okay.”
She shook her head wildly back and forth. “Goodness, what must you think about me falling apart like that?”
“Even the strongest wood b-breaks sometimes, but it d-doesn’t mean it was weak. Just t-tested,” I reasoned.
