Maybe they were right.Maybe I didn't belong in this world of politics and people who destroyed rooms to make a point.Maybe I should just go back to Oregon, get an annulment or whatever legal process would free me from this nightmare, and let them find their Russian princess to complete their alliance.
But the thought of Viktor's satisfied smile when I left made my blood boil.
And the thought of never seeing Archie again, of walking away from whatever complicated, messy thing was developing between us, made something in my chest ache in a way I didn't want to examine too closely.
"Betty."Archie's hand on my arm pulled me from my thoughts."Let's get out of here.There's nothing more we can do today."
"Someone really wants me gone."
"Someone really wants the alliance to fail.You're just the obstacle in their way."
"That's supposed to make me feel better?"
"It's supposed to help you understand that this isn't personal.It's political.You represent Western alliance, stability, resistance to Russian influence.Whoever is doing this wants to replace all of that with something else."
"The lovely Princess Anastasia."
"Probably."He guided me toward the door."Come on.We'll regroup tomorrow with fresh eyes."
Back in Archie's apartments, I sank onto the guest room bed and tried to process the day.We'd spent hours investigating and gotten nowhere.Multiple suspects, no proof.And now whoever was behind this had escalated again, making it clear they weren't backing down.
My phone buzzed.A text from an unknown number:Running will only make this worse.Accept reality and go home while you still can.
I showed it to Archie, who'd followed me into the guest room.
His expression went dark."Forward that to Roberto.He can try to trace it."
"It's probably a burner phone."
"Probably.But we have to try."He sat on the edge of the bed."How are you holding up?"
"I'm fine."
"You're not fine.Someone just vandalized your rooms for a second time and sent you threatening texts.Fine is not the appropriate response."
"What do you want me to say?That I'm wondering if I should just leave like they want?"I stood and paced to the window."Because I am.I'm exhausted and I don't know how much more of this I can take."
"I’m so sorry."
"But I'm also furious.Because whoever is doing this thinks I'm weak enough to be frightened away.Thinks they can spray-paint some walls and send some texts and I'll just fold."I turned to face him."And I'm not going to give them that satisfaction."
Something like pride crossed his expression."Good."
"Good?"
"Good.Because you're stronger than they think you are.Stronger than you think you are."He stood and crossed to me."And you're not alone in this.I know you don't trust me, and I know I don't deserve your trust.But I'm not going to let anyone hurt you.That's a promise."
"You can't promise that."
"Watch me."
We stood there in the fading afternoon light, close enough to touch but not touching.The air between was heavy with everything we weren't saying.
"I should shower," I said finally."Change clothes.Try to pretend today didn't happen."
"Use whatever you need.Towels in the cabinet, toiletries in the drawer."
"Thanks."
