Twenty million views already. Still climbing.
I scroll through witness interviews:
"We thought it was part of the show until people started screaming."
"She kicked something from his hand—I thought it was choreography. Then the gunshot, and I realized we were watching someone die."
"She's pregnant. Twelve weeks. And she fought back against a serial killer on stage in front of all of us. She's a hero."
"The way she danced after he died—like she was exorcising demons. I'll never forget it."
Sonya stirs beside me at 8:30 AM. "What time is it?"
"Morning. The media found us."
She sits up, takes her phone, scrolls through the notifications. Her expression cycles through shock, disbelief, exhaustion.
"Fifty-seven missed calls. My gallery voicemail is full. Instagram has—" She stares. "Two million new followers since last night."
"The video went viral. You're a symbol now. Pregnant woman fighting back. Survivor becoming warrior."
"I don't want to be a symbol. I just want to be left alone to process."
"Then we control the narrative. Press conference this afternoon. Announce the foundation, honor Elena and the six other victims, tell the story on our terms. After that, we disappear until we choose to resurface."
She's quiet for a moment, processing. "The foundation announcement. Today?"
"Mariana already coordinated with the FBI. They'll provide security, legitimacy. This is our chance to turn Anton's violence into something that saves others."
"Elena would want that."
"She would."
The press conference is scheduled for 2:00 PM at the FBI field office in Manhattan.
We arrive at 1:30 PM, Sonya dressed in elegant black, small bump visible, professional and composed despite the media chaos. I'm in a suit, projecting authority and protection.
Mariana briefs us in a private room before we face the cameras. "The narrative is: Serial killer Anton Kozlov orchestrated a public attack at Lincoln Center. You, Sonya, fought back. Maksim, as your husband and trained security professional, neutralized the threat. The foundation announcement gives us the positive angle—turning tragedy into legacy. Questions will focus on: pregnancy safety, Anton's history, foundation plans, your relationship, Elena's memory. Stay on message."
As we walk into the press conference, the room erupts with questions before we even sit down. Fifty cameras. Hundred reporters.
Mariana takes the podium first. "Statement from the FBI: Anton Kozlov, wanted for fifteen years in connection with six murders targeting ballet dancers, was killed last night at Lincoln Center during an attempted hostage situation. Mrs. Petrova fought back, creating an opening for her husband to neutralize the threat. All hostages were safely evacuated. No explosives were found in the subway system—the threat appears to have been psychological warfare. We're continuing to investigate Anton Kozlov's activities over the past years."
She steps aside. I take the podium, Sonya beside me.
"My name is Maksim Petrov. Fifteen years ago, Anton Kozlov murdered my first wife, Elena, and our unborn daughter. He has terrorized seven women over those years, as far as we know; killing some, destroying others. Last night, he attempted to make my current wife, Sonya, his eighth victim. She refused to be his victim. She fought back. She survived."
I pause, let that settle.
"Today, we're announcing the Morozov-Petrov Foundation for Dancers. Named in honor of Elena Petrov and all six victims of Anton Kozlov's crimes. The foundation will provide scholarships, mental health support, and career transition assistance to dancers escaping dangerous situations. Seven named scholarships, one for each woman Anton destroyed. Elena's dream, completed by Sonya's determination."
Sonya takes the microphone. Her voice is steady, clear, powerful.
"Elena Petrov wanted to help at-risk dancers. She started planning this foundation sixteen years ago, before she was killed. For fifteen years, that dream sat unrealized. Now it's real. We have students enrolled, instructors teaching, partnerships with major ballet institutions. Anton Kozlov tried to destroy us. Instead, we're building something that will outlive his violence."
The questions come rapid-fire:
"Are you really pregnant? Is the baby okay after last night?"
