I sit in the silence. Listen to the water running.
My phone buzzes. Karolina.
I answer. "How's Aleksander?"
"He's fine." Her voice is tight. Worried. "The bullet just grazed him. He's already complaining about the bandage."
Relief floods through me. "Good."
"How's Vittoria? Yuri called."
"She's..." I look at the bathroom door. "She's home. She's safe."
"But?"
"She wanted to be alone."
Karolina is quiet for a moment. "Give her time. She just went through something traumatic."
"I know."
"We're heading home now. Vladimir is driving. Natalia wants to see you when you get back."
"Tell her I'll be there soon."
"Dmitri." Karolina's voice softens. "I'm glad Vittoria is okay."
"Me too."
I end the call. Set the phone on the nightstand.
The water stops running.
I wait. Listen for any sound from the bathroom.
Nothing.
Minutes pass. Five. Ten.
I stand. Walk to the bathroom door. Press my palm against the wood.
"Vittoria?"
No answer.
"Solnyshko. Are you okay?"
Silence.
My chest tightens. "I'm not leaving. I'll wait out here as long as you need."
Still nothing.
I return to the bed. Sit. Wait.
The door opens.
Vittoria emerges wearing a white robe. Her hair is wet. Her face scrubbed clean. The makeup washed away.
