Page 256 of Sexting His Assistant

I wash my hands because I need a few seconds to think. Then I notice the cleaning door beside the sink. It is not an exit, but it opens into a small supply alcove with another door at the far end.

I try it.

Unlocked.

For once, luck chooses me.

The second door opens into a service corridor.

I slip through, closing it gently behind me.

My heart’s pounding so hard I feel it in my head.

I move quickly but not fast enough to stumble. The service corridor leads to a staff exit near the delivery bay. A nurse passes me, glances once, and keeps walking. I act like I know where I’m going, because apparently confidence is half of trespassing.

Outside, the afternoon sun hits too brightly.

I call a cab from the street instead of the hospital entrance and walk two buildings down before waiting. My phone buzzes twice.

Pavel.

Then again.

Pavel.

I don’t answer.

A message follows.

Where are you?

Then another.

Miss Hale, answer your phone.

Then Yelena.

Nina? Did you reach safely?

That one hurts.

I almost stop.

Then I think of Misha on that grainy staircase footage, Alina’s face turned over her shoulder, and Luka’s voice saying he took her.

I get into the cab when it arrives.

The driver says, “Address?”

I read Roman’s message and give it to him.

The city feels too loud after Luka’s house. Horns, traffic, people crossing between cars, vendors shouting from the footpath. I sit in the back seat and keep one hand near my phone, watching the blue dot move toward the address.

Pavel keeps calling.

Then an unknown number.

Then Luka.