Page 4 of Queen’s Gambit

“Mommy,” Lilya cried, pointing at the window.

The rushing water was so high that it pressed against the window and came in around the door. A small crack spider-webbed across the glass as the pressure built.

“Oh my god, Dimitri isn’t going to make it in time.”

“Ana, can you get out of the car and onto the bank?”

Panic took over as I pictured us being swept away. If that happened, the car would fill, then sink, and we would both drown.

“Ana?” Eddie was frantic. “Answer me, Ana?”

“I don’t know. When I move, the car moves, Eddie. If I open the window and try to get out, it could dislodge us,” I said.

“Listen to me, Ana. Are you listening to me?”

“Yes,” I cried.

“You’re the strongest woman I know. You’re a complete badass who has handled more shit than anyone at the hands of Christov and survived. You’re a survivor. Hell, you’ve been kicking my ass since the day we met, and you’ll keep fighting. Nothing, not even some icy water, will hold you back.”

“I know, but I’m scared.” My eyes shut as I tried to temper my fear.

“Ana, the most important thing is that you two get out of that car alive. Everything else…we’ll figure out, no matter what. I will always, always love you, Ana. You and Lilya are my heart and soul. But crying won’t do either of you any good. Pull yourself together and get the hell out of there. Right now.”

“But Eddie, what if I never see you again?”

“We will. Now go, Ana. Go. Right now. I promise that we’ll be together one day.”

“I will always love you, Eddie.”

“And I love you, anima mia. Now go!”

Fifteen Years Ago…

Edmundo - Age 10

“Papa, can I stay here,” I whined, not wanting to leave the hotel room.

I didn’t like it here. It wasn’t like back home with the warm sun and bright blue ocean. The sky was grey, and the ground was covered in snow. I hated snow. The last thing I wanted to do was go to some business meeting with a bunch of Russians. I just knew this meeting was going to be boring, and I liked the people less than the weather. Papa said that they were always looking for ways to hurt our family. I hated anyone who wanted to hurt us.

“Edmundo, what did I say to you before we left home?”

I stuffed my hands in my jacket and looked at his shoes. “That this trip was non-negotiable.”

“And why did I say that?”

“Because I wouldn’t listen to Mama, and it was time I learned what it was like to be the man of the house.”

“And do you think whining about attending your first dinner meeting is very manly?” I shook my head. “Then let’s get going. We don’t want to be late for dinner.”

“Do I have to eat their food if I don’t like it?”

“I don’t care if you like it or not. You will eat whatever is served. You never disrespect a family or another culture by not eating a meal. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Papa.”

It was so cold outside that even in the car, I felt the chill coming off the window. The trip was shorter than I thought it would be, but it seemed like we were driving into the middle of nowhere. Other than the constantly falling snow, there was nothing but darkness. We slowed and pulled into a driveway barred by massive gates. The windows lowered, and our driver spoke to the guards. Armed soldiers, wearing matching grey coats and hats, walked around and looked in at me and Papa before checking the trunk.

“It’s fine, Edmundo. They’re just doing their job.”