Page 91 of Her Darkest Possession

Dr. Espina is our informant?

But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. She had hesitated for a moment when I gave her my name as Indigo Baryshev.

And after Anatoly threw Ryan through that window, it would also make sense that they take him to St. Barnabas in the first place.

But more importantly, sheknowswho I am.

That's when an idea enters into my mind.

"What ifItalk to Dr. Espina?"

Roma looks at me skeptically. "How would that help?"

"There's nothing suspicious about a pregnant woman asking about her pregnancy based on her family's medical history." The idea starts gaining momentum in my mind. "It's completely natural for me to have questions about hereditary conditions, risk factors, complications, and just general questions aboutcramps and nausea during pregnancy... women ask these things all the time."

"That's true." Roma's expression shifts from skepticism to consideration. "It's not a bad idea. And if she's pressed by anyone nearby."

"She can cite patient-doctor confidentiality," I finish for him. "This is worth a shot."

"Okay." He nods. "How do you want to approach this?"

I take a deep breath and start thinking through our next steps.

"Roma, if it is a Volkov man who killed Ryan, what exactly should we be looking for?"

Roma leans back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "Tattoos, for one thing. Very distinctive. The Volkov bratva has specific markings. Sometimes wolves on the forearms."

"Would these be visible to hospital staff?" I ask.

"Probably not. If Ryan's killer was careless or didn't need to hide his affiliation. But for such a high profile hit…"

"So, probably not something we can look for."

"Probably not."

"What else? Something that Dr. Espina might be able to notice?"

"The Volkovs are traditionalists." Roma scratches his chin. "Much more than we are. They only allow Russians into their inner circle."

I raise an eyebrow. "So any Russian man visiting Ryan would be suspicious?"

"Exactly. Taras is obsessive about keeping his bratva pure Russian, even though I'm pretty sure half his family came from Belarus." Roma nods thoughtfully. "So if we can get a list of visitors with Russian names, that might narrow things down significantly."

"That can work," I say, feeling more confident about our plan. "I think Dr. Espina will be able to share that kind of information, especially if I frame it the right way."

Roma hands me his phone. "Her direct line is saved in my contacts. Tell her I sent you."

I take the phone and dial the number, my heart racing slightly as I wait for her to answer. After three rings, I hear her professional voice.

"Dr. Espina speaking."

"Dr. Espina? This is Indigo Baryshev. We met at St. Barnabas when I was brought in a few weeks ago. I believe you know my husband's brother, Roma?"

There's a pause on the other end of the line, and I can almost feel her processing this unexpected call.

"Mrs. Baryshev. Yes, of course I remember you. How can I help you today?"

"Dr. Espina, I need you to listen carefully and please don't respond until I'm finished," I say in a low, urgent voice. "My husband has been arrested for a crime he did not commit. And we think you can help us clear his name."