Page 24

The hum of the city fades into background noise as Fedor and I crouch low in the van, setting up the listening device that is crucial to our mission. I connect the last wire, careful not to ruin its discreet appearance.

"Is it working?" Fedor asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Should be," I reply, pressing my ear to the device for a moment before handing him an in-ear monitor. "Just need to make sure we can hear everything."

Fedor nods, and we both slip on our monitors, the soft static a comforting sign that the connection is stable. We position ourselves with a clear view of the bar's entrance, waiting for Sofia and Lara to make their move.

"Remember, we must keep our distance but stay close enough to intervene if needed," I remind Fedor, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Trust me, Dima. I won't let anything happen to them," Fedor reassures me, his eyes never leaving the bar.

As if on cue, Sofia appears, wearing a fiery red wig that contrasts sharply against her pale skin. For a brief second, I, too, fall for her new look, believing her skin always looked like that. The latex masks we had made for both the girls clings to Sofia’s face so tight, that even to me, it feels like this has always been her face. The mask adds a paler tone to her face, her cheekbones are fuller, her nose just turned up a little. She glances around nervously before entering the bar. Moments later, Lara follows, donning a blonde wig that frames her masked face perfectly. She’s got on large eyelashes, her nose is now structured a little thicker, but her cheekbones are higher. The mask she has on was created to give her lips a fuller look, the latex sliding straight into her mouth. They're almost unrecognizable even to me—which is just what we’re aiming for.

"Here they go," I murmur, watching as they disappear into the dimly lit bar. And then, I turn to my computer.

Having already received the process from our tech team, it takes me less than two minutes to hack into the bar's CCTV feed on my laptop. The risks we're taking aren’t legal, but I know it's necessary if we're to carry out Lara’s plan.

"Got it," I whisper to Fedor, my eyes glued to the screen as I locate Sofia and Lara inside the bar. "They're in position."

Sofia leans casually against the polished wood of the bar, her red wig catching the soft flicker of candlelight. She scans the room, and when her gaze locks with Marv's, she offers him a coy smile that sends a shiver down my spine. In response, Marv raises his glass to her from across the room.

"Jesus, Sofia" I say through gritted teeth, protective of my sister yet impressed by her ability to play the part so convincingly.

"Relax, Dima," Fedor chuckles softly, trying to lighten the mood. "Both of them know what they're doing."

Lara, meanwhile, has taken up a strategic position near Sofia, pretending to be engrossed in a conversation with a group of girls at a nearby table. Her blonde wig is swept back from her face, revealing a pair of sparkling blue eyes that watch Sofia's every move. I can see the focused determination behind them—she's ready to jump in as soon as she senses the right moment.

As Sofia continues her subtle manipulation with Marv, I watch Lara like a hawk, ready to step in if needed—though I know that, ultimately, it's up to them to see this mission through.

And yet, I worry.

The sound of laughter echoes through the listening device as Sofia and Marv start to engage in a playful conversation when Marv stops by her seat, offering to buy a drink.

“Why just one?” she giggles flirtatiously. “A girl deserves at least two.”

My blood rushes to my ears to hear my sister talk like this.

“It’s just the plan.” Fedor tries keeping me grounded. I nod, but my heart beats rapidly.

“Oh, Darling,” Marv says, throwing an arm around her shoulder. “I’d buy you a dozen if you like.”

Sofia looks at him now, deadpan, and says, “Vodka water.”

He rushes to order it. I continue to watch their interaction on the CCTV screen, my heart pounding in my chest with every word exchanged between them.

"Looks like she's got him hooked," Fedor remarks, nodding approvingly.

"Let's hope she can reel him in," I reply, my voice tense.

Sofia leans in closer to Marv, her laughter mingling with his as they share a joke. She's using her charm and wit to keep him engaged, but I can't help but worry about how he might react if he catches onto our plan.

As I watch, Lara begins to make her move. She subtly adjusts her posture, appearing to accidentally lose her balance and bump into Sofia in the process.

"Oops, I'm so sorry!" Lara exclaims, her feigned surprise and accent perfectly executed. "I didn't see you there."

"Oh, it's no problem at all," Sofia replies, playing along seamlessly, looking up at Lara. "Oh my god! Tara?” she squeals.

“Betty, is that you?” Lara squeals back in delight, pulling Sofia into a hug.

Marv looks between both the girls, clearly intrigued by the addition of another attractive woman to the conversation.

“Oh, Marv,” Sofia introduces Lara to him as a long-lost friend. “We went to high school together, and then Tara just disappeared.”

Lara nods ferociously, grabbing Sofia’s drink. “Dad lost his job. We moved to the Midwest.”

“Ladies, ladies,” Marv grins, now placing his arms around both of them. “Come, as old friends, I must buy you both drinks. And let’s go settle down in the corner now, shall we?”

My fingers drum nervously against my thigh as I watch the scene unfold, praying that Lara's entrance won't raise any suspicions. I know she's skilled at blending in, but the stakes are high, and I can't shake the feeling of dread that gnaws at my insides.

What if Marv recognizes her? The gig would be up within seconds.

"Actually," Sofia says smoothly once they are all settled into a booth, "we were just discussing our favorite movies. Marv here has quite a unique taste."

"Really?" Lara asks, feigning interest. "Do tell."

I watch with bated breath as Sofia and Lara effortlessly navigate the conversation, their words carefully chosen to keep Marv enthralled. Like skilled puppeteers, they tug at his interests, guiding him deeper into their web of intrigue.

"Y'know, I've always been fascinated by classic cars," Sofia says, leaning closer to Marv when he tells her about some race car movie.

"Ah, well, I dabble," Marv replies, a hint of pride coloring his voice. "Got a few beauties in my collection."

"Really?" Lara chimes in, her eyes wide with feigned admiration. "That's so impressive. You must know all about maintaining them, then."

"Of course," Marv nods, puffing his chest out slightly. "It's a labor of love."

They're doing everything right—keeping the conversation light, engaging, and never veering too close to dangerous territory. Still, I remain vigilant, listening intently for any signs of trouble.

"Hey, why don't we get some more drinks?” Marv insists, flagging down the bartender and ordering a round for the trio.

I frown. The girls have had more than enough. I do not like how this is turning out one bit.

I just pray they don’t get too drunk. They need to remember not to push too hard. We need him to be comfortable and trusting.

The soft glow of the dim bar lights casts shadows on the faces of Sofia and Lara, making them look even more mysterious and alluring. As I watch from my vantage point, I can see Marv falling for their charms—hook, line, and sinker.

"So I never asked," Marv says, leaning in closer to Sofia, "what brought such beautiful ladies like you to a place like this anyway?"

"Adventure," Sofia replies with a coy smile, while Lara nods in agreement. "We're always looking for excitement, and we heard this was the spot to find it."

"I can think of a few things more exciting than this place," Marv says with a leering grin. He leans in closer to Lara now, emboldened by the alcohol in his system. "Especially if there's a pretty girl involved."

Lara laughs, the sound light and airy. "We like a man who knows how to show a girl a good time."

"There are many ways I can show you a good time, Sweetheart." Marv's hand creeps toward Lara's thigh, and it takes all my self-control not to burst in there and break every bone in his body.

But Lara deftly evades his grasp, waggling a finger at him in mock scolding. "Ah ah, not so fast. I don’t even know your full name!"

Marv waves a dismissive hand, clearly too far gone to recognize the warning signs. "Forget about names, Baby. I'll give you a night you'll never forget."

"My, my," Sofia murmurs. "Someone's feeling confident."

"With you two, who wouldn't be?" Marv leans back in his seat, eyeing them with the smug satisfaction of a man who thinks he's already won. “In fact, I’m confident I can show you a great time tonight—if you're interested, that is."

"Really?" Sofia feigns surprise, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What do you have in mind?"

"Let's just say there's a little party happening as we speak—invite only." His gaze flickers between Sofia and Lara as he leans back in his seat, looking smug.

"Sounds intriguing," Lara chimes in for the first time, her voice sultry and seductive. "We love a good party, don't we, Betty?"

"Absolutely, Tara." Sofia nods before turning to Marv with a playful smirk.

I can hear Marv's eagerness through the listening device as he starts to divulge details about the exclusive gathering at a hotel nearby. He doesn't realize he's giving us exactly what we need. My pulse races, not only because of the valuable intel but also due to my anxiety for Sofia and Lara's safety.

My tension rises as Marv's hands wander, grasping at Sofia and Lara's arms and shoulders. He's growing bolder and more aggressive, fueled by drink and the prospect of an easy conquest.

Any second now, he could cross a line, and I'll have no choice but to intervene. But the girls need more time, need to get him alone so we can take him on without causing a scene and risking the loss of what we hope to gain.

“Come now,” he says, throwing cash at the table and giving both girls a hand up. I watch as he places lecherous arms around their waists. I notice Lara stiffen, and Sofia clench her fists, and jump from my seat, when Fedor pulls me down.

“This is what we need, Dima. The girls need him alone to get any dirt on him. Come on now, don’t throw the last leg of the game.”

I sit, against my instincts, knowing my brother is right.

"Let's go then, ladies. The night's still young,” Marv says, walking them out of the bar. "I think we're going to have a lot of fun together tonight."

***

As they disappear into a cab, I exhale a shaky breath, my fingers tapping an erratic rhythm against my knee. I know Sofia and Lara are together and safe with us watching over them, but I still hate the idea of letting them go with Marv. The fear of them getting hurt looms over me like a dark cloud.

All I can do is focus on the mission and trust them.

Fedor puts the van into gear, and we follow the live location we kept on both the girls’ phones.

Through the listening device, I can hear the low hum of conversation, music, and laughter. But, on the streets, the signal comes and goes, and I strain to make out their words, hoping for any indication that they're safe and successful in their deception.

"Marv, stop!" Sofia suddenly exclaims, her tone playful yet stern. "You promised us a party first, remember? Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

"Right, right," Marv chuckles, sounding slightly chastened. "Let's just enjoy each other's company for now."

I let out a sigh of relief, grateful for Sofia’s quick thinking and ability to defuse the situation. Yet, my hands shake. I don’t even want to imagine what he must have suggested.

The cab stops at the hotel, and we stop a few meters away, watching them walk in. When I see the last of Lara, I feel a strange ache in my chest.

“Fedor,” I say, gripping my hands. “I think we should go in.”

“Shh,” he whispers, ignoring me. “I’m trying to hear in.”

He’s right. We should focus. Now is not the time to be possessive.

“So, what room are we in again?” Lara asks slyly.

“Top floor, Baby Girl. Top floor. Room 316.” His lecherous voice comes through. I keep my attention on the listening device. At least I have a room number. That’s a relief, and something tells me Lara asked the question for my sake alone.

Which is why, in this moment, I love her even more than I thought I could.

Ten minutes later, I can feel the blood pounding in my ears as I listen to their conversation through the in-ear monitor, swallowing the knot of anxiety lodged in my throat.

Suddenly, the noise from the in-ear monitor cuts off, leaving me with an eerie silence that sets my heart racing. Panic flares within me like wildfire, my mind conjuring up the worst-case scenarios.

"Shit," I mutter under my breath, feeling the icy grip of fear tighten around my chest. "What happened?"

“I…I don’t know,” Fedor says, panic rising in his voice.

“Listen,” I tell him, the door of the van already open for me. “You stay in here and try to get the audio back up. I’m going to go and see if I can find the girls.”

Fedor nods, his fingers twitching over buttons I can hardly make sense of.

It could be a malfunction, or they just moved out of range, I think, as I enter the security.

But the thought does little to assuage my growing dread. Sofia and Lara might be in danger, and I won't let anything happen to them on my watch.

***

I reach the top floor, running to room 316. I put my ear to the door but hear nothing inside. Panicking and knowing that there’s no time to involve hotel security, I swing my leg and kick open the door, bursting through like the adrenaline coursing through me.

My eyes dart around, taking in every detail of the scene before me—a broken bottle of champagne, a messy bed. Marv, lying on the floor, unconscious.

What the actual fuck?

Sofia and Lara stand together over his body, breathing heavily but unharmed.

"Are you two okay?" I demand, my voice tight with concern as I step forward and bend down, securing Marv’s hands together with a piece of plastic tie-wrap I have in my pocket, the kind people use at airports on luggage; they’re harder to get out of than one thinks, and always comes in handy.

"Dima," Sofia says, her voice soft but urgent. "We had to act fast. He tried to drug us and take advantage."

“We managed to put him down,” Lara says, her voice trembling. In her hand, I notice she’s still holding a brass vase, blood trickling down it. I walk past Sofia, giving her a kiss on the cheek, before reaching Lara’s side.

"Nice timing, though," Lara adds slowly, a hint of a smile playing on her lips as I get closer. She knows I'm always ready to jump in and protect them, even when they don't need it.

I take the vase from her hand, drop it to the floor, and take her into my arms. "Thank God you're alright," I murmur into her hair, my voice trembling with barely contained emotion. "I was so afraid when the audio cut out."

"I know," she whispers back, her warm breath brushing against my neck. "But we had it under control, Dima. You need to trust us more."

I take long, measured breaths, calming myself down. She’s right. I do need to trust them more. I was worrying all night when this whole time, they had everything under control.

I step away from Lara, clutching her cheeks in my palms to give her a quick kiss before turning to my sister.

“So, I wasn’t needed here all this time?” I ask wryly.

"Better safe than sorry," Sofia interrupts, understanding my fears. "Right?"

"Exactly," I agree, relieved to see them unharmed. Their resourcefulness tonight has impressed me beyond measure.

And so, I do the right thing.

I turn to Lara, who planned this whole thing so far as it is, and ask, “What’s next?”