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The sight of them together makes my blood boil, and my skin itches just at the thought of them conspiring to harm Anya, or whatever the fuck they are up to. I’ve mostly ignored them since the day of the hospital. I tried finding any connection between them that would lead me to the man whose car was used to attack Anya. But nothing so far. If they’re indeed involved, they’ve covered their tracks well.

“Where is Anya?” I ask.

Irina looks toward the corridor. “She was upset a few minutes ago. I thought she went to find Elara.”

Viktor watches me carefully. “Did you talk to her yet?”

“No.”

Relief crosses his face before he can hide it. “Then you and I need to talk.”

“You bet your ass we do,” I reply. “After I find my daughter.”

Viktor looks alarmed at my admission. “Niko, I don’t know what you think you know but⁠—”

“Cut your bullshit,” I say quietly. “We’ll talk, but not now.”

Viktor nods in defeat. He reeks of guilt and so does Irina who’s looking between us.

I leave them before either of them can answer. I call Anya’s phone, then Elara’s. Neither one answers. I check the kitchen again, then the dining room, then the hall leading to the garage. Every empty doorway makes my chest tighten further.

I call Elara a second time. The ringing continues until it cuts off.

“Fuck.”

I turn and find Galina standing at the end of the corridor.

“Have you seen Elara?” I ask.

“She was very upset,” Galina says.

“That was not my question.”

“I thought she might be with Anya, but I have not seen either of them since they left the hall,” she says.

I nod, and am about to turn away when she says, “Do you think she took her?”

I turn around. “What?”

“Elle—do you think she took her?” Galina asks, her eyes wide.

“What do you mean?” I demand.

“They are very close,” she says carefully. “Anya is attached to her. If Elara is frightened and believes you are sending her away, she may have decided to take the child with her.”

“Elara didn’t take my daughter.”

“I only meant⁠—”

“I know exactly what you meant.”

Galina lowers her gaze. “I hope you are right.”

I don’t waste another second arguing with her. The house is full of men, but most of them are gathered near the front entrance with the luggage and vehicles. Today is an exception. On other days, they would spread throughout the property. But not today. We have a fucking blind spot.

I head toward the back corridor.

Sergei sees me cross the hall and follows without asking. He catches up near the service door, pulling his weapon as he moves.