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“How endearing. Let me guess. Your punishment was to work for him doing his bidding.”
“I know. It’s not conventional, but no. His father insisted I go to school and get my degree. They housed me, fed me, provided me with clothes and everything I needed. I wasn’t even considered as a possibility until after I’d graduated from college. After that, Maxsim took me under his wing and taught me everything about how to stay alive. He also made me a shareholder in Black Diamond Logistics.”
“Really?”
He laughed. “Once we prove our worth, we’re all given a stake in the company. I don’t have to work for the Pakhan, I want to. And in case you’re wondering, I’m a very rich man.”
His smile and the story were unexpected. “Thank you for sharing that with me.”
“Yes, ma’am. Why don’t I get those packages.”
“Thank you. And don’t call me ma’am. It makes me feel very old. Call me Isabel.”
Mario laughed. “I’m afraid I can’t do that. There is such a thing as respect. That’s not something I want to cross the Pakhan on.”
“Fine. Have it your way.” I grumbled as he walked out, still both shocked and amused at all that had been purchased. There had to be six types of cheese. Good lord. Maybe Mina was a little mouse. I did my best to put everything away in a manner where I could find what I needed.
I finally heard footsteps and quickly realized there were two sets. Somehow, I didn’t expect Maxsim to be home so early no matter his promise made.
My smile quickly faded when I noticed the second visitor was the doctor from the day before.
“Is it okay if Dr. Isatov spends a minute with you?” Mario moved closer, placing the three additional bags on the counter near me. “The ice cream is in this bag.”
“It’s fine, Mario, and thank you very much. I really appreciate what you did.”
“No problem. I’ll be outside if you need anything.” He nodded to the doctor and walked away.
“I didn’t expect to see you. Did someone call and tell you we were still tired? Of course we are.”
“I wanted to provide the results of the tests I took yesterday.”
I tugged out the ice cream, my brain taking a few seconds to clue in to what he was talking about. “That’s right. I’d forgotten you were worried about an infection or something. I’d say you could have called, but I don’t have a phone. Then again, I’m surprised Maxsim didn’t instruct you to come to him.”
He was painfully quiet, as if I’d struck a nerve. After shoving the ice cream into the freezer, I finally shifted so I could see his face.
The way he was running a slip of paper through his fingers was unnerving as hell. “What’s wrong?”
“I thought you deserved to know. I was hoping Mr. Aristov would be here.”
“He’s working,” I said, coming close to growling at the man as I folded my arms. “But you can talk to me.”
He was uncertain he wanted to do so but finally took a couple of steps closer. “There were some anomalies with Mina’s blood. I had a couple tests that I could easily run. Her platelets are slightly elevated as are her white blood cells. Now, I’m not suggesting anything significant other than a simple infection based on what she went through.”
I’d been down this road before. I would always remember the way the doctors talked to my mother. “But? Spit it out, Doctor. I’m a big girl.”
I clearly made the man highly uncomfortable. “But I think under the circumstance additional tests need to be run to ensure there isn’t a recurrence of her cancer.”
The cancer Mina and my sister shared was highly curable. Except when it wasn’t. In addition, there was always a chance another type of cancer would occur in its place. “Tests required to be done in a hospital setting.”
“Yes.” He nodded slowly, almost as if he didn’t expect me to understand. “I assume you’ll share that with Mr. Aristov.”
“Of course I will. I don’t need to tell you this, I’m certain, but you will keep this quiet. No one else is to know a thing.”
“I’m a doctor who took an oath, Ms. Dayne.”
I tried to keep my cool, but it was difficult around pompous men. “I’m aware, but since you’re coming to Maxsim’s house, which is highly unusual, I felt it was prudent for me to remind you of that oath.”
He glared at me briefly. “Of course. Would you like me to make an appointment for you?”
