Page 148 of Monstrous Urges

“How about the twenty-first.”

She thinks for a second. “I…maybe?”

Worth trying.

I mean, it’s been a day now. The lockout timer must have reset by now. I pick up the phone and tap in zero-eight for August, and two-one for the day.

Fucking. Bingo.

The phone unlocks.

I check his calls first, to make sure help isn’t on the way. But it looks like even if he did get the phone unlocked as he was bleeding out, he never dialed anyone. I make sure there aren’t any remote access apps installed to delete the phone in case of theft. Then I change the password just to be sure, so when I give it to Dimitri to look at, there’s no chance of anyone else getting access and locking us out of any information.

Then, I check his texts.

Jesus Christ, Vadik…

The first few text exchanges are clearly with women and involve Vadik sending photos of his comically sad “penis” and offers of money. There are a few other business exchanges with various of his men. But there’s one that gives me pause.

The contact name is Svin’ya; “pig” in Russian. It even has a little pig emoji included in the contact name.

The KGB, Russia’s secret police, used to call traitors “pigs”, and Vadik was once a KGB officer, before he turned criminal.

Who the fuck is his traitor?

And who or what are they a traitor to?

I tap on the conversation, which looks to be from just before Polina attacked Vadik.

Me

Timeline?

An hour later, Vadik texted this “pig” again.

Me

Answer me. I’m stuck here until you secure the insurance, and I’m tired of being cooped up with this dumb bitch

Svin’ya

Relax. It’s all going to plan. When he comes to you, that’s when I’ll take the insurance.

Me

You’d better. I’m paying you a fortune for this.

Svin’ya

You’ll get what you want. I promise.

I exhale, scrolling. This is bullshit. I don’t need to know about whatever scam or heroin deal Vadik was trying to pull while hiding from me. I just?—

My entire being goes still as my eyes drop to the next line.

Svin’ya

Drazen still thinks you’re in Slovenia. I’ll make my move when he leaves.