Page 90 of No More Lies
“Here,” a female voice said as a tissue came into view. She took it, blew her nose, then looked up to Melanie Costas crouched beside her.
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
“I should be thanking you,” Melanie said. “You’ve kept me alive so far by coming here and agreeing to do whatever he wants you to do.”
“He hasn’t asked me to do anything yet. He said he had Megan. You haven’t seen her?”
Melanie shook her head. “No. I’m sorry. I’ve not seen or heard another child. Only Anya.” The other attorney stood and held out her hand. “Come on. Come sit with us.”
Diane took her hand and followed her down the stairs to the couch where Natalie sat. At least, they were not tied up or restrained in any way down here. Melanie held out another tissue.
“Your head is bleeding.”
Diane dabbed above her eye and saw the red blood on the tissue. Holding the tissue in place, she put pressure on it.
“I’m so sorry you got caught up in this. This has nothing to do with Melanie, or you. It’s between Vlad and me.” Natasha’s remorse sounded genuine.
“This isn’t your fault. Normal people don’t go around kidnapping other people,” Diane said. “I can understand why he might take you and Anya, but”—she looked at Melanie— “why would he take you?”
“I don’t think he meant to,” Melanie said. “I was visiting Natasha to go over the case. His men stormed the house and were clearly surprised to see me. Wrong place, wrong time.” Melanie shook her head. “The man is out of control.”
“Yes, he is,” Diane said. “He was having my family followed. Took photos. He knew I didn't think the case was strong enough to win, and he was trying to intimidate me to make sure I presented the case he wanted me to.” She considered that was breaking attorney-client privilege. Then she shook her head. Hell, what did it matter what she shared now? The man was holding them all hostage.
“So why has he brought you here?”
“I have no idea. He has my daughter somewhere. He sent me a photo. I thought it was to make sure we comply with the hearing.”
“No, there’s not going to be a hearing,” Natasha said. “He told me he is taking me and Anya with him to Russia today.”
That matched what Diane had heard in the exchange between Volkov and Oleg.
“I think he plans to take me with him, too.” She wouldn’t mention the sarin. These women didn’t seem to know about any attack. Diane asked Natasha, “So, he’s forcing you to go to Russia, instead of just taking Anya?”
“If I refuse, he is going to kill Melanie, and he’ll restrict my access to Anya. If I agree, he’ll set Melanie free, and give me full access to Anya. I agreed.”
“If you go with him, he’ll never let you leave,” Diane said, feeling sick for the poor woman. From what she had heard, he had no plans of letting Melanie go, but she didn't want to share what she heard. It was probably better Melanie wasn’t aware he planned to expose her to the sarin.
“What choice do I have?” Natasha said sadly. “Why does he want you?”
“I’m not sure yet.” Diane wondered how much she should say about Steve and the chance that his team could be looking for them. She wanted to give them a little hope.
“My husband is in the Navy. Part of a team. I can’t say too much, but I know they will be looking for us.”
“How will they know where to find us?” Natasha asked.
“They’ll work it out. They are very good at what they do.” She wasn’t sure if she was trying to reassure the two women or herself. “Do either of you have any idea where we are?”
“Yes. Arnold Janssen’s house,” Melanie said.
“His former lawyer? You’re sure?” Diane asked in surprise.
“Yes. I overheard him talking to his men. I guess police have already been through this house, so they figured they won’t be back.”
“That explains the pictures of the cats.”
“What?” Natasha asked.
“Oh, I understand Arnold Janssen liked cats.” She remembered Steve had told her that. “I don’t understand where Megan is then? Perhaps he has her in another room?” The thought brought tears to her eyes.