Page 99 of The Dark Side

They took the servant around the corner under the stairs. Jolie had thought it was an odd place for a coat closet, and now she found out what it was.

Only a second later there was a sharp smack and scream. Jolie buried her face into Katia, and the woman held her close. "It's alright. You'll be alright."

Jolie cried ridiculously into her lap, grimacing with every horrible sound. She pressed a hand against her ear, but it was pointless. She could feel it in her soul, their pain.

Fear kept her still; fear swallowed her, made her heavy, unable to dig up any courage and admit it belonged to her, but how long could she sit here and let all these people get hurt because of her? Ten innocent servants waited for her to admit she owned the pen.

What kind of person am I?

The front door opened, and for a moment, Jolie prayed it was Adrik coming to her rescue, but instead, it was Gil. He limped with a cane, skipping toward them in desperation. He went to Yakov's side, speaking in Russian. He glanced at them, at Jolie, at Katia. A hidden hand out to them to let them know he was there to help.

"Yakov does this because Adrik is out of the house," Katia whispered to her. "He will be punished for it."

It didn't matter, did it? This was too much already.

Yakov waved a hand, disregarding whatever Gil was saying, but Gil was not about to be ignored. He got out his phone and quickly dialed a number.

Jolie curled into a ball, watching with wide wet eyes. Her body trembled. It brought her back to the grocery store, where she curled up with Helina, squeezing her little body as bullets sprayed the air above them. For some reason, she found none of that confidence here. Perhaps without a child to focus on, she collapsed into a puddle of pathetic-ness. Or maybe it's because the pen belonged to her, and it's only a matter of time before they find that out, and she'd be killed.

Gil handed the phone to Yakov.

"Adrik," Yakov greeted. He listened intently for a minute before replying, "The American and your wife will be questioned like everyone else. Threaten me as you see fit." He clicked off the phone and handed it back to Gil.

Yakov sighed and took a seat. He lit up his cigar, glancing toward them, but said nothing. There was worry on his brow. Whatever threat Adrik had given him was enough for him to question his moves but not enough to stop him.

"Miss Bell," Yakov called, and her eyes flipped toward him like a frightened animal. "You went into the hallway yesterday morning for a phone call. Am I wrong?"

Jolie shook her head.

"And, Katia, you were seen back there. What was your purpose?"

Katia didn't falter. "None of your business. It doesn't matter where I go, because this is my house. Adrik lets you live here out of kindness, but that kindness can end in moments."

Yakov chuckled bitterly. "You think my son would choose you over me?"

"I believe he already has."

He cackled again, patronizing her, smoking his cigar with enjoyment. "We see things very differently."

"Yes, we do, like how I see an old man at the end of his reign, grasping at straws to stay in power. Adrik has been a king without a crown for years. Push him, and he will snatch it off your head before he throws you over a cliff."

Yakov did not like that. His smile slipped from his lips, and all playful banter died in his eyes.

The door under the stairs opened, and the servant was dragged out. There was no fight left as blood dripped from his back and face. His eyes and lips were swollen; nothing resembled the person who had entered. They dropped his body like a stuffed trash bag.

"Take Katia next."

"You fucking dirty old man,"she cursed.

The soldiers came for her, and Jolie grasped her arm, but they pushed her down. Jolie cried for her, curling tighter, pressing her face against the floor.

"No marks on her face. She has a party to attend."

"Yakov," Gil called, approaching. "I beg you not to do this. As my father, as my mentor. Please do not do this."

Yakov took a drag of his cigar and looked like he was contemplating his decision. Katia stood in the arms of the guards, and they waited. Then he flicked his hand.

Jolie felt her resolve cave. They would find out it was her no matter what. She couldn't let anyone come out the way that servant did. His injuries would follow her forever. The guilt would be too much, and she'd cave. So, before all that could happen, she needed to speak.