Raisa sat on Elena’s bed, watching her sleep. Since Fraera’s visit, Elena’s questioning had become more assertive, as if she sensed the situation had changed. Promises that Zoya’s return was imminent were no longer enough. She’d become immune to assurances, content for an hour or so before the effect faded and a deep unease returned.
The phone rang. Raisa hurried out, rushing to the receiver:
– Hello?
– Raisa, it’s Frol Panin. We’ve made radio contact with Leo. The plane is on its way. He’ll be in the city in less than five hours. Lazar is with him.
– You’ve contacted Fraera?
– Yes, we’re waiting to receive instructions for the exchange. You’ll want to meet Leo at the airport?
– Of course.
– I’ll have a car sent over when his plane is nearing. We’re almost there, Raisa. We almost have her.
Raisa hung up the receiver. She remained by the phone, pondering those words.
We almost have her.
Panin was talking about catching Fraera: he had little interest in her daughter. Despite Panin’s considerable charms, Raisa agreed with Leo’s assessment of his character: there was something cold about him.
Elena was standing in the hallway. Raisa stretched out her hand. Elena stepped forward. Guided into the kitchen, Raisa sat her down at the table. She warmed milk at the stove, tipping it into a mug. She put the mug down in front of Elena.
– Is Zoya coming home tonight?
– Yes.
Elena picked up the mug and took a satisfied sip.
There was no more time to consider Fraera’s offer. Raisa no longer believed in Leo’s plan. Having met Fraera for herself, having listened to her anger, it didn’t make sense to hand Zoya over to Leo and make him a hero. He would achieve in that prisoner exchange everything Fraera was determined he should never have-a daughter, happiness, a family reunited. The premise was wrong. Leo’s belief in it was naive. Zoya was in danger. Leo was not the one to save her.
Raisa opened a drawer, taking out a tall red candle. Placing it on the windowsill, in clear view of the street below, she struck a match and lit the wick. Elena asked:
– What are you doing?
– Lighting a candle so that Zoya can find her way home.
Raisa glanced out into the street. The candle was lit. The signal was given. She would accept Fraera’s offer. She would leave Leo.