Shadows of the Past I by Alexander Ward

Author:Alexander Ward [Ward, Alexander]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A.W. Publishing
Published: 2021-01-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14 – Alex

They push us both in a lavish room. I hold my jacket to my chest and stay close to Ray, as if that’s going to stop anyone from hurting us. I’m sweating. Either because it’s almost too warm in here after the coldness of the van, or because I’m shitting myself in fear, I couldn’t tell. What’s certain though is that I’m uncomfortable, numb, and still a bit dizzy after a panic attack which now comes in shockwaves.

A man is waiting next to a window, his lips pursed as he follows something in the distance with his eyes. I can’t tell what he stares at, but he doesn’t seem to notice us upon entering. The filth who called us “fairies” earlier draws his attention to us before he leaves. He turns on his feet, tilting his head to the side as he bores a kooky gaze into us. His eyes are sunken, a dark shade of green and brown blending together in strong contrast with his features.

“Look what we have here,” he says in English. There’s a faint trace of an accent, but nothing much. His face is almost young, but the unnatural white hair makes him look sixty. “Raymond Ward,” he says. A buttoned grey cardigan hangs loosely on his shoulders. He looks like a dried raisin. I expect him to turn into dust in the next second.

“And the young Petrov. What a mess you’ve made, young man,” he titters with a shake of his head. “What a mess indeed. Mister Dumitrescu sends his regards. To both of you,” he nods, most pleased with himself. My hand shoots up and I clutch my fingers in Ray’s sweater. Oh god, I’m so fucked. “Where’s the other one? I was almost hoping to catch the two of you together.”

Ray’s eyes narrow, but there is nothing in his posture that betrays fear. He doesn’t acknowledge me, almost glued to him as if we’re conjoined at the hip. He is standing tall, shoulders straight, just a bit stiff perhaps. If I hadn’t seen him the other night, I would have never believed this man is capable of emotion.

“Probably for the best. Who knows what urges would come over me, right Mister Ward?” The white-haired raisin says with a smile which sets my teeth on edge. “I believe there’s no need for introductions, right? You already know who I am.”

Ray’s lips twitch just a smidge. “Anatoly Azarov,” he says.

“Indeed,” the man smiles, pleased with himself.

I gulp. Oh shit. Azarov. Just like Evsey. I’ve heard this name before. This is the same person Ray and Roman were talking about. This guy’s related to Temnota. I touch Ray’s arm gently. He spares a glance for me, but his expression is unreadable.

Azarov is studying the both of us, wringing his fingers. He paces back and forth, but never stays in one place. That white hair looks dubious over the young features. How old is this guy anyway? I feel the frown etched in my brow.

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