“Étienne, he’s here,” Jelena, Niko’s mother, called out as soon as she opened the door to let him in. That was followed by a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek before she took Niko’s hand to lead him out to the patio behind the house.
“He lives,” Étienne said with a grin when he joined them. He set down a tray with glasses of wine on the table, before giving Niko a hug. “If you’d like something stronger…” He gestured to the tray. “Or weaker.”
“No, this is fine,” Niko told him, picking up two of the glasses, handing one to his mother before sitting down.
“Okay, fill us in on what’s happening in your life,” Étienne said, winking at his wife. “News from you is few and far between.”
“The usual. The firm is doing well. I’m still working with Kasper and Darwin.” When they asked, he told them
