Chapter 22
In the back seat of a shared ride, Aleksey Nabokov scrolled through numerous text messages from Rafael pleading for a face-to-face visit to discuss what had happened. The messages included apologies and an assertion that Aleksey's conclusions about Peter were only conjecture and speculation.
Ending their relationship with dignity and peace was important to Aleksey. He did not want turmoil, anger, or cruel and regrettable words in a melodramatic confrontation to be what he remembered about the bond he had built with Rafael Pena. From past experience he knew that final confrontations were fraught with hazards, as partners unloaded their arsenal of accusations and suspicions. Oftentimes these fights overshadowed and tarnished all of the good moments and treasured intimacy.
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