“No. But I recognize you. I remember seeing you that night. In the lake with a girl.”
“My sister.” Pasha fought down a sudden well of sadness and didn’t let himself say anything else.
Mann nodded. “I thought so. I hope she’s well.”
Pasha swallowed. “I don’t know.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
Pasha hated the sincerity in the general’s voice and tried not to let it sway him.
“So I guess you followed me,” Mann went on before Pasha could think of anything to say.
Pasha nodded.
“I knew. I hoped, anyway, on the way back, that it wouldn’t be the end of your people. You know, I’m old, and most of my life is one long series of regrets, but what happened in the Black Wall is the one that haunts me. I suspect it will until my last breath, which I suppose is near enough. Except for killing that sniv
