Chapter 10
Dkany Home, Romanian Orthodox Church Evanston, Illinois
Elena curled up on the sofa, swirled brandy in a paper cup, and nursed a bruised body. Her face swelled around her eye, throbbed, and the pain wouldn’t let go. Stiffness struck her back and shoulders.
“You shouldn’t drink and take drugs.” Marina rocked in a chair with needlepoint cushions and round, carved wooden arms, a mainstay from the Victorian era.
“Maybe I’ll pass out sooner,” Elena mumbled.
“How’s your face?”
Elena shifted and groaned. “My entire body aches, but at least I won’t hurt so much when the painkillers start to work.”
Marina sighed. “Hopefully, soon.”
A form appeared, rapping on the patio door glass. Marina opened the slider.
Alex stood outside with wet shoes, socks, and a soaked bottom of his pant
