Chapter Five
Jay leaned against the concrete wall, his breath fogging in the morning air. He already felt out of place, but now that he was a reluctant guest at a Russian military base the feeling was hard to ignore. Nearby, Ark paced up and down. He dug a flask from his coat pocket and offered it to Jay.
‘When Sophia told us you were alive,’ Ark said, ‘and deprogrammed, I didn’t believe her. Seemed too good to be true.’
‘Why?’ Jay brought the flask to his lips. The liquid burned a satisfying trail down his throat, making him cough and Ark laugh.
‘Strong as f**k, yes?’ Ark said.
Jay nodded, catching his breath. ‘Strong as fuck.’
‘Gorilka. Ukrainian firewater with honey and pepper. Yes, everything’s too good to be true.’
‘I’m alive.’ Jay handed the flask back. ‘And you still have you
