THE NEXT FEW days passed by relatively slowly, but I suppose that’s because my life has been stuck on fast-forward for so long. Saint and I have been listening in on the bugs I planted, but we haven’t learned anything new. Oscar confirms what we already know—by conducting business with Serg, at the location they’ve chosen, they’re hoping to draw Alek out of hiding. Two birds, one stone. They have an army—and that isn’t an exaggeration—of men willing to protect Astra, their new leader. From what we can tell, Oscar is merely a lackey, tagging along for the ride. Astra is intent on revenge while Oscar just wants to wreak havoc wherever he can. Two nights ago, Astra finally emerged from hiding. Oscar mentioned she was tending to her wounds as she was hurt quite badly in the explosion. Too b

