“Zver,” Niko calls. I turn, and there she is. Claire. Her hair wild, face drawn, wearing one of the old barn cargos.
Katya is still on me. I shove her off. I’d let her hang on too long anyway. She gives a whiny protest but steps aside, sulking by the car.
I walk to Claire. “Are you alright?” I ask.
She doesn't answer, just stares at me, eyes full of betrayal, then looks at Katya.
She pulled the ring off her finger.
Tossed it at her.
Katya caught it midair, smiling like she’d just won. “So you know,” she said, laughing. “It was always going to come back to me anyway.” She looks proud of herself.
I don't look at her again. My eyes are on Claire, she is trembling, near tears. Then she yanks her arm from mine and walks straight into the house.
I turn to Niko. “What the f**k was that?”
