Adrik The cold bit through my sleeve shirt as I stepped out into the front steps of the estate,gun in hand. I had neglected to wear a jacket and I was currently regretting that decision. Snow crunched beneath my boots,the sound sharp,echoing in the still night. The black Volga sat idling by the gate, no one had gotten out. I approached the car slowly at the same time paying attention to my environment. The estate was surrounded by guards but I had asked them to stand guard while I confronted the intruder. I reached the car and automatically the window lowered with a quiet mechanical whir, revealing a face I hadn't seen in years. Uncle Yuri. He was aging well. Thick brows, weathered skin, grey hair. And that same piercing intimidating look that had scared me as a little boy. The last

