The request arrived Wednesday evening, delivered not through lawyers or intermediaries this time but by a handwritten note, hand-delivered to the Sokolovs' apartment by a driver who waited outside without a word — an old-fashioned gesture from a man who clearly understood, even now, the particular weight formality could carry.
Mrs. Sokolova — I would like to speak with you directly, before Friday. Alone, if possible, though I understand if you prefer your daughter present. Tomorrow evening, my study, at a time of your choosing. — N. Volkov
Marina read it twice at the kitchen table, Ivy watching her face for some sign of what she was thinking, and finally set it down with an expression that had gone carefully, deliberately calm.
"He wants to negotiate," Marina said. "Before the story goe
