Chapter 115
The next morning, Adrian called Alexei.
"We're staying," he said. "We're declining your offer. We're finishing testimony."
Silence on the other end. Then: "You're making a mistake."
"Maybe. But it's our mistake to make." Adrian's voice was firm. "Thank you for the offer. For trying to help. But we're choosing to trust Maria. To see this through."
"You're choosing prison. You're choosing..." Alexei stopped. "Fine. It's your life. Your family. I tried."
"Wait," Adrian said. "Don't...don't disappear again. We might need you. If things go wrong. If..."
"If Maria betrays you? Then it'll be too late. I won't be able to help once FBI has you in custody."
"Not for that. For..." Adrian paused. "For after. For when this is over. For...I want you in our lives. If you want to be."
