Going Up In Flames

Chapter 3

NIKOLAI

Two years ago

Nikolai was startled when his phone suddenly started ringing.

"One second." Nikolai signalled to the client he was busy talking to.

It was the spy calling. The one he hired, or more so, bribed, to keep a watchful eye over his daughter.

The spy was told that he was doing this because Nikolai is going out of the country for work, and he wants his dear daughters to be looked after while he's away.

Lying has always been one of Nikolai's specialties.

"Lev? I'm busy with a very important client. Whatever it is, it better be good." Nikolai said sternly, quite irked that he got interrupted yet again by the spy.

"I'm sorry, but um, I thought you'd like to know this..." Lev dragged on, unsure whether he should share the news or not, seeing as Nikolai is very easily thrown over the edge.

"What is it, Lev?" Nikolai's heartbeat slowly started picking up.

He knew that whatever the news was, it would be something regarding his daughter and that was enough to send chills down his spine.

"Valeska. Or actually both of them. Seem to be heading to Manila. They're in the airport as we speak. I don't know if they told you, so I am, I'm assuming they're coming to visit you, but they have a lot of luggage, so I'm not sure what's happening..." The spy spoke, unsure of the reaction he might receive.

Nikolai's heart sank and he nearly dropped his phone.

She wouldn't take Zenovia out of the country if it weren't a serious deal.

They must moving, or staying for quite some time.

She's coming for me.

"Damnit Lev, why didn't you say anything sooner? They're already on their way here?" Nikolai started shaking, from anger, or fear, or both.

"Nikolai, in case you have forgotten, while I'm risking my life for you and two teenage girls, I still have an actual job to do as well, I can't play babysitter all day, and I'm sure the girls are old enough to look after themselves anyway so I really don't get why I'm still-" Lev stopped rambling at the cold tone of Nikolai's words.

"Lev. I told you from the beginning, to not ask any questions. I just asked you to do your job. And now, I'm going to ask you to do another." Nikolai collected himself quickly and hid the tremble in his voice.

He lowered his voice as he spoke to his spy, still fully aware of the major client waiting for him a few feet away.

Nikolai heard Lev sigh deeply on the other side already expecting the worst. He felt the annoyance beginning to prickle.

"Nik-"

"Don't start. I want you to follow Vale- the girls. Get on their flight, keep an eye on them. When you land, see what they do, where they go, especially Valeska. You better keep a watchful eye on her. Lev, I swear, if you lose sight of he- them..." He started slipping up, his fear and uncertainty getting the best of him.

He tried collecting himself again, to maintain his image, but it was getting more difficult by the second.

"Woah now, you know I can't just leave the country just like that. What I've been doing for you is already dangerous enough as it is. Do you know what they'll do to me if I leave the country and they find out ? They'll kill me, Nikolai. This isn't worth it anymore, it's been nearly three years of this, no more." Lev spoke, his anxiety spiked at Nikolai's ridiculous request, and he was left quite confused as he thought they were going to see him, but he didn't ask anything and remained silent.