TIMOFEY
I step onto the back patio and pull a cigarette from my pocket.
Emily would slap it out of my hand if she was here. I would pull out another one without hesitation.
"Old habits die hard," I always said when she complained.
She'd inevitably wrinkle her nose in disgust. "So do smokers."
I light up and lean against the brick column. Piper is no longer visible in the yard. Not that I expected her to be. I know she's trying to escape. I could tell she was trying to slip away from the house without drawing notice.
But I noticed. I know what she was trying to do.
What I don't know is when she'll return.
Because she will return. People don't walk away from me that easily. Especially when I want them around. And despite all the trouble she's caused, I do want Piper around.
What I told Sergey is still true: Piper is useful to me. She can take care of Benjamin. More than that, she can help ensure I keep guardianship of him.
