The next day, at the Sokolovs' mansion, Mr. Sokolov descended the narrow staircase leading to the basement. The air was thick with the scent of fear and sweat, with whimpers and muffled cries echoing through the walls. The heavy door creaked as he pushed it open and stepped in.
In the center of the basement, six men sat tied to chairs. Their faces were bloodied and bruised, their mouths gagged to muffle their cries. One of Mr. Sokolov's men was already in there torturing them.
He had a set of pliers in his hand, working on the fingers of one of the men, pulling out nails one by one. Another of the captives had fresh burn marks from a hot iron poker, and the air smelled faintly of scorched flesh.
As Mr. Sokolov entered, his polished shoes clicked on the cold floor and caused the torturer to immediately stop, step back, and bow his head slightly.
