Chapter 116 One-hundred & Sixteen

• Maria
• A canopy is erected from the circular drive to the front door to conceal the guest from prying eyes. And perhaps bullets. I watch from a window as Mikhail greets the first guests. I recognize Popov from a distance with his thick brown beard and a large smile. He grips Mikhail's hand in a firm handshake before the canopy conceals them. Popov has brought his own men, and they scatter in all directions like ants around the outer walls of the fort. Scanning the open surroundings makes me feel less nervous at being able to see out a great distance.
• But despite all the precautions in the world, my heart hammers in my chest.