Chapter 172 One-hundred & Seventy-two

• Mikhail
• We agreed to meet on neutral territory, and the Poconos was mentioned briefly, but the Barinov Estate was chosen instead.
• The drive through the woods reminds me too much of driving to Sorokin's castle, but I'm relieved when two large gates open, revealing a red brick mansion. Yes, the sprawling structure is formidable, but the house is trimmed in holiday lights, and the remnants of a snowman guard the front door.