“I mean work that involved… specialized skills.”
The careful phrasing spikes my pulse. “What kind of specialized skills?”
She catches herself and forces a smile. “Your curatorial expertise, of course. Art authentication, exhibition planning, that sort of thing.”
“Nice recovery, but that’s not what you meant.” I perch on the cushion’s edge. “You’re digging like everyone else. Only you call it therapy instead of admitting you already know.”
“Mrs. Kozlov?—”
“Stop calling me that.” I slam my palm down on the armrest. “My name is Katya. It’s the only true thing anyone’s bothered to give me.”
“What makes you think your name is the only true thing?”
“Because everyone stumbles over Katya like it’s an unfamiliar name. Everyone except Dmitri. He’s the only one who seems certain that’s who I am.”
She checks her watch. “We should schedule another appointment soon. There’s clearly a lot to unpack.”
“How soon?”
“In a couple of days. Frequent sessions will help, given your current state.”
“My current state of mind?”
She gathers her materials and responds, “You’re experiencing breakthrough memories and emotional instability. That can be dangerous if not properly managed.”
“Dangerous to whom?”
“Everyone.” She stands and smooths her skirt. “I’ll speak with your husband about increasing our sessions.”
I remain seated, watching her prepare to leave. “Doctor Sokolova?”
“Yes?”
“When you speak to my husband, ask him about Alexandra Volkova.”
She freezes with one hand hovering over her briefcase. “Who?”
“Just a name floating around in my head. Probably nothing,” I smile sweetly, “but maybe he’ll know where it came from.”
The color drains from her face before she composes herself. “I’ll be sure to mention it.”
“I’m sure you will.”
After she’s gone, I sit in Dmitri’s study and sort through the fragments. Sokolova knows more than she’ll admit. She reacted to “Alexandra Volkova” like I’d set off a bomb.
I press the crescent hard enough to sting. Is she helping me, or playing the same game Dmitri’s been playing since I woke up?
Either way, the next session will be far more interesting.
14
Dmitri
Dr. Orlov wants a brain scan. It’ll be our first trip outside since her therapy began.
“This is excessive. I feel fine. And you already monitor me at home.”
“Scans see things physical examinations miss. Orlov wants to rule out lingering damage from the explosion.”
