23

- No! Vitaly said firmly, standing in the doorway of the gatehouse. — Sorry, Lily, but you're not going anywhere. He looked at the girl with sympathy, but a categorical refusal was read on his face. “I answer with my head for you and Elya, and for you, Vela.

Mitya, not hiding his relief, slammed the car door, pressing the alarm button.

“Mom is there, don’t you understand? - the girl continued to beg, fiddling with a knitted hat.

“I understand perfectly well, and I also understand that perhaps this is a trap. Are you willing to risk yourself and your child? Vitaly asked.

The girl shook her head negatively.

“A trap… I don’t want to, of course,” she repeated quietly.

The rumble of an approaching car was growing, there was a screech of brakes and a slam of the door.

“Into the house,” shouted Vitaly, noticing that there was only one knock on the door. And he noted with relief that his guys behave as if there was no one behind the gates, or someone of their own had arrived.

Vela grabbed Lil