Chapter 49

“Billy, go get a couple of bottles of whatever you’ve got in your refrigerator. It looks like Jones is back. Get him to help you. No, Margaret, you stay right here where I can see you.”

Billy was back within ten minutes, Jones hot on his heels. “We brought a glass, too.”

“Good thinking,” Vikushka said, pouring the orange juice first.

“Billy’s been telling me quite the story,” Jones said, casting a keen glance at Nikoloz. “You get shot?”

Nikoloz nodded, then drank thirstily. “More, please. I am very hot.”

He handed the glass back to Vikushka and stripped off his shirt. It was soaked with blood anyway. “I need a shower.”

“I’ll get you a washcloth. You’re in no shape to take a shower, partner.” Vikushka handed him another glass of juice, and he downed that just as quickly as the first.

“I’ll get the washcloth,” Margaret said.

“You just sit there, young lady.” Vikushka said. “Billy and Jones can do all my running around for me.”