The Groznyj Grad Living Novel

Kassian felt his shoulders relax.

He nodded.

"All right. I just...wanted you to know what happened, in case he doesn't tell you."

He supposed he shouldn't have been concerned that Isaev think him purposefully negligent when it came to Imanov's safety.

Isaev knew him better than that.

He knew Isaev better than that.

Isaev's eyes looked dark under the glare from his flashlight.

"I know he's your friend. I'll do my best," Kassian said, slowly, like a promise.

Kassian still wanted to talk to Imanov, to clear the air with him, even though he wasn't sure it would help. He had to try, though.

But perhaps not tonight, he thought, remembering Isaev's earlier words.

His mouth tipped up, and he reached out and brushed the back of his hand against Isaev's arm, briefly. Brotherly, but affectionate.

"Shall we head back? We still have to check the other branch."