The Groznyj Grad Living Novel

Adam glanced down briefly.

"At ease, Isaev," he muttered, and the Lieutenant rose without hesitation, and a wry salute.

Ocelot glanced at the gloves Andrei was peeling off carefully inside-out, with an apologetic look at the Captain.

He'd need a new pair.

Putting on his most petulant face he turned to face the Colonel, crossing his arms over his chest.

He had not come alone, Ocelot realized at once. His eyes alighted but briefly on Major Raikov's before flitting and fixing on Volgin's demanding gaze.

"We're not entirely sure, sir," he replied. "There was...a massive explosion in the greenhouse, which drew us all here."

Ocelot paused, feeling that there was no need to complicate matters by implicating anyone for that misdeed, when this one was so much more disturbing.

"We were informed on our way that the first respondants had found a body."

He smirked.

"Or at least part of one."

He nudged it with the toe of his boot.

Frowning deeply, Volgin lowered his gaze.

Ocelot stepped back, pointing to the torso with his gun.

"This body...has been tortured...and violated." He paused. "A man. A young man."