A Task

“Where is Maria?” Sal confronted Petrov outside the barnlike structure.

Petrov glared at Sal’s hand on his arm and Sal removed it.

“No need to worry about her. She’s enjoying her stay here. For now.” Petrov’s cold, serpentine smile broadened when he noticed Sal’s concern.

“What do you mean for now? I want to see her.” Sal sneered back.

Petrov turned to me. “It seems your dog needs a leash, Nico. He’s not in the position to make any demands.”

“Will it kill you to let us talk to her?” I tried to keep the irritation out of my voice.

“If she wants to talk to you… Sure.” He snapped his fingers, and a young man came running towards us. “Go find Maria.”

He led the way to the wide porch overlooking the garden. “Make yourself comfortable. The weather is quite agreeable today, not so?”

A girl brought out a tray of drinks and placed it on the table in front of us. Petrov took one. “Gentlemen, help yourselves.”

I didn’t take one and neither did Sal. Petrov shrugged.

“There’s one other thing I nee