14

There’s no need to ask how he got here. My father has the type of power that enables him to stuff some politicians in his pockets and some military leaders in his service. The only thing he’s pissed about is that he doesn’t have enough power to have me discharged yet. I glance at Viktor and he nods, then steps outside. Not wanting to look at my old man’s putrid face, and not having the option to pray for his disappearance, I busy myself with checking my weapons. I dismantle my rifle slowly, taking my time in doing the task. “To what do I owe this unpleasant visit?” “You were always an insolent little fucker,” he heaves, probably due to the effort he exerted to carry his belly here. “Kind of learned from the best.” I don’t look at him, but I can feel the heat of his glare hitting the back of my neck. He surely doesn’t waste time in letting his true colors show through. Having obviously lost the battle of remaining in a standing position, he all but marches over and throws his weight on