made a note in her notebook.
«Is there anything else that seems strange to you? Even the smallest detail could be important.»
Elena Andreevna closed her eyes, remembering.
«There was one time… Sophia returned from a session with Berkut somewhat… different. Detached. She spoke slowly, as if struggling to find words. I asked if everything was all right, and she said: „I saw Katya. She was special too.“»
«Katya?»
«Yes. At the time, I thought she was talking about another patient at the center. But now…»
«Katya Voronova,» Anna said quietly. «The girl Viktor Rogov killed twenty years ago.»
The phone rang in the kitchen. Elena Andreevna absently rose to answer it. A minute later, she returned even paler than before.
«It was him.»
«Who?»
«Berkut. He said that Sophia is fine. That she…» Elena Andreevna’s voice trembled. «That she’s undergoing ’necessary transformation.»»
Anna jumped up.
«Did he give an address? Say where she is?»
«No. Only that… that soon I’ll receive word from her. And that I should be prepared for her to change.»
Anna quickly dialed Dorokhov’s number.
«Urgently trace the call to Elena Andreevna’s home phone. Just now. And put out an APB on Alexander Berkut. Immediately!»
Hanging up, she turned to Elena Andreevna.
«Have you remembered anything else? Did Berkut ever mention places he goes to? A house outside the city, a country home?»
Elena Andreevna rubbed her temples, trying to concentrate.
«Once… he talked about a sanatorium. Some old sanatorium he wanted to turn into a rehabilitation center for children with psychological trauma. A former Soviet sanatorium somewhere in the forest.»
«Name? Address?»
«I think «Pine’… or «Forest’… something like that. But once I saw documents on his desk. Something related to property registration. There was an address: Sosnovskoye Highway, kilometer 115.»
Anna was already dialing Dorokhov’s number.
«Check the sanatorium at kilometer 115 of Sosnovskoye Highway. Possibly a former Soviet facility, now presumably owned by Berkut. Organize a tactical team. And request a search warrant for all properties connected to Berkut.»
Rain poured down, turning the road into a slippery gray ribbon. Anna kept peering at the road signs through the wet windshield. Kilometer 112… 113… The turn to the old sanatorium should be somewhere around here.
Dorokhov sat beside her, reviewing documents.
««Forest Glade’ Sanatorium opened in 1978. Specialized in treating neuroses and psychosomatic disorders. Closed in 1996 due to lack of funding. In 2010, the property was sold to a private individual. Guess who?»
«Berkut,» Anna answered, slowing down before a sharp turn.
«Almost. A company called „New Path.“ But its sole founder is Alexander Viktorovich Berkut. All documents in order, all permits obtained. Officially – a rehabilitation center for children and adolescents with mental trauma. But for the past five years, no activity. Electricity bills are paid, taxes are filed, but it’s as if there are no patients.»
«As if,» Anna repeated. «Or they’re simply not officially registered.»
At the 115th kilometer, a sign appeared: ««Forest Glade’ Sanatorium—2 km.» Half-erased letters, a rusted arrow. Anna turned onto a narrow road leading into the forest.
«Is the tactical team in position?» she asked.
«Yes. Waiting for our signal. They’ve secured the perimeter but aren’t moving in yet.»
After two kilometers, they reached a high fence. Once-white concrete panels were now covered with moss and graffiti. The gates were locked with a massive padlock. To the left of the gates was a small door with an intercom.
«What’s the plan?» Dorokhov looked at Anna. «The warrant will only be ready in an hour.»
«No time to wait,» she took out her pistol, checked the magazine. «Position the team. On my signal – move in.»
Anna approached the small door and pressed the intercom button. Silence. She pressed it again. After a few seconds, a raspy voice answered:
««Forest Glade’ Sanatorium is closed to visitors.»
«Police!» Anna said loudly. «Open up, we have questions.»
Silence. Then the sound of a lock being opened. The door opened slightly.
Anna exchanged glances with Dorokhov, who was already coordinating the tactical team’s actions over the radio. He nodded. She pushed the door and entered.
The sanatorium grounds looked neglected. The asphalt paths were cracked, with grass growing through them. The fountain in the center of the circular alley had long stopped working; rainwater had collected in its basin. In the distance stood a three-story building – the main building, once painted white but now gray.
Anna walked slowly along the alley, keeping her hand on her holster. Not a soul around. Only the sound of rain and rustling leaves.
A person stood at the entrance to the building. Tall, wearing a dark raincoat with a hood. When Anna came closer, he pushed back his hood, and she recognized Igor Sokolov.
«Detective Sviridova,» he smiled slightly. «Doctor Berkut is expecting you.»
«Where is Sophia Velichko?» Anna drew her pistol and aimed it at Sokolov.
«She’s safe. Inside,» he didn’t look frightened or surprised. «Doctor Berkut knew you would find this place. He… foresaw your arrival.»
«Hands behind your head. Slowly. And take me to Berkut.»
Sokolov complied, smiling strangely.
«You don’t understand, detective. This isn’t just a meeting. It’s… an invitation.»
Dorokhov appeared behind Anna, weapon at the ready.
«The team is in position,» he whispered. «Give the signal?»
She hesitated. If they started the raid, Sophia’s life could be in danger. They needed to find her first, ensure her safety.
«No. I’ll talk to Berkut first. Keep the team on standby.»
Anna nodded to Sokolov:
«Lead the way.»
Chapter 10: Labyrinth
Inside, the sanatorium building was not nearly as abandoned as it appeared from the outside. Dim lamps illuminated a long corridor with several doors on both sides. The air was dry and warm, with a slight scent of antiseptic – like in a hospital. Each step echoed hollowly.
«Where are we going?» asked Anna, keeping her pistol aimed at Sokolov’s back.
«To Doctor Berkut’s office. Third floor, west wing,» he spoke calmly, as if conducting a tour. «A surprise awaits you there.»
«What kind of surprise?»
«You’ll see,» Sokolov smiled slightly. «The doctor has prepared everything very carefully.»
They climbed a wide marble staircase to the second floor. Here the corridor split in two – right and left. Sokolov turned right, toward another staircase.
«Why are you doing this?» asked Anna, trying to keep her voice steady. «Why all of this?»
Sokolov