Chapter 21: Sofia

Hearing footsteps in the outer office, I rise from behind my desk and stick my head out the door. “Mr. Dmitriyev?”

A man with icy blue eyes studies me with an intensity that sends a shiver racing down my spine. “Yes, I’m Victor Dmitriyev.” He holds out a hand. “And you’re Ms. Bianchi?

I force a friendly smile and step forward. “Sofia Bianchi. Please, call me Sofia.” I give him a firm shake. “I’m one of the counselors here at Lincoln High School. I’m delighted you were able to squeeze in a tour before heading home tomorrow.”

His gaze leisurely travels around the office, which is empty since everyone already left for the day. “Thank you for sticking around to meet with me. We’ve been house hunting for most of the day, so this was the only time that worked.”

His voice has a slight accent that I can’t place. It might be Slavic.