|Bucharest, Romania|

Emotions. They're a funny thing. After all the things that had just happened in a matter of 42 minutes, I could say that I'm afraid. Ever since I got back to the motel, my mind won't stop racing. What would Maria do if she found out that I let Gray get away, or worse what would Father do? I tried to shake the horrible thoughts away but it wouldn't work.

But then I realized something. If Maria finds out about Gray, all she'll need to do is tell Father then he might hurt or, even worse kill Olivia. I can't let that happen. I won't let that happen.

So, my first mission is to get out of Romania without Maria noticing. If she believes that I didn't find a thing in that warehouse, she's going to ask Father for at least an extra day. Maria and I both know that when Father gives us a mission we better not come back empty-handed. So to avoid any confrontation that could await us back in Russia, she's going to get us that extra day in Romania.

And since we sleep in separate motel rooms anyway, there should be an easy getaway. With shortcuts, the ride back to Tambov is about a day long. The regular drive is almost two days. So, I'll have enough time to sneak back into headquarters and get Liv away from that place.

She deserves a better life and better opportunities. I can see it in her eyes that she doesn't want to be an assassin like the rest of us. That's why father neglects her. He tears her down every chance that he gets, especially when Mom isn't around to protect her.

I don't want her to live a life with she's always conflicted and regretful. That's why it's my job to get her out of there.

I grabbed my bag and throw everything in as fast as I possibly can and slide it under the motel bed. Suddenly, I hear a knock at the door. That's got to be Maria. Before I twist the doorknob, I take a deep breath, prepare my lies, and let her in.

"Sup Mar-" "Listen we need to call Father and ask for an extra day". She quickly says as she interrupts me.

This is the first time I've seen Maria panicked. She knows that if she didn't find Gray in that warehouse, neither did I. Well, turns out she's wrong, but she'll never know that.

"Are you sure you didn't find anything in the warehouse"? She asked. "I didn't see a thing". I said as I shrugged. "Then, we definitely need an extra day". She pulled out her phone and dialed Father's number. "I'll call him and see what he says. We'll catch up later". She said as she headed back to the motel parking lot.

As I closed the door, I felt relief wash over me. I predicted what Maria would do precisely, which means my plan is in motion. I felt confident in knowing that my plan could actually work. Now, all I had to do was wait for father to say yes.

|9:45 pm|

I waited in my room at least two and a half hours before Maria knocked on my door again. I open it up only to see a relieved, yet happy Maria, which is extremely rare.

"He said yes". She said with a smirk. "That's great"! I said as I let her in. She came in my room and sat on my bed immediately. "Okay so here's the plan". She began. "Father gave me an update on Gray's location, and turns out he has multiple hideouts in Romania, not just the two warehouses. Tomorrow, I think that we should check out his safe house first, and then check out the hotel that he normally stays". She explained. 

There I was letting silence consume the room once again. Within a few hours, I'll be on my way to Russia, if Maria doesn't notice me leaving. All I have to do is sit back, and wait for the right time.

|3:30 am|

After waiting for what felt like centuries, I finally decided that it was time to leave. I got my bag and quietly opened my motel room door, and hurried for the parking lot. I took everything inside of me to run for it and slam on the brakes, but before I even entertained the idea, I was already in front of the van. I got out the keys, softly closed the door behind me, and pulled out of the parking lot.

With the first part of my plan complete, I'm feeling relieved but also nervous. Was this plan even a good idea or was it desperation?