He smiled willingly. "Well, I always aim to help others in need."
"Yeah," a new voice suddenly said. "That's exactly what comes to mind when I think of you, old man."
I hadn't thought anyone could shock me more that Abe, but I was wrong. "Rose?" The name cam out as a question from my lips, even though could be no doubt about who this newcomer was. There was only one Rose Hathaway, after all.
"Hey, Sydney," she said, giving me a small, crooked smile as she entered the room.

So, I want to try to spend more time with Dad."
Abe glanced at Rose."You see that?" He said. "Now that's devotion." She rolled her eyes at him.

Hello," I said stiffly.
His smile split into a full grin."So nice to see you again."
"Always a pleasure." My lie sounded robotic, but hopefully it was better than sounding afraid.
"No,no," he said. "The pleasure's all mine."
"If you say so,"I said.

Well, well, well," I said. "If it isn't the people responsible for unleashing Rose Hathaway on the world. You've got a lot to answer for.

She reached out and touched the bright colors of the cashmere scarf, her face filled with wonder as much as shock. "This . . .this is Ibrahim's scarf . . .it's a family heirloom. . . "
"No, it belongs to this mobster guy named Abe. . .

[...]

"Mom," I said disbelievingly. "You know Abe."
"Yes, Rose. I know him."
"Please don't tell me. . ."
Oh, man. Why couldn't I have been an illegitimate half-royal like Robert Doru? Or even the mail-man's daughter?
"Please don't tell me Abe is my father. . . . "
She didn't have to tell me. It was all over her face.
"Oh God, " I said. "I'm Zmey's daughter. Zmey Junior. Zmeyette, even."
That got her attention. She looked up at me. "What on earth are you talking about?"
"Nothing," I said.

Ah, Belikov," said Abe, shaking Dimitri's hand. "I'd been hoping we'd run into each other. I'd really like to get to know you better. Maybe we can set aside some time to talk, learn more about life, love, et cetera. Do you like to hunt? You seem like a hunting man. That's what we should do sometime. I know a great spot in the woods. Far, far away. We could make a day of it. I've certainly got a lot of question to ask you. A lot of things I'd like to tell you."
I shot a panicked look at my mother, silently begging her to stop this. Abe had spent a good deal of time talking to Adrian when we dated, explaining in vivid and gruesome detail exactly how Abe expected his daughter to be treated. I did not want Abe taking Dimitri off alone into the wilderness, especially if firearms were involved.
"Actually," said my mum casually."I'd like to come along. I also have a number of questions-especially about when you two were back at St. Vladimir's."
"Don't you guys have somewhere to be?" I asked hastily. "We're about to start."
That, at least, was true. Nearly everyone was in formation, and the crowd was quieting. "of course," said Abe. To my astonishment, he brushed a kiss over my forehead before stepping away. "I'm glad you're back." Then, with a wink, he said to Dimitri:"Looking forward to our chat."
"Run," I said when they were gone. "If you slip out now, maybe they won't notice. Go back to Siberia.