"This is an official visit," Anna showed her badge. "I'll wait until he's free."

The girl's smile became strained.

"I understand. Please have a seat. I'll let Doctor Berkut know you're here."

Anna looked around. Several people sat in the waiting area: a mother with a child about ten years old, an elderly woman, a young man immersed in reading a book. On the walls—diplomas, certificates, thank-you letters. And photographs: Doctor Berkut with famous people, Doctor Berkut at scientific conferences, Doctor Berkut with groups of children of various ages.

The door of one of the offices opened, and a woman with a teenage girl emerged. Anna froze. Something in the girl's face seemed familiar. Blonde hair, serious eyes… The woman walked past, but Anna managed to notice a medical chart in her hands. On the cover—a colored sticker. A small blue circle.

A man came out of the office after them. The very same one from the photographs. Alexander Viktorovich Berkut.

"Doctor Berkut," Anna rose from her chair.

"Ah, Detective Sviridova," he smiled, extending his hand. "Maria told me you wanted to see me. Has something happened?"

His handshake was firm, his gaze open and friendly. Nothing about him suggested a person capable of the crimes Viktor and Klavdia Mikhailovna had spoken of.

"Investigation into the case of the missing girl. Sophia Velichko."

"Ah yes, I heard. A terrible story. Please, come into my office, let's talk."

Doctor Berkut's office looked exactly as a successful psychiatrist's office should: comfortable furniture, subdued lighting, bookshelves, diplomas on the walls. And not a single elephant.

"How can I help you?" Berkut sat at his desk, gesturing for Anna to take the chair opposite.

"We're establishing the circle of the missing girl's contacts. Was Sophia ever your patient?"

"No, never. I would remember that name."

"And her mother, Elena Andreevna?"

Berkut thought for a moment.

"Possibly. We have many clients. I can check the database if it's important for the investigation."

"Very important. And one more thing," Anna tried to keep her voice as neutral as possible. "Have you ever worked in Tver? At a music school?"

For a fraction of a second, Berkut's gaze changed. Something flashed in his eyes—wariness? Concern? But it immediately disappeared.

"Yes, I did. Early in my career. Tver is my hometown," he leaned back in his chair. "But that was a very long time ago. What does this have to do with your investigation?"

"Just clarifying details. Do you happen to remember a piano teacher named Viktor Rogov? Or Igor Vasilyev, a physical education instructor?"

Now the change in Berkut's face was obvious. He tensed, though he tried to hide it behind a smile.

"The names sound familiar. But, you see, that was twenty years ago. A lot of water under the bridge."

"Of course," Anna smiled back. "And what about Igor Sokolov? Was he ever connected with your center?"

"Sokolov?" Berkut frowned. "I don't recall anyone by that name. Who is he?"

"A physical education teacher at the school where Sophia Velichko studied. He's currently wanted—suspected of involvement in the girl's disappearance."

Berkut shook his head.

"I don't know him. But if he was acquainted with Sophia, perhaps she told him about her problems. Teenagers often trust teachers more than parents."

"What problems could you be referring to?" Anna became alert.

"I'm speaking hypothetically," Berkut spread his hands. "Not knowing the girl personally, I can't say anything specific. But as a specialist, I can suggest that if she became a victim of abduction, then perhaps something preceded it. Perhaps she herself was looking for a way to leave home."