Elena Andreevna's building came into view. A patrol car was already parked by the entrance.

And in the apartment on the fifth floor, on the shelf among six blue elephants stood the seventh. White, with gold detailing. Exactly like those kept in Granin's secretary desk.

History was repeating itself. But this time, Anna wasn't planning to lose. Even if victory meant confronting her own demons from the past.

The seventh elephant lay in an evidence bag. The white porcelain seemed inappropriately bright under the harsh light of the forensic lab.

"No fingerprints," expert Klimov rubbed his tired eyes. "Whoever sent the package was wearing gloves. But here's what's interesting—the marking on the bottom is the same as the elephants from the old case. Imperial Porcelain Factory, 1994."

"He's been collecting them," Anna said quietly. "All these years, he's been collecting them."

In the adjacent interrogation room sat Elena Andreevna. She had agreed to recount once more how her relationship with Viktor had developed. Every detail could prove important.

"Start recording," Anna nodded to Dorokhov, turning on the voice recorder.

"He appeared in our social circle two years ago," Elena Andreevna automatically adjusted the collar of her blouse. "A mutual friend introduced him as a successful businessman from Moscow. Viktor… he knew how to make an impression. Always impeccably dressed, educated, with excellent manners."

"Tell me about the first warning signs."

"You know what's strange? Looking back now, I can see them. But then… then he could explain everything. Any oddity, any inconsistency." She paused. "For instance, the story about his past. He never showed photographs, never told specific stories. Just general phrases: 'when I lived in Moscow,' 'I had a business.' And if I asked for details, he skillfully changed the subject."

Anna made a note in her notebook. Typical behavior for someone with a false identity.

"And then the elephants appeared," Elena Andreevna continued. "He noticed Sofi's collection and became so enthusiastic. He told her the legend about seven elephants bringing happiness. Sofi became excited about collecting all seven. And he… he encouraged it. Now I understand—it was part of his game."

"How did he interact with Sophia?"

"Perfectly. Too perfectly, you understand? He took interest in her studies, helped her with English. Once I found them talking about music—he was describing classical composers, and Sofi was listening, completely captivated. Back then, I thought: how fortunate that my daughter has such a wonderful stepfather…"

Elena Andreevna fell silent, clenching her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

"When did the calls begin?"

"After I threw him out. At first, they were normal calls—he apologized, asked for forgiveness. Then he started calling at night. Silent calls. And then… then I found the first camera."

There was a knock at the door. A young officer handed Anna a folder.

"The forensic results."

Anna opened the folder, quickly scanning the lines. She froze.

"Elena Andreevna, have you ever heard the name Andrei Savelyev?"

"No, who is…"

"What about the surname Rogov? Did Viktor ever mention this name?"

"No, never. What's happening?"

Anna placed a photograph in front of her: three men standing in front of a gray Toyota Camry. In the center—a young Viktor Rogov.

"This picture is twenty years old. On the right is Andrei Savelyev. The same person whose car was used in Sophia's abduction."

"And the third man?" Elena Andreevna's voice trembled.