Blueblood 5.1: Red Alert!! - 16. To Tell The Truth

We again gave Yuri and Zoya their dose of serum. Once again, the pain returned but we were nearing the end of their treatments. Both were excited to have this treatment completed. Their pulses were strong, and the serum levels were holding. The venom tried again to undo what we were doing, but it was getting weaker. We all knew it wasn’t a cure, but a very needed treatment to keep that nasty venom from working. The previous night the levels returned to the proper levels in about three hours. It should be less tonight. The serum needed to be given when the venom was active in the body. That meant after sunset. The urgency to give it to have it work at the peak moment was lessened. There was time. They would sleep afterwards, but it wasn’t an exhausted sleep and not to recover from the venom’s and serum’s struggle.

After the injection, Yuri and Zoya was watched by George and Kev. Stan was coming to help George with his problem with the computer and the monitors. That freed me and Colin to take the ride to the kennel. Entering the kennel, we were greeted by the many dogs down here, but I noticed some new dogs. There were really no pure breeds, except for Moguchy. I spotted a few that had German Shepherd in them, but also Doberman Pinscher in them. One looked like a Husky German Shepheard mix. The Huskies had the undercoating and would be fine in the cold weather. The Dobermans would not, but I knew these Russians in Siberia had solutions for that…not that it was needed now. It was warm outside! The tunnels didn’t change much in temperature. I felt the feeling of calm and held my hands out. The dogs that knew me responded quickly and did calm down, stopped their barking, and sat. The dogs that didn’t know me did calm down, stopped barking, and sat, too. It just took a few seconds longer. I hadn’t said a word.

“That will always blow my mind,” Colin marveled quietly.

I wavered a shrug, “I wanted a talent that would impress.” I waved at the dogs, “I just never expected this one.” I greeted the dogs one by one. They all were very friendly to me. Colin was not as trusting as I was because it was me the dogs loved. Not him. None of them growled at Colin and he wasn’t afraid of them, yet he wasn’t going to put his hand out and risk being bitten. “They all can’t be good at sniffing out vampires.”

“They’re not,” Alexie answered coming up behind us. We hadn’t heard him arrive. “The other thing we need is security.” He waved at the German Shepherd and Husky mixed breed. “We mix the breeds to ensure healthy dogs. Traits that are in their breeds are fostered. Huskies are insulated from the cold but follow commands very well. The German Shepherd in him is very protective.” He pointed to the German Shepherd and Doberman mix. “He is strictly for security. They can smell any person coming vampire or human and let their handler know.” He chuckled as the Doberman Shepherd mix was licking me. “I do hope you’ll be on our side…for at least another decade or so. I don’t believe any one of them will attack you.”

I scratched him or her on the head, neck, and anywhere I could get to, “No, you won’t hurt me, would you?” I asked the dog.

Colin shook his head, “Aren’t you forgetting someone? Dan-D?”

I rose with a chuckle, “I could never forget him.” I patted Colin on the chest. “Now, however, you get to carry him!”

“Great,” Colin said with only a fraction of enthusiasm.

Back in the room with Pusik we found her not alone. Anton was there.

“Your dedication to animals is wonderful,” I said smiling. “You do have a wife. Does she see you?”

Anton chuckled, “Yes. She’s mayor and I often don’t see her. We’re both very busy.”

“Any children?” Colin asked.

“One,” Anton admitted, but turned to us directly. “A very precocious, inquisitive seven-year-old son.” He held a finger up to emphasize. “I never miss a game, science fair, or school function. Neither does Greta.” He pointed upward. “He’s right up there!”

“What’s his name?” I asked.

“Benedikt,” He shrugged slightly. “We call him Ben.”

“They won’t be young forever,” Colin cautioned.

“I know,” Anton laughed. “It seems last week he was drinking from a bottle! My mother keeps him while we’re at work.”

The puppies now had these white tags around their necks. Picking up one, I looked at his tag. “You’re Hefty!” I stroked his little head and put him back. There were only a couple with no tags at all. They hadn’t been picked yet…and Dan-D. He didn’t need a name tag. He was the smallest and therefore, recognizable.

“Hi, big guy!” I picked him up and he began fidgeting more and making more noise. He was not frightened. He knew me and was excited. I meant comfort, security, and food to him!! What every growing puppy wants the most. I hefted him up and down carefully.

“What are you doing?” Colin asked, but the grin on his face told me he knew.

“Trying to feel the six ounces Dan-D gained,” I answered simply. I handed him over to Colin. “Tell me if you can feel it.”

“Six pounds I would feel,” Colin said. “Six ounces? I have to say no.”

“Okay,” I nodded. “I didn’t feel it either.” Bending by Pusik I got several big loving licks. “Yes, Pusik! I love you, too! We’ll be taking your littlest one away a while.” I patted her head and neck. “He’s not your biggest eater, but any help counts!” I reached around her and got that big cloth we had used as a pouch yesterday. Turning around, I was about to put it on Colin. He gave me a reluctant look. “Am I a single parent with Dan-D?”

“Well, no but…”

“But what?” I asked. Looking at Colin’s face, you could tell there was something else. “You’re embarrassed.”

Colin nodded, “Yes.” He held Dan-D up. “I don’t know why.”

I nodded, “All of this…” I waved at the kennel beyond, “for a dog.” I looked more directly into Colin’s eyes. “Should we not do this? Take Dan-D in and do all we are to help him grow up? Make him a part of our lives?”

“His parents are said to have keen noses and can track,” Colin confessed. “Even if he proves he can’t, he’s a life that needs help to grow up. He already loves you and he’s only three days old. He’ll be fun to have around…”

“You’re giving all the reasons to do this,” I said. “What’s the problem with this?” I held the cloth up. I sighed. “You know this…when you become a parent…you become a god. With you, you know it more than I do. When Gabriella was born, you took on the role as a god for her. To protect her, feed her, and give her love. Everything she needed, without thought to protect her so she would grow up and be the great person she has become.” I pointed at Dan-D. “On a lesser scale, that’s what’s happening here. Would Dan-D live without us?” I grudged a shrugging nod, “Maybe, but this is a defenseless, helpless life that has a greater chance with our help.” I waved at Pusik, “She and Moguchy gave him life. Pusik gave him birth. She nurses him, cleans him, and she is Dan-D’s god. We,” I motioned to Colin and then to myself, “are also gods for Dan-D. We give him the extra help to make him bigger and stronger than she can alone. Dan-D is more than just a dog. He is our dog.” I did the motion between us again. “Yours and mine.” I grinned. “He will be the best dog because we gave him that extra something he needed! I wore it this morning and you will be surprised at the reactions you get.” I shook my head, “No one thought it was strange. Everyone thought Dan-D was sweet and precious. He is! Not once did I hear that it was stupid or silly. You’ll have extra amounts of respect when they know.” I smiled. “I’ll do it again, but Dan-D needs to get to know you. He’ll get the comforting smell of his mother and the added scent of you! The bond between you and Dan-D will grow.” I held the cloth up. “Do I put this around me?”

“No,” Colin flushed. “I’m being silly.”

Again, I gave him a grudging nod, “It’s what you feel. Silly or not, that’s how you feel.” I stroked Dan-D gently. “I will caution you. These creatures are extremely perceptive. What you’re feeling, they will pick up. They may not understand in words, but they clearly know what we feel. Compassion, empathy, love, and devotion are all positive emotions.” I tied the cloth under his right arm and tied it around his neck.

Anton was smiling at what he saw and held up a bottle and the squares of white cloth Dan-D would wear. Those Nappies for Doggie-Nippers. He showed Colin how to put it on Dan-D. Also, he instructed Colin about the bottle and how long it took to warm up. “Lucian is coming in the morning to pick over what’s left.” He looked at us carefully. “Is there something I should know about him? He’s always…under guard, so it seems.”

We told him more about Iilya and what he and Lucian were planning to do but were stopped.

“You weren’t here when Iilya and Lucian came here before?” Colin asked as his fingers ran over Dan-D gently. Dan-D was going to sleep.

Anton thought and looked confused, “It may have been before I got here. I don’t remember either of them.”

“You can tell if he’ll make a good puppy parent,” I said seriously. “He’s sort of on probation.”

“Oh!” Anton said suddenly, “I need to label another one.” He hurried back to wherever and came back a white-collar label. “Matt and Edwin wanted one. They named her Matilda.” He bent over and gently moved the squirming puppies. “Where are you, Matilda?” He sorted through them until, “Aha! There you are!” He lifted a puppy up and put the tag around her neck and fastened it. “We don’t want to give away the wrong one. Do we?” He said to the puppy in his hands. “Chuck wants one, too. He insisted he get the last one that wasn’t picked.” He laughed lightly and shrugged. “Something about the last being first…something like that.”

“That’s Biblical,” I grinned. “The last shall be first, and the first last; for many be called, but few chosen…Matthew twenty. I forget what verse.”

“I’m so glad you did more than watch TV and movies,” Colin quirked.

“I went to church!” I defended. “I even paid attention! Did you?”

“A long time ago,” Colin muttered.

“You know you won’t burn, right?” I asked.

Colin’s eye narrowed at me, “I don’t recall you going since you were bitten.”

“Fine,” I said not backing down. I looked at Anton. “They have churches in Asbest, right?”

Anton chuckled and nodded, “A few.”

“Sunday,” I poked Colin in the chest, “We go! In fact, we will invite Yuri and Zoya.”

“Why?”

“To really show them that what they are is a physical condition,” I said simply. “Not a spiritual one.”

“Deal,” Colin shook my hand.

 

What was interesting was Colin’s right hand almost never left the pouch. I peeked in and saw his finger was constantly rubbing Dan-D. He wasn’t disturbing Dan-D. He just kept that gentle touch going with gentle strokes. People did exactly what I said they would, stopping us and wanting to see Dan-D. Colin got over whatever he had felt before and was now taking pride at showing Dan-D. No one thought what we did was silly or stupid.

We were visiting with George, John, Ellis, and Kevin in the café. It was the one of the largest rooms down here where we could visit and get something to eat around the clock. Colin and I got our coffees. The others with us didn’t have Colin’s addiction. Neither did I. We were enjoying our time not rushing off to do…whatever was needed. Stan and Mark came in, but what we all saw was the cloth tied around Mark’s neck. He wore a pouch like Colin!

“Stealing our thunder?” Colin asked pointing at Mark.

Mark’s head wavered a little as he smiled, “Not stealing. Borrowing!” He hefted the pouch a few times. “Hiccup needs us as much as Dan-D needs you.”

“Only we’re not feeding him like you are,” Stan grinned. “He does fine on his own.” He glanced around. “Is Yuri or Alexie nearby?”

“Not at the moment,” Colin answered. “Should we send for them?”

Stan and Mark sat with us, “I need to ask him about something.” He sat forward. “They have a contact in Asbest.”

“They,” Colin repeated. “They are Russian Intelligence?”

Stan nodded, “I’m having those agents we know about followed by Buddy and Pal.” He began. “They haven’t done much since they were here, but…” he held up that finger, “I been tracking their phone calls. One number keeps coming up and it’s here in Asbest. A lot.”

“You know who?” I asked.

“Yes,” Stan nodded. “Efim Kozlov. He’s twenty-six and lives in Asbest. A recent graduate of Bauman Moscow State University. He moved here two years ago. I searched for his records online. From the chatter he has had on the phone, he was assigned here by someone in Russian Intelligence, but not Russian Intelligence.”

Colin’s eyes widened, “That’s why Sergey’s granddaughter didn’t know about it.”

Mark nodded, “This Yevgeny Kuyvashev sent Efim Kozlov as an advance scout before the advance scouts arrived from Russian Intelligence.”

Colin lightly shrugged as he thought, “That makes sense…sort of. He wanted to be sure there was something to investigate before he investigates officially."

Stan nodded, “Yes. What Kuyvashev doesn’t know, and what Efim wasn’t told about…Kuyvashev believes a big discovery on his part will get him a big promotion!”

“What’s Efim getting?” I asked.

“He gets in the door of Russian Intelligence!” Mark said simply.

Colin groaned again, “These Russian names!?”

Mark chuckled, knowing Colin’s pain, “I had to say the names a few times before I got them.” He frowned. “I wouldn’t trust Kuyvashev if I were Efim. I get the feeling he’ll turn on him if he doesn’t find what he wants.”

“But he’s here,” Colin stressed. “Efim must have given him something.”

“Efim told Kuyvashev he was interviewing for a position down here!” Stan stressed. “He told Kuyvashev he followed a man that disappeared down a passage, but lost him. He knows there’s a hidden something underground. He said that something big was going to happen very soon because of the increase in activity and the people who worked down here. There were also some tourists in Asbest from England and the United States. You were all here for something big.”

“Mayor Greta Masaitis knows why we’re here,” Colin nodded and saw my surprise. “I mean our cover story reason.”

“Oh, right,” I nodded. “The Delkenzie Program. I forget.” I pointed at Stan. “We need to tell Alexie.”

Colin was about to get up, “We need to contact Alexie.”

I pulled him back down, “It’s night, Colin.” I reminded him. “Unless we know otherwise, I doubt he’ll be conducting any interview until the morning. That may be why Mayor Masaitis is having the luncheon with Agent Kuyvashev.”

“I can leave a message for him to give no interview to that…Efim kid,” Colin grinned.

“Whoop!” Mark said touching his pouch gently. “Hiccup’s got the hiccups again.”

“He has to live up to his name,” I shrugged.

 

Like before, Yuri nor Zoya were in pain that long. It was just about an hour’s worth this time, but before they returned to their room, they came out to speak to us. That was when we told Yuri and Zoya about Efim Kozlov and Yevgeny Kuyvashev. Yuri let out a string of Russian words that I had no doubt would make a Russian sailor blush. I pulled my earbud out to keep from hearing the translation. By the expression on Colin’s, Stan’s, and Mark’s faces, I was right. I was told by Sasha, David McKenzie’s Russian husband who was Russian born and raised, that no one cussed better than a Russian. They had more than a few words for the same “asshole.” I didn’t think it would translate quite as well into English, but I wasn’t going to listen to find out.

“It’s okay, Yuri,” Colin assured. “We still have some assets.” He looked at Stan, Mark, and I. “I think we will need Vlad’s talent on this one.”

“He’s that good?” Yuri asked.

“He’s a human lie detector,” I laughed. “He’ll make you tell what’s true even if you really don’t want to tell the truth. You will tell the whole truth. He can persuade you to do anything.”

Colin nodded, “Oh, yes. We’ve seen it in action quite a few times.” He chuckled his finger circled his own temple. “His voice takes on a strange resonance in your head.” He looked at me. “Devon says it’s a form of deep hypnosis.”

“It works better than any truth serum they’ve ever dreamt of,” I added. “It was a gift he had before he was bitten, and it just got stronger over the five centuries he’s lived.”

“He says it’s a form of what I do with people and can tell if they’re lying to me or can tell if I can trust them,” Colin smiled and shrugged, then pointed at me. “Devon does it with people making them trust him. He can get them to tell things they normally would never tell.” He chuckled. “He does it with the dogs, too.” I reached out to touch the pouch and got my hand smacked. Not hard, but I stopped. “Dan-D’s sleeping peacefully. Don’t wake him.”

My reply was a salute and a chuckle. “Okay, Daddy-Colin.” I don’t think this bothered him but a few minutes at first. Now, he took his role seriously and understood why. “However, he needs to wake up and take the bottle before we return him to his mama.”

“In a minute,” Colin waved me down with his hand. “We need to interview Efim Kozlov and Efim Kozlov. After the interview Vlad can convince them the whole thing never happened and Efim Kozlov will think the whole thing was a waste of time.”

Yuri smiled, “Why wait? Can’t we do it when they meet for lunch?”

Colin and I looked at each other. No, we couldn’t read each other’s minds, but we both knew what the other was thinking. Colin nodded and said slowly, “We could but…”

“Until we know who else might be involved…” I ventured.

“We shouldn’t,” Colin agreed. “How many are in on this? Is there something they suspect, or is it something they know?”

“Until they tell us,” I added. “We will just be guessing. They need to talk to us.”

It was the tennis match again as Yuri and Zoya were listening as Colin and I went back and forth.

“You’re deaf,” Colin said out of the blue causing eyebrows to rise from surprise. “Yet you look at us when we talk. You follow the conversation, but you can’t hear it.”

Yuri laughed, “Has no one taught you it’s polite to look at someone when they are speaking? I see you are, and I look.” He shrugged. “I was taught that as a child.”

Colin nodded, “Okay.”

“One day soon, I know George will want to test your vision,” I smiled. “The best vision usually is twenty/ten (20/10). I heard of a man that had twenty/five (20/5) vision. Hawks have twenty/two (20/2). I can’t imagine what yours is.”

Zoya smiled, “He can see things most people need a microscope to see.”

“I have to concentrate to do that,” Yuri confessed.

“We had that to see far away,” I understood. “We knew we were being watched. Concentrating, it was like looking through binoculars. We also can see very well at night with no flashlights.”

“I’m not surprised,” Colin smiled. “It makes us better hunters. That is your talent. I’m sure there are others, but that is definitely one of yours.”

 

Yuri left word that any interview Alexie would give anyone should wait until he spoke with Alexie. Then they went back to their room. Colin got to feed Dan-D and now knew the joy of changing a nappy and cleaning Dan-D up. We returned Dan-D to the care of his mother and so did Mark and Stan when they returned Hiccup. Hiccup had worn a nappy, too, but no bottle feeding.

“That was fun,” Colin commented as he put Dan-D back with his many siblings. The thing was, he wasn’t being sarcastic. He meant it. “I admit, I’ve never been this close with a dog.” He looked at me. “I was raised where dogs and cats had jobs. Dogs were to be guards and protection. Cats were mousers. You could make friends with all of them, but this is different.”

“Possessive feelings over a baby anything is instinctive,” I said. “Does that mean you’re more dog now? Or is Dan-D more human?”

“I don’t know,” Colin grinned. “He’s mine and yours.”

“We’re all part werewolf,” I joked. “He’s a dog that’s part human and we’re humans that are part wolf…or dog.”

“I thought we weren’t supposed to get along with werewolves,” Colin thought out loud.

“According to the movie Underworld we created Lycans,” I said and paused. “I think.” Then I shook my head. “A Lycan dies from a bite from a vampire and vampires die after being bitten by Lycans. Until one vampire mated with Lycan and has a child. One man survived the bite from both, is rescued by a vampire and they have a daughter…”

“Uh, huh,” Colin grinned. “You said they had bitchin’ weapons.”

“We do, too!” I defended. “Ours aren’t made with silver or silver nitrate…or garlic,” I looked at Colin. “You like garlic.”

“Yes, I do,” Colin smiled.

“And you cast a reflection,” I counted on my fingers. “You can’t fly or turn into a bat…you’re forcing everyone from Anne Rice, Stephen King to Bram Stoker to rewrite their stories.”

“How am I doing that!?” Colin asked. “I simply am.”

 

“It’s just physical,” Colin said with that twinkle in his eye. “What we have.”

I gave him a sour look, “You are such a brilliant man and I know you say things like this just to get a rise out of me. I’ll stroke your ego. No problem. Sure, I was first attracted to you when you stepped out of the car that day we met! And how! Physically, you were perfect! You are a work of art!! I saw the art and it made me look deeper. I saw you!! I will say thank you to the venom…” I saw his surprised look and I put a finger to his lips. “Wait, hear me out. It preserved you at that state of perfection, but…it’s like seeing a beautiful cake!” I saw his surprise turn to curiosity, “I’m working on this analogy. Give me a break!” I smiled as his face relaxed as he listened. “You were inviting looking at you. Like a cake you are so tempting and then I slice into the inside and see what’s inside is even better!”

“What kind of cake?” Colin asked with a grin for which I slapped him on the chest.

“Okay, forget the cake! I’m trying to be romantic and poetic and you’re poking fun.” I gave him a hard stare.

“Oh,” Colin chuckled. “Sorry.’

“Quit acting…” I thought for a word, “glupy.”

“What!?”

“I didn’t say you were,” I qualified. “I said don’t act glupy.”

“Which is?” Colin asked getting inpatient.

“That’s Russian for stupid,” I grinned. No one was angry and it was pretty well done as a joke. “A masterpiece as a statue or painting captures your attention and makes you look deeper. I saw a very good man with depth, a good soul that cares about…” I waved my arms, “everyone! You wanted to marry me. If we have a hundred years together or a thousand…I want our love to be one that everybody, gay or straight, to want a love as great as ours. We got Mark and Stan to want it, Edwin and Matt, Wayne and Amasis, Vlad and Gaius, George and John, Kev and Ellis, Gabriella and Alex, Mom and Willie…”

“Edwin and Matt aren’t married,” Colin pointed out.

“So? That’s not important. You know they’re together.” I shook my head. “You’re…a fly in the chardonnay!”

Now, Colin laughed, “A what!?”

“Fly in the ointment is the idiom,” I growled. “I changed the idiom for you.”

Colin smiled and pulled me closer, which seems impossible as we were very close physically now. He demeanor changed to one of seriousness. “I love you so much, Devon. I adore you. I lived a nightmare and you pulled me out of that nightmare.”

I smiled. Our faces were so close, I could feel his breath on my face, “I think George pulled you from that nightmare.”

Colin shook his head, “What he did is miraculous, but you know I was trapped even after he discovered the serum. You helped me live again. I was a tortured soul that couldn’t let anyone in. I had a hard time letting you in, remember?” He kissed me gently, “But you kept chiseling away at that wall I erected, and I finally let you in. I’m never letting you go. You saved my life.”

I kissed him longer, deeper, and finally said, “I’m not letting you go either. Together, ours will be a love that will become a legend.”

“A legend?” Colin’s hands moved over me in our embrace. “Do you want to do something legend making now?” He smiled.

“Making love with you is legend making,” I nodded. “I’ll never say no.”

We did make love. The fast and energetic sexual love making is great. I love that, too, but a love…purpose driven love making is even more intense and just as passionate. How long it took? I couldn’t tell you, but I could sense the sun was about to rise. Hours had gone by before we slipped off to sleep.

 

There were things we needed to do, so we didn’t just laze around. We got up, showered, conserving water by sharing the shower (Do you really believe that’s why?) and applied all we needed to keep people comfortable with us in their company. We didn't stink. We dressed and wandered out again to the café.

We saw Yuri and Zoya with Alexie as they enjoyed eating again. This time, I recognized the Biscuit Breakfast Bake. A dish where they bake these biscuits with eggs and bacon…all baked together with lots of cheese and onions. I was enjoying the meal with my eyes, but wanted some, too. There was again a slice of Zapekanka (The Russian Breakfast Cheese Cake that wasn’t sweet?). Yuri put some more of the Zapekanka in his mouth and was loving the fact that he was chewing something so good. He motioned to us with his fork, “We’ll talk about this Efim Kozlov and Yevgeny Kuyvashev in a minute…” he motioned toward his plate and shook his head, “Have you tried this?” Colin and I both nodded. Yuri went on, “I can’t believe I forgot how good it was to eat!” His face took on a pleading look, “What’s a better word for delicious?”

I chuckled, “Scrumptious? Finger licking? I don’t know of one that’s better, they all mean the same thing.”

Yuri nodded, “We’ll invent one. All the Russian words mean the same, too.”

“Priority one right now, is coffee!” Colin grinned. “We’ll be right back.”

“It’s really his priority,” I pointed at Colin. “I just like it. He thinks he needs it.” I was then almost dragged to the coffee station where after all this time, the person that manned it had our two coffees ready. His giant coffee with the espresso and my cold vanilla latte were handed to us. Made to order as we liked them with no more questions asked or needing to order. It was good coffee, too. No Maxwell House or even Folgers, but fresh crushed and brewed, premium coffee. As we sat with Yuri, Zoya, and Alexie again, I had to ask. “This great coffee! How do you keep it supplied?”

Yuri took on the entitled look, as if it just was because of who he was, “I am Tzar!!” He said mockingly proud. “It was harder thirty or so years ago, but now that the market is open…I spared no expense to keep those here happy! I couldn’t drink coffee, or eat anything, but the people here could. My treasury provided the things needed to keep them happy so they would remain.” Yuri shrugged. “If providing good coffee from around the world helps…I did it!”

“Good man!” Colin saluted him with his hot coffee and espresso mug, “Very wise.”

Zoya smiled, touching her husband’s hand, “He always thinks of others.”

Colin nodded again, “Also, very wise.”

Alexie grinned, but asked, “Are we ready for the Efim Kozlov and Yevgeny Kuyvashev part?”

“Sure,” Yuri nodded. He was royalty and had those manners practiced and well used. Swallowing, he then used his clean, cloth napkin to wipe his face and looked at us. “Alexie was interviewing Efim Kozlov today,” he looked at Alexie. “Am I right?”

“Yes,” Alexie answered and looked at his watch. “In a couple of hours.” He looked up at us. “Should I cancel?”

“This may be the reason Kuyvashev is having the luncheon with Mayor Greta Masaitis when he is,” I said to them all. “We want to interview Efim and Yevgeny, so why cancel?”

Colin’s head jutted in my direction, “Devon’s right. Let Efim interview. Only it won’t be just you, Alexie interviewing. We’ll get Vlad to be at the interview with you. Where is that to be?”

“At the Town Capital,” Alexie answered.

“And the luncheon with Greta?” I asked.

“Also at the capital,” Alexie again answered. “There is a lovely terrace that she’s planning the luncheon on. It’s beautiful weather and not used during the cold weather. It has a great view of the city and mountains beyond.”

“It may be separate events, but we know it’s connected,” Colin nodded.

“How did he win this interview?” I asked.

Alexie looked away at first, then looked at us and confessed, “He dated my eldest daughter.”

“I see,” Colin nodded and muttered. “I told Gabriella she could date when she turned forty.”

“Right!” Alexie nodded sensing he had a kindred spirit with him. “You understand! My problem with Efim was he was…” he hated to say it but finally said, “perfect!” He almost spat. “Too perfect.”

“How is that?” I asked but was smiling at the two fathers commiserating.

“He was always so…polite, and respectful.” Alexie moaned.

“I can see how that could be a problem,” I had to say it. I was being sarcastic, but not liking someone for being too polite and respectful?

“It wasn’t him!” Alexie said loud. “Not the real him. He is good looking, nice, and…” His head wavered, “Thank God Deena lost interest with him after only a few dates, but he kept coming around!”

“Thank god,” I said grinning.

Alexie pointed at me irritated, “It isn’t funny! Deena told me she thought he was homosexual and wanted to really date me!”

Colin sat back a little, “Did he try anything with you?”

“No!” Alexie said quickly.

“You weren’t disappointed?” Colin asked.

“No!!” He said quickly. “It would have explained a lot if he had.” He narrowed an eye at Colin and me. “He was being what he thought I wanted.” He nodded. “But he was smart, and I was going to give him a chance to work.”

“Down here,” I said to be clear. “With Yuri and Zoya and the others?”

“I would have started him on a higher level, but…” Alexie frowned. “Every regular human down here has had a personal encounter with a vampire or was raised in Asbest and knew of vampires by their family members. From the guards,” he waved at the serving line, “to the people serving our meals. They’ve all known about the vampires. They know what to protect.”

“Do you have cameras where you are doing this interview?” Colin asked.

“Yes,” Alexie nodded.

“Is where Greta is having lunch, are there cameras there?” Colin asked.

“No,” Alexie replied.

“There will be,” Colin said adamantly. “We need to have everything recorded. Let Mayor Masaitis know Stan will be up to make sure we see and hear everything.”

“They may check to see if there are cameras and listening devices,” Alexie cautioned.

I chuckled, “They won’t find them. Stan can be pretty tricky.”

“Hell,” Colin nodded. “The cameras and microphones may be on the roof or across the street! We’ll see and hear them.”

 

Stan did have to go and see the terrace where they were having lunch. He told us there were cameras inside the town hall and he could follow them out to the terrace. He planted mini-cameras and microphones around the terrace and assured Yuri, Zoya, Alexie, Colin, and I we would see and hear everything. One camera and microphone were on the salt and pepper shaker. They were decorative, but really had salt and pepper. Right on the table! I never saw the cameras or microphones. Those things were getting smaller and smaller.

Efim was first. Colin and I sat in the computer room where we watched outside the office Alexie used at the town hall. Efim’s interview was scheduled for ten in the morning. We had set things up a eight in the morning. It was nine-twenty-seven as a young man walked into the corridor in front of Alexie’s office. In his mid-twenties with dark hair. A nice-looking guy, not quite six feet tall. I’m talking like I’m so old, but I’m older than he was. He had the thinness of youth and carried himself like he was younger. That must have been part of the cover he had for this part.

I looked at my watch, the clock on the computer screen, then the wall clock, and then at Colin’s watch.

“He’s not late,” Colin looked at me puzzled. “You are never late either.”

“No, I’m not,” I muttered. “I’m also never too early. Punctuality says a lot about you. Being too early also says a lot about you. I will wait in the car or walk around, but I never do this. You said to be there at ten? I will show up at nine fifty-five. On time!” I motioned toward the screen. “This shouts desperation!”

Colin smiled and shrugged, “He just really wants the job.”

“So,” I looked at Colin. “You’d hire him?”

“I didn’t say that!” Colin shot back. “I know who he’s really working for! It’s not the same thing.”

“That first day,” I said. “After you asked me to come by your hotel suite at nine in the morning…what time did I show up?”

“Nine,” Colin nodded.

“Not eight twenty-seven or even one after nine! I was on time!”

Colin chuckled, “Yes, you were. You are very reliable.”

I motioned at him, “And there you go!”

“I always know when you might have trouble,” Colin grinned. “Once you knew traffic could be a problem, but even then, you arrived five minutes early.” He shrugged. “We’re hardly ever apart, so there’s no issue.”

“That’s true, but you won’t be Johnny on the spot if you keep missing the whole damned spot!”

It was another twenty minutes before Alexie showed up going to his office. He was always in business-casual dress. No coat or tie, but a dress shirt, open at the collar, and casual slacks. Never jeans. He came down the hall, a folded leather binder in his hand. He stopped in front of Efim. It was all in Russian which we got every word, “You’re very early. I need a few minutes before we can have any interview.”

I nudged Colin in the side, “See?” That just made Colin chuckle.

“I’m just excited to work here, Mr. Gregor.” Efim said and even bounced.

“See?” Colin nudged me.

“I’ll just be a few moments,” Alexie said seriously opening his door and went in and closed it again.

“This is being recorded, right?” Colin asked.

“From the moment Efim arrived,” Stan replied. “Buddy has Efim watched and is recording everything.”

What Alexie did in his office we saw, too. He looked at his computer monitor and did…nothing. I mean it. He even propped his feet up on his desk! I had to laugh, but this was a serious situation. Whatever Yevgeny Kuyvashev wanted, Efim Kozlov was a part of. We needed to know what they thought they knew. What proof did they have? We had gotten Vlad and Gaius to be available and they were in another part of the town hall.

“You can hear me, Vlad?” Stan asked no one in the room.

Vlad looked up and chuckled, “Like you were standing right here.” Gaius nodded. “Gaius hears you, too.”

Gaius nodded, “As you say; loud and clear.”

Alexie just grinned at the camera in the corner and waited until two minutes after ten. Efim was getting the job from Alexie. Alexie didn’t have to be punctual. Alexie got up, arranged the chair in front of his desk and casually went to the door for his office. “Come in. Have a seat.” He waved at the chair.

Efim came in and sat. I noticed the chair was not level. It was an old interrogation technic used by many authorities to make the one interrogated a little uncomfortable. “Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Gregor.”

Alexie nodded coolly and sat again, opening the leather binder, “You’ve been at the poultry plant since you got to Asbest.”

“Yes, sir,” Efim answered. “Almost two years now.”

“Why do you want to leave there?” Alexie asked.

“Working with chickens is fine, but I was wanting to be something more…important.” Efim shrugged.

“The plant feeds quite a few people in this country,” Alexie said sternly. “You are a line supervisor for your shift and on track for more promotions. Why are you wanting to leave there?”

There was almost a physical transformation by Efim as he sat more confident, surer of himself, “The work there is good,” Efim nodded. “I feel I can do much more working here; with you. Whatever you are doing here is far greater than watching chicken carcasses pass by.” He seemed to mature many years after that. “I want to be a part of that.”

“Part of what?” Alexie asked folding his arms over his chest and leaning back comfortable with his position. Not just in the chair. “What do you mean?”

“Something big is happening in Asbest,” Efim began. He pointed down, “Below Asbest.” He said pointedly. “I want to be connected with that. The prosperity in this part of the world is greater than any other part of Russia. I don’t know for certain what, but I’ve watched you for a year. I’m sure what’s happening down there could benefit many people.” He shook his head. “Many people in this town are involved, but no one will talk about it. Why? It may not be legal, but everyone is doing very well here. You included. You have a nice home, a wife and three pretty daughters. They are all doing very well…in a part of Russia where they sent people to keep them hidden and apart from everyone else in Russia. The former government here sent people here hoping they would die! Not anymore, people are moving here on their own…voluntarily! Why?”

Alexie smiled a little sinisterly, “Good management and smart leadership?”

“Oh, come on, Mr. Gregor!” Efim’s head swerved to the side. “Be honest. Something major is going on and we want to know!”

Alexie sat forward and looked at Efim sharply, “Be honest yourself…who is we?”

Efim’s face faltered slightly as he quickly said, “I meant that as an empirical we.”

Alexie’s smile became more sinister, “Right.”

“You aren’t Bratva,” Efim said simply. “You’re married with a family. That brotherhood doesn’t allow that. Everyone knows you and no one looks away or shies away from you or anyone connected with what’s going on. Mothers don’t fear you. Young women don’t fear you. It isn’t crime, but it’s huge. It could be military, but no one here will talk about it…not even Deena and I know she knows about it!”

Alexie’s face grew more sinister, “You dated my daughter to interrogate her!?” His voice was like distant thunder from a storm that hadn’t gotten there yet.

Efim moved uneasily, “I never touched her!” Efim said quickly. “I asked her about it. Interrogate is a harsh word. I wouldn’t do that.” His head wavered again. “Besides, she won’t talk about it either and she’d kill me if I touched her badly in any way.”

That brought a real smile to Alexie’s face. “I appreciate your forthright honesty. Though I know you are not being completely honest, but I’ll get back to that in a second.”

Colin leaned forward, “Vlad, get ready to move in.”

“Will do,” Vlad parted with Gaius, and Vlad moved down the hall toward the door. “I’m ready. Say when.”

Back in Alexie’s office Alexie stood up and walked around his desk. Propping himself against his desk he asked, “So, I am to hire you because of what you’ve said and because of what you think you know. What if I say no?”

Efim wasn’t prepared for this, “Why not? I can help you.”

“But you said you don’t know what we’re doing,” Alexie said. “What you said is based on observation and things you have deduced from those observations. What are the consequences to me, to Asbest, if I don’t?” Efim didn’t say a word. It was something he hadn’t considered. Alexie nodded, “I know you are not alone in this.” He pointed at Efim, “You were sent here by someone else!”

“But Mr. Gregor…” Efim stuttered out shakily. “I…”

“Now, Vlad,” Colin said.

“Don’t bother,” Alexie told Efim as he held up a cautioning hand and was relaxed. He looked up as his door opened and Vlad walked in. “This is Vlad Dragon.”

Efim looked alarmed, “One of the Americans?”

Vlad laughed, shook his head, and said in Russian, “No, I’m not an American.” His wavered a bit a moment, “I work with them, and I hope to become an American soon, but I’m from an area now known as Romania.”

I didn’t hear an accent when Vlad spoke English, but his Russian had a different sound compared to the other Russians. Was he exaggerating? How could he speak English so well and not Russian?

“Are you going to hit me?” Efim asked worried.

“No,” Vlad smiled. “Not at all.”

“No, but you will tell the truth,” Alexie smiled. He looked up at Vlad, “They told me how well it worked, I can’t wait to have it happen in front of me.”

Vlad nodded, “Your wait is over.”

“You’ll drug me!?” Efim asked in a panic.

“Certainly not!” Vlad declared. “Relax. I’m just going to talk to you.” He looked at Alexie and pointed to a chair at the wall. “Can I use this?”

“Help yourself,” Alexie nodded.

Vlad brought the chair over and sat by Efim. “I won’t hurt you.” Vlad assured casually. “Why don’t you tell us who sent you?” Efim’s mouth was shut tight. Vlad leaned forward and his voice then took on the resonance we’d heard before. No preamble or preparation needed, “Tell the truth.” The phrase seemed to echo in my head even if he only said it once out loud, and I was hearing it after it was transmitted to us. Alexie was not ready for what he sensed as he shook his head. What Efim was hearing, only he knew.

Efim started sweating, but it wasn’t hot. He was being forced to do what he didn’t want to do, “I…I…”

“Speak,” Vlad said calmly. Again, the word echoed in my head.

“Damn,” I said to no one in particular.

“Yes,” Stan said as he nodded.

“I…” Efim struggled.

“Say it,” Vlad said slightly harder, but only a little bit. “You’ll feel better.” The words resonated in my head.

“Lieutenant Yevgeny Kuyvashev,” Efim said weakly.

Vlad smiled, “Lieutenant Yevgeny Kuyvashev. He’s a military Lieutenant?”

“Intelligence,” Efim added.

“To find out what?” Vlad asked. “What does he think is going on here?”

“He doesn’t know,” Efim answered, but the more he answered and as truthful he was, the easier it was on him. “He wasn’t sure, but he thought it might be biological. A weapon or something…it couldn’t be drugs or anything like that. A hidden military instillation? I was to find out.”

“But you didn’t,” Vlad commented. “You were to confirm there was something big that everyone was covering up.”

“Yes,” Efim agreed. “When I told the Lieutenant about the strangers and that they were from the United States, he knew they were behind this sudden influx of wealth that Asbest has. Asbest was being bankrolled by them to develop some biological weapon or experiments that they couldn’t at home.”

“Since before the Russian Soviet Government fell apart,” Alexie said to be sure.

“Yes,” Efim confirmed. “The new power plant, the improvements in the people’s lives here and the surrounding towns…”

“He’s telling the truth,” Vlad smiled.

“Of course, he is,” I commented needlessly.

“Do I instruct him to forget or simply make him unable to talk about it?” Vlad asked.

Colin looked at me and shrugged, “He needs to be convincing. We can have Vlad do it again if necessary. Make him forget?”

“You’re asking me?” I asked Colin.

“Guys,” Vlad chuckled. “Once it’s erased, I can bring it back, but it’s more in depth.”

“Just make it that he can’t say anything. You’ll be dealing with Yevgeny Kuyvashev next. If needed, we can erase both of their memories.” Colin suggested. “Wait! Is Efim supposed to meet with Yevgeny Kuyvashev before he has lunch with Greta?”

“Are you supposed to meet with Lieutenant Kuyvashev after this?” Vlad asked Efim.

“If I could,” Efim admitted. “If the interview went well, I might not have been able to.”

“Just tell him it went longer than expected,” I said, but was saying it to Vlad, too.

“Just don’t meet him!” Vlad said simply. “We’ll deal with Lieutenant Yevgeny Kuyvashev after the whole thing!”

“Yes,” Colin said to me. “What Vlad said!”

I slumped a little. “Vlad didn’t even push Efim very hard.”

Colin chuckled, “What did you want?”

“Remember when Vlad first showed himself to us back in Transylvania? You felt him before he even spoke!”

Colin now laughed, “Did Efim strike you as needing much of a push?” He waved at the image of Efim. “He’s young and doesn’t have the training. Now, Yevgeny Kuyvashev may need the extra push. Then we’ll see Vlad in his full Dracula mode.”

I nodded and then shrugged, “Okay.” I relented and then muttered, “Even Gaius was tougher than that!”

“You may get your chance,” Colin waggled his eyebrows.

 

We saw Greta Masaitis sitting in her elegant office. As with Alexie’s office the offices weren’t big. This building was built before the new power plant was built and the more space you had, the more space you had to heat. Alexie’s office was more utilitarian and functional. Hers was pretty with white and light-yellow walls. There were flowering plants around the room, and she had a set of tall windows on one side. The curtains were open and so were the tall window-doors to allow light and the fresh air in the office. It was rare weather in Siberia where it was sunny and warm. The people here took full advantage of that. She worked on a computer. (Didn’t everyone these days?)

The door to her office opened and a young woman escorted a man in the office, “Lieutenant Yevgeny Kuyvashev, Mayor.” She introduced politely.

“Thank you, Ania,” Greta nodded and stood behind her desk, came around and extended her hand to Kuyvashev. “Welcome to Asbest, Lieutenant Kuyvashev.”

“Thank you, Mayor Masaitis,” Kuyvashev smiled, but the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. He wasn’t an unattractive man. He was in his late forties and what hair he still had on his head was dark with streaks of gray. He kept his hair short as he was in a military organization. He also kept himself in shape. He wore a dark suit, but it was tailored to show that he was in shape. However, the look on his face told of a no-nonsense sort of approach to issues. Greta was no slouch, and this hard nose approach didn’t faze her. “You have a lovely town.”

Greta nodded, “We think so.”

“I appreciate you taking the time to see me,” Kuyvashev said.

Colin leaned toward me, “This guy has a high opinion of what he is. It’s a little inflated, but he’s sure of it. He doesn’t like his time wasted.”

Greta seemed to read that, too. “Are we going to have the usual necessities? Or are we going to go right to the subject?”

Kuyvashev waved at her question, “We need lunch whether we do or don’t get right to the subject.”

Greta nodded, “I’m having lunch served on the terrace. It’s a lovely day and should be enjoyable.”

“Aren’t the bugs bad this time of year?” Kuyvashev asked.

“Have they bothered you so far?” Greta asked knowing what his answer would be.

Kuyvashev looked surprised, “No.” He said realizing he hadn’t been. “I was told they were very bad here.”

“We have improved out insect abatement procedures in Asbest,” Greta said proudly. “Insects are necessary, but they are pests for many people in Asbest and the surrounding towns.”

“What insect is necessary?” Kuyvashev said with a curled lip.

“Bees, for one,” Greta said simply. “They are necessary for pollination. Lady beetles…”

“Those are ladybugs,” Colin told me.

“I knew that.” I said rolling my eyes.

“…they kill aphids that infest crops,” Greta continued. “So are Lacewings, Damsel Bugs, and many others that kill aphid infestations…”

Kuyvashev was holding his hand up and nodded, “Mosquitoes and biting insects, roaches…”

“They are another story,” Greta chuckled. “We’re making headway with them. Do I tell them you don’t want lunch? Our Chef Christian is very good.”

Kuyvashev’s eyebrows rose, “Is he?”

“You tell me,” Greta grinned. “I took the liberty of asking the men with you your preferences and known food allergies. They said you didn’t have any they knew of. I hope you like it.”

“This won’t change my questions,” Kuyvashev said strongly.

“And your unchanged questions won’t change my answers,” Greta said undeterred. “I will answer all I can.”

“Oh, she’s good,” Colin marveled.

“Anton said she was,” I grinned and nodded.

 

Going out to the terrace, Kuyvashev was again surprised. There was a single table set for two with a white tablecloth with their place settings laid out. China was there with those chargers beneath plates, cloth napkins, silverware arranged properly, elegant drinking glasses also arranged properly…it was to be a formal lunch. There was even a short, but lovely flower arrangement as a centerpiece.

“The former place for gulags has become…tolerable,” Kuyvashev observed as he looked at Greta.

Greta smiled, “Those of us that call it home don’t see it as a gulag. My grandparents called it home. Yes, they were originally from Moscow. When they were sent here to punish them for speaking out against the government, instead of suffering they found freedom. It can be brutally cold here. By the end of the year, you would feel that you are being punished. The sun vanishes for weeks at a time and the snow and ice can take any good feelings away.” She waved at the nice day around them now. “Days like this are cherished, but…” she smiled again, “we, as Human Beings, adapt and learn to make things better. We have begun new construction on a large recreation center where everyone, during the harsh months, can come and enjoy a day in warmth, sunlight…artificial, of course, swim, or just shop all under one roof protected from the harsh weather.”

“How are you affording all this!?” Kuyvashev asked. “The improved pest control, the new powerplant, the improved mining equipment…” he waved as she did at the surrounding weather of the day, “the new recreation center? Where is the money coming from?”

Greta chuckled, “It’s no secret. I’ll show you the books both online and hard ledgers that will detail where and how.” Greta nodded, “Granted, this was all possible due to one man, who made a lot of money, left a good bit of his fortune to Asbest, and made it available after the previous government fell apart. That money was well spent, and I can verify all expenditures and show how well the money was used.” She waved at the table. “We can begin with lunch and discuss things further.”

“And these new people in Asbest?” Kuyvashev asked. “What are they contributing to you?”

Greta sat at her place and put the napkin in her lap, “I know you used the word you mean Asbest not me personally. I make my life better as I improve Asbest for everyone in the area.” She looked up and looked directly at Kuyvashev. “Failure of any government or group is because of corruption. It crumbles from within.” She smiled a bit more sinister. “There may be and is corruption in Asbest. With checks and balances, we keep it at the minimum. I, as the mayor, am as transparent as possible.” She shrugged. “It makes things easier.”

“Okay,” Kuyvashev sat back. “Tell me what’s going on below this town.”

“You’ll have to be more specific,” Greta said casually. “There are a number of things going on below Asbest, from the new underground transportation system being built stretching from Asbest north to Retfinsky and Malsheva, and south to Beloyarsky and Bogdanovich. Eventually all the towns in the area will be connected this way so all the people can come and enjoy what Asbest has to offer. That will bring more revenue and we will have to offer more hotels for people to stay a weekend or a week. That will make Asbest grow even more! Restaurants, more imports as in food and other goods…the prosperity will just grow even more. Now there are shops and markets for more goods…”

“Capitalism,” Kuyvashev said in disgust.

“Yes,” Greta acknowledged. “It’s not a bad word, Lieutenant. The previous government wanted us to believe it was, but trade is a necessary part of life. It’s what drives people forward…”

“Will you show me?” Kuyvashev asked.

“Would you believe me if I did?” Greta countered. “Or would you assume there is something else?”

I was surprised when Gaius came out, pushing a cart with things to serve Greta and Kuyvashev. He wore a white serving jacket as a waiter or server. He also wore a white eye patch. His demeanor was deflated, like he was timid or unsure of himself. He even appeared to have shrunk. He was a powerful man over six feet tall and a warrior, but not now. He brought the cart to them and put a basket of bread and a dish of butter they both could share.

“What happened to your eye?” Kuyvashev asked Gaius.

“I was attacked in the past,” Gaius answered getting the wine from below from a shelf under the top of the cart. He stopped long enough to lift his patch where the sword from centuries ago had sliced over his left eye and scarred his cheek. The eye was still there but was white from where he had been injured. “My eye was permanently damaged.” Gaius was speaking Russian with a Romanian accent. No translator used or needed.

“Where do you come from?” Kuyvashev asked.

“Originally from Romania,” Gaius answered. He covered his eye again. “My eye makes people uncomfortable. My stay here is not certain.” He knew enough to serve from the left pouring water and wine in their glasses. He placed a small bowl with soup in front of them, along with a small plate of rounds disks I found out were an eggplant topped with red caviar. Gaius bowed and then rolled the cart away.

Kuyvashev may have wanted more information, but one bite of what they gave him, and he was enjoying a five-star meal! They had a nice Olivier Salad. (Very Russian.) A light chicken dish. It was Summer! Topped off with a glass of pink! Sliced strawberries surrounded the glass engulfed under a pink cloud of what looked like ice cream, but it was whipped gelatin. Again, Kuyvashev was loving the experience as his eyes closed, loving the sensations he was getting.

Kuyvashev pushed away from the table just an inch and sighed, “You don’t eat like this every meal!? Do you?”

“I’d weigh a hundred and fifty kilos!” (330 pounds) Greta chuckled. “Certainly not. I usually eat a salad at my desk or have a sandwich with Anton, my husband.”

“You serve a meal better than many top restaurants in Moscow or Saint Petersburg.” Kuyvashev stated. “You were on the way up as a top litigator in Germany and possibly all of Europe! Yet, you came to Asbest. Why!?”

Greta laughed hardily, “Why not?” She sat forward. “I have a connection with Asbest. I grew tired of dealing with criminals. What I’m doing here is very rewarding. It’s a lot more peaceful and I feel at home here. My family is happy here.” She shrugged, “Why not just ask me what you want to know?”

“Those Americans here,” Kuyvashev said firmly. “How much money are they contributing to you?”

“The Americans!?” Greta asked and laughed more. “Not so much as a single Ruble! They are doing something very greedy. They have a device they can carry they want to be able to translate Russian to any language!”

“We can do that now!” Kuyvashev said irritated.

Greta nodded, “Yes, but simply carried by individuals and translates Russian easily into any language, no matter what dialect and will translate to whatever language they use back to that person in their version of Russian!?” She shook her head. “No, I know better. I’ve heard it done! I’ve experienced what they want to do. It will benefit billions of people. All they want is a little time here with us as they monitor and have their computer record and better able to translate.”

“There are no drugs being smuggled?” Kuyvashev asked.

“No,” Greta shook her head.

“No guns or weapons?” Kuyvashev asked.

“No!!” Greta shook her head.

Kuyvashev leaned forward and pounded his finger on the table, “Something is going on below this town!! I demand to know what!!”

Greta put her napkin on the table, “I demand to know why you suspect anything and what your plans are.” She looked up. “Gaius, if you would introduce you husband, please?”

Gaius smiled as that beginning of one of Mozart’s or Wagner’s Requiem began softly, unheard, but felt. Gaius seemed to grow! The timid, standing tall and proud that soft-spoken man vanished, and the warrior shone. “Gladly.” He turned as Vlad brought the two others that were traveling with Kuyvashev were escorted on the terrace by Vlad. He was not in any of his dark clothes like when we first met him, but he was just as frightening as he was then. It wasn’t even dark out. It was noon! The birds were singing. Yet somehow, it was darker! The daylight had a dark shadow over it like a dark shadow or filter. I knew what foreboding really meant now. “Lieutenant Kuyvashev, this is my husband Vlad Dragon.”

“Your husband!?” Kuyvashev balked.

“Yes,” Vlad smiled, but the smile really didn’t reach his face. “We married, legally not even a month ago. Not here or Romania, but legally married.” He motioned behind him as Alexie came on the terrace following Efim. “I think you know Alexie Gregor.” He motioned to Efim. “I know you know Efim Kozlov.”

Kuyvashev looked angrily at Efim, “You told them!?”

“Not willingly,” Vlad chuckled. “Don’t blame him. I sort of persuaded him to tell us.” Vlad walked closer and Kuyvashev stood up and backed away. “Just as you are going to tell us.” Then Vlad chuckled. “Then you will forget.”