Chapter 58

V

Vladimir Alexandrovich smiled for the first time in weeks as he watched Azura asleep on the floor of the nursery. He was informed by Mila that Irena was walking and he was disappointed to have missed it, but he wanted them both to be able to walk around without the past hanging over their shoulder. Coming clean to the American authorities had been a struggle and keeping what happened out of the press more difficult than getting into Persia unnoticed but it was done.

All Azura had to do was convince them she was alright, and they would let it go. That was his new worry. Azura tolerated him at best and he knew she didn’t feel the same way he did and no matter what happened he wasn’t giving up Irena. And by the looks of Azura’s protective hold on her daughter, he doubted she was ready to let her go either. And of course, he didn’t want to hurt Azura by taking her away, but he was not about to let the last piece of her be taken away.

He bent down and removed Azura’s arm to carry Irena to her bed and she came awake instantly. Wide awake, a state Azura is never in upon awaking. Seeing it was him she relaxed and sat up and he continued what he was doing while she stretched.

“We need to talk.” They both said simultaneously.

Vlad signalled for her to first, but she declined. “I think I better do this … a little later. Tell me what you’re going to say first.”

He walked out of the nursery and headed down the hall to their bedroom. After he closed them in, he pulled her into a hug. “I’ve missed you.” He held her as long as he dared then led her to the bed. He sat down and held her as he said. “I’ve fixed it…so…you can go…home.”

“What do you mean? Fixed it?” She asked softly.

She tried to hide it, but Vlad heard the hope in her voice. “I spoke to your FBI. They oversaw your case. They need me to bring you and for you to give a statement.”

“When do I have to do this?”

“As soon as you are ready to. I have the helicopter on standby.”

“Tomorrow then?”

“Tomorrow.” Vlad agreed then he finally released her and looked up. He gave her a sad smile, kissed her on her forehead and left.

He leaned against the door, feeling like he was kicked in the chest. Tomorrow, she would choose him …or her heart’s desire…her freedom.

I wanted to call him back and remind him that I needed to tell him something, but I couldn’t find it in me to say the words. He was …changed. He still moved with quiet lethal grace, but he wasn’t menacing anymore. And he was walking with his head down, something he never did. Maybe he was injured. I shouldn’t even care …but I did. He did rescue me. He could have left me to my fate, but he didn’t. So, I should be somewhat concerned about him.

I stood rooted to the spot when everything in me wanted to go to him and find out what was wrong. I took a deep breath then exhaled. He never wanted me involved in his business, I reminded myself. Just let it go. And I did.

Until nightfall, and he hadn’t come to bed. The feeling returned but I squelched it and closed my eyes and tried to sleep. A few crazy positions later, I still wasn’t asleep. I was worried about Vlad. And not excited about going home, how strange. The stupid voice pointed out.

There was no home to go back to, I reasoned. With my mother dead, who was I returning to? And by now Malika was probably married and moved away. There was nothing there for me. Ready to make Vladimir our home, are we? The voice teased.

There was nothing there…and everything here. I mean…Irena is here. What the hell will I be going back to. The same old argument, apparently. I growled and placed the pillow over my head to drown out my crazy thoughts.

The next morning, I stared at Vlad’s empty space in puzzlement. It wasn’t even warm. He never came to bed. I barely had time to think more on it when Mila descended on me and chatted as she informed me of my impending trip.

I went through my morning routine eager to leave her behind and maybe…a tad curious…to see Vladimir. I went to the nursery and picked up Irena and took her downstairs with me. Like me she was already dressed for the trip and by the way Mila was buzzing, we would be leaving soon.

Upon entering the breakfast room, I spied Vlad standing by the window, sipping coffee, lost in thought. Without turning he greeted. “Good morning…wife.”

“Good morning.” I responded staring at him. He was obviously still in that strange mood. I settled Irena in the highchair and took my seat. Irena’s porridge was place in front of her and the footman placed a bib around her neck as if it were the heirloom jewels then bowed and left.

“Vladimir is everything…” I began but he cut me off saying “We leave in thirty minutes.” And stormed out. Well, I huffed, at least he was sounding more like himself.

**********************************

“These are Special Agents Jacob Reynolds and Stephanie Lyons.” The FBI Director introduced. “These are the Agents that were assigned your case.”

“And your mother’s.” Agent Lyon’s added. “Do you know what happened to your mother?” She asked with a pointed look at Vlad.

“Yes.” I replied softly with my head down. “She …um…died.”

“How did she die?”

“An accident.” I mumbled.

“What type of accident?”

“A car accident. I thought I was here to make a statement.” I redirected, as I grew weary of her line of questioning.

“Is that what he told you?” Agent Reynolds asked.

“Yeah…” What the hell does it matter what he told me? I was the victim, but they were treating me like the criminal!

“Who told you your mother was dead?” Agent Lyons asked.

“My mother isn’t dead?”

They glanced at each other then looked at Vlad then back at me. “Who told you your mother is dead?”

I said nothing, and Agent Lyons asked gently. “Do you want him to leave?”

“Who has Irena?” I asked instead. I wanted my baby and I wanted to leave.

“You are safe here. You are on American soil. He can’t hurt you here.”

Stupidly I snorted then blurted out. “You don’t him, don’t you?” Without even turning around I knew Vlad was pinching the bridge of his nose.

The Agents sat up straighter and eyed Vlad warily. Getting tired of it all. I turned to him. “Can we just go?”

“I’m afraid your leaving isn’t up to him. It’s up to us. You have to answer our questions.” Agent Lyons said.

I rolled my eyes in exasperation then asked. “What do you want to know?”

“The night you were taken…” Reynolds began.

“Long story short,” I interrupted. “This guy Brian, my friend Lika…Malika and I met near our school asked me out. Lika said I should go. I told my mom a stupid lie about hanging out with only Lika and in the end I didn’t even like him that much. Then he said he was dropping me of but instead drove into a garage. I didn’t even see the guy that stuck me in the neck. When I woke up, I was in a container with a Latina… she looked the same age as me. We were at a dock it was broad daylight and…then they put me on a ship. The meal they fed me was drugged because the next time I woke up I was freezing cold. Then…the captain took payment for me…and I was given to …Boris.”

“Okay,” Agent Renolds stopped me. “With your husband’s generous assistance, we were able to capture these men. Do you recognise any of them?” He asked laying pictures on the desk.

“That the guy from the dock…” I pointed out. “…and that’s the boat captain, he’s the cabin guy that poisoned my food…I don’t know who the rest are?”

“Are you sure? Is Boris here?”

“No…” I answered. “Boris is dead.”

“You sound sure.”

“It was how I met Vladimir.”

“Was he the buyer?”

“No.” I replied wondering if I should mention Vlad’s father.

“So, Boris was the buyer?”

“Kind of…”

“Kind of? Can we have a yes or no please Ma’am?”

“No, he wasn’t the buyer.”

“Who was?”

“His father.”

“And he is?”

“Dead…he had a heart attack the night I arrived.”

Their eyebrows lifted then they cleared their throats and Agent Lyon’s asked gently. “Were you sexually assaulted that night?”

“He never got …he just touched me…that’s all.”

“Did anyone else touch you that night?”

“Boris tried to.”

“What happened?”

“Vladimir bashed his scull in.” I whispered.

Agent Lyon’s stuttered “Can-can you repeat that please?