“Yes. I have too many people watching my home right now, and it’s important that I speak with you as soon as possible.”
I sighed, slumping into my chair and getting a little more comfortable. My nerves were back, and this time, it wasn’t about being the only dark-skinned woman at a party.
“There are a lot of people that don’t like me,” he said, “and many of them would stop at nothing to get revenge in any way they can. I want you to know this. I cherish our time together, and I need to keep you safe.”
“Viktor,” I said.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Before you continue, I need to tell you something …”
I stood back up and began pacing near the door.
“Last month, after you bought that painting from the gallery, we slept together.”
He smiled, appearing to remember fondly the night we gave in to our passions.
“Well, I visited a doctor, and I found out that I’m pregnant. You’re the only person I’ve been with in quite a long time, and I know you’re the only one who could be the father. I want to carry this baby to term.”
Viktor’s smile faded, but only a little. I started shaking, fearing the worst was in store for me. I waited for him to yell and me, and throw me from the building, but it never came. Instead, he just took me by the hand until I stopped shaking before answering.
“I would love to be the father to your child. But, this is very distressing for me.”
I nodded, assuming that he just thought I was telling him so that he would offer me money, but I so wished that he wouldn’t.
“Now I have two people that I must look after.”
He guzzled the last of the cognac in the glass and walked over to pour himself another. He turned to offer me a drink, then realized, shaking his head that I would surely turn it down.
“I have received a few warning calls this past week. There is a man that I used to work with, Anton. He’s dangerous and will stop at nothing to take his anger out on me.”
He returned to his seat, and I to mine. He leaned close to me and kissed my cheek.
“Brandy, he may try to kill me.”
I couldn’t believe the words I was hearing. It was at that moment that I wanted a drink quite badly.
“Why is he trying to kill you,” I asked.
He let out a sigh.
“I suppose now is as good a time as any to tell you,” Viktor stood up and went to his desk. From the top drawer, he produced a small wallet and handed it to me.
Inside the wallet was a hunk of bronze in the shape of a shield with a sword stabbing through the top. A familiar hammer and sickle displayed prominently in the middle. The markings and text were unfamiliar.
“That’s my badge from the former secret service. Anton was my partner,” he said.
I returned the badge and attempted to make sense of everything I had just heard.
“You didn’t answer my question,” I replied through a creaky voice.
Viktor flashed a smile.
“Ah, clever girl,” he said. “You’re right, I haven’t answered.”
He took the seat next to me again.
“You see, when Anton and I were coming up in the service he wanted more power. The more he grasped for it, the more it slipped through his fingers.”
“I don’t understand,” I said.
“He took bribes, loaned his services out for favors, and even kidnapped public officials. He’s dirty.”
I thought for a moment. “Wait, you stayed his partner while knowing all this?”
“I’ve done some things I’m not entirely proud of to keep my country safe. For doing so, I have been rewarded with great success.”
A shock of horror crept upon the back of my mind as I tried to understand the man before me. I had only known him for the last few months when he would come into my gallery and buy pieces for his own collection. To imagine the sweet man that I met as a thug and a gangster was becoming unbearable.
I stood up and walked to the door, unthinkingly. It was still locked. I felt Viktor’s arms around me again, and I lingered for a moment.
“Where’s the key?”
He didn’t appear to be in a talking mood, but I wasn’t in the mood for intimacy. I pushed him off and searched around for the key, which I spotted on the floor.
“Don’t go.”
I looked him in the eyes as he begged me to stay. It was a soulful look, a look of longing, and it was difficult to say goodbye.
“Goodbye, Viktor.”
I twisted the key in the lock, while replacing my mask, and made quickly for the front door. I could hear Viktor coming from behind, but he was too late.
I pulled myself into the car I had arrived in, which wasn’t too far from the entrance, and my driver knew I was ready to leave.