Wait, the man said. Pavel was standing outside what looked like a Hacienda. It had high walls on all sides, and they were finished off with red tiles. After a couple of minutes, the maroon door opened, and Pavel saw a man holding a Kalashnikov. He was just about the largest man Pavel had ever seen. Follow me, he said.
Behind the walls, there was a magnificent ranch house, with white walls, a veranda and red roof tiles. The man showed Pavel inside. They walked to a central courtyard and through a door into a sitting room. Pavel had never seen so many cushions on the giant sofa, and he had certainly never seen a stag as big as the one that hung from the wall above the fireplace.
Mr Beljakov, please take a seat, I'm Dimitry Ilyin. You wanted to talk about my brother?'
Pavel sat down on the sofa and looked at him. He was about the same size as his brother had been, six five. He also had blonde hair and blue eyes just like Nikolai.
I know what happened to Nikolai, Pavel said.
Dimitry sat down in an arm chair opposite him. I'm listening?
Before I begin can you perhaps tell me what you thought had happened to Nikolai?
All I know is that he didn't come back from Chechnya. His commanding officer Abram Volkov told me he had died at the hands of Chechen rebels when he'd become detached from his unit.
It's not true.
How do you know and who the hell are you?
I served with him in the 2nd Battalion.
Then tell me what happened to him?
Please remain calm when I tell you this. Dimitry nodded. He was shot by Abram Volkov.
What? How the hell do you know? Dimitry said as he jumped from his chair with his fists clenched.
Nikolai was with me and some other comrades. It was the last night before we were due to leave for home. He and Abram were playing cards, and they were both pretty drunk. Pavel looked at Dimitry and thought he saw a tear in his eye. The sums they were betting were getting out of hand, and we told them to stop, but they didn't listen. Abram accused Nikolai of cheating and Nikolai got up and slugged him. He knocked him across the room, and Abram lost a tooth. Abram reached for his pistol and shot him. Just like that. No warning, nothing.
Dimitry let out a roar that hurts Pavel's ears. And why did you keep silent about it for so many years?
We were all young and scared. Abram was well connected in the army and at home. He had some pretty powerful friends. It was brushed under the carpet, and we all went about rebuilding out lives.
Are you telling me, that but for Abram Volkov, my brother would have been alive today?
Yes, as I said it, was the evening before we were due to travel home.
Dmitri got up and walked to a cabinet in the corner of the room. When he opened it, Pavel saw an arsenal of weapons he didn't like the look of. One more question before I make preparations to blow his head off. Why should I believe you?
Please come with me, if you would be so kind, Pavel said as he stood up and headed for the door. They crossed the courtyard again, and Dimitry nodded to the man to open the door. When they were on the street, Dimitry saw two men leaning against his wall. Alexander, Sergei, come over here, Pavel shouted. The two men dropped their cigarettes and stamped on them. Would you please tell this man who killed Nikolai.
Abram Volkov, they said in unison.
Pavel handed Dimitry a note. He looked at it. What is this? he said.
The address at which you will find Abram Volkov. He is on his way over from the USA. Please give him a day or so. And if I may make one request. Dimitry nodded. Please do not harm Katya, his mother.
Pavel thank you for all you have done for my parents, Ella said. They are proud people, and they took so much persuading to move, I can't tell you. But their house is just right. Detached, not too big. Dad can't get enough of the yard and Mom loves the neighbors. I'll never be able to repay you.
You already have, he said as he looked down at their tiny daughter.
THE END
The Russian’s Secret Love Child – Octavia’s Story
A BWWM Russian Romance
Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, the Russian Ambassador to the United States began. I am honored to welcome you to the Russian Embassy this evening.” The Ambassador glanced at his most special guests. “I am particularly pleased to be able to welcome you, Mr. President and your lovely daughter, Octavia.
The President of the US, Daniel Wahlberg, nodded in recognition as the Ambassador continued. I am very grateful to you for your support in the initiative our two great countries have embarked upon together. As you all know, terrorism is the number one threat to civilization in modern times. That is why, it is so important that we have managed to agree on terms to set up the Russian - US Initiative to Prevent Nuclear Terrorism. Now I am sure you don't want to hear me talking all evening, so I would just like to say, I hope you enjoy yourselves this evening.