The Red King of Helsinki

by Helena Halme

  Kovtun was still there, watching the block of flats. He was wearing the long black coat. He touched the edge of his head as in a salute and walked away. It was as if he had been watching her, as if he knew exactly what Pia had been trying to do, first hiding behind the kitchen curtains and then cowering underneath the window. Pia sat down with her back to the wall, trying to control her breathing and stop the trembling of her hands. If only her mother would get home soon, she thought, she’d be with Iain. Iain! Would her mother be in danger going around with Iain? Or maybe he was the best person to protect her. Pia put her head in her hands and tried to think. She needed help. Remembering Heikki’s laughing eyes and warm hugs, Pia jumped off the floor and ran to the hall. She’d memorised his number, though she’d never called him before.

  * * *

  Iain saw Vladsislas first. He was standing looking directly at Maija’s flat. Maija was holding Iain’s arm as they were about to turn into Kasarminkatu, but just in time, Iain took hold of Maija’s shoulders, and turned her to face him. They were now standing right at the corner of the road.

  ‘You know how much you mean to me, don’t you Maija?’

  Maija smiled back at him. Iain had to act quickly; he could not be seen by the Russian. He bent down and kissed Maija on the mouth, then gave her a long embrace. Over Maija’s shoulder, Iain saw Vladsislas Kovtun start walking south towards Tehtaankatu. He noticed the Russian’s silent salute towards Maija’s kitchen window. This was serious. No more evenings out with Maija, unless they were at her place. He let go of Maija and gave her a peck on the cheek. ‘You are lovely, Maija,’ he said, in English, and hooked Maija’s arm to his and started towards the flat, a little faster than he would have liked.

  ‘Thank you,’ Maija said and leaned closer to Iain.

  * * *

  When they reached the heavy front door of Maija’s block, she turned around and said, ‘Would you like to come back for a little while? It’s a weekday, but…’

  ‘I’d love to,’ Iain said. Thank goodness he didn’t have to invite himself up. Old charm must still be working. The truth was he’d quite taken to Maija and Pia. He regretted playing awful tricks on them. The straightforwardness and simplicity of their life together appealed to Iain in the same way Virpi had. He thought of the first time he’d spent the night with Virpi. The sauna, the lake, the sex, all carried out in the same unassuming way. She’d stripped off in front of him, and asked Iain to do the same, then taking his hand had lead him to the dimly-lit sauna, and poured water onto the hot stones. The steam had made them both disappear for a moment, then, after the stinging on his body had gone, Iain had looked up at Virpi and seen that he’d fallen in love. Those long, pale legs and arms silhouetted against the darkness of the sauna, the blue eyes somehow looking even clearer and bluer. And her skin, how soft it had felt to his touch afterwards.

  Finns were socially naïve and strange in many ways, but had a connection with nature that Iain envied. The way they coped with the bitter cold of a Helsinki winter and the intense heat of its summers, and everything else that nature could throw at them, was more than admirable. Iain had seen Maija ski on the frozen sea outside Suomenlinna Island and he had no doubt she swam in the same spot in the summer. It was as if the Finns had invented the sauna to reproduce the same abrupt change of seasons – hot steam room followed by an icy lake and back again. Was the forcefulness of nature imposed upon the Finns what made them so earnest? Iain warned himself to back off. Don’t fall in love again. One Finnish woman in one lifetime is enough.

  * * *

  The flat was quiet and dark. When Maija went to open the door, the chain was across it. ‘Pia!’ she shouted through the gap.

  Pia looked pale and serious when she undid the chain. Iain had no doubt then that she’d seen Vladsislas Kovtun outside. He took Pia’s arm and said, ‘Are you OK,’ in English.

  Pia ignored him and went to hug her mother.

  Maija gave Iain a look he could not interpret. Was it anger? Why was the Russian watching Maija’s flat? What had Pia stumbled on? What was the ‘incident’ the Colonel had talked about at the Linnonmaas’ place?

  Iain needed to talk to the Colonel, but at the same time he needed to know the two women were safe.

  Pia was crying in her mother’s arms.

  ‘What is the matter?’ Maija said. She looked at Iain. ‘This is not about drugs is it? You aren’t involved in them after all? Mr Linnonmaa assured me that both Anni and you were such good girls, and I trusted him, but…’

  ‘No,’ Pia sobbed, ‘I’ve got to tell you mum…’

  ‘No, I’m sure Mr Linnonmaa is right. I was mistaken,’ Iain said, interrupting the girl.

  ‘Pia, tell me what the matter is, see if I can help,’ he looked at the girl intently. ‘Because I’m sure I could, if you need help in your English school work? Perhaps you’ve had a bad report?’ Iain continued to look at Pia, trying to stop her from telling her mother everything.

  The Colonel had warned Iain over and over not to get Maija involved.

  ‘The fewer people know about the Russian, the better. Once we’re gone and the operation is complete, it will only become embarrassing for the Russians, and then you don’t know what the KGB boys will cook up to save face. Neither Pia, nor her mother, must know the full scope.’ The Colonel had removed his glasses and lifted his eyes from a file he’d been reading, ‘We must try not to compromise any locals, you know.’ As if Iain didn’t know that. The Colonel made it all seem so easy. But Iain had not been trained to be a spy.

  The doorbell rang.

  ‘Who can that be, at this time of the night?’ Maija said.

  Iain turned to the door first, ‘Let me,’ he said. He feared the worst. Had Kovtun gone for reinforcements? Surely he wouldn’t ring the bell!

  The boy Iain had followed into the British Council was standing at the door. He had a wide grin on his face. His hands were in the pockets of his half-open jacket.

  Pia let out a cry, ‘Oh, Heikki, it’s you!’

  ‘That’s cool, what’s up, baby?’ The boy looked from Pia to her mother, then to Iain. There was not a flicker of recognition. Iain said, in English, ‘How do you do, I’m Iain Collins.’

  The boy looked at Pia, then took Iain’s hand and shook it with a force that took Iain by surprise. Pia shut the door behind the boy and said, coyly, to her mother, ‘Mum, this is Heikki Tuomila.’

  Maija shook the boy’s hand. She hesitated for a moment, then said ‘It is rather late, but would you like some coffee?’ She made for the kitchen.

  Pia took the boy’s jacket, and, leading him by the hand, followed her mother. Iain stood in the hall for a moment. He knew he should leave. Had it been a normal scenario, a boyfriend’s first introduction to a girl’s mother, he would have. However, he could not be sure of the boy’s motives, or his involvement. Nor could he be sure Pia wouldn’t still tell her mother or the boy everything. He needed the Colonel’s advice.

  ‘Maija, could I use your telephone? I know it’s late.’ He glanced at his watch. It had gone half past nine.

  ‘Of course,’ Maija said and disappeared back into the kitchen. Iain could hear Pia giggle. He was glad she’d recovered a little. For now at least. While on the phone, maybe he could keep one ear out to the kitchen. The boy’s arrival seemed to have distracted Pia enough. All the same, he needed to warn the Colonel.

  ‘Hello, it’s Iain Collins. I’m sorry but I’m not able to make it tomorrow.’ Iain paused. The Colonel said nothing. ‘But something has come up. I have an old friend who needs my help. He’s asked for it quite suddenly.’

  ‘Our old friend from the East?’

  ‘The two will clash.’

  There was a silence at the other end.

  ‘Ask the girl to come to the Council to return the books.’

  ‘Yes, I’m afraid this is quite necessary, there is also the one who left without paying. He’s now reappeared.’

  ‘The boyfriend? Don’t worry about him. I’v
e got someone on his tail,’ the Colonel said.

  Iain laughed, ‘Well, what can I do?’

  ‘You’re doing fine, just make sure there’s no one outside when you leave and I’ll come and see you tomorrow at the Council.’

  ‘Thank you. Goodbye.’ Iain replaced the receiver.

  When Iain entered the kitchen, Maija, Pia and the boy sat around the small kitchen table, drinking coffee. It never ceased to amaze Iain how long Finns could just sit without speaking to each other. Iain sat next to Maija, who poured him coffee. The silence continued. Every now and then Pia smiled at the boy, but still not a word from anyone.

  ‘Well,’ Iain began. Everyone lifted their heads from the coffee cups and looked at him. ‘I must go.’

  ‘OK,’ Maija stood up.

  Iain held his hand out to Heikki, ‘Nice to meet you and goodbye.’ There was still no change of facial expression from the boy. Iain was relieved.

  ‘And Pia, could you return the English books tomorrow, please? Whenever suits you, I’ll be there all day.’

  Heikki lifted his eyes at this, and said, ‘Can I come too, Mr Collins? I’ve never been to the British Council.’

  11

  Pia woke up the next morning and looked down onto the street. A strong wind was blowing wisps of snow over the pavement. A woman, hunched up against the cold, was walking briskly towards the tram stop. Everything looked familiar. Pia began to wonder if she had just imagined being held by the KGB at Anni’s flat. Did she really see Kovtun stand on the same pavement last night? She hoped Anni would be at school today. Pia leaned against the Venetian blinds and thought about Heikki. She wrapped her hands around her body. Pia couldn’t wait to see him and Anni. After she had spoken with Iain this afternoon everything would get back to normal. The KGB and the English could sort whatever it was they were fighting over amongst themselves.

  * * *

  The steps to the main hall were very slippery. Pia had to follow a line of sand the school caretaker had sprinkled over them in the morning. The soles of Pia’s boots were so worn out she had to be very careful. With her head bent, she didn’t spot Heikki talking to Sasha until she was almost next to them. They were standing very close to each other. Heikki was speaking in a low voice.

  ‘I know I’m not supposed to get involved, but you haven’t exactly been an angel either! ’ Heikki poked his finger at Sasha’s chest. She nearly lost her balance and then turned her face and saw Pia. Sasha’s eyes were black with anger. She moved her eyes from Pia to Heikki, and back, nodding. Heikki turned around and said, ‘Hi baby.’

  Sasha rolled her eyes and turned on her heels.

  Heikki put his arm around Pia’s shoulders. She felt the warm sensation in her stomach that she always did when he touched her. He squeezed Pia and gave her a quick kiss. ‘See you later in class,’ he said, releasing her and waving goodbye.

  Sasha was watching them from where the lockers were. Pia ran to her. Her bag was heavy with books this morning and it slowed her, but she reached Sasha just as she was shutting her locker door.

  ‘Oh hello, baby,’ Sasha said in a mocking voice.

  ‘What are you up to?’ Pia tried to keep the anger out of her voice. It was about time Sasha realised it was she, Pia, who Heikki wanted.

  ‘What do you mean?’ Sasha was wearing a new pink angora jumper with a huge round collar over her tight white jeans. She put her hand on her hip and looked Pia up and down. The stacked heels of Sasha’s brown boots made her the same height as Pia. She wished she had new clothes to wear. Instead she had on last year’s brown cords and her favourite white college shirt. The outfit she’d worn to school nearly every day of the term.

  ‘Sasha, you know Heikki and me are an item now, so there’s no need to keep on trying to get him for yourself,’ Pia said.

  Sasha laughed, throwing her head back, her blonde curls shaking with the movement. ‘You are a silly girl,’ she said and left.

  Pia threw her bag down on the floor and wished she’d kept her mouth shut for once. She looked around to see who had heard their conversation. A few kids from the lower school were loitering at the far end of the row of lockers. No other sixth formers were around. Pia could have been humiliated in front of everyone. Then she saw what time it was – on top of everything, now she was late for her first class with the Old Crow. She wondered how to avoid Sasha during the lesson. But when she approached the classroom all she could see from the doorway was an empty desk where Anni was supposed to be sitting.

  * * *

  Even Pia’s handstands were off kilter, Leena thought, as she watched her team of five gymnasts practise their programme. Only two days to go and Pia stood out like a sore thumb.

  Leena sighed.

  ‘Pia Mäkelä, you alone, one more practice of the whole programme!’ she shouted from the end of the gym hall. ‘Others watch and see what can be improved in Pia’s performance!’

  Pia walked slowly to the corner of the blue mat and lifted her arms up.

  ‘Wait for the signal!’

  Leena let Pia stand there for a few moments. ‘Now, take a deep breath in, prepare yourself, and, starting with the front handspring, go!’ Leena watched as Pia struggled to keep her balance, pulled her legs down and moved into the front roll, looking like a sack of potatoes. She struggled in the handstand, but at least she kept herself upright. When her legs were pointing up into the air, her feet were together and she stayed still for a fraction of a second. The thumping sound she made as she landed made Leena wince. The girl’s bulk seemed magnified on the gym mat. But one must stay professional. Leena put her hands together for a clap to a performance that had Pia panting. The other girls, who’d done a hundred percent better, joined their teacher in showing Pia their appreciation. They clapped enthusiastically.

  ‘Now can anyone tell me what Pia needs to improve most, and how she can achieve this?’ Leena looked at the girls. They’d surrounded Pia and were giggling and talking simultaneously. ‘Quiet please,’ Leena said in as calm a voice as she could muster. ‘Please, we only have…’

  ‘Three days in which to become perfect,’ Pia said, clearly mocking Leena’s voice, but so slightly that she didn’t feel she could pick her up on it. The other girls continued to giggle.

  ‘Well, I’m glad you know this. Which is why we must get you up to the level of the others!’ Leena looked at the faces of the group of girls: her team that could, Vadi had promised her, win the Friendship Trophy. Leena clapped her hands and told the girls the session was over.

  She went into her office and lit a cigarette. She opened a window and let the cold air invade the small space. Turning back, she saw the portrait of the President of the Republic, Urho Kekkonen. It was an old black-and-white picture. The President looked young, but wore the same black-rimmed glasses as he had now at least ten years later. Leena took a deep drag out of her cigarette and wondered whether what she’d agreed to with Vadi was a crime against Finland. Would President Kekkonen approve? Certainly wanting to win the trophy wasn’t wrong, but was helping Vadi?

  * * *

  Heikki was waiting for Pia underneath a street lamp, outside the school gate. She’d decided to bunk off religious studies and home economics. Anyway, she wanted to rest after the training. She needed to conserve her energy. Miss Joutila had made Pia and the other girls go over the programme ten times. Pia made the little ones laugh, as each time they restarted the routine she showed the number on her fingers behind Miss Joutila’s back.

  Once, when Miss Joutila was correcting the position of her handstand, Pia wondered how involved with Kovtun she was. Pia had two bruises on her thighs and several smaller ones on her arms but Miss Joutila didn’t take any notice of them. It wasn’t unusual for gymnasts to have bruises. Pia had her fair share, especially as she often tried the more difficult moves. She had covered the marks on her wrists with make-up. She wondered if Miss Joutila knew Kovtun was KGB. What would she say if Pia told her he’d hit and threatened her? What if she talked to Mrs H
ärmänmaa about Kovtun? Mr Linnonmaa had told her not to talk to anyone about the Russian’s other activities. It could harm him – and Anni. That would also put a stop to the whole competition and that was the last thing Pia wanted. Gymnastics was the only thing she was good at. If she won the trophy for her school she could perhaps get a sports scholarship to America, or become a famous gymnast, or dancer. Someone everyone admired. So she said nothing to either Miss Joutila or the Old Crow. Heikki and the Admiral were the only people who could help her now. She was worried about Anni too. Why wasn’t she back at school? She’d missed three whole days.

  * * *

  Heikki was smoking a cigarette under the streetlight, in full view of the staff room. His other hand was in his jacket pocket.

  ‘Aren’t you afraid you’re going to get expelled?’ Pia said. She joined her hand with his in the pocket. He put his fingers around hers. His hand was warm. Pia had left her gloves at home that morning and her hands were freezing. It was only half past one, but already getting dark. The white snow seemed to be glowing against the grey sky.

  ‘Nah, it’s cool,’ Heikki said and kissed Pia on the lips. His nose felt cold against her face. Pia’s knees felt weak.

  They walked up to the tram stop. Pia matched her steps with his so that she could still keep hold of his hand inside the pocket. Pia squeezed his hand harder and said, ‘Thank you for coming with me.’

  Heikki kissed the top of Pia’s head and said, ‘Anything for you, doll.’

  * * *

  The Colonel sat opposite Iain on the musty-smelling top floor of the Council. He’d been quiet for a long time. His chin rested on his thumbs, palms facing each other, slowly letting each finger touch its opposite number in turn.