by Risk, Mona
Not wanting to impose her anxiety on her friends, Cecile hadn’t shared her last encounter with Roussov. Claiming to be very busy with the preparations, she’d even avoided Sergei in the last two days. They’d become so attuned to each other’s feelings, he would have immediately guessed that something was bothering her.
Nicolai fixed a speculative look on her. “I heard Roussov is back in town and plans to attend both the inauguration and the reception at the hotel.” He took her hand. “Is your nervousness related to him?” he asked kindly.
She nodded and bit her lip.
Paul patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry. He can’t harm you. You’ll be well surrounded.”
“I’m not worried about myself. That devil is determined to hurt Sergei.” She tried to swallow the lump blocking her throat.
The three of them stared at her. Paul wrapped his arm around her back and tugged her away from the others. “Tell me, boss, are you falling for the general?”
She didn’t answer but she knew her whole attitude shouted that she loved Sergei.
“Cecile, ever since you came back to Boston, I’ve noticed you’ve changed. This is wonderful. You couldn’t have chosen a better man to love. We all admire him.” He chuckled. “He’s a big boy, you know, a soldier and a general. He can take care of himself but as always my boss wants to protect everyone.”
Nicolai joined them. “Cecile, the feud between Sergei and his father-in-law has been going on forever. Don’t make it your battle.”
She fiddled with the collar of her coat and frowned. “Let’s go. We need to be at the lab before our guests arrive.” She had confided as much as she could.
* * * * *
As she entered the Belchem building, Cecile stopped in her tracks. A podium had been set against the wall. The crummy old floor positively sparkled. “Have they spent the night waxing the tiles?”
His baldness shining even more than the hardwood floor, Alexander Kadelov beamed with pride. “All night, Cecile, all night. Sweeping, washing, waxing. Wait until you see the labs.”
A festive air hovered over the Belchem Lab. For a change, the security lock was inactive and the lab doors ajar.
Sergei, in full uniform, his chest covered with military decorations, chatted with his colleagues. He turned toward her and herded his companions in her direction.
“Dr. Lornier, allow me to introduce our Minister of Defense, Mr. Gregory Anatov and our Minister of Environment, Mr. Fiodor Letovin.”
The Minister of Defense, a tall thin man with grayish hair bowed over her hand. “I am pleased to meet you, Dr. Lornier. I have heard so much about you.”
His colleague from the environment grabbed her hand in a vigorous shake. “Dr. Lornier, everyone at the Ministry and the Academy of Sciences is astounded by your accomplishments. Setting up the Belchem Lab in such a record time is unbelievable.”
Cecile acknowledged each one with a gracious word and praised the help of General Fedorin and Colonel Nicouvitch.
John Gordon, followed by a guest, rounded the hall and strolled toward her. “Cecile, you’ve never met Bill Turner, our Ambassador?”
“Nice meeting you, Cecile. You’re becoming a legend here. I’m delighted by the smooth way our contract is proceeding.” The well-built Yankee shook her hand and surveyed the crowded hall. “Excellent idea, this inauguration. I have prepared a little speech. By the way, Gordon, I heard about the new proposal you sent to our Department of Defense, the one for environmental cleanup. I’m giving it my full support. Let me know when you get a response from Washington.”
A reporter carrying a camera scurried by them. Bill Turner shook his head. “I wish you’d invited the American and European press. After all, this is a first for this type of project.”
John interrupted him. “We did. USA Today and L’Européen are represented here.”
“Excellent, excellent. I’m glad I came. I see the Minister of Defense. Excuse me, Cecile, Gordon.”
Cecile heard him through a daze. While turning toward the group where Sergei stood, her gaze collided with Roussov’s. Negotiating his way through the human sea, he strolled toward her. She felt the blood drain from her face. His eyes probed her with such intensity that an icy fear clutched at her chest. She looked away but her limbs felt too leaden to move.
Roussov was in front of her before she could recover. His fingers grasped her hand in a strong grip. “Good morning, my dear. Quite a festive event. Everyone is singing your praise.” Against her ear, his words dripped with scorn. “Are we honoring the Belchem Lab or Dr. Lornier?”
“What do you want from me, Colonel Roussov? I don’t understand your hatred.” She hissed between gritted teeth.
She tried to pull her hand away but he wouldn’t let go. He pressed closely against her. With the crowd surrounding them, she was stuck and unable to escape.
His sarcastic laughter paralyzed her. “Don’t be scared. I don’t want anything from you, my dear. In fact, you don’t interest me anymore.”
She raised her head high and saw Sergei coming toward them. Roussov snorted and brought her hand to his lips. He disappeared into the crowd before Sergei could reach them.
The scowl on Sergei’s face worried her even more than her encounter with Roussov.
“What did he want from you?”
“Nothing. I don’t know what he wants. He didn’t say much.”
“He talked to you, smiled at you and kissed your hand. And you look as pale as a ghost.”
“Sergei, for heaven’s sake, calm down. Whatever he said didn’t make sense. He asked me if people were celebrating the Belchem Lab or me.” She grabbed his hand trying to find comfort in his touch.
Over the loudspeaker, Dr. Kadelov announced that the inauguration would begin. Ushered by Colonel Nicouvitch, the invited celebrities stepped onto the podium and the other guests stood in a circle, facing them.
“They’re starting.”
“You always evade my questions about Roussov but not anymore. Tonight, you will talk. You hear me, Cecile?”
“We’ll clear the air, I promise.”
Nicolai was throwing frantic glances in their direction, urging them to come forward. Cecile breathed deeply a couple of times to calm her wretched nerves and plastered a professional smile on her face.
Acting as master of ceremonies, Nicolai introduced his illustrious guests. They delivered their speeches in order of rank, the Minister of Defense, followed by his colleague of the Environment, the U.S. ambassador, Major General Fedorin and John Gordon. The Belarusians spoke in Russian and the Americans answered in English, with several interpreters translating.
Nicolai announced, “And last but not least, the person who has accomplished the transformation of the Belchem Laboratory, Dr. Lornier, to whom we will be forever grateful.”
Struggling to get her jittery nerves under control, Cecile appreciated the two hours she’d dedicated to writing and memorizing her speech the previous night.
She thanked the ministers and the ambassador for honoring the ceremony. She acknowledged the help given by the Major General and his colonel, the efforts provided by Dr. Kadelov and his chemists and she recognized her managers and staff.
From the first row of the assembly, Roussov fixed her with a sardonic gaze. She cringed. With an impulsive bravado, she forced a smile and waved in an emphatic gesture toward him. “I should not forget to thank Colonel Roussov for signing the important permit needed for the equipment’s release.” She paused for a second and widened her smile. “Of course, it was signed in Russian and I didn’t understand it but it served its purpose.” Everyone laughed at the joke.
She got a standing ovation and was asked to cut the blue ribbon blocking the laboratory’s entrance. Just before the ceremony, Nicolai had hooked it on both ends of the door opening. She performed as graciously as possible, eager to get out of people’s scrutiny.
The guests lined up to enter the lab. Kadelov guided the personalities from bench to bench. Cecile watch
ed from afar as the chemists, Americans and Belarusians, gave a demonstration under the watchful eyes of Paul Miller and Jeffrey.
Someone clasped her shoulder. She turned, expecting to see Sergei. It was Roussov again. She wrenched away and stared at him with anger and frustration. A grimace twisted his mouth. “I wanted to congratulate you on an excellent speech.” He clutched her arm, keeping her rooted in place, forcing her to listen. “You were right, the permit served its purpose and our dinner too. For me at least.”
“What do you mean?” She spat her question, striving not to wince at the hardly veiled threat.
Sergei was closing in on them.
“Here comes your protector.” Roussov scoffed and followed the line of onlookers toward the instruments.
“What did he say this time?” Sergei’s cherished voice was unrecognizable, bitter and icy.
“Sergei, please, I’ll explain everything tonight.” She sighed, wishing he could trust her. “He wanted to congratulate me on my speech.”
“Really? How touching. What was the meaning of you including him in your acknowledgments? Cecile, do you owe him something?” She saw his jaw stiffen and his eyes narrow in suspicion.
“No, of course not. I was scorning him. I hate him as much as you do.”
At that moment a group of reporters surrounded them. “General, Dr. Lornier, can we have an interview?”
Cecile blinked, not sure if she should accept or not. The general acquiesced. “Dr. Lornier will be happy to answer your questions.” The cameraman asked her to stand next to an instrument and the camera flashed several times.
“General, would you mind standing next to Dr. Lornier? That would make a nice picture with a caption like ‘An exceptional American-Belarusian working relationship’.”
Cecile gasped, about to protest but Fedorin slid next to her and half-smiled. “Go ahead.”
She remembered Kadelov had donned his good suit for such a unique opportunity. “Wait, if you want an exceptional reportage, you should include the other protagonists of this project, Mr. Gordon and Dr. Kadelov.”
Someone went to fetch John and the Belchem director. Together they held a press conference, answering questions about the project and the future of the contract.
“If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, it’s already two o’clock,” Cecile said, ending the interview. “Refreshments and appetizers are now served in the hall. Please, go and help yourselves.”
They removed their cameras and videos and shuffled away.
Cecile straightened her back. She was tired and emotionally drained. “I’m going to the hotel. I need a nap to recuperate before the reception.”
“And I need to talk to you,” Sergei said with total disregard to their entourage.
At that moment, Nicolai and Paul joined them. “My Generalle, the two ministers are leaving and want to thank you.”
The general grabbed her elbow. “Dr. Lornier, come with me, please. All thanks should be directed to you.”
He elbowed through the crowded laboratories and corridors and whisked her toward the hall, their little group following on their heels. “Although, I wonder if you haven’t received some secret help.”
She stopped in her tracks and stared at him.
“They’re looking at us, Cecile. Come.”
At the front door, the two ministers showered her with compliments and assured her of their eternal gratitude. “If you ever need anything, Dr. Lornier, don’t hesitate to call,” the Minister of Defense said with an enthusiastic handshake.
The Minister of Environment added his appreciation. “This project is the culmination of several years of dreaming and planning. You made it a reality.”
John couldn’t miss an opportunity to promote his next contract. “Minister Letovin, in a few days, I will be happy to present you with the second phase of our project, a contract for environmental cleanup.”
The Minister of Environment rubbed his hands. “Wonderful. Mr. Gordon, Dr. Lornier, please stop by my office. I would love to learn more about this second phase. Major Generalle, it seems that we will keep you continuously busy.”
Cecile glanced at Sergei. His eyebrows wrinkled in a frown when his boss slapped him on the back. “A new contract, interesting. Fedorin you have not updated me yet. You know I like to be informed as soon as possible. Come ride with us to the ministry and give us some details.”
Sergei turned toward Cecile and bowed. “Dr. Lornier, duty calls. I will see you at the Hotel Nievol this evening. We will continue this celebration and discuss the next phase in more detail.”
Did he mean the next phase of their relationship? She didn’t like the spark of anger she detected in his gaze.
“General, thank you for your help. Thank you for everything,” she said, pleading with her eyes. If only he could stop tormenting her with his questions.
Chapter Twenty-One
Cecile watched Sergei and the officers leave, then went inside to fetch her coat. She needed to go back to her room and escape the poisoned web Roussov had woven around her. As she crossed the door of the Belchem Lab, she heard her name. Rob caught up with her on the front steps. “Cecile, do you want me to call Tania?”
Without turning her head, she shrugged. “No need. I’m taking a taxi.”
“Fine I’m coming with you.” He looped an arm around hers and pulled her toward the street. “I bet you never had time to explore the beautiful Liberty Park.” She shook her head and he continued as if he hadn’t noticed. “Let’s stroll for a while. The weather is so exceptional for mid-December.”
She let him drag her away. “Already mid-December. We missed Thanksgiving. Pretty soon it’ll be Christmas.”
“I hope you will allow the chemists to go home for the holidays. Paul and Jeffrey have families waiting for them.”
“Of course, they can leave as soon as they want. The most difficult part of the project is over. The chemists also can go. They’ll come back later to continue the training. I assume you’ll be going back too.”
Rob shook his head. A smile tugged at his lips. “I’m staying. I like Belarus a lot. Actually I like a lovely Belarusian young woman. “
“Really?” Rob and Tania? Difficult to believe.
“Tania is amazing. She’s gorgeous and she knows how to make a man feel special. No woman has ever regarded me as a hero. Tania does.” He threw Cecile a sarcastic look. “She’s certainly not trying to compete with me.”
“Well, I’m so happy for you. No hard feelings on my part.” She had her general and wanted no other man in her life.
“I’m glad to hear it. How about you, Cecile? Will you stay here for Christmas or go back?”
Her mouth pursed. For the first time in her life, she couldn’t make a decision. She threw a sideways glance at her companion then stared at the frozen pond where children skated and played. Everything was so peaceful in this park while her mind roared with frightening speculations.
“I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.”
“I was keeping a watch on you today. Paul pointed at Roussov. I saw that devil approach you twice. I couldn’t reach you through the crowd. Did he threaten you?” He squeezed her gloved hand. “Cecile, you know you can trust me.” God, Rob was showing the same consideration he had when they first got engaged. Tania had brought the best out of him.
“I know, Rob. Roussov was spitting his venom, words full of hatred, resentment, sarcasm…I don’t know if they were directed at me or at the general.”
She repeated the brief conversations.
“Nicolai said Roussov’s vendetta with the general has been going on forever. Fedorin can take care of himself.”
She sighed. How could she explain it? She had this bad feeling gnawing at her.
Rob eyed her. “Apparently, the Major General may also take good care of you. I was not the only one keeping watch today. Every time Roussov approached you, Fedorin was on his heels. I think he loves you, Cecile. Don’t lose him.”
“Oh Rob,
he told me he loves me. He’s even asked me to marry him. First, I said no. I couldn’t imagine myself living here. Later, I discovered I couldn’t live without him. And I said yes.”
“So where’s the problem? And why do you look like a ghost?”
He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. “Relax and smile, Cecile, things will be fine. Can I be the first one to congratulate you?”
“Not yet. And keep my secret. Let’s go back to the hotel. I need to have a nap before the reception. Thanks for listening.”
“Anytime. If you can take a bit of advice, put on a lot of makeup tonight. You look too pale.”
* * * * *
The restaurant of the Hotel Nievol had been transformed into a ballroom ablaze with the shimmering lights of the huge crystal chandeliers. Surrounded by the American delegation, Cecile glided into the room partially filled with military men.
The Major General and his colonel came to greet them. Sergei’s eyes softened and gleamed with warm appreciation. He bent over her hand. “You look ravishing.”
She had combed her hair in a twist high above the back of her head. She’d also followed Rob’s advice and used green eyeliner on her eyelids and pink highlight on her cheeks.
She glanced at Sergei. Her heart twisted with anxiety. Had he suppressed his earlier anger?
Holding her elbow, he led her to the U-shaped table. “Come. We should be at the head of the table for the toasts.”
She felt embarrassed—not professional enough and too feminine— in the green shirt scooped at the neck and the silk skirt that swished when she walked. When consulted, Tania had insisted that she should wear it. Too tired to argue, Cecile had agreed.
They paused in front of the middle table. John and the U.S. ambassador followed them and soon the Ministers of Defense and Environment joined for the first toast.