The Russian Unleashed

by Red Phoenix

  He looks at me with understanding. “The beauty of life is there are many paths that lead to the same goal. Choose the path that brings you peace.”

  I let out a tortured sigh. “I don’t know what that is.”

  He smiles confidently. “You will.”

  Sparrow Hills

  Just days before the new year, I get the text from Titov that I have been waiting for.

  I hope you are well, gospodin.

  His message lets me know the hit is complete.

  I feel a sense of justice knowing Zuyev’s reign of terror is over. I scan the Russian news and am pleased to see his death splashed everywhere. An unidentified gunman fired three shots from a sniper gun at Zuyev near a restaurant in the Lyubertsy District. Zuyev was hit twice in the groin and once in the jaw. Witnesses stated it was a gory scene as he bled out outside the restaurant before paramedics could arrive.

  We purposely planned the hit to take place near a common hangout for Marat Semenov’s men so it will arouse suspicion.

  Within days, the different factions start pointing fingers at each other, including Marat himself. With so much money at stake in the human trade, the Bratva immediately turns on itself.

  I sit back, gratified to witness the chaos I have created.

  Although death does not excite me, the preservation of life does. While the warring factions distract themselves with infighting, the task force will continue its raids. Little by little, we will break them.

  “What’s up with you?” Thane asks, biting into an apple as he looks out at the ocean. “You seem distracted.”

  I smile at him. “Things seem to be turning around for me, moy droog.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. I think I will be able to return home without having to face reporters.

  He sets down his apple, looking at me in surprise. “What’s changed?”

  My smile grows wider. “There is unrest within the Bratva.”

  “That is a good thing.”

  “It certainly is, comrade.”

  “I have to say, I will hate to see you go. You always make life more interesting.”

  “It’s my God-given talent.”

  Thane nods, chuckling. “Any idea what you’ll do once you get back home?”

  I frown, feeling troubled when I tell him the truth. “I have no idea, moy droog.”

  “You’ll figure it out,” he assures me, taking another bite of his apple.

  “That’s what Nosaka said, but I’m no closer to figuring it out than I was the day I came here.”

  “Get an old beater car and drive it around for a couple of months. You’d be surprised by how inspiring it is.”

  “I hope I never have to resort to such tactics,” I laugh.

  “Coward.”

  I smack him hard on the back, sending his apple flying. We both watch as it lands on the beach.

  “Well, damn,” he mutters.

  I bump his shoulder, finding his sand-ridden apple amusing.

  He picks it up and throws it into the ocean. Immediately, seagull starts fighting over it.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to move to Russia, comrade?”

  “Sorry, I happen to like the sun and warm weather.”

  I growl good-naturedly. “So be it.”

  “You could always stay a little longer,” he suggests.

  I shake my head, “Nyet. I need to find out who was behind my character assassination and where the money went.” I smash my fist into my palm and grind it. “Somebody must to pay.”

  “Be careful, Durov. I need you to stay in one piece…at least until I can show off my new wheels.”

  I smirk. “I’m not sure I’m going to make it to next week, but I’ll try my best, moy droog.” I throw my arm around him. “But don’t make me wait until I’m old and gray.”

  “Pompous ass,” he snarls good-naturedly.

  I will miss our easy banter. There is no one else who knows me as well or treats me like an equal.

  I land in Moscow on the morning of my birthday, a significantly different man than I was a year ago.

  Thankfully, there are no reporters waiting for me at the airport. Since I’ve been away, there have been three more hits within the Bratva factions. I deeply appreciate the trash taking itself out.

  On a whim, I tell Igor to drive to Andrev’s. I have no interest in celebrating my birthday, but I have brought American toys for his children. Mainly, I feel the need to connect with his family. I have never once stepped into his home, and it’s time I change that.

  When I knock on the door, I’m surprised a child answers it. He looks up at me with wide eyes and stares at my bald head.

  “Is your father home?”

  He shakes his head, his eyes growing bigger.

  “Do you know who I am?”

  He shakes his head again.

  “I’m your uncle.”

  I gesture to Titov, who is holding the wrapped gifts. “I brought presents. Is your mother home?”

  He just nods, his eyes now fixated on the gifts.

  “Can I speak with her?”

  He shuts the door.

  I turn to Titov and shrug.

  When the door opens again, Natalia gushes her apology. “I’m so sorry, Anton. Please come in. Petya was just surprised to see you.”

  “As are you, I’m sure.”

  She blushes. “I’m so happy you’ve come to visit, but, unfortunately, Andrev is out and I am unsure when he will return.”

  “I’ll just stay a few minutes, then. I brought some gifts from the States.”

  Natalia glances at Titov’s full arms. “That is so kind of you.”

  “It is my sincere pleasure.”

  She bows her head slightly, her blush growing pinker. “Let me get the children while you take a seat.”

  I sit down in their formal living room, feeling out of place. The only thing familiar is the photo of my mother on the mantle. I haven’t seen her smiling face in so long, and I am drawn to the photo. When I stand up to get a closer look, the troop of children walks in. They range in age from the toddler to the young girl I saw in Andrev’s picture.

  Seeing her pulls at my heart.

  I make a big show of it as I hand out the presents to the children and then give Natalia her gift.

  She smiles bashfully. “You didn’t need to get me anything, Anton. Especially when it’s your birthday.”

  “I wanted to, Natalia. I’m thankful for the difference you have made in my brother’s life.”

  Her blush deepens.

  “Please, open it.”

  She sits down and carefully unwraps the present, commenting on the pretty paper. I find it amusing how careful she is with it, going so far as to fold the paper up neatly and lay the bow on top of it.

  Finally, she lifts the lid and gasps as she picks up the delicate shawl.

  “I found it at a boutique near the beach in California. The colors remind me of sunsets over the ocean.”

  “It’s so beautiful, Anton,” she says in awe.

  “I’m happy you like it.”

  “Please, can I get you something to drink? Or, would you rather have something to eat? I’m happy to make you anything you’d like.”

  “I don’t need anything,” I chuckle.

  The five-year-old squeals with delight, holding up one of the miniature cars from the large collection I gave him.

  I grin, watching his pure joy when he grabs another car and rolls them both on the floor.

  While the children play, I look at their oldest daughter and tell Natalia, “I’m sorry to hear about the death of your best friend’s child.”

  She looks confused. “What do you mean?”

  I nod to her daughter. “Andrev said she was best friends with your daughter.”

  “Are you talking about Nina? She’s fine. That girl is growing so tall.”

  Now, I’m the one who is confused. “Maybe I misunderstood Andrev. He told me you knew a child who was kidnapped by the Br
atva.”

  She crinkles her brow. “No…I have no idea who you are talking about. Is it possible you’re thinking of one of your other brothers?” She smiles. “You have so many.”

  I feel a cold pit form in my stomach and my ears start to ring.

  “I must be,” I lie.

  I glance at Titov standing near the door and try to keep my voice calm. “It’s time we leave.”

  He nods.

  “Please don’t feel you must rush off, Anton,” Natalia says. “It’s such a pleasure to spend time with you.”

  I force a smile. “Thank you for your kind hospitality.”

  Before I leave, I glance at the four children who are lost in play with their new presents.

  “Take care, Natalia.”

  “Happy birthday, Anton.”

  The irony of this birthday “gift” from my brother is not lost on me.

  The moment I am out of the house, I start shaking with rage and tell Titov, “Andrev lied to me. He’s been lying this entire time!”

  Titov growls under his breath.

  Armed with this revelation, I go back to my staff and start questioning them about Andrev’s actions, starting with the first day he came to volunteer. But, the entire time I am interrogating them, all I can think is what a fool I was not to suspect him.

  Andrev’s show of brotherly love was a calculated act from the very beginning—from the moment he showed me the picture of the little girl. I wonder how many times Andrev has laughed at me behind my back for being so gullible.

  After extensive questioning, it becomes painfully clear he is guilty.

  I excuse myself and walk out the door, heading straight to the pole.

  I stare at it with hostility.

  Andrev always thought of me as the whipping boy and often called me it to my face.

  What I wouldn’t have given to exchange places with him back then, even once. To watch the fear on his face as Father raised the whip in the seconds before Andrev felt his skin explode in pain.

  This world isn’t fair. It never has been.

  What guts me the most is knowing Andrev understood the importance of our work. He met the girls and could put a face to the suffering we were trying to ease. And, yet…to cover his tracks, he brought down not only me but the good doctor. He even destroyed the very facility he had volunteered to help.

  There is no greater betrayal.

  I think back to how he insisted the Bratva was responsible, and how he’d personally seen me off at the airport, undoubtedly grateful I was leaving.

  Did he honestly think I would never find out?

  I have to laugh, though. Andrev was only able to steal two million rubles because the account was limited. The money will prove cold comfort in the years ahead.

  I hope it was worth it.

  Since he stole such a relatively small amount, I assume my other brothers were not involved. I can’t see Andrev sharing it with them, but I don’t trust any of them.

  Now that I know the truth, I have to make a decision about Andrev.

  I stare at the pole while I formulate my plan.

  I will not press charges. Not because I am merciful, but because it would only hurt me in the end. If the media were to catch wind that my brother stole the money and was the one responsible for assassinating my character, I would become the laughingstock of Moscow.

  I have suffered enough!

  While I want nothing more to do with Andrev, I cannot forget Natalia or the children. They are innocent pawns in this crime.

  The stipend is meant for them, so I will continue to pay it.

  Rather than have Andrev arrested and dragged to jail, I will leave him to raise his family and wonder if and when the ax will fall.

  Once my decision is made, I go on a drive to hunt him down.

  I find him at a bar, drinking with his friends.

  Andrev looks shocked when I enter the establishment.

  I smile, wanting to ease his guilty soul—for the moment.

  “Come, have a drink with me while I buy a round for your friends,” I tell him.

  I plunk down money on the counter and ask for a bottle and two shot glasses while the waitress refills his friends’ glasses.

  Sitting at a small table in the corner, I smirk at Andrev as I pour the vodka.

  His buddies hold up their glasses to me, shouting, “Za vas!”

  I smile and nod at them.

  Andrev laughs as he watches his friends, then turns to me. I can see the shadow of worry in his eyes. “I’m surprised to see you back so soon from America.”

  I grin, pushing his glass toward him. “I’m a Russian. I had to come back.”

  Holding up my glass, I say loudly so everyone can hear, “Here’s to brotherhood!”

  “To brotherhood,” he chants, clinking his glass against mine.

  I purposely let the shot glass slip from my fingers the moment our glasses make contact, and I watch as the vodka spills all over the table.

  “Let me clean that up for you, Rytsar Durov,” a waitress nearby insists while she runs over to hastily mop it up with a towel.

  Once she leaves, I look Andrev directly in the eyes.

  “I know what you did.”

  His smile suddenly falters.

  I tell him in a low voice full of venom, “Some things in life can never be forgiven.”

  All color drains from his face.

  Standing up, I clap him on the shoulder, digging my fingers into his skin with a vice-like grip hard enough to leave bruises. I smile when I hear his pathetic whimper.

  To everyone in the bar, I announce, “Andrev just offered to buy the next three rounds to ring in the new year.”

  I walk out amid a din of enthusiastic cheers.

  From this point forward, Andrev is dead to me.

  I return to Vorobyevy Gory needing to feel close to Tatianna and trudge up the hill with my entourage following silently behind me.

  Feeling numb and devoid of emotion, I stand at the top of the hill and scan the Moscow skyline.

  Everything looks cold and bleak.

  “I need you, Tatianna!” I call out, not caring when passersby stare at me.

  I’ve just turned twenty-two, but I feel as if I am a hundred years old.

  I have lost everything—my soulmate, my mother, the facility, and any chance of connecting with my family.

  There is nothing to hold me to Russia…

  But this is the Motherland. The place of my birth, and the burial place of the women I loved.

  I stand on the hill, needing to feel a connection but, after an hour of deafening silence, the sun begins to set with its brilliant colors filling the sky.

  I am left to face the sad realization there is nothing for me here.

  I turn to face Moscow State University with tears in my eyes, remembering how excited Tatianna was to attend there.

  “You had so much ahead of you, Tatianna. You would have changed the world, my love.”

  Turning away, I start down the hill, feeling a dark chill seep into my soul.

  A sparrow catches my eye. I follow it with my gaze as it flies toward the majestic building of the university.

  “Vorobyshek…”

  The moment I say her name out loud, it feels as if a bolt of electricity shoots through me, and goosebumps rise on my skin.

  Nosaka mentioned there were many paths to the same goal, and I suddenly understand my path has been in front of me this entire time.

  I have the power to make Tatianna’s lifelong dream come true…

  Heading back down the hill, I call Titov.

  “Meet me at the apartment.”

  The long trek back nearly drives me insane as Igor weaves his way through the gridlocked traffic of Moscow. Now that I know the path I need to take, I am impatient to begin.

  I find Titov waiting for me when I enter my apartment.

  “What’s wrong, gospodin?”

  “Nothing is wrong,” I tell him, unable to contain my excitemen
t. “I just visited Vorobyevy Gory.”

  “And…?”

  “Tatianna planned to graduate from Moscow State University.”

  “I know this,” he states impatiently.

  “Do you remember the subject she wanted to get her Master’s Degree in?”

  “Linguistics. She always had a talent for words, even as a child.”

  I nod. “And why did Tatianna want to become a linguist?”

  I see the pain in his eyes when he answers. “My sister was passionate about preserving the Russian languages.”

  “Exactly!” I smile excitedly.

  My heart beats faster as I explain, “We can attract the top linguistic talents in Russia with grants and scholarships. We will have them travel to every corner of our Motherland to preserve the unique languages and customs of our people.”

  Now that he understands, I watch with satisfaction as a smile spreads across his face.

  Closing my eyes, my vision unfolds as I tell him, “I see a majestic building housing a museum and a library. Tatianna wanted to create a wealth of knowledge to be shared with the world and future generations. We will build such a place and name it in her honor.”

  His eyes flash with excitement. “Yes, gospodin!”

  I grab a piece of paper and my hand starts to fly as I sketch the building I see in my mind.

  Titov and I spend the next few hours planning every aspect of the building.

  I’m passionate about this new project, but it grieves my heart knowing my beautiful sparrow won’t be heading it. My only solace is that her big brother is going to have a hand in making her vision a reality.

  My work to dismantle the Bratva will not stop until every trafficker is dead or behind bars. And I will continue to look over the girls rescued in the raids, gratified to learn a tradition has started at the center—every girl is given a Beta the first day she arrives.

  However, this new project connects me to Tatianna in a unique way.

  It has given me new life.

  I lay in bed that night, as random fireworks light up the Moscow sky, and feel a deep sense of peace envelop me.

  “The Tatianna Linguistic Preservation Center of Russia,” I say out loud and smile. “How does that sound, vorobyshek?”

  I have come to understand nothing precious is ever lost.