Alina's Revenge

by Greg Van Arsdale

  “It’s all clear,” one of them said.

  “I’ll see for myself.”

  The captain put a foot on the step and climbed into the cab. He tossed papers and trash out the door. He then reached into the back of the cab.

  Goran caught his breath.

  More trash and some clothes sailed to the front. He then shined his light up and down the cot, wrinkling his nose in disgust. He returned to the front of the cab and sat in the driver’s seat. He paused there a moment before looking back at the cot. Then he climbed down once again.

  “Okay, you can go,” he said.

  “What is it you are looking for?” Maric said.

  “Two criminals escaped earlier this evening. If you see anyone hitchhiking, call it in immediately.”

  “Oh, we will.”

  Dzadzic turned to leave when he noticed Goran’s dirty shirt and pants. He stopped, shining his light on Goran’s face.

  “Where did you get those grass stains?”

  Goran didn’t answer. He just raised his hands in surrender.

  The captain stepped closer and repeated, “Where did you get those stains?”

  Maric interceded. “I’m afraid my partner here does not speak Serb. I do because I am from Serbia. It is good to see my countrymen so far from home.”

  “Shut up!” The captain approached Goran.

  Maric quickly called out, “Maybe I can help translate.”

  Dzadzic regarded him a moment then motioned him forward. Maric closed in on Goran, speaking something in Bulgarian. When he was close enough, he whispered, “Just nod your head.”

  Goran looked at him and nodded, his hands still raised.

  “My partner admits to meeting a woman at our last rest stop. They went into the bushes and...well, you know.”

  “What did she look like?”

  “She was about five feet and fat, probably weighing close to 200 kilos.

  “Why would he be interested in that?”

  “I admit, she wasn’t the most choice in a woman, but when you’ve been on the road as long as we have, anything looks good.”

  The captain scrutinized them both, shining his light on one then the other.

  “Sir?” one of the men called.

  “Yes, what is it?”

  “Sir, we have another contact just outside Sofia. We need to check it out.”

  The captain hesitated, examined them again, and then signaled his men back into the chopper. In one minute, they were airborne and banking hard right. It was not long before the wicked chop of the rotor blades faded, the black helicopter blending into the pre-dawn sky. Maric and Goran looked at each other and hurried to the cab.

  “Alina?” Goran called. “Alina, are you all right?”

  A ruffle of sweat-stained clothes and then Alina’s head popped out, covered in what used to be white underwear.

  “Whew! I am so glad they’re gone. I couldn’t take it one more minute in there.”

  Goran laughed. “How come they didn’t find you? The captain looked especially hard at the bed.”

  “There is a space between the back wall and the bed. I slid down there and covered up with...” She held up the underwear. “With these. Ugh!” She dropped them and shivered. “Nasty!”

  Both men laughed at her plight, but it was mostly out of relief. Maric started the truck and they continued down the road.

  A few hours later, the sun crested the horizon as the three pulled into Sofia. Maric stopped at an all-night store to let Alina and Goran buy food and supplies.

  “Be back in ten minutes,” Goran said.

  They were back in twenty.

  “What kept you?” Maric said.

  “Couldn’t find the hair dye.” Goran nodded forward. “Let’s go. Drop us off somewhere out of the way where we can get some sleep. It’s been a long night.”

  “I know just the place.”

  Maric stopped at a sleazy-looking motel. From the moldy roof to the litter lining the corners, the place looked abandoned except for the flickering half-lit vacancy sign.

  “We’re going to stay here?”

  “Safest place in town. With all the hotels in the area, this one is off the map.”

  Goran reached across the cab, extending his hand to Maric. “Thank you. You’ve been a big help.”

  Maric said, “Don’t mention it. I’ll sleep in the cab while you two bunk down here. Got any money?”

  “I’ve got some, but really you should go,” Alina said. “You’ve done enough already. It’s just going to get more ugly from here on out.”

  “That’s why I want to stick around. I am an honest Serb. I want to help bring Oric and the likes of him down. I feel it is my duty.”

  “Do you know what you’re getting yourself into?” she asked.

  Maric nodded. “Of course I do. Remember, I’ve dealt with these people before. You haven’t. That’s why you need me.”

  Alina looked at Goran, who gave a short nod.

  “All right,” she said. “Meet us at six. We’ll be ready.”

  Goran and Alina left the cab and got a room. As soon as Alina walked in, the rank odor of mold and mildew hit her. It was a simple one-room apartment with just a bed and an old turn-knob style TV adorning the ragged, stained carpet.

  “No wonder the rooms are cheap,” she said.

  “Come on,” Goran said, “let’s get busy with that hair of yours. Then we get some sleep.”

  He helped her wash and then color her hair. Alina tried not to care about the change from blonde to black, but her blonde locks distinguished her, made her feel different. But now that was the danger. She looked in the broken mirror. Now she looked like everybody else. Now, she blended in, and it bothered her.

  “It will grow back,” Goran said, as if reading her mind.

  She started combing her hair. “Yes, yes you’re right. What did you get to eat?”

  “I got some tuna fish and bread. Not much, but it will do for now.”

  “I don’t care what it is, I’m starving.”

  Goran was making the sandwiches when she came out of the bathroom. Alina walked behind him, wrapped her arms around his waist, and hugged his back. She loved that feeling of quiet power beneath his shirt.

  Goran asked, “So what do you plan to do?”

  “Right now, with you?” she smiled.

  “No, with Oric. With the rest of the men who raped you. Do you really think you can get them all?”

  “Right now, I don’t care. All I care about is you.”

  “Then you’re going to call it off then?”

  Alina’s smile faded. “I’ll get as many as I can before I die.”

  “Die?” He stepped away, his brow furrowed.

  “I have no illusions about this, Goran. I’d be dead already if it wasn’t for you. I knew the risk before I started, but that didn’t stop me. I have to finish this. I am not afraid to die.”

  “But what about home?”

  “I have no home anymore.” She extended her arms to encompass the filthy room. “This, this is my home. I’ve no place to go back to, nothing else to live for.”

  “What about me?”

  She came to him again, holding him close. “You are the only good thing in my life.”

  “I don’t want you to die, Alina. I need you. You’re running on luck, and luck doesn’t last forever. Eventually you will wind up dead. Why don’t you quit this vendetta of yours while you still can?”

  “I can’t quit now. I’ve devoted my whole life to bringing those men to justice, and I will.”

  “But you can let it go. You have the power.”

  “Even if I did, what about Oric? He won’t stop till he kills us.”

  “You’ve got a point there. But if we can get away from Oric, would you come live with me? Let’s just get away from all this.”

  “Where could we go? Your career is over as a police officer. You’re a wanted man. You can’t go back to Serbia. You’re as homeless as I am.”

  �
�It doesn’t matter,” he cooed as he caressed her check. “As long as you’re with me I don’t care where I am.” He looked straight into her eyes. “I don’t want to lose you, Alina. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you.”

  Alina gazed back into his eyes and kissed him, softly. “I love you, Goran.”

  He suddenly pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. He ran his hands through her wet hair and pressed his lips hard against hers. Alina wrapped her arms around him, pouring her soul into the loving embrace.

  Goran kissed down her cheek and the nape of her neck. Alina moaned as his hot breath whispered loving words into her ear.

  She pressed her body against his, feeling his warmth against her heaving breasts. She kissed him again, pulling him even closer. With wanting desire, she unbuttoned his shirt. He smiled and kept kissing her as she pulled it off his rolling muscles.

  Alina ran her nails down his back, which seemed to entice him to even greater amorous passion. She placed her head against his shoulder and did it again. Goran caressed her back and nestled his check against hers.

  They stayed like that a few minutes, each one catching their breath, neither wanting to part. When they finally did, Goran gestured toward the bed.

  Alina smiled and said, “I’m going to get a shower first.”

  Goran nodded. “I could use one, too.”

  She closed the door and looked around. The filthy tub or the tiles missing from the wall did not surprise her, nor did the cracked mirror and rusty faucets. To her, how the bath looked did not matter. All she wanted was a hot shower.

  Alina took her time, rinsing away days of worry and wondering what tomorrow would bring. The good thing was she no longer had to go it alone. Now she had Goran, and that made her feel like she could take on anything. Maybe, just maybe there was a life for her when this was over after all. She thought about settling down with him. She never thought she could have a normal life, and now that it was a possibility. The thought brought yet another smile to her face.

  That’s when she made up her mind. Get rid of Oric and then quit. Goran was right. If she kept on, she was going to die—and now that was no longer an option. She loved him more than she thought possible. She didn’t want to risk her life any longer than necessary.

  When she finished, she came out in a bathrobe, toweling her head dry.

  “All yours,” she said.

  She stopped. Goran was on the bed with his pants and shoes still on, snoring.

  Alina admired him for a while before she got dressed. Careful not to wake him, she lay on the bed and placed her head on his shoulder. She smiled again, relishing in the feeling of love. She closed her eyes, remembering how his lips felt against her skin. Gradually, she drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter 12

  Oric walked into his room at the Grand Hotel. The luxurious bed filled half the space. Two nightstands adorned either side of the gigantic bed, each with an ornate lamp. The gold molding around the ceiling gave the room an air of elegance, but he was in no mood to enjoy the atmosphere. He now wore a black suit, his arm still crossed in a sling. He threw the room key hard against the wall, cursing.

  “How could you lose them?” he demanded of his captain who trailed behind him. “We had all the roads blocked. You did search all the traffic, didn’t you?”

  Captain Dzadzic nodded. “Every car, van, and truck. We turned up nothing. They’re either still in the forest, or they beat us to the city.”

  Oric took out his phone and called Chief Djuricic. When he picked up, Oric said, “Anything?”

  “No, sir.” Oric could almost see the chief shaking. “We scoured the countryside, but there are no bodies or evidence of one. I’m afraid they’re both still alive, sir.”

  “Oh, that’s just great. Not only do I have her to deal with, I’ve got your renegade captain as well.”

  Oric turned, limping about the room. “Listen. You best get out of there before the real police show up. I can’t afford for you to be seen.”

  “Yes, sir,” the chief said. “I think that’s wise.”

  “Who cares what you think? Just get out of there. Is that clear? Do you think you can handle that?” He slung the phone on the bed.

  Captain Dzadzic, still dressed in a black sweater and pants, kept his eyes on Oric. He did not seem alarmed. He watched as the general hobbled about the room. Dzadzic made to say something, seemed to think about it, then settled for shaking his head.

  “Yes, what is it, Captain?”

  “It’s nothing, sir. Just a thought.”

  “Well, out with it!” Oric commanded. “Let’s hear what you have to say.”

  “I was just thinking, sir. What if we put out a reward for their capture?”

  Oric turned on him. “And just how do you expect me to do that? We’re not even supposed to be in this country, let alone handing out rewards.”

  “Yes, sir, I realize that. But what if we get General Dimitrov to do it for us?”

  Oric’s eyes lit up. “Yes. Yes, that could work. Of course he won’t put up the money, even though she threatens him as much as she does us.”

  “We can take it out of the next shipment. It’s due for delivery tomorrow. Claim it as a loss.”

  Oric paused in his pacing, looking at his captain anew. “You know, you’re smarter than you look.” He motioned to the hotel phone. “Get Dimitrov on the line for me.”

  A few minutes later, the Bulgarian general answered. “What can I do for you, Ivo?”

  “I know this is a long shot, but have your men turned up anything?”

  “No. This city is too big. There’s no way we’re going to find her here. I’m afraid she’s gone for good.”

  “She’s not gone. She’ll be back. I know it. That’s why I want you to do me a favor.”

  “And what would that be? I’ve done you enough favors for one night.”

  “I know, but this is important. It is imperative that we find her.”

  “But why? I do not see why we should bother with her. She’s your problem, not the people of Bulgaria.”

  “Let me put it this way, Pavel. You know those shipments you’ve been protecting for me? You got rich ensuring safe passage of them across your country. Well, those shipments are going to stop until she’s dead. That means a lot of money is coming out of your pocket, my friend. A lot of money.”

  There was silence on the other end of the line. Finally, Dimitrov said, “I see what you mean. What do you want me to do?”

  “I want you to put up a reward for them. Paste it in all this morning’s newspapers and on television. Make sure everyone gets a picture of them.”

  “And where are these pictures?”

  “The pictures are being sent to you as we speak.” Oric snapped his fingers at Captain Dzadzic. The captain left.

  “And where is the money for the reward coming from? You don’t expect me to put it up.”

  “No. There won’t be an actual reward. It’s just something to entice the public, so make it a big one. I want every man, woman, and child willing to sell their soul to turn them in.”

  “I see you are as devious as ever, Ivo. It shall be done. I will make sure it is in the morning edition. I will bring pressure to bear to ensure the pictures are on the front page. The TV news would be a good idea, too.”

  “Good! Good. I knew I could count on you.”

  ~~~

  Six hours later, Alina woke to see Goran reading a newspaper. He then walked over to the television and turned it on. He could not understand the announcer, but behind her were pictures of his and Alina’s faces.

  “What’s up?” Alina said, her voice still dreamy.

  Goran handed her the newspaper. Then he pointed to the TV. “We’ve got problems. Seems the whole country knows we’re here.”

  Alina looked at their side-by-side photographs on the front page. “These came from the police station. Oric has a longer reach than we thought.” She looked at the pictures again and said, “This is go
ing to make things more difficult, but I still think we can pull it off. No one knows where we are. All we have to do is stay out of sight while we’re in the city. Then it is a quiet highway drive all the way to Plovdiv. After that, we’ll be done destroying the drugs and out of the country before anyone has a chance to turn us in.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Goran said as he got off the bed and headed for the door. “I’d better wake Maric. We need to get moving. No telling if the hotel clerk has seen those pictures yet, but we can’t take that chance.”

  He opened the door, stared a few seconds, and then closed it. When he turned around, he had a grim look on his face.

  “What’s wrong now?” she said.

  “Maric is gone.”

  Alina bolted upright. “Do you think he saw the news, that maybe he went to the police?”

  “I don’t know. I can’t read the paper, but I can make out a lot of money. It would entice anyone, even him.”

  “But he was so helpful last night. He’s the one who said we should start in Plovdiv. That’s where the shipment is due today.”

  “All I can tell you is that he’s gone. You should put on that new outfit we bought last night. They’re looking for a blonde woman in jeans.”

  “What about you? Even though you’re wearing different clothes, you can easily be identified.”

  “I’ll have to take my chances. I think you had better get up. We should get going.”

  Alina dressed into a new pair of pants and a white blouse that buttoned down the front. “Any chance we have time to eat?”

  Goran smiled. “Yeah. I suppose a few minutes won’t matter. Sorry, but the bread went stale last night.”

  There was a knock on the door.

  Quickly, Alina looked about for something to use as a weapon. She settled for a magazine, which she rolled into a tight cylinder.

  “What good is that going to do?” Goran said.

  Another knock, louder this time.

  “You would be surprised how much this hurts,” she answered as she positioned herself behind the door and nodded. “Open it.”

  Goran reached for the doorknob. He hesitated, steeling his nerve for the coming confrontation. Then he yanked it open fast, his fist poised to strike.