But we have no time to waste, so I inform the nurse about the three girls who will be arriving.
The excitement in her eyes matches my own.
Knowing these three girls are safe and will get the care they need is incredibly empowering.
After the two leave, Anderson and I get back to it. As he works, I notice Anderson keeps wiping his eyes.
Now he understands…
By the time Michail Volkov arrives with the rest of the medical staff, the three rooms have been cleared out. I tell Anderson to explore the mansion while the doctor speaks to Titov and I.
Even though it’s been a mad rush to get the rooms ready, every other aspect of the facility is in order thanks to weeks of preparation by Dr. Michail Volkov. He is confident we have everything in place to give the girls the quality care they require.
Remembering how Lada’s parents reacted, I am grateful these young women will have a safe place and a certified, compassionate staff who are trained to provide the care they need.
No girl under this roof will ever feel unwelcome or suffer needlessly during her recovery. It is the guiding principle of this place and is something the medical staff is committed to.
While we are finishing still the meeting, Andrev shows up unannounced, dragging Anderson with him.
“I found this American wandering the halls. Do you want me to personally see him out?”
“He’s a friend, Andrev.”
My brother lets go of Anderson but warns me, “You can’t be too careful, Anton.”
Anderson stares at the two of us and tells me, “I can’t get over the resemblance. Heck, you could be twins. I would have mistaken him for you if it weren’t for the hair.”
Having Andrev here puts me on edge even though we struck an uneasy truce. I bark out an introduction, “Anderson, this is my brother Andrev. Andrev, this is my good friend, Anderson. Treat him as such.”
Anderson holds out his hand to my brother, stating, “It’s a pleasure to meet one of the Durovs.”
Andrev takes his hand but looks at me as he shakes it.
He is making it painfully obvious he doesn’t trust Anderson.
What my brother fails to appreciate is that between the two of them, Anderson is the one I do trust.
“Why didn’t you call me, Anton?” Andrev demands. “You know I want to help.”
“I only just found out about the girls and have been scrambling along with the staff to get things in order. How did you find out? Did Titov call you?”
“No, I heard about the police raid on the news and they mentioned your new facility. You really should give it a name now that you’re officially opening it.”
I growl in frustration. “We have no time to worry about a name right now. If you’re serious about helping, start by carrying anything left in the hallways to the storage room.”
“Do you want me to take the American with me?”
“His name is Anderson, and yes.”
“Fine.” Andrev turns to leave. “Come on, Anderson.”
I’m actually surprised my brother isn’t complaining.
“I’ll join you in a few minutes,” I assure Anderson, not trusting Andrev to be civil. “I have a few things I need to discuss with Dr. Volkov.”
As we finalize the remaining details, the doctor mentions pets. “I have found working with patients recovering from trauma that having a pet aids in healing. In caring for something else, they learn to care for themselves.”
“While I can appreciate that, I am not a lover of animals and don’t care for the complications they would bring to this environment.”
“It’s simply a suggestion,” he states. “Certainly not something we need to worry about at this point, but I wanted you to be aware of it.”
“Noted.” I look down at my watch. “We only have an hour before the girls are scheduled to arrive. I must return to my duties.”
“About that…it would be best if we keep their exposure to people at a minimum and limit it to the medical staff.”
“Agreed.” I put my hand on his shoulder. “May God bless the work you and your staff do here.”
“I appreciate you entrusting me with this responsibility. I will not let you or the patients we work with down.”
“I have complete confidence in you, Dr. Volkov.”
I join Anderson and am surprised to see Andrev chatting nonstop with him. If I didn’t know better, I would think they were longtime friends. I have to hand it to Anderson. His gregarious nature is something I admire.
“We don’t have much time and we’ll have to be out of the place before they arrive.”
“Why?” Andrev asks, stopping his work. “I thought you would make a grand speech to the media.”
I glare at him. “These girls need to be protected, not exploited.”
“Well, tell that to the press who are gathering outside.”
I head to a window and see a large collection of reporters milling about just outside the gate. I let out a frustrated growl. “We’ll have to lead them away before they arrive.”
Anderson grins. “Seems like old times. Eh, Durov?”
“What do you mean?” Andrev asks him.
“Our buddy Thane had issues with the press in college. I enjoyed having a little fun with them.”
The nurse walks up to us during our exchange and beckons to talk privately with me.
“Lada would like you to be with her when she meets the girls.”
“Have you spoken to Dr. Volkov about it?”
“Yes. He feels it’s important you join her as support but would prefer it if you remain in the back of the room.”
“Agreed.”
I turn to Anderson. “Lada needs me. Can you make sure the reporters are nowhere near the gate when the girls arrive?”
He grins. “It’ll be my pleasure.”
Lada insists on holding my hand while we wait.
Dr. Volkov escorts the young women into the room and starts introducing them to each member of the staff. Although the three girls have showered and been clothed, they are emaciated, and they look terrified.
Lada suddenly cries, “Pyat’!”
One of the girls turns her head and bursts out crying when she sees Lada.
Lada immediately lets go of my hand and runs to her. I choke on my tears as I watch the young ladies hug each other in silence. Not one of us in this room truly understands what they have been through.
I’m happy they have found each other again. Maybe it will help them both to heal.
The other two look forlorn watching the girls hug.
I feel overwhelming compassion for them and wish I could do something to bring them comfort.
Standing there in the silence of the room, I suddenly know what it is.
Once I’m certain Lada no longer requires my presence, I leave and ask Titov to find Anderson.
“He’s wandering the grounds, gospodin. He wanted me to tell you the mission was a success, but Andrev had to be sacrificed.”
I chuckle.
Heading outside, I find Anderson staring at the whipping pole and feel a momentary check in my spirit.
He turns toward me, grinning. “I had no idea you had a pole for practice.”
It is an innocent remark. Anderson has no idea the truth behind the pole, and I feel no need to tell him.