“Unfortunately, the facility may have to shut down since the integrity of the program is now in question.”
“We can’t let that happen!”
“While I hope that won’t be the case, Mr. Durov. I’m a firm believer in preparing for the worst. We should plan for a smooth transition of our patients, just in case.”
“I assure you, Dr. Volkov, I will do everything in my power to restore your good name and the reputation of our facility. I won’t let this vicious lie ruin our efforts, and I refuse to allow these young women to be scattered and shoved into homes unprepared for the attention they require.”
He sighs heavily. “That is why we must do our due diligence and start planning for an alternative. One without me as director and the facility operating at its current location.”
I suddenly have a sinking feeling he may be right. “Blyat!”
“My sentiments exactly.”
My lawyer, Yurlov, advises me to stay silent until the results come back. He insists any hint of abuse by the doctor will reflect badly on me personally if I stand behind him now and then am proven wrong.
So, I watch as the scandal unfolds on the news while I wait impatiently for Dr. Morozova’s call. It’s torture to listen to the accusations against the good doctor. Even Dr. Volkov’s spotless record is called into question when the reporters start insinuating it is too clean to be trusted.
There is also growing speculation I had some perverse hand in it, as well.
The fact that the facility is housed at my residence automatically makes me suspect even though I no longer reside there. They begin questioning the rescue of the girl at the train station, implying it was staged to gain the public’s trust.
Each hour that ticks by only seems to add fuel to the fire.
I have to remind myself that my reputation is unimportant compared to the girls’ welfare. As long as they are shielded from the ugliness taking place, I can handle whatever comes.
By noon, I finally get the call.
“I apologize it’s taken so long,” Dr. Morozova begins. “Because of the serious nature of these allegations, we had to be thorough. We spoke with all of the staff, as well as the young women. I wanted to wait until we had everything documented and submitted before I contacted you.”
“He is innocent,” I state, not needing to ask.
“Yes. None of the girls reported anything inappropriate, and the physician who performed the routine physical examinations saw no evidence to necessitate a forensic exam.”
“How did the girls handle it? Are they okay?”
“Naturally, they were confused as to why we were asking so many questions specifically about Dr. Volkov, but I assured them their honest answers would safeguard that the facility was following procedure.”
I’m grateful for her compassion for the girls and thank her.
“Mr. Durov, the young women appear well-adjusted, considering their history.”
“I’m grateful to hear it. Know that I appreciate your support, as well as your thoroughness in this matter.” But then I growl angrily, “Whoever is responsible for these unfounded accusations has not only put Dr. Volkov’s reputation on the line but could also undermine all the work being done for the girls.”
“I certainly hope not, Mr. Durov. It would be a terrible loss.”
“I agree. Now that I have the evidence to prove that this is a grossly false accusation, I will right this wrong.”
I set up a press conference. As soon as I enter the room, the feeding frenzy-like atmosphere hits me as I stare at the mob of reporters. Every time I speak, I am interrupted and bombarded with new questions that perpetuate the lies.
It appears none of the reporters wants to hear the truth.
After fifteen minutes of pandemonium, I realize how futile my efforts are and push my way out of the conference room, directing them to check the medical findings.
It galls me that I had no say when the public hailed me as a hero, and I am just as helpless now that I am being labeled a villain through no fault of my own.
On the drive back to the apartment, I get a call from Andrev. Although I am in no mood to speak to anyone, I answer.
“What?”
“We need to talk.”
“Not now,” I snarl.
“All of us are meeting at Vlad’s house. This doesn’t just involve you, Anton. We need to discuss what has happened and how we are going to protect the family.”
I let out a ragged sigh, now appreciating the far-reaching effect this unfounded accusation is having on my life.
“Fine. What time?”
“We’re gathering there now. This has gotten out of control.”
I snap my fingers. “Igor. We’re headed to Vlad’s.”
He nods and slows down to turn the vehicle around.
The phone starts buzzing while I’m still talking to Andrev and I see that it’s Dr. Volkov. “I have to take this. I’ll see you there in an hour.”
I hang up on him before he responds and put Dr. Volkov on the line.
“Talk to me.”
“I will be sending you my resignation effective today.”
“No! There is no need for that.”
“I disagree. The longer this persists, the greater harm it will cause our patients. It’s best I cut ties with you now and focus my efforts on finding an alternative location for these young women.”
“Dr. Volkov, the facility cannot run without you.”
“I have someone in mind to take my place. Hopefully, having a woman as director will halt any further attacks on the program.”
“If you do this, people will see it as an admission of guilt.”
“At this point, my career is already ruined. The only hope we have now is to ensure our patients do not suffer needlessly in the fallout.”
I groan. “But you’ve done nothing wrong.”
“In the court of public opinion, that doesn’t seem to matter.”
I close my eyes, remembering the chaos at the press conference and know he’s right. “I accept your resignation, but I will never agree with it.”
“Thank you. I’ll make a call to my replacement and get back to you later.”
I hang up the phone and glance at Titov. “This isn’t right. None of this is right!”
He shakes his head, swallowing hard. The look of devastation on his face reflecting how I feel.
“I will make whoever did this pay!”
I stare out the window, muttering under my breath, “They will wish they had never been born…”
When I arrive at Vlad’s home, I find my brothers waiting to pounce on me as soon as I walk through the door.
“Damn you, Anton!” Vlad growls. “In one fell swoop, you’ve brought shame down on this entire family.”
I narrow my eyes. “I’ve done nothing wrong. Dr. Volkov is innocent.”
He walks to the window and pulls back the curtain, pointing at the throng of reporters. “Tell that to the vultures out there.”
I look at all four of my brothers when I tell them, “He’s been set up. The accusations are untrue.”
I’m surprised to hear Andrev stand up for me. “I personally vouch for Dr. Volkov.”
Vlad frowns at him and then asks me snidely, “Is there money missing?”