Chapter Three

The Rossiya train is already crossing through Novgorod, as we start the journey to Vladivostok. I am confined to a tiny sleeping compartment, only able to leave to use the restroom. Igor has stationed one of his men outside the door, eliminating any chance of escape. All I can do is watch the changing scenery, from our more urban cities to the icy cold tundra of Siberia. I overheard Igor telling his men that once we were in Vladivostok, his brother would help smuggle us into the United States.

Lenya will never think of searching the United States. Once that happens, I will no longer exist in his world.

I need to find a way to warn him about our destination.

How do I do that?

I observe the guard standing outside the door. It"s the unpleasant one from the dacha. Soon he will switch with the one who showed me a modicum of kindness. I think I can sweet-talk him into helping me. He seemed to not be one hundred percent with the plan. If I convince him to sneak me a phone, I can inform Lenya of our whereabouts and what his father has planned.

Hours drag by and at five in the evening, they change over. This guard is around Lenya's age, maybe a little older. Young, nonetheless. He holds a tray of food in his hands. I eye him as he approaches my compartment, his expression guarded but not as cold as the previous guard. I decide to take a chance and flash him a friendly smile as he opens the door to deliver my meal.

"Spasibo(Thank you)," I say, my voice soft and sincere. "I appreciate your kindness."

He nods, avoiding direct eye contact, and places the tray on the small table inside the compartment. I seize the opportunity to strike up a conversation, hoping to gain his trust.

"You know, this journey feels never-ending," I comment, trying to sound casual. "I can't help but wonder what lies ahead in Vladivostok."

He glances at me briefly, his curiosity clear. "You're not the first person to feel that way," he replies, his voice tinged with a hint of sympathy. "I'm just here to do my job."

I lean closer, lowering my voice as if sharing a secret. "I understand," I whisper. "Sometimes, things aren't what they seem. And sometimes, people deserve a chance to escape their fate."

His eyes widen slightly, and I can see the wheels turning in his mind. He hesitates for a moment before responding. "What do you mean?"

I take a calculated risk and reveal a glimpse of my true intentions. "I have to contact Leonid. He needs to know what's happening here. For the sake of his syn." I cradle my large bump.

He studies me intently, gauging my sincerity. "Why should I help you?"

I search for the right words, hoping to appeal to his sense of compassion. "Because deep down, I believe you're not on board with this plan. I saw a flicker of doubt in your eyes earlier. I believe you want to make the right choice."

He remains silent for a moment, lost in thought. Finally, he glances around cautiously before speaking in a hushed voice. "I can't promise anything, but... I might be able to sneak you a phone later tonight. Just be ready."

Relief floods through me, but I maintain a calm demeanor. "Spasibo(Thank you)," I say, gratitude lacing my words. "I truly appreciate this."

He gives me a small nod before quickly retreating from the compartment, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I anxiously await nightfall, hoping the guard will come through so I can warn Lenya about what his father's plans are, and how he wants to smuggle me to the United States.

I stay up later than usual, pacing back and forth in the compartment. I walk towards the door and tap on the glass window. The guard stands up and slides the door open.

"You need the bathroom, Da (Yes)?" He says to me.

"Da (Yes), the bathroom before I lie down for the night," I say in agreement.

The guard nods and gestures for me to follow him. We walk down the narrow hallway of the train, the sound of its rattling wheels providing a steady background noise. As we reach the bathroom, he pushes the door open and steps aside, allowing me to enter.

Inside, I take a moment to collect myself. The sound of the stall door unlocking startles me. A young woman steps out. She can't be any older than I am, with long blonde hair very kind eyes. The woman looks me up and down, taking in my appearance.

"Are you Kalina?" She asks. She doesn't have a Russian accent. It's one I can't place, maybe Scandinavian?

"Da (Yes)," my voice is barely audible.

"Here," she hands me her cell phone. "The man said you were in trouble and needed to call your husband."

Her phone is in my hands. I hit the lock button and dial Lenya's phone number. I hold the phone to my ear.

It rings three times before the line picks up.

"Privet (Hello), who is this?" Lenya's voice caresses my mind.

"Moy lev, ne govori, prosto slushay. YA ne znayu, skol'ko vremeni u menya yest'. Tvoy otets vezet menya vo Vladivostok k svoyemu bratu. Kto togda nas perepravit v SSHA?(My lion, don't speak, just listen. I don't know how long I have. Your father is taking me to Vladivostok to see his brother. Who will then smuggle us to the United States.) We are going by train. There is a guard who is helping me." I speak as quickly as possible, as I don't want to get caught.

"Blyat (Fuck), Tsvetok (Flower)," his voice strained, "are you okay?"

I can hear him talking to who I can only assume are the twins and his men.

"Do you know which train you are on?" Ilya's voice comes through. "I can track the train if I know which one you are on."

A sharp knock on the door startles me.

"Yeshche neskol'ko momentov. Boli v zhivote.(Just a few more moments. Stomach ache.)" I shout.

"The Rossiya train. We left Moscow at 5:45 in the morning. We recently passed Novgorod."

Lenya says something to Ilya and then speaks into the phone. "YA idu za toboy, tsvetok. Skoro ty snova budesh' v moikh ob"yatiyakh. YA tebya lyublyu. (I am coming for you, flower. Soon you will be in my arms again. I love you.)"

"YA tozhe tebya lyublyu.(I love you too)" I end the call.

I hand the woman back her phone. "Thank you so very much."

She nods. "I am in compartment six if you need it again."

I take a deep breath, hoping that Lenya will find me in time. Exiting the bathroom, I return to my compartment and try to appear as calm as possible. The night stretches on, the anticipation building with every passing minute. Thoughts of escape and the dangers that lie ahead flood my mind.

The night feels endless as I wait, my mind replays the atrocities that I have experienced. As I lie down for the night, the weight of the impending journey weighs heavily on my mind. But amidst the uncertainty, a flicker of hope remains, fueled by the knowledge that Lenya is coming for me. And that he loves me.

He said that he loves me. Ivan was wrong.