Page 25 of Grizzly Sleuth
Times a zillion. Now they didn’t just have a mystery person seeking Svetlana and her bear. The KGB were on the hunt as well.
Chapter Seven
Svetlana didn’t knowif she should cry or rampage. All those years of staying off social media, cautioning her crowds against taking pictures during the performance so they wouldn’t spook her bear, and there Svetlana was, her image broadcasted to millions.
Perhaps Idris had the right idea. Maybe they should leave Russia.
“Oh shit. This is bad.” Idris stared at the screen, which had split between the announcer and a bespectacled man with thinning hair.
“Worse than having the KGB looking for us?” was Yuri’s sarcastic retort, whereas Svetlana asked, “What’s wrong?”
“That man is the reason the KGB was after us in the first place.” Idris pointed to the screen. “It’s Dr. Levy, the fucker who experimented on me.”
“A fucker who is apparently in Russia,” Yuri interjected. Then he began translating for Idris. “He’s claiming Svetlana stole some bears from a facility he runs and is offering a reward for knowledge of their whereabouts.”
“He’s blatantly lying to the public,” Svetlana huffed.
“Which is to be expected from that asshole.” Idris growled. “I’ll bet he and the general are the reason why the KGB were after Yuri.”
“Does he know you’re here?”
“He shouldn’t. I’ve been laying low since I got here, and I used a different name on my passport and Visa.”
“Don’t be so sure he doesn’t suspect. Everyone knows there are two bears now, and if Ivan reported to this doctor before his death, then he’s probably looking for you, too. After all, I doubt there’s many guys matching your description who can also transform into a bear,” Svetlana mused aloud.
“Fuck me. I hadn’t even thought of that,” Idris grumbled. “But it makes sense. Probably explains why they killed Ivan.”
“How does it make sense? Wouldn’t it have been more useful to keep a KGB agent working for them?” Svetlana questioned.
“Not if he was going to cause problems. Chances are, rather than risk Ivan blabbing, they eliminated him.”
“And they’re blaming me for it,” Svetlana spat. “They’ve made it impossible for me to show my face in public.”
“Guess it really is time for us to leave Russia,” Yuri said with a sigh.
A statement that brought sadness, as Svetlana did love her country, but what other choice did they have? “Leave how? Even if we managed to get a fake passport, my face has been seen by millions. Getting across the border will be almost impossible.”
Idris rubbed his chin. “I might be able to call in some favors to help you with that. My buddy managed to get me into the country. Maybe he can get you out. In the meantime, we need to change your appearance, dye your hair, see what you can do to change your features with makeup. The fact it’s swollen still will help.”
Good suggestions, yet Svetlana’s annoyance grew. She pressed her lips tight rather than rant about the unfairness. “Since I can’t go out, someone will have to buy me some bleach.”
“They say blondes have more fun.” Yuri tried to be helpful.
“Not the time,” she grumbled. She glanced at Idris. “Let’s say your friends can get us across the border, where should we go?”
His shoulders rolled. “You tell me. I’ve only been on this continent a few months. Name a place and I’ll see what I can do to get you and Yuri there safely.”
“What about you? Aren’t you coming with us?”
Idris shook his head. “If Levy suspects I’m here, then chances are he’s provided authorities with my image.”
“Wouldn’t they have shown it on the news?” Svetlana pointed out.
“Do you think they’d want to publicly admit an ex-Canadian soldier is living here illegally?” Idris shook his head. “I have to assume Levy’s told his KGB contact about me, meaning there’s no way I’ll be able to cross the border. As you said, I’m distinctive. Even if I weren’t, I have to stay so I can locate Levy and put a stop to his sick experiments.”
“While your quest for vengeance is quite noble, how do you think you will find him? Russia is huge. He could be anywhere,” Yuri reminded.
“I would imagine since he’s offering a reward that there is a way for people to get in touch.”
