Page 31 of Grizzly Sleuth
“Ready to go?” Yuri asked.
Idris glanced around. “Shouldn’t we wipe the place down for prints?”
“That will take too long, and besides, prints won’t do them much good since neither Yuri or I are in their system,” Svetlana noted.
“No, but they could match them to the room at the hotel,” he pointed out.
“And?” she sassed. “What’s another murder pinned on me? If you’re that worried, we could set the place on fire, though.”
A plan that eased Idris somewhat. They found a rag and stuffed it in a half-full bottle of vodka. They lit it and set it on the stack of newspapers by the living room chair, then headed to the backyard. The inside of the garage stank, but Yuri had done good. The car appeared as if it had been to hell and back, the paint chipping in spots, dull in others, and the splotches of gray made it seem barely road-worthy.
“You swapped the plates?” Idris asked.
“With another car of the same type up the street. Wasn’t red, but it should pass basic scrutiny.”
Yuri took the driver seat, and as they exited the garage, Idris and Svetlana slouched low in the backseat, faces ducked to avoid being seen by passersby.
“Where are we going?” Svetlana asked before Idris could.
“First stop, a store. We’re going to need proper-fitting clothes and toiletries.”
“Don’t forget bleach and makeup,” a reminder she repeated when Yuri left them to head into a shop.
With the car tucked against a wall on the passenger side, Idris sat sideways, his back against the window, blocking anyone looking in. It left him facing Svetlana. A woman in danger. Someone he felt compelled to help.
She cocked her head. “You seem pensive.”
“Because I’m trying to think of a way to get you and Yuri to safety.”
“Weren’t you the one who claimed safety wouldn’t be had until this doctor was dead?”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I should be dragging you into this fight.”
“You’re not forcing me to do anything. And I haven’t decided yet if I’m getting involved or not.”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
“Why? You need the help. You can’t do this alone.”
“This isn’t your fight, though.”
“They came after my brother,” her growled reminder. “Besides, what other option do I have? Because of this doctor, I am wanted for murder by the KGB. We both know my chances of getting out of Russia are slim to none, which means, me helping you is the best shot Yuri has at not being captured.”
“You’d do anything for your brother.”
“I protect those I love.”
He couldn’t help a sad smile. “Must be nice to have someone in your corner.”
“You don’t have family?”
At her query, Idris shook his head. “Older parents, no siblings or extended family. When my parents immigrated to Canada, they left their old life behind.”
“What about a wife or girlfriend?”
He snorted. “Didn’t have the time. I’d only just returned from a deployment when the general nabbed me for his experiment. Since my escape, I’ve been busy trying to not get busted.”
“I am single too,” she admitted. “Although my reason is more because I don’t trust anyone.”
