Page 34 of Grizzly Sleuth
A short clip of a fire played next, Boris’ house completely aflame, with firefighters struggling to put it out. No surprise, they suspected her of that, too.
Other new footage showed the outside of the hotel with the reporter interviewing people who claimed they had tips. When she told Idris, he murmured, “Lots of folks looking to collect.”
“I’m surprised none of them trapped a bear in the woods.”
He glanced at her. “That would be insane.”
“People in need will do anything for money.” Just look at her and Yuri, exploiting his God-given gift.
Time passed, and Yuri’s one hour turned into two. Then stretched into three. As the dinner hour approached, a pacing Idris finally admitted, “Something’s wrong.”
“Yuri’s face and name didn’t make the news, meaning he’s likely still safe.”
“Don’t be so sure.”
“Surely the news would mention if he was captured,” she murmured, not wanting to believe the worst.
“Not if the KGB snagged him and took him somewhere for questioning.”
Hearing her greatest fear spoken aloud had Svetlana ready to head out looking for her brother when someone knocked.
Both she and Idris stared at the door. This place didn’t offer room service.
“Hide in the bathroom while I see who’s at the door,” Idris ordered.
Before she could tell him what he could do with that order, they heard Yuri.
“It’s me. I forgot to bring the key.”
Her brother had returned, but given her annoyance with him, might not live for long.
Chapter Eleven
“Where have you been?”That quickly, Svetlana switched from worried to peeved. She leapt from the bed and glared at her brother, hands on her hips. Idris wisely stayed out of the sibling spat.
“Finding out everything I could. It took longer than expected.” Yuri eyed his sister. “Your hair is a mess. Did you not find the brush I bought you?”
Her lips pursed. “Don’t change the subject. I was worried.”
“Sorry.” A flippant apology. “But you’ll be happy with my news. I know where the doctor is.”
“Really? Where?” Idris exclaimed. He’d not expected to find out so quickly.
“The same hotel as those KGB agents.”
“Fuck off. He was there the entire time?” Idris wanted to slap himself for being so close and not realizing it.
“Yes. It’s also where they’re interviewing those claiming they have tips on the bears they’re seeking.”
“We saw them on the news,” Svetlana murmured. “So many greedy liars.”
“Agreed, but in good news, they’re keeping the doctor and the KGB busy.”
“I’m surprised they’re meeting with them at the hotel. You’d think it would be closed for their investigation,” Idris remarked. In Canada, it would have been days before it reopened.
“They’re still processing the crime scene. The KGB are swarming all over.”
“And you know that how?” Svetlana’s stern question.
