Page 10 of Grizzly Sleuth
“What?” A startled exclamation. “Of course not. It’s just that Yuri’s passed out in the truck, and I thought you might want someone watching your back.”
The kind offer surprised. “I should be fine. Yuri will, most likely, have sobered up by then.”
“Okay. Well, guess I’ll get going then. It was nice meeting you.”
“You as well.” On impulse, she rose on tiptoe and brushed her lips against his. “Take care, Idris.”
Before he could react to the embrace, she clambered into the truck and drove to the campground, sitting on the tailgate, keeping watch and surfing social media to see what might have been said about her show—nothing thankfully. She headed back to the bar just before closing.
Yuri still snored in the back when she returned to the tavern. Seeing no cars or anyone lingering in the area, she didn’t poke him awake. He could be a literal bear if woken before he’d sobered up.
Since the alley door wouldn’t budge, obviously locked, she knocked. Boris must have been close by because he quickly opened it and beckoned her to enter. “A good thing you showed. I was about to leave for the night,” he stated over his shoulder as he headed for the bar. The surface of it gleamed, wiped clean of the spills and ready for the next day.
She noticed the stacks of rubles sitting on the countertop. “Looks like you had a good night.”
“The best I’ve ever had. Pity you won’t stay.” Boris’ lips turned down.
“I can’t. My mother. You know.” She shrugged and tried to stem a growing sense of unease. Blame the fact she’d come alone. Usually, she had Yuri by her side, keeping her safe. It didn’t help Boris kept looking past her, as if expecting someone.
Boris began counting out notes and making conversation. “You and that bear seem close. How long have you been together?”
“Five years.” The answer she always gave.
“Really? How odd, because a friend of mine in Penza remembers you coming through years ago. You mentioned five then, as well.”
She clenched her fists. “Perhaps your friend’s recollection is mistaken.”
“He also reminded me of an incident even further back, also involving a girl and a bear in Grozny.” A reminder of the time a glass bottle had been thrown at Yuri, who’d grabbed it in a paw and flung it back with better aim.
Ice filled her veins. Why was Boris mentioning this? Her words emerged clipped and stiff. “Must have been someone else. Never been to Grozny.”
“Are you sure? Seems hard to believe there would be another woman roaming Russia with a bear,” Boris exclaimed.
“Maybe I should try and find her so we can combine our shows,” she muttered. “Are you done counting? I don’t like to leave Yuri alone for long.”
“Understandable.” Boris offered a smile that seemed fake—or was that her paranoia?—and slid a pile of rubles over. “Here you go. Hope your mother recovers. If you ever come back this way, do get in touch. I’d love to feature you and the bear again.”
“I’ll be sure to contact you if we do. Thanks.”
Svetlana snatched the cash and pivoted, walking quickly for the exit. No one remained in the bar, not even staff, yet she couldn’t shake her unease. She headed out the door, only to pause, as several figures dressed in black awaited in the alley. Even more concerning, a few of them had visible holsters.
“You are Svetlana, owner of the bear?” barked a man with pockmarked features. His crew cut, outfit, and attitude screamed military or government agent.
No point in lying, as they already knew the answer. “Yes. Can I help you?” She tried to keep her voice from trembling. Not easy, since she quivered within.
“You will come with us,” Pockmark ordered.
“Why?” she asked as two men moved to flank her.
“You’re wanted for questioning.”
Her mouth went dry. “I see. About what?”
“You know what,” Pockmark sneered.
“Who are you? What authority do you have to detain me?” she asked in an attempt to stall. Could she outrun them? Maybe, but what about Yuri?
“I am authorized by the government,” he replied. “And we have questions about your bear.”
