by F. C. Clark
Someone else enters the waiting room – Aunt Christina. I look at her in shock. I haven’t seen her since… I can’t remember when.
‘Girls, are you OK? And Malcolm?’ She shakes her head with disbelief that her brother is in a critical state.
Harry and I stand.
‘He’s stable – they said we’ll know more after the next twenty-four hours.’ I give her a hug.
‘Do you want to see him?’ Harry takes Christina to a chair, accepting that she is distraught and overwhelmed.
‘Yes, but you girls go first. I can wait.’
‘Mum is in there – I know she’ll be pleased to see you.’ Harry holds out her hand. ‘I’ll take you.’
‘Kate, are you sure you don’t want to go?’
‘Harry’s right; Mum will be pleased to see you.’ I touch her arm. ‘They said Dad can hear, so talk to him.’
They leave the waiting room. Within seconds, Harry returns. Instantly Harry resumes her position on my lap. I’m here in body, and yet my mind drifts back to yesterday, as I shut my eyes and remember all the birthday gifts Luke gave to me and the perfect day he organised. I wish I could go back in time, to be in his arms as we fell asleep last night, knowing Dad was safe.
Aunt Christina returns to the waiting area and takes the seat next to me. I notice her looking from Harry to me.
‘Kate, I need to speak to you and Harry.’
‘Sure, what is it?’ I look at her, my fingers combing through Harry’s hair.
Christina places her hand over mine, ceasing my movements.
‘This is serious.’ Her eyes fix on mine.
I frown. ‘I don’t understand. What do you mean, it’s serious? Hold on, who called you?’ I begin to unravel what has been niggling at me since she arrived.
‘No one. I was on my way to see you. I went to your house. You weren’t there, that’s when I drove past Malcolm’s and saw the police.’ She looks down at her hands and takes a deep breath. ‘Kate, I need to speak to you and Harry immediately. Not here – somewhere… safe.’
‘Somewhere safe?’ I look at her face. Anger and fear are my first emotions. ‘You’re scaring me – what the bloody hell is going on?’ I raise my voice, causing the conversation in the room to pause and Harry to bolt upright.
‘I will explain when we find somewhere to talk.’ Christina wears a look of panic; she looks almost scared.
‘Kate, what’s going on? I’m not leaving Dad.’ Harry grips my hand.
‘I don’t know.’ I look at Christina. ‘You need to tell me now. I’m not in the mood for games – you’re scaring us.’
‘Kate, the information I have… Well, I don’t know if this has something to do with what’s happened to Malcolm.’
I stand and look down at her. My eyes are dark and demanding. ‘Are you shitting me? Do you know something about his attack?’
‘I have a letter for you – it may explain some things. First, we need to talk. I think it’s best that your mum doesn’t know – not now. I wouldn’t ask you if I thought it wasn’t serious, but we need to go somewhere safe – straightaway.’
Everyone remains silent.
‘This can’t be happening. I don’t understand what your problem is. Fine, let’s talk, but I’m warning you – if you know anything about what’s happened to Dad… then so help me, God.’
‘Kate,’ she immediately stands, ‘I promise you I don’t. Do you really think I would hurt my only brother?’
‘No, I don’t.’ I question my sanity. I’ve just accused my dad’s sister of attacking him. ‘OK, let’s go to Harry’s.’
‘No, not your house.’
Harry stands at my side. I take her hand, offering her strength, confirming everything will be fine – but clearly everything is not fine…
‘Pete’s bar – I have the keys. Kiki, can you call Pete? Tell him about Dad and say I need to borrow his bar for a chat?’ Instinctively, I know something is wrong. ‘Barney, stay here; tell Mum we went to get her and Dad some clothes, OK?’
‘Sure, babe… Will you be OK?’
‘Who knows, Barney?’
Molly stands and holds Harry’s hand. ‘Do you want me to come with you?’
‘Yes,’ Harry whispers.
I watch Kiki through the glass-panelled door, speaking on the phone. I move towards her.
‘Pete said it’s OK.’
‘Good. You’re coming too.’
‘Sure. I don’t know what to say. This is…’ Kiki shakes her head in disbelief.
‘It’s fucked up… I have a bad feeling about this.’
At Pete’s bar, I pull some chairs away from a couple of tables, allowing us all to take a seat. Kiki retrieves a bottle of liquid and some glasses.
‘I don’t mean to be rude, but maybe you should just get on with it.’ I offer Christina a deadpan glare. I can’t be polite; I’m too stressed.
‘Before I start, I need you both to remain quiet until I’ve finished. Remember, you have each other, and your mum and dad love you.’
I nod and down my first dose of de-stressing liquid.
‘I’m going to tell you a story about a woman called Katenka Bagrov. She was Russian, and was married to a man called Ivor Varizin. She came from a wealthy, honourable family and he came from a wealthy family that I believe were known to be corrupt. Ivor was sent to prison, apparently for fraud, but I don’t have any further information on him other than what I’ve just told you.’
Christina looks at us both, ensuring we have taken this in.
‘Katenka left Russia and moved to New York for a couple of months; her family had a business there. She then came to London with her daughter Katarina, who was a few months old.’ Christina sighs, and swallows. ‘Katenka tried to make a life in London, setting up a home for herself and her daughter. She bought a Victorian townhouse that needed renovating, and that is when she met and employed Malcolm Harper to rewire the electrics. Malcolm was very young and had just started his business. He was courting Susan.’
Christina pauses. The silence in the bar is palpable, almost razor-sharp. I know the cut is going to wound me and Harry.
‘I’m not sure of the exact timescale, but maybe a year later, Katenka knocked on Malcolm and Susan’s door one day, very upset. This time she had another child with her – baby Helenka. Malcolm had not seen Katenka since he had finished working on her house.’ Christina reaches for her drink, needing the Dutch courage to continue the story.
‘She thought someone was trying to kill her, or, worse, hurt her daughters. She begged Susan and Malcolm to take the girls. Malcolm had been so kind to both Katenka and Katarina, and so she trusted Malcolm, even though she knew very little about him.’ Christina reaches across the table, taking hold of our hands. ‘Susan couldn’t have children. It devastated her when she found out. And then Katenka turned up on their doorstep, offering the very thing that was missing in both of their lives. She knew Susan and Malcolm would make wonderful parents.’ Christina looks away, knowing she has changed everything we knew about our lives.
‘Holy fuck… Are—’ I try to speak.
‘Kate, please let me finish.’
I nod.
‘Malcolm called me to the house the day the girls arrived, asking me to arrange for them to be formally adopted. Although I’m a solicitor, I don’t deal with adoption cases. However, I did know someone who could help. Katenka’s two beautiful baby girls began their new life with Malcolm and Susan – as Kate and Harriet Harper.’
‘Katenka…?’ I shake my head. I remember the word ‘was’ at the beginning of the story.
‘Kate, she died.’
I look at Harry. She is white and shivering with shock. I wrap my arms around her, trying to protect her – but how do you protect someone who’s just had her heart ripped from her chest and torn into fragments?
‘I have you, Harry. We have each other, and we always will.’ I tuck her head in the crook of my neck, trying to warm her, but she remains cold. ‘This is fucking madness. Our world has been taken from under us. Why are you telling us now?’ I am numb.
Christina retrieves a brown envelope from her bag and places it on the table.
‘Kate, this was hand-delivered to me yesterday, on your birthday.’
‘What is it?’
‘I don’t know what’s inside, but I do know it’s from your father, Ivor Varizin. He wrote a message, asking me to give it to you in person.’ She swallows hard. ‘He also said that your safety had been compromised.’
The silence and shock vibrates in the room.
‘This can’t be real. My safety compromised? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Is this about Dad in hospital? Jesus Christ.’
‘I don’t know,’ Christina says.
‘Who is this Ivor? You say he’s our dad, but how would he know I’m in trouble, and what trouble? Christina, this makes no bloody sense.’ I release Harry, feeling the urge to pace the room. ‘You say we’re adopted, but I’ve seen our birth certificates. This can’t be true… I don’t believe you.’
‘Kate, I wouldn’t lie to you. Money can buy most things.’
‘So, what are you saying? I can’t take this… Fuck.’ I want to scream and crumple to the ground.
‘This arrived before your dad was attacked. Kate, Ivor’s family were – and maybe still are – ruthless.’
Christina tries to pacify me, but how can I possibly understand what she is saying?
Molly gets up and sits next to Harry, holding her close. ‘What about your attack and the break-in? Coincidences or not?’
I didn’t even hear Fiona walk in, but she is now seated at the table. ‘Kate, do you need anything?’
‘I can’t think.’
‘I’ll make some coffee.’ Fiona moves from the table.
‘Fiona, have you heard of the names… what are they?’ Kiki asks.
‘Katenka Bagrov and Ivor Varizin.’ They roll off Christina’s tongue. I can’t even begin to say them, and nor do I want to.
‘Varizin – I know that name from when I was younger; it’s a Mafia-style name. I’m not so sure now – Russia has changed since I lived there. As for Bagrov, I’ve never heard of it.’
‘So do you think this is why Malcolm was attacked, and maybe Kate?’ Kiki takes the envelope from Christina’s hand. ‘Kate, you have to look at this. It could be fucking serious.’
‘Serious? Are you having a fucking laugh? My dad might die. I’ve just found out that Harry and I are adopted, and our birth parents are Russian… Or I should say were, as our birth mum has died and our real dad may be linked to some dodgy Russian family… So, no fucking shit, Sherlock, this probably is serious.’
Everyone looks at me.
‘Fuck. Sorry, Kiki. Fuck, fuck, fuck… I can’t take this. We’re adopted. I don’t understand; this is fucked-up bullshit.’ I rake my hands through my hair, feeling lost, confused and scared that my life has disappeared before my eyes.
‘You need to read the letter… I’m opening it.’
I stop in my tracks and watch Kiki open the envelope.
‘I’ll read it aloud.’
‘Fine, just do it… before I throw up.’
Fiona returns with hot drinks for everyone, especially Harry, who has remained silent throughout. I sit next to her and begin to drink. Maybe something hot will thaw the coldness inside me.
Dear Katarina,
I know that if you are reading this letter you will also be aware that I am your father. I also understand that you will be in a great deal of shock, and for this I apologise. I send my gratitude to Malcolm and Susan for guiding you throughout your life.
You may also know of the death of your mother Katenka. This pains me deeply, as she truly was the most beautiful woman in the world.
When you were born, your mother and I set up a trust fund in your name, to be released to you when you turned twenty-seven. The release day of your trust fund inheritance is today; today you will come into £100 million pounds.
However, the fortune will bring you some enemies who will do whatever they can to lay their hands on your money. I know about your attack and the break-in; they are warnings to you, and the attacks could worsen.
I want you to come to Russia to sign your money over to me. My enemies will no longer hunt you down. Instead, they will become my problem and have to deal with me. If you keep this money, I fear for your safety, and that of your family.
Your mother and I set up the trust fund together, so unfortunately I am unable to alter the release date or where the funds will be deposited.
I have arranged a jet to collect you at two o’clock tomorrow and bring you to me in Russia; the address of the airfield is below. If you board the flight, then I know you wish to end the terror to which you have been subjected. Once the money has been transferred into my account, I will return you to the UK. You have my word on this. However, I understand you may have many reservations and be unable to accept what I say.
Please do not contact the authorities: they have no jurisdiction in my part of the world, nor will they be able to keep you safe from the people who are targeting you and your family. I am your only option. I may not have been involved in your life so far, but please allow me to put this right, so you can continue to live the life you deserve.
You must understand that I am not doing this for my personal gain, but in memory of your late mother, Katenka.
Ivor Varizin.
‘There’s some Russian writing at the bottom of the letter. Fiona, can you understand it?’
Fiona leans over Kiki’s shoulder.
‘To have lost you brings me pain every day, to know you will take my sadness away…’
‘Shit… What are you going to do? The flight’s today, as the letter arrived yesterday. There is no way he could know about your dad’s attack because of the timing.’ Molly looks to me for all the answers. ‘Jesus Christ, a hundred million.’
‘I don’t want the money – it’s not mine.’ I turn to Christina. ‘How serious is this? Ivor – is he dangerous?’
‘Kate, I really don’t know much about him except he has never contacted you before – he could have if he had wanted to.’
‘Why can’t I sign the money over here in the UK? He said it was in sterling.’ I look at Christina for answers to questions I never thought I would have to ask.
‘Their laws are different to ours. There could be some legal attachment to the trust fund, that could be why it’s not possible to transfer from the UK.’
‘I don’t have a choice. If what he is saying is true, how can I ignore it?’
‘Kate, no…’ I reach across and touch Harry’s hand. ‘It may be dangerous. Dad’s in hospital… I can’t lose you too.’
‘I don’t have a choice – look at what they’ve done to Dad. It could be you or Mum next. If they hurt you, I would never forgive myself.’ I pull Harry to my chest, wrapping my arms around her. ‘If this is as serious as the note says, I don’t want the money – it has nothing to do with me. Harry, they could come after our friends, or Raymond and Luke.’ I shake my head at the thought.
‘Kate, it’s twelve o’clock. If you’re going to do this, you need to leave now.’ Christina looks at me.
Kiki stands and walks to me. ‘I’ll come with you.’
‘No. No one comes with me. I’ll go, sign the money over, and leave. He says he will return me and I have to believe him. Christina may have a point. He could have contacted us at any time, so maybe he is looking out for our safety. After all, we are his…’ I can’t bear to say the word. Harry looks at me and shakes her head.
‘I know, babe.’ I clasp her face in my hands. ‘Mum and Dad are still our parents, and they
don’t need to know any of this – not at the moment.’
Harry silently nods.
I try to pull myself together, organise a plan of action, putting to one side the fact that my parents are actually Russian and my dad – who’s not my real dad – could die.
‘So, this is what will happen. Harry, you and Molly go and get Mum and Dad some clothes. Go back to the hospital and stay with Mum. I’ll go back to Luke’s, get my bag and passport… Crap. Luke had it yesterday; maybe it’s in the office.’
‘Kate, I’ll come with you. My driver can meet us there and take you to the airfield.’
I look at my watch. ‘Timing is pretty crap.’
‘Kate, this is too dangerous. I don’t think you should go.’ Harry begins to panic over my welfare.
‘I have to, Harry. Please, can you all stay together tonight? I don’t care where – the hospital, Harry’s or mine – just all be together. There’s safety in numbers.’ I look around at the people I care about.
Fiona returns from the bar and hands me a piece of paper.
‘Kate, this is the name of my friend, Erik Glinka – he owes me a lot of favours. He is a little rough and hangs with the wrong people, but I trust him with my life. I’ll warn him that you might call.’ Fiona can’t finish her sentence.
‘Thanks, Fiona.’
‘Be safe,’ Fiona says.
‘I guess this is it.’ I stand and walk to Harry, pulling her tightly into my grip. ‘Look after Mum, tell her that I’m – I don’t know. Just lie, OK?’ I pull away, witnessing her sadness as tears roll down her cheeks. ‘I’ll be fine, you know me. I’ll be home before you know it.’
‘Be safe, Kate, I need you more than ever.’ Harry kisses my cheek.
I walk towards Molly.
‘Look after Harry and your little bump.’ I kiss my index finger and place it on her stomach.
‘I have both of your backs.’
