DJBF2C7: I'm back, and we finally get to see this "Viktor" that Raisa so fondly mentions.

Chapter Three: Looking Into Things

(2 January 1939 – 03:15hrs)

Aleksandr Andreyvich, my new neighbour, gave me the package that Viktor left me. It's on the table now along with some sealed and stamped envelopes. I'm hesitating the opening of it. Unpacking my clothes. Making my bed. Putting up the curtains. Arranging and rearranging my books and knick knacks. I really do fear what is in that bag. More so of what's in the envelopes that Viktor left for me.

I tired myself out with my constant moving. Mama would have pressured me into sitting down, long before I was drained. My legs buckled, and I hit the ground. It was icy. Very icy. Yet soothing. It felt like the cold in Moscow. Like when I would play with Aunt Nastya in the snow.

-Memory: Fast Forward-

(2 January 1939 – 15:25hrs)

My right hand was bloody by the time I woke up. It was bruised, and broken in a couple of places. Nothing I can't manage. I got up, and took a look at the bag. It's about damn time I opened it. I took the box cutter left on the desk with my left hand, and opened the bag. Within it was a couple of journals, Viktor's medal of St. Vladimir, 4 revolvers, shells, about 5 throwing knives, some old pictures, and, of course, a hidden blade. The book looked tattered. Very old. Antique even. Now it's time for these letters to be read by my eyes. I took the one that insisted to be read first. Marked in red, and it said:

Dearest Rayen'ka!

I miss you so, and I cannot be more anxious/excited for your arrival here in St. Petersburg. Such a shame I won't be able to greet you off the train like I promised. Yet this will be moot, seeing as how by the time you read this, you will be situated, and I will be gone.

Rayen'ka, I believe that you have met my neighbour, Aleksandr. If you didn't, you wouldn't have had this. Just so you know, Aleksandr is the red head that gave you this package. Now you know what he looks like. I, your loving brother, suggest that you hang around him. He's a very nice man, really. A bit rough around the edges when you first meet him, but Aleksandr is quite the player; and he can't resist a pretty face. This applies doubly so for you, gorgeous. Look! You're already his type. You're in good company around him. I promise. He's a handsome man. Tall. Courteous. You would absolutely love him. I just know it.

This may seem like an odd request, doubly so since it is from Viktor Ivanovich Romanov-Makarov, but I suggest you marry him. Not actually marry him, but just set up a fake engagement. The GUGB are cracking down on "suspicious" looking students, and due to your previous reputation at Bauman, I fear you're one of them. I'm 110% certain that Aleksandr's one of them as well, given his choice of associates. I recommend that you set this up. I'm not telling you to pollute yourself with "sin", but if you choose to do so, go for it. If you two end up together, wonderful. I'll take the time out right now to congratulate the both of you, and I wish the both of you a long life. Oh! That reminds me! Just call Aleksandr Andreyvich, Aleksandr. There is no need for formalities amongst friends. As for the things that your dearest brother wished to say... Oh, and something else, do stay out of trouble, and try not to stress Mama. She's already worried enough about you.

Stay away from St. Peter and Paul Fortress.

With Love,

Viktor Ivanovich Romanov-Makarov

I put Viktor's letter back in the envelope. This is Viktor, my brother who tried to snap Nikita's neck. This Viktor, is insisting that I "date" his friend. Odd. Very odd. I looked at the envelope. It's dated 25-06-1938. he's either been intending to send this, or he knew some tragic event was to befall him; and left this.

I got up, and went to Aleksandr Andreyvich's flat. "Aleksandr! Aleksandr!" I knocked anxiously on his door.

"Mademoiselle. Why are you knocking on my door so early?" My heart slowed down. I practically bolted over here.

"Viktor Ivanovich. What happened to him?"Aleksandr sighed.

"Come inside, mademoiselle." Aleksandr grabbed my hand, and led me to his chair.

"Viktor was arrested, ma belle dame. Sincerest apologies." He put his hand on my shoulder. "He was at some sort of meeting with other colleagues. I got to see him at the Fortress. He left me some other things... Never stated what he wanted me to do with them. How do you know him exactly?"

I breathed deeply. I feel as if I was about to cry. I love my brother dearly, and it's truly sad to hear that he was arrested for doing something good for his fellow Russians. I rubbed my eyes. "He's my brother."Aleksandr kissed my cheek, and stroked my hand.

"My apologies, mademoiselle. Would you like to see him?" I nodded.

"He told me not to go to the Fortress." He patted my hand. "Ma belle demoiselle, he's your brother. Wouldn't you want to see him? He'd probably like to see you." I nodded. "We can go today, demoiselle. Wipe your beautiful face, go bathe, and I'll be at your flat in an hour or so." Aleksandr kissed my cheek gently, and led me to the door.

"Merci, Monsieur Aleksandr. Merci. Merci beaucoup. (Thank you, Mister Aleksandr. Thank you. Thank you very much.)"

-Memory: Fast Forward-

"Demoiselle (Damsel), are you ready?" Aleksandr knocked, and I opened the door.

"Oui. (Yes.)"

Monsieur Aleksandr grabbed my hand, and we walked to the fortress. "Your hand, demoiselle (damsel)." I pulled it away.

"Non c'est non, Monsieur. (No means no, Mister.)" He nodded and sighed.

"Oui mademoiselle. (Yes miss.)"

-Memory: Fast Forward-

(2 January 1939 – 18:45hrs)

"Rayen'ka! You're in St. Petersburg!" I ran to Viktor's cell.

"Vityunya!" I hugged him through the bars.

"Rayen'ka... I told you not to come." Viktor kissed my forehead. "Who brought you here?" I pointed at Aleksandr with my broken hand.

"Our friend Aleksandr Andreyvich did, Vityunya." Aleksandr stepped to my side, and put his hand on my shoulder.

"Hello Viktor... I think your sister's hand is broken." Vityunya grabbed my hand, and touched it in a couple of places.

"Thank you, Aleksandr. Guard! This woman needs assistance!" Two GUGB officers came.

"This woman?" Vityunya and Aleksandr nodded.

"Treat this woman well, officers." Aleksandr said this, and followed me.

-Memory: Fast Forward-

(2 January 1939 – 19:45hrs)

"Isn't that better?" Vityunya said this. Aleksandr held my now bandaged hand. I shook my head.

"Rayen'ka, you couldn't feel it when the officers stabbed your hand. Repetitively." Aleksandr rubbed my hand gently. "Now, as for my letter, you hard-headed girl. I told you not to come here, but since you are, I need you to come here. Aleksandr, turn around." Aleksandr let go of my hand, and turned around. Vityunya gave me his plaid woollen cloak, and other assorted items. "Love you little Rayen'ka. Tell Mama what has become of me." Vityunya gave me a kiss on the forehead. "Aleksandr, take my baby sister home. Treat this baby well, or I will find you and kill you."

Vityunya hugged Aleksandr. "I will." Aleksandr nodded.

"Bye brother. Bye sister." Vityunya waved us farewell, and the GUGB officers escorted us out.

-Memory: Fast Forward-

(2 January 1939 – 20:00hrs)

"Aren't you happy you got to see him?" I nodded. "What did he give you?" I showed him Vityunya's cloak. He nodded. "Will you be alright?" I shook my head. "Would you prefer it if I stayed?" I nodded. He nodded as well.

"My room isn't exactly situated. Do you still want to?" He nodded. "Yes, well. Let me change into my sleep wear, and I will be back." Aleksandr left to change into his clothes, and I did the same.

"Raisa?" I opened the door.

"Hello Aleksandr." I put my shawl on the table.

"So... Ready?" I nodded.

"Yes. Come." I went to my room, and Aleksandr followed. "This is my room, now good night." I got under the covers, and he joined me.

DJBF2C7: It gets better! I promise!