Chapter Three - i

Kate had to go back to work sometime and today was the day. She would miss the leisurely days with Jo. She bundled his books and pencils into a new backpack and turned off the telly. “Come on Jo, time to go. You’re going to spend a day with Grandma-Mary,” she pulled him up by his small hand. She would drop him off at her parent’s place and then catch a lift into the city with her father. He was still going to work most days, despite the fact that he had officially retired over two years ago. Kate and her mother both knew that he would go crazy if he stayed home all day. It suited everyone for him to go into work every day and on the days when he didn’t he’d spend on the golf course, he was an avid golf enthusiast. “Give me a call on my mobile if you have any problems,” Kate called as she jumped into her father’s car. “I’m sure that we won’t!” Mrs McBride smiled in reply and waved them off.

There were 94 emails in Kate’s inbox. She sighed; it was going to be a long day! She worked in a prestigious inner city law firm as a law clerk. She usually enjoyed work, but it didn’t compare to a day with Jo. Kate soon found herself missing him, especially in the early afternoon. Work was busy though, a recent suit had created a new precedent and the firm was flooded with new cases. Kate found herself even busier than usual, especially as she was still catching up with all the work that had banked up while she was on leave. She now had a photo of Jo on her desk, he had become such a major part of her life, and so quickly. He was enjoying his days with her mother and his reading and writing was progressing well. He could crudely write his name now. Kate eagerly awaited 5.30, when she could click off her desk lamp and shut down her computer and join the traffic to her parent’s house. On Tuesdays she stayed for dinner and had a hit of tennis with her dad. Her mother had dug out one of their old, child-sized racquets and was teaching Jo how to play. He had really taken to it and Kate considered enrolling him at her tennis club. Though his lack of speech would hinder him playing doubles. She decided to wait for the time being, he probably didn’t need the pressure.

She was slowly catching up on the backlog created by her break. On Friday her dad suggested lunch out as they drove to the office. Kate had brightened at the idea; she would be more productive with something to look forward to. She was beginning to enjoy the rhythm of work again, though she still missed Jo. She had answered or actioned all of the most important e-mails and had prioritised the rest. She had drafted introductions for three new briefs and completed a 60-page report, which had been a relief. There was nothing like a huge report to induce headaches. She always felt a sense of pride and satisfaction upon completion of a report. Life had fallen into a predictable rhythm, Kate liked it that way, and it allowed the headspace to spice things up a little.

Only a week to go and it would be Melbourne Cup Weekend and time for their expedition to the countryside. As she counted down the final minutes of day she reflected on the past week. Today had been a highlight, with the completion of the report and a lovely lunch with her dad; they would make it a regular Friday appointment. Her boss believed in allowing a long lunch break and insisted on allowing his staff up to an hour. He strongly discouraged eating at the desk and one of the corner offices had been converted into a lunchroom. There were several gardens near their building and a couple of walking groups. Mr Fisher believed that a happy, relaxed workforce was a prerequisite for productivity. His staff had proved him right. At 5.30 Kate’s intercom buzzed, “Kate, you’re father is here.” Kate grabbed her jacket and said to him, “I’ve been ready and waiting for at least ten minutes!” he laughed and linked her arm in his. Normally she would have joined her colleagues for a drink on a Friday arvo, but today she was eager to get back to Jo.

They picked up a pizza from Guiseppe’s on their way home. Jo had also picked out a DVD – The Incredibles. They were in for a cosy night on the couch. Kate was just lifting the lid on the pizza box when the doorbell rang. It was P.C Smith, though when he was out of uniform Kate called him by his first name. “Ben, hi, care to join us for pizza? Guiseppe’s Special!” she asked. “If you’re sure that there’s enough to go around,” Ben replied and joined them at the table. Kate grabbed another plate and glass from the kitchen, “coke?” Ben nodded, “Thanks, I’m parched.” She poured him a coke and he helped himself to a large slice of pizza…. “That was delicious, I haven’t had pizza that good in ages,” he commented, licking his fingers, even though Kate had provided paper towel. “Yes, Guiseppe’s never disappoints,” Kate, agreed, “He’s as reliable as the weekend.” Jo was keen to start the movie and Ben decided to stay and join them. Kate zapped popcorn in the microwave and made three hot chocolates, complete with marshmallows. Hot chocolate and popcorn were her movie prerequisites. Ben mentioned that he wanted to talk to Kate about something, “But it can wait,” he added as the opening credits rolled.

Kate ran a bath for Jo after the film and then rejoined Ben once Jo was soaking. Ben was reading yesterday’s paper, the sports section, he looked up as Kate re-entered the lounge. “So, what did you want to talk about?” she asked as she sat down. Jazz music was playing softly in the background. “We’ve discovered a few things about Mrs Johnstone,” he began, “her real name is Alexandra Romanov and we think that she is the boy’s aunt. Her whereabouts remain unknown, but we’ve put out a description of her so should hear something soon. We think that the boy may be Sergei Romanov, his mother died in childbirth in Russia, leaving baby Sergei and a girl, Lara. They were placed with their aunt and then she immigrated to Australia in 2000, Sergei would have been two years old at the time. She identified herself as the children’s mother, though what has since happened to Lara is unknown, she would be 12 now. Sergei’s birthday is July 14th; he turned seven this year. The Romanovs are well off and very well connected in Russia. That is why we were able to discover all of this information. The man whom Alexandra Romanov was staying with was not her husband. His name is Peter Kryukov, and he has connections with the Russian Mafia. We now believe that Alexandra and Sergei were being held against their will. You may be in danger, though we’re fairly sure that the Russians are not yet aware of Sergei’s presence here as yet. We also have a positive ID on the man in the park, a Mr Petrov. He is dangerous, but not directly linked with the Kryukovs. You should probably try and avoid him and I recommend that you and Sergei don’t visit the park alone.”

Kate was shocked, she didn’t know what to say, “can we still stay here?” she asked hesitatingly. “You are safe here for the present, but someone will look in on you every evening. You will know them by two short and one long ring on the doorbell. I recommend that you invest in a peephole and upgrade your security,” Ben replied seriously. “I’ll contact my agent,” Kate said, still struggling to come to terms with the information she had just received. “We have someone in the force who can do it for you, no charge. Give his card to your agent,” he said, handing Kate a business card. Kate was visibly shaken; Ben went to kitchen and made her a cup of tea. “We don’t want you to worry, but you should remain cautious. Report anything unusual to us and don’t keep too rigid a routine, it will make you an easy target.” Kate shivered and sipped her tea, “I never would have imagined something like this,” she commented at last, “can I tell my family?” “I wouldn’t recommend it at this stage,” Ben said gravely, “Keep calling the boy Jo and keep your head down. We will keep you updated.” Kate had regained her composure, “I have to digest all this,” she said. “I understand,” Ben responded and placed his hand over her hers. He gave it a gentle squeeze, “Jo is lucky to have you.”

Kate barely slept that night and the dawn was grey and cool. An ominous mist hung over the park and it had been raining. Kate sighed and drew her robe around her more tightly, what should she do now? She watched Jo’s sleeping form for a time and then snapped out of her reverie. She made herself a pot of tea and sat at the table. She was meditatively sipping on her second cup when Jo appeared sleepily in the doorway. She beckoned him over and gathered him into her lap. They sat in silence for a long time, Jo stirred and looked up at Kate, “It’s ok, my little man, Kate just didn’t sleep well last night. How about some breakfast?” They went into the kitchen; Jo poured himself a juice while Kate made toast. She had peanut butter and spread Jo’s with Nutella. They settled on the couch to watch the cartoons while they ate. At 8.30 the phone rang, it was Ben. “Good morning, Kate,” Kate said as she picked up the receiver. “Kate, its Ben. I just wanted to know how you’re holding up after last night. Everything ok?” Ben asked, concern obvious in his voice. “I’m ok, we’re both fine,” Kate replied, “I just had a bit of a rough night, but I’m ok. It’s just a lot to process.” “Yes, I’m sure. Must have come as a shock. I’ll drop by after my shift this afternoon. Make sure you contact your agent. See you later.” Kate hung up the phone and headed for the bathroom, perhaps a shower would help clear her head….

She did feel a bit better as she stepped out of the shower. Jo was still happily curled up on the couch watching cartoons, it was 9 o’clock, she decided to find out what Bess and Steve were up to today, she didn’t feel like being alone and stuck in the house. She dressed and then went to the phone, it was still to early to call Bess so she dialled Steve’s number, “Steve, it’s Kate. How are you?” she asked when she heard Steve’s voice. “Kate, hi, I was just about to call you. You up for something today? I’m looking after Jane again,” Steve replied. “Sure, what do you have in mind?” Kate said. “I was thinking a movie or something, the weather is gross. Did you know that the Westgarth has just reopened?” “Those refurbishments finally finished!” Kate commented, “That sounds great, I’m a Palace member so we can get cheap tickets. What’s on?” “We’re just looking at the listing on the net now,” Steve began, “What you thinking Jane?” Kate could hear Jane’s reply faintly over the line, “I wanna see Curious George!” “Curious George?” Steve repeated inquisitively. “Sounds fine,” Kate agreed, “Jo and I have the soundtrack. What time is it showing?” “Well there’s a session at 10.30am and a session at 2pm” Steve replied. “How about the 2 o’clock session?” Kate suggested, “I have a few things to do this morning.” “Sounds great,” Steve said, “Do you want to invite Bess too?” “Yeah, I was going to give her a call,” Kate said, “shall we meet at the cinema at a quarter to?” “Ok, see you then,” Steve rang off. “Would you like to go to the movies this afternoon?” She asked Jo. He smiled and nodded enthusiastically. Kate put the soundtrack on and got Jo dressed. They had a lot to get done this morning, though the washing could wait for a finer day.

Kate was ravenous when they sat down at the table with the pies they had bought down the street. For a miserable morning they had achieved a lot. Jo had even helped a bit with the household chores. She had phoned Bess before they went down the street and she would be joining them with her new beau. She wanted Kate to meet him. They all gathered under the awning outside the cinema. Bess had been a bit late as usual and it was now almost five to. Kate had bought all their tickets and Bess reimbursed her and then proceeded to the candy bar. Steve had already bought popcorn and cokes and Kate had bought m & ms. Bess handed around choc-tops, Jo grinned. They filed into the cinema and found seats about half way back in the centre. It wasn’t so packed considering the weather, but then the film had been out three weeks already. Jo laughed out loud in several places, he loved the little monkey. Kate had to stop herself from gasping when Bess had introduced her new man. His name was Alex Morova, and he had the dark looks of a Russian. She made a note to ask him after the movie.

Alex smiled, “Yes, I’m Russian. My parents emigrated here when I was 11. Most of my family is still in Russia, but I’ve only been back once, after I finished high school.” “Isn’t he gorgeous?” Bess exclaimed as she joined them. She linked her arm in his and smiled up at him. He returned her smile and squeezed her hand. “How did you guys meet?” Steve asked. “We met through work,” Bess started, “I was working on a campaign for his company and he was the contact.” “Yes, she captured my attention from the moment I saw her,” Alex said. “Shall we go next door for coffee?” Kate suggested. “Yes, let’s,” Bess agreed and began to make her way to the door. “You know, your Jo looks a bit Russian,” Alex commented, as their coffees arrived, the kids had milkshakes and generous slices of cake. “I don’t know where he’s from,” Kate explained, “He came to me quite by accident,” “Or by providence,” suggested Bess, “It’s a great story!” she added enthusiastically, “Tell us about the morning you found him.” Kate sipped her latte and then set it down. “I couldn’t sleep…” she began.