An unexpected visit

Ana isn't at the bar today. With a sinking feeling, you remember she is coming to your house today for lunch. Nadia will have to deal with her, for now. You're just glad she isn't here. Seeing her would be too much.

You weave through the bar, through the kitchen, to the backroom. Two knocks, pause, two knocks. The door opens, and you see Dmitri's surprised face.

"Lev, what're you doing here? I thought you were taking today off?"

"I need to speak with you and Uncle Ivan."

Dmitri must have sensed the emotion in your voice, as he opens the door and points to Ivan's desk without another word. Ivan is there, an arched eyebrow on his face.

"Everything is okay, Lev?" he asks, in his thick accent.

The question stirs something within you. Awakens that barely concealed rage that you somehow managed to stuff down earlier in the morning. Your thoughts drift back to Karina, the feeling of her sobbing form in your arms, the sting of those words on your ears. He **** me. "He fucking **** her," you seethe, the words a murmur. "That bastard fucking **** her, and I'm going to kill him for it. Make him suffer. He's a fucking dead man."

Ivan's eyebrows raise in shock, and he shoots a confused look at Dmitri. The older man just shrugs. You pace back and forth across the room, your fists clenching and unclenching with each step.

"Lev, what are you talking about? Who was ****? Tell us what happened," Ivan says, his voice calm.

"Karina. Her fucking gymnastics coach. He **** her, and I never knew. That's why she quit gymnastics! He's going to pay for this. Nadia told me... She told me to come and speak with you. Ask for your help," you **** out.

Ivan points to a chair across from his desk. "Sit," he orders, and you manage to comply. You fidget with your pants, unable to remain still.

"Lev, I am sorry this thing has happened to Karina. We will make sure this man is punished for what he has done. But you must let us help you. We will make sure you do not end up in prison."

The words break through to you, and you manage to still. Your rage quells within you again, waiting for another moment to break free.

"Dmitri," he continues, "will go and collect the man. You need only provide the address and description. Once he's secured, we will mete out his punishment together."

You nod your head and gulp. Ivan pushes a notebook to you, a pen resting on top of it. "Address. Description," he says.

You jot down the gym's address. You know he will be there. He is always there, even on Sundays. You also list his name and description. George Smith. Dead man walking.

You hand the paper to Dmitri, and he looks at the paper. "That's only a couple of blocks away?" he asks.

You nod, and Dmitri disappears through the door.

"Let's go, Lev. We'll meet him at a secure location," Ivan says.

You follow him through the restaurant, through the exit, and into a nearby garage. Soon you and Ivan are driving down the freeway in his SUV, the city blasting by you.