Her Russian Hero (International Romance Series) (11 page)

John waggled a finger under her
nose. “Cecile, let it never be said that you waste one single minute of your
precious working time.”

“John,” she said, with a brisk
edge to her voice. “I have a contract to fulfill and a lab to refurbish in a
limited time.” She spun toward the lab director and made an effort to soften
her tone. “Dr. Kadelov, we need to add four more chemists to the laboratory
staff. I’d like to see resumes and interview the applicants. I’ll hire them
myself.”

“That can be arranged. I will
provide a dozen resumes before you leave. The next time you come, you can carry
on the interviews and the hiring.”

She nodded her thanks and caught
the fleeting smile lingering on the general’s lips. He seemed impressed—or
amused—by her authoritative tone.

John huffed with impatience.
“Alexander, for heaven’s sake, get on with your report before this Dr.
Robota
chastises us for laziness.” He banged the table with his beefy wrist. “And
please, now that we’re all good friends bonded by innumerable vodka toasts, can
you speak in English? It’ll shorten your speech by half the time.”

“I’m sorry, my friend, official
speeches have to be delivered in Russian.” Kadelov pointed to the lamps hanging
from the ceiling and shrugged. They understood the silent comment. His office
still carried the surveillance system installed by the former KGB. And the
officers in the Bureau of National Security needed to hear solid Russian.

The general approved. “By all
means, Dr. Kadelov, proceed in Russian.”

John grimaced and scowled at the
spying lamps. “Well, if you have to talk in Russian, at least cut the crap,” he
mumbled in a grumpy voice. “I warn you, my threshold for listening—whether in
Russian, English or both—is ten minutes. After that I start snoring and that is
difficult to translate.”

With a big grin, Kadelov negotiated
his report at a hundred words a minute. Tania scribbled as fast as she could
and translated at the same speed. Satisfied, John leaned against the back of
his chair. Cecile smiled and jotted some notes.

After precisely ten minutes,
Kadelov stopped, glimpsed at his watch, inhaled and exhaled, triumphant as a
runner breaking his personal record. John clapped his hands. “Great speech, Dr.
Kadelov,” he declared with a thunderous voice while glaring at the spying
lamps. “Excellent work, highly commendable. And now, with your permission,
General Fedorin, let’s inspect the lab. I need to move my stiff legs.”

With Alexander leading the way,
they strolled back along the cold dark corridor. The general retained Cecile
behind the group. “Dr. Lornier, I hope you’ll be satisfied with the lab
improvements.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I would like to see you
tonight. Nicolai will pick you up in his old Volvo at seven-thirty and drive
you to my flat. He will bring you a local coat and chapka, a Russian hat, to
avoid attracting attention while going into my building.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll have my own. I
planned to buy some clothes anyway,” she replied in the same hushed way, then
raised her tone. “With the Belchem Laboratory ready, General, we’ll be able to
expedite the equipment as soon as we return to Boston.”

The group dispersed between the
various labs. Cecile caught up with John for the official audit. They spent two
hours noting the positive changes.

The glassware was neatly arranged
on shelves. The refrigerator harbored only chemicals—no illicit vodka hidden in
a corner. The Bunsen burners were tucked under the big hood and the benches,
free of clutter, reminded her of her impeccable EAL lab.

Kadelov followed on their heels.
Every time they stopped to examine an item, he would anxiously ask, “Okay?”
then beamed with delight when Cecile or John nodded their approval. There was
still room for improvement but her serenity, handily restored by the general’s
request, prompted her to show leniency. She congratulated the Belchem Lab
supervisor and chemists for their tremendous efforts at cleaning and
reorganizing their laboratories.

Continuing her audit with John,
she inspected the few computers. She had installed new software and asked the
technicians to practice. Instead of playing games, they were now writing
letters and preparing their grocery lists. Serious progress.

They regrouped into Dr. Kadelov’s
office. Jubilant, Alexander Kadelov rubbed his hands. “So, Dr.
Robota
,
are you pleased? Have we passed inspection? Can we expect to receive the
instruments on time?”

“There is still room for
improvement but right now I’m very satisfied.”

“In that case, let’s celebrate
the achievement of my staff with a little toast and a light lunch,” Dr. Kadelov
suggested.

Cecile shook her head. “You can
celebrate. I’m stealing Tania to do some last-minute shopping. Women’s
shopping.”

“Go ahead, my dear,” John said
with a yawn. “Nothing bores me more than shopping with my wife. She spends
hours choosing and trying on dresses.” A chorus of male voices agreed.

Cecile stretched a hand toward
the lab director. “Dr. Kadelov, will I see you tomorrow at the Hall of
Officers? As soon as the equipment arrives in Minsk send me a fax. Do you know
who’s going to transfer it from the airport to the lab?”

Before the lab director could
answer, John raised a hand. “The equipment is EAL’s responsibility until it’s
installed in the lab. Therefore when Kadelov informs you of its arrival in
Minsk, Cecile, you will come back here to retrieve it from the airport and
Colonel Nicouvitch will help you clear customs.” He turned toward Kadelov. “And
you will arrange for transportation. It’s a joint effort my friends, I will
accompany you to inspect the procedure. Does that answer your question, Dr. Lornier?”

“Perfectly well. Until then,
gentlemen.” She headed to the door.

“Hey, I’ll see you at seven in
the lobby for dinner and fun.” John rubbed his hands. “Remember, it’s our last
night in Minsk.”

As if she could ever forget it!
It was her last night with Sergei for this trip. And who knew when she’d be
back in Belarus. She hadn’t been able to fully concentrate on the audit with
that thought swirling in her mind.

Cecile halted and grimaced.
“Maybe I won’t be up to staying out late after hours of shopping. If you don’t
see me in the lobby, don’t wait for me. And don’t get too drunk.”

The general stood. “Gentlemen,
continue your work and your celebration. I’m going back to the Ministry of
Defense.”

Cecile walked out to the corridor
followed by the general. John’s last words, diffused but clear, reached her
through the open door. “She doesn’t have anything else in mind but work. Such a
pretty woman. What a waste.” She could imagine the Contract Director shaking
his head. There were no comments from the Belarusians.

Raising an upset brow, she glared
at the door. The general touched her shoulder. “Let them think what they want.
It is better this way. We will enjoy our evening in peace.” He winked at her.
“But I share John’s opinion. It would be a waste to leave such a pretty woman
alone.”

She shrugged and grinned,
reassured.

They found Tania in the hall. The
general strolled to his Jeep. Cecile followed Tania to the van. “Tania, I need
to buy winter clothes. Take me to your best stores. John will return with
Colonel Nicouvitch.”

The girl smiled with enthusiasm.
“All right! We’ll do some women’s shopping. I know two nice boutiques.”

It was still drizzling and cold.
Tania darted to open the car doors and turned on the heating. Warm air suffused
the small space. Between May and November, a good-running car could be the only
place to revitalize a freezing body. Cecile leaned against the back of the seat
and relaxed in the cozy haven.

Delighted with the opportunity to
tour the expensive stores, Tania maneuvered the spotless VW with speed and
dexterity. She avoided the major arteries of the capital and detoured through
the almost empty streets of residential areas.

“You finished work early today.
Is everybody going back to the hotel now?” she asked curiously.

Cecile shook her head. “The men
are having drinks in Dr. Kadelov’s office. It’s our last night here.”

“We will miss you, Dr. Lornier. I
hope you will return soon.”

“Probably.”
As soon as I
possibly can.
Cecile sighed. Being away from Sergei was going to be
terribly hard. “I have to receive the equipment and deliver it to the lab.”

Tania slowed down and came to a
complete stop in front of an elegant store with well-lit window. “I’m sure you
will like this place. But it’s expensive. I’ll bargain for you,” Tania said
with aplomb.

They spent two hours visiting the
boutiques. Cecile examined the coats and modeled in front of a mirror. Tania
circled around her like an excited puppy, offering comments and suggestions.

Cecile selected a brown coat that
fell to mid-calf. “How do I look?” She pirouetted in front of Tania.

The girl approved with a big
smile. “I like the mink collar that crosses over the chest to double-button at
the waist. And the wrists are trimmed with the same fur. Elegant and warm. You
won’t freeze all the time.” Tania suggested a Russian mink hat to complement
the coat.

Inspired by her chauffeur, Cecile
bought a pair of leather boots with heels three inches high. Tania applauded.
“That’s the way to go.”

“Not at all my style,” Cecile
lamented.

Tania shook her head with
importance. “You may be a great chemist, Dr. Lornier but when it comes to
clothes you need some serious coaching. Next time you come to Minsk, don’t
bring those shapeless suits. I will take you for more shopping.”

Bemused by the girl’s honest
effrontery, Cecile gasped. “Tania, what are you saying?”

“Dr. Lornier, trust me when it
comes to fashion. You should see some of the elegant women I drive around,
foreign or wealth women, and even our vice-president’s wife. They know how to
dress. Nothing flashy but so becoming and fashionable. I will teach you how to
enhance your figure.”

With narrowed eyes and an
inquisitive look, the pretty guide scanned her from top to bottom. “You’re not bad
at all, Dr. Lornier.” Tania gave her diagnosis with a naïve indulgence.
“Regular features, interesting eyes, gorgeous hair. You’re tall and slim with
good curves and…and I don’t understand why you insist on hiding your shapely
legs.”

“Thank you, my dear.”
Dumbfounded, Cecile gave up on arguing. “I’ll let you help me on my next trip
when I have more time.”

At the actual exchange rate of
the Belarusian ruble, her purchases cost her ten times less than in Boston.
Yet, Tania insisted on bargaining and lowering the price. On a sudden impulse,
Cecile asked her guide to choose a jacket and offered it to her.

Back in the hotel, Cecile thanked
and hugged her fashion consultant who assured her she had enjoyed herself
tremendously.

“Thanks for the jacket.” Tania
gave her a brilliant smile. “We have handsome officers around here. I will
light a candle for you to find a good man.”

Taken aback by the
so-close-to-real-life suggestion, Cecile opened her mouth and closed it without
uttering a sound. A handsome officer—and very good man—was waiting for her.

But was she ready for him?

Chapter Ten

Today’s meeting with the
ministers’ cabinet proved to be a particular challenge. As soon as Sergei
entered the Minister of Defense’s office, he paused, noticing with annoyance
Colonel Roussov ensconced in a large chair. The syrupy voice of his former
father-in-law grated on his ears. “
Dobroye
 
deen
, Fedorin,
good day. We don’t see much of you these days. Too busy with the Americans.”

Sergei managed a blank
expression. “They are here only for a week to assess the Belchem Lab.”

“Too young and too pretty, this
woman. Can’t you ask the Contract Director to replace her with someone more
substantial?”

Embarrassment eating at his
heart, Sergei remembered he had shared the same opinion not long ago. Roussov’s
eyes narrowed on him. His former father-in-law remained true to his character.
Like a cat that enjoyed playing with a mouse, Roussov cast doubts on Cecile’s
capability, then watched for Sergei’s reaction. But Sergei was no mouse. He
clenched his fists and jammed them into his pockets.

“So far there’s no reason to
replace her. She had planned a total reorganization of the lab. Everyone works
hard in order to meet the deadline she’d set. The Belchem chemists have
nicknamed her Dr.
Robota
—Dr. Work.” He quirked an eyebrow, daring
Roussov to contradict him.

To Sergei’s annoyance, the
Minister of Defense grimaced. “Well, Fedorin, we all know that a woman—and I
heard this one is just a young girl—can’t manage a big contract. Isn’t it an
offense toward our country to send such an inexperienced Program Manager?”

Sergei noticed the triumphant
gleam in Roussov’s eyes at the minister’s negative comment. He hated to be
forced to defend Cecile and to reveal with a wrong word his attraction to her.
Yet he couldn’t let them belittle her efforts and his leading role in the
contract. He turned toward his boss and purposely ignored his father-in-law.

“Minister Anatov, both Mr. Gordon
and Dr. Lornier understand their responsibilities and work accordingly. I
suggest we give them time to prove themselves before protesting too loudly.”

“Do you really mean the lady
Program Manager is able to handle the scientists of the Belchem Lab?” the
Vice-President of Belarus asked with utter disbelief.

“Amazing,” the Minister of
Foreign Affairs exclaimed while shaking his head.

The Minister of Environment
rubbed his hands. “Great. Major General Fedorin, I’m very pleased to hear our
project is well under control.”