Love in E Flat (16 page)

“The car accident?” Edie asked.

Agata nodded in agreement. “Yes. And Inga’s parents were in the same car.”

“All four of them died in the same accident?” Lou asked; Agata nodded. Lou exchanged glances with Edie and John. She glanced at Tom, who frowned as he examined his empty champagne glass, absently twirling it around with his fingers.

They sat in silence for a moment before John spoke. “Am I the only one thinking this was more than an accident?”

“It was suggested, but there was never any proof,” Tom said. “It was coincidental.”

“But suspicious?” Lou offered.

Tom shrugged.

“This is why I ask you not to print anything of this, Lou. It is over and would do no one any good to dredge it up again.” Agata looked at Lou then. “Especially the children.”

“I understand.” Lou leaned forward. “What happened to Ana and Dmitry’s parents?”

“Dmitry died four years ago. Cancer,” Agata said. “Ana has no recollection of him. And Dmitry was only nine or so. It was very sad.” Agata took a deep breath. “Inga lived in Ukraine with the children. She was professor of political science at the university. We had many talks and many visits. Then she decided to come to England with me while I was playing there and in Scotland. Dmitry played several times with me. He is so gifted,” she said thoughtfully. “It was here she had idea for children to see America. She came to Chicago during the summer. I was in New York. Our plan was to meet here, then travel to my home in Connecticut for Christmas.” She put her head back. Lou could see a tear leak out of the corner of her eye.

“We can talk about this later,” Lou suggested.

“Yes, Agata. You have to be exhausted,” Edie offered.

“No, it is good that I finish this.” Agata lifted her head. She continued in a dull voice, “Inga had been staying with Mrs. Penkov. She was up early one morning before the children. Was going to the bakery a few blocks away. It was typical tragedy. Raining, busy traffic. Apparently, Inga ran across street and was struck by a car.” She smiled sadly. “Like something out of Dostoyevsky novel.”

Lou sat back and took a deep sad breath. John held on to Edie’s hand, and she wiped a tear away. Tom stared at nothing in particular.

Agata rose and walked over to the window. She was silent for a moment or two. “She died instantly. Thomas called me to let me know.” Agata looked back at Tom, who smiled sadly. He then poured himself another glass of champagne. “I have spent all my time since then making sure I fulfilled Inga’s wish to take care of the children. With her parents gone and only an aged aunt of Dmitry’s left, Inga wanted me. So that is what I have been doing, trying to keep it quiet and out of the papers. Trying to keep certain people like Mr. Dvorak away from them. As I said, Dmitry is very gifted, and I know what it is like to be gifted and surrounded by vultures. This will not happen to him.”

Lou locked gazes with Tom Farnsworth; she wondered how he knew Inga and Aggie. It was a question worth asking, but Lou warred back and forth with it, not wanting to bring up anything else painful.

Tom smiled sadly. “I can see the question in your eyes, Ms. Preston. There was another reason Inga wanted to come to Chicago. I had met her in St. Petersburg last year. She was giving a lecture, and I was there on business. We kept in touch, talked of many things and of our future. We made plans to meet when she came to Chicago.”

“Since then,” Agata continued, “when I found out I was to be their guardian, I had rescheduled my tour to make sure I had all documents ready so there would be no problem. But Mr. Dvorak in Moscow got wind of this. You see, back in Russia, little Dmitry was quickly noticed. Inga wanted so much for him. But she saw the toll it took on me growing up and as a young adult. So many people pulling me in different directions just because I could play the cello. Inga did not want this for Demmi.” She let out a tired sigh. “Mr. Dvorak is not horrible, but he is of the old ways in Russia. Inga wanted more for her children. And as I said, it was her wish that I make sure they are happy. This I will do.”

Lou heard the quiet resolution in Agata’s voice. Her admiration grew exponentially. She watched Agata, who gazed at nothing in particular; she looked so sad and pensive it broke Lou’s heart. Before she knew what she was doing, she walked over to Agata and put her hands gently on her shoulders. Agata looked up, somewhat surprised. Lou smiled and placed a kiss on her forehead. “You are a good woman, Aggie,” she whispered.

Tears welled in Agata’s eyes as she smiled. “Thank you.”

“Come back and sit down.” Lou guided her to the chair next to the couch.

“So now what happens?” Edie asked.

“We have all the documents in order. I’ve found Agata a good lawyer who will make sure she is the legal guardian of Dmitry and Ana.”

“Yes. I do not want to leave anything unfinished. There is much more to think about, but for now, this is most important.” Agata put her head back and closed her eyes.

“Well, I think we’ll be going,” Edie said and pulled John to his feet. “You look exhausted, and I’m sure the children won’t want to see any more unfamiliar faces.”

Agata stood, and as Edie held out her hand, Agata gently pulled her into a hug. “Thank you, Edie.”

Edie pulled back. “I did nothing.”

“Yes, you all have,” Agata said to all three of them but was looking at Lou. “I thank you.” She then hugged John.

“You let us know if you need anything. Maybe we can all go out for dinner,” he said.

“I would like that…”

“Off the record,” Edie added. “I think we have enough for the article.”

“It would be nice,” Agata said, “as friends to go out. Perhaps after the concert tomorrow night. I must practice during the morning and so must Dmitry.”

“I…” Edie hesitated. “We could take Ana if you like. So you don’t have to worry about her.”

Agata frowned for a moment. “I do not want…”

“Of course, I’m overstepping my bounds, Agata. I apologize.”

“No, no. That is not it.” Agata smiled and reached for Edie’s hand, which she took. “I can see the children are comfortable with you.” She laughed slightly. “Well, Ana is. Dmitry is another question.”

“I totally understand Dmitry,” John said.

All three women looked at him and waited. “Well, he’s the man of the family now. He’s going to be super protective of Ana and you, too, Agata.”

“Me? Why?”

John scratched the back of his head. “When I was a kid, my dad was always on the go, hardly ever home. It was just me, my baby sister, and my mom. I felt like it was my responsibility to take care of them when Dad wasn’t there.” He shrugged. “He’s very mature for his age.”

Agata nodded sadly. “He has been through so much. He adored his parents. Dmitry wasn’t as affectionate as Inga, but he loved his children. It was hard for him when he found out about the cancer. He grew distant from the children, which I suppose is natural. But that is another topic. For now, Edie, yes. I think is good idea for you to take Ana tomorrow if she wishes.”

Edie beamed with excitement. “Are you sure? I know you’ve only got them for the weekend right now, and if you don’t want…”

“You’re rambling, darling.” John gently pulled Edie out the door. “We’ll call in the morning, Agata. Have a peaceful night.”

Lou grinned and pulled Agata into a warm embrace. “Can I call you later?”

“I would hope so,” Agata whispered, kissing her on the cheek.

Lou grinned but avoided the curious looks from Edie and John as they left.

Chapter 12

Lou, Edie, and John walked the few blocks to The Gage for some holiday cheer. They no sooner sat down at the bar and ordered drinks than Edie nearly climbed all over Lou.

“She kissed your cheek,” Edie said. “Again?”

“So?” Lou asked.

Sue placed the drinks in front of them and overheard them. “Who kissed who?”

“Whom,” Lou corrected her and took a drink.

“Whatever. Who kissed whom?” Sue demanded.

“Agata Karetnikov kissed Lou on the cheek.” Edie gave Lou’s shoulder a backhanded slap. “Twice.”

“She did, why?” Sue sounded so completely incredulous, John nearly spit up his beer.

“Now, now,” he said, wiping off his sweater. “Lou is kissable. In a sweet kind of way.”

Edie laughed while Lou glared at her friends. “Can we change the topic?”

“Hell no,” Edie said, taking a drink of water. “Okay, what else do you want to talk about?”

“I feel guilty,” Lou blurted out.

“Why? Because we followed her?” Edie glanced at John, who shrugged. “I can see where you would. But she seems okay now. I have a feeling you’re about to overthink this.”

“I’m not,” Lou said. But truly, she was about to. “This whole thing. I tricked her into going to dinner. I followed her. She told us something she probably didn’t want anyone to know because I butted into her life.”

“Lou, something tells me Madam Karetnikov is not one to do something she doesn’t want to do. She’s too strong for that. It appears so, anyway,” John said.

“She’s a good woman. She and her family went through a lot when she was young.”

“And now she has those kids who’ve been through so much, as well,” Edie said.

John chuckled. “They were cute. That Ana is priceless.”

Lou had to agree. “But Dmitry is so serious for a thirteen-year-old. I think you might be right about him, John.” She picked through the pretzel mix on the bar. “I suppose if I went through all that so young, I’d be the same way. Can’t really blame him.”

“It’s an awesome responsibility Agata is taking on,” Edie said. “Especially with her schedule.”

“Well, maybe she won’t be doing much traveling.” John took a drink from his beer glass.

“I can see that happening,” Edie said absently.

Lou and John watched Edie as she stared at nothing in particular. John gave his wife a curious look. “I know you, wife. Something’s going on in that head of yours. Give,” he said, gently nudging Edie.

“Oh, I don’t know.”

“Of course you do,” Lou said. “Spill it.”

Edie grinned then. “I was just thinking…”

“Oh, no.” John groaned, hanging his head. “Nothing good can come of this.”

Lou laughed. “Take a deep breath, Edie, and concentrate.”

“You two should take this show on the road.” She took a long drink of wine before starting. “I was just thinking. Agata has a busy schedule while she’s in Chicago. And she has to practice between concerts and she said we might be able to take Ana tomorrow…?”

John grinned. “And…?”

“And maybe we could take her Christmas shopping.” Edie’s excitement was contagious. “I’m sure Agata won’t have time. And if she doesn’t want to sit through a concert, maybe we could…” She looked at John and shrugged. “The poor things are probably all confused and…well, all the sadness.” She looked at John with tears in her eyes. “Ya know?”

John swallowed as he nodded. He leaned over and kissed her temple. “I know, sweetie.”

“I’m supposed to call Aggie later,” Lou said. “I can talk with her, maybe see how she’d feel about you taking Ana.”

“I think it’s so cute you call her Aggie,” Edie said, winking at John. “Does she have a nickname for you?”

Lou knew her face was red-hot. She quickly gulped her drink.

“Well?” John asked.

“We’re not in grade school,” Lou said, suddenly feeling defensive.

“Lou and Aggie sittin’ in a tree,” Edie started while John laughed.

“I hate you both.”

Edie cocked her head. “You’re blushing. And what’s that tone I hear in your voice, Louisa Preston?” She glanced at John, who grinned.

Lou felt the color rush to her face. “You don’t hear anything.”

Edie’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, my, God. You like her.”

“Shut up, Edie.”

“You do!”

“Well, she did kiss you…” John leaned back when Lou glared.

“You do like her!”

“Go home, Edie. Get her out of here, John.”

“Come along, my little Cupid.” John gently pulled her away from the bar.

“I can’t believe it,” Edie exclaimed as she allowed John to guide her.

“Drop dead, Edie.”

Edie laughed and ran back to kiss Lou on the cheek. “I’m teasing you. But this might be a nice break for you. Someone to care about even if it’s just for a week. Have fun.” She kissed the top of her head. “We’ll go home. If Agata wants to talk to me, that’s fine. Call me.”

Lou nodded and turned back toward the bar when they left. Someone to care about, she thought. How long had it been since Lou Preston cared for someone? She knew what Edie meant, though. Someone to care about so she could get her mind off the past and how fucking stupid and immature she was. Well, Lou thought, who isn’t immature at nineteen? But Lou took immature to a completely new level. Her ego got hold of her. She felt entitled, she felt privileged, and she felt she was due. Just because she had good DNA, just because she could kick a soccer ball better than anybody. She had a chance at greatness, and she threw it away because she felt special—nothing could happen to her. Well it did, big-time.

The memory of Charlene and her parents crying and sobbing had Lou hailing Sue for another drink. Years of convalescing for Charlene all because Lou felt invincible. She grunted rudely. It didn’t matter how many times Charlene and her parents forgave her; it would never go away.

Sue gently put the drink in front of her. “You okay?”

Lou looked up and blinked. “What? Oh, yeah, yeah. It’s all good.” She smiled and took a drink. Sue didn’t appear to believe her, but she nodded and walked away, mercifully without saying anything more. Lou glanced at her watch. It was six thirty. She had time to mull over whether she’d call Agata or just leave it alone. Let her concentrate on her concerts and the children. Then go home to Connecticut for the holidays. Why did that idea sound so final to her? And why did it bother her so much?

*******

Agata watched as Dmitry and Ana slept—in the same bed. Agata swallowed the tears as Ana snuggled closer, one arm around her bear, and the other around her brother. While Ana slept peacefully, a frown creased Dmitry’s brow.

“Oh, Inga. I hope I am doing what you asked. I will keep them happy,” she whispered as she closed the door. “No one will exploit Demmi. I promise.”

She looked longingly at the plush, deep-cushioned couch and kicked off her shoes. Letting out a tired groan, she lay back and smiled. Her mind raced from the children to their parents—the sadness of their deaths—and finally to Lou. What should she do about Lou Preston? she thought. Everything needed to go smoothly with the children. A nice, peaceful transition so Dmitry and Ana did not have to endure any more pressure or sadness. This consumed all her time when she was not performing. And now…now this American comes into her life.

A knock at her door shook her from her reverie. With a groan, she rose and opened the door to see Tom Farnsworth standing there. “Thomas, come in.”

“Thanks. How are the children?”

“They are in their room. Staying close to each other.” Agata sighed sadly. “Sit, please.”

“I just have the copies of the papers you signed earlier. For your records.” He walked in with briefcase in hand, holding it up to Agata. “I am tired.” He sat on the couch and let out a deep groan as he flipped it open. “Your lawyer will be in touch in a few days and…” He looked up to see Agata gazing off into space. “What’s wrong?”

Agata blinked and returned to the conversation. “I’m sorry. Nothing, nothing is wrong.” She sat next to him on the couch, leafing absently through the papers. “I cannot concentrate on this right now.”

“There’s no need to,” Tom said softly. “What’s really wrong?”

“I don’t know. With everything going well with the children, I should be happy and relaxed. Yet I find myself restless and uncertain.” She sat back and let out a deep sigh. “I don’t know.”

“This is a big step for you. A complete change of everyone’s lives.”

Agata heard the sadness in his voice and placed her hand on his back. “I am sorry, Thomas. I forget how much you loved Inga. So much sadness.”

“Yes, but we’re doing what Inga wished.” He looked back at Agata. “I still see something else.”

Agata took a deep breath but said nothing; she gently rubbed Tom’s back.

“Is it the journalist?”

“What journalist?”

Tom smiled slightly. “Agata…”

“Oh, I do not know,” she said angrily and quickly stood. She walked in front of the coffee table and paced. “Why?”

Tom opened his mouth, but Agata quickly continued, “Why now when there is so much to do? Oh, why should I care? This is ridiculous. We have only just met.” She stopped pacing and shook her head. “I do not,” she announced. “I do not care.”

“Agata…”

“I will be leaving with the children soon, and that will be that. She is crude anyway. Always with the jokes and never serious. How can you live like that? No, this is good. I will call her and tell her she has enough for the interview, and that will be that. Before it…”

“Before it what?” Tom asked.

Agata didn’t answer him; she walked to the window and looked down at the bustling city below.

“You do care for Lou. I saw the way you looked at her, the way she looks at you.”

Agata whirled around then. “She does not…”

Tom grinned. “Oh, yes, she does.”

Agata quickly turned back to the window and put her hand to her heart. She tried so desperately not to smile. She roughly cleared her throat. “Then she is
szalony
. As my grandmother would say.”

Tom laughed. “My Polish is a little rusty, but I highly doubt Lou Preston is insane.”

Agata turned to him and raised an eyebrow. “Have you talked to her…?”

Again, Tom laughed. This time, Agata joined him. She folded her arms across her chest. “What am I to do?” She looked at the floor.

“What do you want to do?”

“It has been so long. I do not know,” she said softly. “The timing could not be more…how do they say…rotten.”

Tom smiled. “Oh, I don’t know. I sometimes think we use ‘timing’ as an excuse.”

“What do you mean?” Agata asked. “I have a feeling you are going to be philosophical. And we are out of champagne.”

“I’ll do my best not to,” Tom said. “But I think sometimes we say, oh, the timing isn’t right, that’s why it didn’t work out. Or it’s the wrong time, it will never work. We protect ourselves.” He sat back and stared at the papers. “If we don’t try, we don’t risk failing, and if we can’t fail, we can’t get hurt.” He looked back at Agata and smiled. “Somewhat convoluted.
Nyet
?”