3. Chapter Three
Chapter Three
Inessa
I find the cleaning supplies in the hall closet.
Then I get to work.
All the bathrooms are pretty much clean already but I do my job and clean them even more. Any spot of dirt, I wipe away. Any speck of dust, I sweep up.
It takes me hours to clean every bathroom and sweep the entire house.
By the time lunch comes around, my body is already aching from bending over so much. I usually do yoga but I’m not sure that’s going to help me right now.
“How is today going?” Mrs. Green asks me as she hands me a plate with a sandwich and apple on it.
I scarf it all down.
“Slow down,” she gently scolds. “You don’t want to make yourself sick.”
“I’m just hungry.” Since I haven’t had much money lately, I haven’t had the chance to eat a lot. There have been many nights I went without food because my father gambled away any money that could be used for sustenance.
“Did you eat breakfast?”
“No,” I admit. There was no money for it and the motel doesn’t have anywhere to store food.
“Why ever not? Are you one of those girls who starves themselves?”
“Just don’t have enough money.” That’s the truth of it.
Mrs. Green’s eyes soften. “Well… you have a job now.”
“But I’m not going to have enough money to support my family tonight. I need the money now but I can’t ask Viktor – Mr. Smirnov – for it after one day’s work.”
“No. You cannot. Your family will just have to deal without the money for the time being.”
I think of my father getting thrown from the motel. How he’ll probably go to a casino and gamble away more money he does not have. I shouldn’t feel bad for him.
But he’s still my dad at the end of the day and I can’t bear the idea of losing him. Not after I’ve already lost my mom.
“They really need the money.”
“Well, they can fend for themselves, I’m sure.” She takes my empty plate away and starts doing the dishes. At least that’s one thing I don’t have to do.
“Mrs. Green, are we the only people here? I haven’t seen anyone else.”
“Mr. Smirnov told me that he sent his sister away to stay with family in France, so it’s just him. But he did tell me he would be inviting a woman over sometime this week. A potential wife, is my understanding.”
“So, it’s just him? And us?”
“Yes. And a few guards who patrol the house.”
“Guards?” I have to play dumb and pretend I don’t know that Viktor is a Bratva man.
“Yes. Mr. Smirnov is wealthy. He has guards making sure no one can break in. That’s what he told me.”
“And did he tell you what he does for a living? I know he owns a few nightclubs.”
“He told me that as well. He’s a developer, I believe. Owns a lot of properties. Brings in income that way.”
So, either Mrs. Green doesn’t know that Viktor is a part of the Russian Mafia or she’s just not telling me that she knows.
“You need to get back to work,” she says.
I glance at the clock on the wall. “I still have fifteen minutes. I’d like to rest my feet.”
“Do you want Mr. Smirnov to come home to a dirty house?”
“I already cleaned all the bathrooms and the floors.”
“And you have yet to clean the kitchen counters. Or wipe down the windows. Or do the laundry. Get to it.”
Instead of arguing with Mrs. Green, I just do as she tells me.
By the time four pm comes around, I’m ready to go to bed. I’ve never worked this hard in my entire life.
But my day isn’t over yet.
I have to make dinner with Mrs. Green.
“I’ll get working on the pot roast,” she says. “You make the green bean casserole.”
I look around the kitchen. “Do you have the recipe?”
She stares at me for a second before she laughs. “Why would I have a recipe? Don’t you know how to make green bean casserole? You told Mr. Smirnov that you know how to cook.”
“Yes but… I don’t have everything memorized. I’ll need a recipe.” Am I in the wrong for not knowing these recipes by heart?
She makes an annoyed sound in the back of her throat. “I’ll write it down for you. But this better not happen again.”
“Just tell me in advanced what we’re making and I’ll make sure I’m prepared next time.”
“I did tell you in advance. I told you this morning.”
“So I have time to look up each dish and memorize the recipe,” I say.
She hands me the hastily scrawled green bean casserole recipe with a pinched face. “You do that.”
I can barely read her handwriting but I don’t dare ask any questions. I want to keep my head on my shoulders, thank you very much.
Mrs. Green whips through the pot roast like it’s nothing. While she does that, she also works on the stuffed potatoes. It’s impressive how fast she moves.
It takes me a much longer time to make the casserole. Between all the ingredients and deciphering Mrs. Green’s handwriting, it takes me over an hour.
“We need to get this in the oven,” she says in a frantic tone. “You need to hurry this up. I did not sign up for this job to work with someone so incompetent.”
I want to snap at her and ask her what she’s been doing all day because I know it hasn’t been cleaning the entire house. As I moved through the house today, I spotted her reading magazines or watching TV at one point. She’s had more time to rest than me. I’m fine working for long hours but not when I’m going to be ridiculed for it.
But I don’t say a thing. Because I need this job. Because I need to keep my dad safe. Because I will have nowhere to live if I don’t make any money.
So, I finish the casserole and put it in the oven without complaint to Mrs. Green.
“Mr. Smirnov will be home in less than an hour. He’ll be eating later than I promised him. That’s on you.” She walks out of the kitchen like she has a stick up her butt.
Feeling drained and tired, I slump onto the kitchen table chair and cry my eyes out.
That’s how Viktor himself finds me.
“Inessa?” His deep voice startles me that I gasp and stand up.
“Viktor. I mean, Mr. Smirnov. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be sitting on the job.”
He looks me over with curiosity. “May I ask why you’re crying?”
“Just… a long day.”
“You’re not really a maid, are you?”
His question takes me aback. “I’m sorry?”
“Turns out, you lied to me.”
My heart begins to pound and sweat forms on my shirt. “I… don’t understand.”
“You didn’t come to see me yesterday to be my maid. Another woman showed up for the position but I had to tell her that I already filled it. So, care to tell me why you pretended you were in my office to ask for the maid job?”
“I…”
“Because I don’t like being lied to, Inessa.”
“Am I fired?” I squeak out. Then all of my plans will be dashed and I will have accomplished nothing but getting an achy back from all the work I did today.
He furrows his eyebrows. “Why would you be fired?”
“You think I lied to you.”
“Did you?”
It’s just the two of us in the kitchen and he’s so tall and imposing and I feel so small and young next to him. So out of my depth.
“Why did you come to my office? I’m not mad. Yet. Tell me.”
“I needed a job,” I admit. I cannot tell him about my father. Not after he’s already caught me in a lie. That will not end well. “I came to be a dancer, like you had suggested. But then you offered me the maid position and it sounded a lot better. I can’t even dance that well.”
“So, you jumped at an opportunity. I’m not mad about that. Just don’t lie to me again.”
“Understood. I am sorry. I really did just need a job. I’m barely getting by. I lost the house I lived in and had nowhere else to go.”
All of that is true. The more truths I can speak, the better.
For a moment, Viktor’s eyes soften. “I am not a villain, despite some people making me out to be. I am a business man. I’ll take a look around the house and see what you’ve done. Wait here.”
I stand there for fifteen minutes, my heart racing the entire time, before he returns. “The house looks clean. Much better than it was yesterday. You did a good job, Inessa. It’s obvious you know how to clean a house. Since you did a good job, I won’t fire you for deceiving me just a little bit.”
“I am so sorry, Viktor. I mean, Mr. Smirnov. I just really needed a job and you offered before I really said anything. How could I have said no?”
“I understand. You’re in a desperate situation, I take it. Tell me about it.”
My eyes flick to the oven. “Sir, dinner will be ready in about thirty minutes. I’m sorry it’s late. Mrs. Green won’t be happy.”
“I can wait thirty minutes. But make sure it’s ready by the time I come home tomorrow. No more delays.”
“I’m… new at this,” I admit. “Cooking.”
“You told me you could cook. Another lie?”
“I can cook. It just took me longer than I thought. But I will get better. I will make you proud. You will not have to fire me.”
He nods once, still looking at me with stern eyes. He is an exacting man. “Since we have thirty minutes to kill, tell me about your life. Why were you in need of this job?”
“My… father gambled all of our money away. There’s nothing left. I needed a job and fast. I don’t have anywhere to live or any food to eat. The lunch Mrs. Green made me today was the first real meal I’ve had in weeks.”
It’s hard to keep it in once it all comes rushing out.
“That must have been hard. I am sorry you had to go through that. Well, now that you’re working for me and living here, you’ll never have to go hungry. You’ll always have food. Come. Have dinner with me.”
“Me? But I’m your maid.”
“And you’ve been on your feet all day, cleaning my house. You deserve a break and a good meal. Mrs. Green can join us. I don’t have anyone else coming over tonight.”
“But… is that proper?”
“Why does that matter?” he asks. “It’s the twenty-first century. I can have my maid and housekeeper eat dinner with me. I have no other company tonight. Of course, on nights when I do have company, you and Mrs. Green will eat in here and I’ll eat in the dining room. Mrs. Green will make you two a separate meal. But for tonight, let us celebrate your first day of work here. Mrs. Green’s too. Mrs. Green!” he calls out.
She comes rushing into the kitchen. “Yes, Mr. Smirnov?”
“I will take a whiskey in the living room. Rest my feet until dinner is ready.”
“Of course, sir.”
“And you and Inessa will be joining me for dinner tonight. In fact, you’ll both be joining me unless I have other company.”
Her mouth gapes open. “Is that wise? We’re your staff. It’s not a good idea to blur the lines.”
“It’s my house. I can make the rules. But I appreciate your input, Mrs. Green.” He turns back to me. “Are you all right?”
I quickly wipe my face. Mrs. Green looks at me with disapproval. “I’m fine. Just tired.”
“No more crying. I don’t like to see it.”
As if it’s that easy to not cry but I don’t object. Objecting to Viktor does not seem like a smart idea.
Once Viktor leaves and Mrs. Green has gotten him his drink, she hurries back into the kitchen. “What in the world happened?”
“He just asked me some questions. About why I applied for this job. That’s all.”
“You were crying. Why?”
“I was just tired.”
“You need to get your act together,” she hisses. “I know you’re new at this but that’s no excuse to cry in front of your employer.”
“You’re new here too, Mrs. Green.”
“But I’ve worked as a housekeeper and maid for other families in the past. I’m experienced. You have none, that much is obvious. You’re covered in sweat. Go change. I’ll finish dinner. If we’re to be eating with Mr. Smirnov tonight, I don’t want you looking a mess.”
I hurry into my room and change into a nice summer dress. One of the nicest dresses I own. My sweaty shirt and pants will have to be washed tonight so I can wear them tomorrow. They already smell a little from how much I worked today. I’ll need more work clothes soon.
But that will require money and I cannot ask Viktor for it tonight. That would be inappropriate.
Mrs. Green serves the pot roast, casserole, and stuffed potatoes. “Dinner is served.”
“Smells delicious,” Viktor says, digging into the food.
Since Mrs. Green waits until Viktor is done getting his plate, I wait to do the same.
“Eat, eat,” he says, motioning at us.
The dining room is a thing of beauty and intimidation. The long, dark table takes up most of the room and the dark walls are not exactly inviting but with the candles on the table, it manages to make things more romantic, like something out of a gothic fairytale.
We all eat in silence for a moment. The pot roast and potatoes are delicious but the casserole could have been better. I can tell Mrs. Green thinks so but she doesn’t say anything. Instead, she only picks at it.
Shame fills me. It’s the one thing I made and I couldn’t do it right.
When I glance at Viktor, I notice that he’s barely touched the casserole too.
“I’m sorry,” I blurt out.
“Excuse me?” he asks, looking at me with those intimidating eyes of his.
“About the casserole. It’s not the best, I know. I’m the one who made it. I promise that won’t happen again.”
“It could have been cooked longer,” Mrs. Green agrees.
“I think it’s fine,” Viktor says. “But you’re learning. Mrs. Green, make sure you’re teaching Inessa. Make sure you’re encouraging her. There should be a list of recipes in the kitchen she can follow.”
I look at Mrs. Green. She said there weren’t any recipes around. She doesn’t meet me in the eye as she nods.
“I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again,” she says.
“That’s a pretty dress you have on,” Viktor says to me, taking a bite of the roast.
A blush forms on my cheeks as I shove a piece of the potato into my mouth.
“That color suits you,” he murmurs.
My hand brushes over the neckline of my blue dress. “Thank you.”
“I am curious, Inessa. You’re young. Normally I employ older people who have already lived a life. Do you really want to spend your life as a maid?”
“It’s just for now until I can get on my feet. Unless you want to keep me on for as long as possible. I could always use the money.”
He chuckles. “I’m sure. Everyone could always use more money. But as a young woman, I feel like you should be out living your life. Going to parties. To clubs.”
“I’ve never really been into those things.” Mostly because my father would never allow me to go. I also just never had the money to waste on frivolous things like clubs. Food and shelter came first before anything.
“Really? Most of the young woman I meet are obsessed with parties and gossip.”
“Then maybe you haven’t met that many young women.”
He stares at me for a long and hard moment before saying, “Maybe you’re right. You know, you remind me of my sister. She has spunk. So do you.”
“I’m sorry,” I blurt out. “I didn’t mean to insult you.” I can feel Mrs. Green glaring at me from across the table.
“You didn’t insult me. I found it quite refreshing. Not that many people tell me what’s on their minds. I prefer the truth rather than lies. If that’s what you think, tell me. You can always be honest with your thoughts and feelings to me. That includes you as well, Mrs. Green.”
“I’ve never had an employer say that to me,” she admits.
“It may be a little unconventional but I am not here to frighten my staff. I frighten a lot of people for my work and that’s how I prefer it but when it comes to my home life, I don’t want you to walk around on egg shells with me. It creates a tense home. Be yourself. Both of you. If you ever need to tell me anything, then feel free to tell me.”
He makes it sound so easy but I know I will never be able to confide my true feelings to Viktor. Not when my father tried to kill him. Not when he tried to kill my father.
“Well, if we’re being honest here,” Mrs. Green says, “then I don’t think you should be complementing Inessa’s dress. I think it’s inappropriate. She’s an impressionable young woman.”
He steeples his fingers together and looks at Mrs. Green calmly. “I wasn’t aware of that. I never meant any harm by complementing Inessa’s dress. It was merely a complement. An innocent one, I assure you. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Inessa.”
“You didn’t.” It’s the truth. I found his complement to be flattering. I’ve rarely gotten complements from anyone before. Lack of money and a controlling father prevented me from meeting that many people
“Dinner was great. But I expect perfection for my meals. Don’t let what happened with the casserole happen again. Now, I’m off to bed. Clean up and then you two can retire for the evening.”
This is it – I have to ask Viktor for the money if I want my father to have a place to sleep tonight.
“Mr. Smirnov? Can I talk to you about something?” My eyes flick to Mrs. Green. “In private.”
She looks like she wants to object but Viktor allows it. “This way.”
He leads me into his home office. It’s even more intimidating than the dining room. Where is all the color? Where is all the life?
“Yes?” He leans against his desk and crosses his arms. It makes his arms look muscular. I quickly avert my gaze.
“I know this might not be appropriate but you said I could tell you what’s on my mind.”
“Yes.”
“I need to be paid tonight.”
“Normally I pay at the end of the week.”
I wring my hands together. “It’s just… my dad is staying at a motel and he doesn’t have enough money for tonight. If I could just be paid tonight, I could help him out. That would help me a lot. It would make me a lot less anxious.”
“You really do need help, don’t you?” he asks in a soft voice. It’s a lot softer than I thought a man like Viktor Smirnov capable of.
“I do. It would just be for today. Then you can pay me at the end of the week like usual.”
He sighs. “Well, I can do that. I don’t see what withholding the money from you will accomplish.” He walks over to a safe in the corner and plugs in a code. Catching a glimpse inside, I see that there’s stacks of bills in it. He pulls out a few of them and closes the safe before turning to me and handing the money over. “Here.”
I count it. It’s three hundred dollars like he told me he would pay.
“Thank you so much.”
“I am very curious about you, Inessa. I have to admit. You’re not like any maid I’ve ever had before.”
“What do you mean?”
“Young and pretty. In so much desperation. That or you’re not good at hiding it. Maybe the other maids I had were better at hiding it.”
“Maybe,” I murmur.
“You just seem so… innocent. So untouched by this world and yet completely burdened by it.” He shakes his head. “Already, I have a soft spot for you. What is that about? Normally, it takes people a long time for me to open up to.”
“I’m not sure,” I whisper.
I didn’t take the job for this. This… intense, almost sexually charged moment. This cannot happen.
I have to trust that Viktor is a gentleman about his staff and that I will be safe here. Even as I blush from the way he’s looking at me. I’m not mad at it.
“Well.” He clears his throat. “You should go help your father out. Before it gets too dark outside. Come back within the hour. Just so I know you’re safe.”
“I’m just your maid. Why would that matter?”
“You did a good job. I would hate to have to get a new maid so soon.”
Right. I’m just a job to him. And he’s just a job for me too.
I leave his office feeling unsettled. That feeling doesn’t go away as I make it to the motel and find my dad pacing around the room.
“Where have you been all day?” he demands.
“At my job.”
“And what is this job?”
“I work as a maid. Here.” I hand him one of the hundred dollar bills. I’m going to keep the rest. It’s a decision I made on the drive over here.
His eyes light up when he sees the money but before he can grab it, I pull it back. “Actually, I’m going to use this to pay for the motel room for the week.”
When I try to leave, he grabs my arm. “Wait. I can pay for the room. Just hand the money over.”
“Dad… no. You said you were proud of me. Let me be proud of you. Let me pay for the motel room. I don’t want you to get hurt if you’re thrown out. Who knows where you’ll go? Who you’ll meet? You’re trying to avoid Viktor Smirnov’s detection. So let me pay for the motel room and stay out of sight.”
“But… Inessa. I can use that money to make us a lot more money. I swear. I can do it.”
“Dad, I love you, but you always end up spending more money than you earn gambling. You never win big. I’m paying for the motel.” I wrench my arm away and go to the front office, where a man behind the desk is watching a small TV mounted to the wall.
“How many nights can I get for this?” I ask, sliding the money over.
“Three nights.”
“Then three nights. My dad will stay in the same room he’s in.”
“Good enough for me. As long as you pay, you can stay for however long you want.” He slips the bill into his pocket and not the cash register.
I don’t ask questions because I don’t want him asking me any questions.
“There,” I say to my dad when I come back to the room. “You have three nights. I’ll pay for more later.”
“How did you get a hundred dollars from your first day of work?”
“My boss paid me in advance.”
“You worked all day for only a hundred dollars?”
“Yes. Now, I need to go back.”
“No.” He rushes at me and grabs my purse, ripping it open and pulling out the other two hundred dollar bills. “Ah-ha!”
“Give me that back. I earned that money.”
“I need this money, Inessa. You don’t want me to be destitute, do you?”
“Give me it back.”
“No. You’ll have to fight me for it.”
Seeing my father like this is painful. How can he do this to me?
I don’t bother to fight him for it. Next time, I won’t bring all of my money when I pay for the motel room. He can figure things out himself.
I leave before he can stop me and drive back to Viktor’s, crying the entire time.