Zero Day_ A Novel - Mark Russinovich [54]
Ivana had arranged for their neighbor to help her, and with great effort the pair of them managed to get the wheelchair and her husband down three flights of stairs since the elevator wasn’t working. Vladimir had stoically sat in place, unable to help, resigned away from his computers to his role as an invalid.
But Ivana had been right. The weather had turned, and it was a glorious Russian summer day. Vladimir had forgotten the beauty of the vast sweep of the sky overhead, the smell of the trees and flowers, the familiar sounds of the city. For the first hour Ivana just pushed the chair to give him a full taste of the city. Finally, they reached Ararat Park in the heart of Moscow.
Families from across the city were gathered here. Most were enjoying picnics, while others were content to walk and enjoy the beauty. From a vendor, Ivana bought their lunch. She found a shaded spot beneath a tree set on a small hill from where they could watch the people.
As a couple with a small child passed them, Ivana said, “Perhaps we should have a baby.”
Vladimir laughed. “What? And put it in the sink?”
“We’ll have a bigger apartment soon.”
“Maybe. But why would you want to bring a child into this world? You don’t really think anything will improve, do it? You aren’t that stupid.” He watched her as he spoke. He often tried to bait her like this.
Ivana looked up. “A baby would make me very happy.” Vladimir’s body was scarred and much of it was useless, but in her mind’s eye Vladimir was the same young, strong man to whom she’d given herself so willingly. He was handsome still, she knew, handsome enough to have turned the heads of more than one woman since they’d left the apartment.
“Maybe later. When we can afford one, when we have enough room. I can’t work with a crying baby all day, you know.”
“I’ll see to it that doesn’t happen. Anyway, you said you were making a lot of money these days.”
That was true. More and more work was coming Vladimir’s way. He was even paid in hard currency, and in the new Russia, hard money opened every door. Parked in an e-gold account out of the country, his money was growing. So what if he didn’t know who was paying him? A cloud passed over Ivana’s face.
“What’s the matter?” he asked a bit nastily. “I thought you were happy.”
“It’s nothing.”
“It’s my work, isn’t it?”
Ivana looked at him. “What if State Security is eavesdropping? You could be arrested. And me as well!”
Vladimir laughed harshly. “I’m doing nothing illegal.”
“You’re very secretive about it for something that isn’t wrong.”
“I’m not secretive. It’s … complex, that’s all. It would be pointless for me to try and explain it.” He tapped her head, striking once so hard she jerked back, out of reach. “Anyway, it’s nothing for you to be concerned about. It’s my business.”
“But what if State Security is listening in?”
Vladimir snorted. “I’d like to see them try. All my communications are encrypted so they can’t eavesdrop. You worry too much. Just like a woman.”
Ivana was close to tears. After a few moments she persisted, “They have resources.”
Vladimir rolled his eyes. “They are idiots! They aren’t smart enough to catch me.”
“Catch you at what?”
Vladimir lit a cigarette. “Never mind.” He reached down into the pocket beside his wheelchair and pulled out his MP3 player and headset. Within seconds he was listening to Rick James, his eyes closed, his head moving to the beat. Ivana could no longer stand the music.
She turned away, her face covered with tears. Maybe her father was right. Maybe she was throwing herself away on a bitter, secretive man. She stood up and removed her outer clothing to reveal a new bathing suit Vladimir ignored. She spread a blanket and lay back to bask in the sun.
A few feet away, an elderly woman caught her husband admiring the view and poked him in the ribs as she glared at Ivana. “Slut!” she said.
What if he was lying? Ivana thought. What if State Security stormed their apartment? A chill spread