devil's thunder

viktor petrovsky - a man of business. forty one years old. loyal to the russians.

[vpetrovsky]

"Go on, have a seat. It’s my night off. Drinks are on me for the rest of the evening.” 

[yulivorshevsky-archive]

“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch what you said. I spent most of last night checking essays, so my head’s a bit all over the place.”

[vpetrovsky]

“Sorry, Ms. Vorshevsky. I was just asking how you were.”

[littlefrejalaine-blog]

Freja was a bit surprised by his laugh. She jumped some, turning to glance at him. Her cheeks grew warm. Maybe she was misunderstanding what Viktor wanted. Regardless, anything he wanted, he could have. No wasn’t something she could say often, and especially not to someone like Viktor. She tried to ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach, suddenly wanting the raincoat off of her, but she didn’t want to jump to conclusions. She wanted to believe he truly meant her no harm. 

She glanced down the hall, noting how quiet it was. Most of the girls were sleeping, having spent the entire night going from man to man. The thought itself made Freja yawn. She was just as tired as they were. Upon closer inspection, he’d be able to see the bags under her eyes, the exhaustion that kept her hand pressed against the door, as though she had to hold herself up. She didn’t say anything though, she didn’t dare complain as she let him inside. She nodded, moving to get a cup and water for him. She carried it over, sitting down across from him. “Alright, as long as you’re sure.” She offered a hesitant smile, looking small, even in her tiny apartment. 

The blonde frowned a little. “This apartment? Six months..I was moved..as a reward. It’s bigger than some of the others.” She explained. “Here though? Going on..three years.” She admitted. She looked down. “The apartment..it’s kind of like a hotel. We’re guests here.” She hesitated, not wanting to talk loud enough to be heard outside of the room. “Girls come in, fill empty rooms, older girls..leave.” She didn’t want to say what really happened to them. She knew she was pressing her luck as it was. “It’s..it’s comfortable, yes. I like it here.” She lied. “I lived..in St. Petersburg, before here. With my..” She looked down. “And before that, Finland. Vaasa.” She explained, dropping the part where she’d tell him about her fiance. “How long have you lived in Launceston?” She asked. 

[vpetrovsky]

Viktor sat in his seat, taking a sip of the water that she had offered him. He listened to her story. A part of him felt like she wasn't telling him all of it, but that was more than okay. He didn't need to know, and she definitely didn't need to tell him. Viktor didn't like dealing with emotional or awkward situations, so avoiding it would be the best route.

"Finland? I've never been... I've been in Launceston pretty much my entire life. Both of my parents are from Russia. I went there a lot growing up, but for the most part, Launceston's been home." He stopped there. There wasn't much to his story. No tragic childhood growing up. Just yet another businessman. "You know, I actually own a hotel." Of course she knew that. Everyone knew that. But he had a point. "Have you ever been?" He asked. "To The Palace?"

[littlefrejalaine-blog]

Freja looked at him, surprised when he said she could keep the coat. It was kind of him, but why would he give her his raincoat? Then, he could very easily buy another. She smiled, “Thank you, Mr. Petrovsky.” She offered. She hesitated at his offer to walk her to the apartment. “Oh um..sure, if it’s not too much of a bother?” She asked. She was somewhat nervous about showing him where she lived. 

She slid her heels back on, climbing out of the car, the raincoat wrapped around her, swallowing her. She looked so tiny in it. She walked with him up to the door, pushing it open before leading him inside. It wasn’t a pretty sight. There were some girls milling about, but largely the place was empty, very plain, very borrowed looking. There was nothing friendly or inviting about the place. Freja looked down, one of the pimps glancing up at her. She wasn’t allowed visitors, not really, but Viktor didn’t count. A nod of approval in their direction told her that much. 

She led him up to her apartment, opening the door. It locked from the inside, but she rarely kept it locked, her pimp had keys anyway. She held the door for him. “You’re welcome to come inside if you’d like…would you like some water?” She asked, having nothing else to offer him. Freja’s apartment was not very feminine or what you’d expect from her. There were no pictures, no special blankets, no books lying around. There was no mess, no dishes sitting in the sink, or shoes scattered across the floor. It barely looked lived in. The furniture was mixed-matched, whatever could be found for cheap just thrown together. Most of it was old and falling apart. There was nothing for entertainment, no ipod or laptop sitting anywhere, no board games for having friends over. 

Nothing about the apartment said that it was Freja’s except a few sketches sitting on the coffee table. She smiled though, letting him come in. “You’re welcome to sit if you want..I could try to find something for you to eat but I..don’t have much.” She admitted. Her bedroom was a bit better, at least there were blankets, clothes in the dresser, but the apartment was so empty. It was temporary, not hers. It was like borrowing a school locker. At the end of her time, it’d be cleaned out and no one would ever know she’d lived there. 

[vpetrovsky]

Viktor walked in after her, feeling a bit out of place in the small building. There were other prostitutes walking around, some half clothed, others probably drugged out of their minds. Viktor noticed one of the pimps. He had never worked with him directly, but he had seen him several times. The man gave him a wicked grin and a nod of approval. Viktor laughed. Did he think that he was going upstairs to sleep with Freja?

Viktor later realized, when they were nearly outside of her door, that it wasn't funny at all. It was clearly something that happened to Freja, and often. He decided not to comment on it, and instead stepped inside with her. "Water's perfect, thank you," he said, accepting the offer as he shut the door behind him. The aparment felt miniature. He felt as if he were taking up all the space. The furniture was rotting. It was small, dimly lit. He didn't know why, but he felt out of place and embarrassed. His cheeks flushed red as he sat down on the couch. "No, no. Really. I’m not hungry. I had a big breakfast,” he admitted.

Sighing, he looked around. For the first time in a long time, Viktor genuinely felt like helping someone. The girl was kind. She had her issues, of course, and there was nothing that he could do to permanently change her current living situation. But he could try to do something. He could try to help her out. 

“So how long have you lived here?” He asked, genuinely curious. “It’s... a nice place,” he lied. “Small, but comfortable. For one person.” Fuck, he thought to himself. Way to be an insensitive prick. 

[littlefrejalaine-blog]

Freja smiled as he offered her the raincoat. She sat forward, maneuvering it onto her. It swallowed her petite frame, but it was dry and warm and she was grateful for it. “Thank you, Mr. Petrovsky.” She murmured, her voice soft. She was calmer now that she was warm and going home. But she knew as soon as she could she’d run the water as hot as she could make it, which admittedly wasn’t much, and scrub the burdens of the day away until her skin was raw. 

She glanced up, watching as the buildings passed as he drove her deeper into Brenton. The buildings were old, a lot of them, in this particular district and it was obvious Freja wasn’t living in Viktor’s usual level of real estate. She nodded, gesturing to the apartment building. It was large, though non-descript, blending right in with the rest. No one would ever guess that each of the windows had special locks, or that there were Vorshevsky loyalists watching the girls inside constantly. 

She unbuckled her belt, trying to pull his raincoat off. “Thank you for driving me, I’m fine, I promise you. I’ve just not had a lot of sleep lately.” She explained, that at least, wasn’t a lie. 

[vpetrovsky]

Viktor slowed his vehicle down as she pointed to her building. He turned the GPS off as he parked on the curb, shutting the engine off. He stayed silent for a second or two, watching as she unbuckled herself. She was eager to leave. Was she embarrassed? She shouldn’t be. But something told Viktor that there was more to her story than he knew. 

“You can actually keep the coat. If you want. You need it more than I do,” he told her, glancing around the streets. They were mostly vacant. Everyone was probably inside, keeping warm and dry. “Do you want me to walk you up?” He asked. He knew she could go by herself. He knew she was a big girl. But a part of him was genuinely curious as to what the inside of the apartment building looked like. 

[sofia-plushenko]

Aaron’s Birthday (Flashback)

[sofia-plushenko]

You have so much confidence in me… I only hope I can do her justice. I think it’ll be an evening for the books, but- well, I certainly hope it is.

Eh, he gets some of it from his father, although… I think he’s getting a little anxious that he doesn’t have the hair that he feels he should. It’s really hilarious… I can’t help but laugh every time. Difficult? Not at all. If you stick your tongue out at him, he’ll laugh… he’s that simple.

Really? That’s wonderful to hear. Surprises? I have a few, I think. I’m working on planning the prizes at the moment, getting things settled on that front. The hospital has been more than generous in settling things with the children’s families, availability issues, so they’ll all be able to attend with their sponsors that evening. 

[vpetrovsky]

It will be. I have all the faith in the world in you. 

Aren’t kids supposed to have no hair for a long time? Or something? I don’t know. From all my baby pictures... well, I didn’t have hair, and I wasn’t always this good looking. Your kid’s at least cute. Tell Aaron to settle with that. Well, I feel like if I stuck my tongue out at him, or even changed the pitch in my voice to speak to him, my reputation would be diminished. 

You don’t have to do it alone, Sofia. What do you need? I can talk to my people. They’d be more than happy to help in whatever way they can. 

[littlefrejalaine-blog]

Freja hadn’t made it very far by time Viktor had pulled over and called out to her. She turned, blushing. He was wealthy and he’d never have to walk barefoot in the rain. She wasn’t sure she wanted to take him back to the apartment, but she also didn’t want to walk that far. She was tired, she was depressed, she just wanted a warm bath and blankets. She swallowed, “Oh..that’s really nice of you, Mr. Petrovsky..but I’m sure I’ll be fine…” She protested at first, but it was raining hard, and already her teeth were chattering.

The look on his face said he wasn’t going to take no for an answer anyway. “If you’re sure..” She agreed, reaching to open the door. She climbed in, the warmth from the car comforting almost immediately. She rubbed her hands together before pulling the seat belt over her. “Thank you..” She added again before giving him the address for the apartment building she lived in. 

[vpetrovsky]

Viktor was rarely ever an empathetic man. Yet, when he saw her standing there, barefoot and cold in the rain, he felt sorry for her. He felt like no one deserved to walk home in the rain. Once she get into his vehicle, he rolled up the windows and turned the heater on. It was finally starting to warm up outside, but the temperatures occasionally dipped when it rained. As he put her address into the GPS and came to a stop, he reached into his backseat. He grabbed his rain coat and handed it to her. "If you're still cold..." he said, setting it in her lap.

After allowing a few cars to pass before him, Viktor drove on. As he grew closer and closer to where she lived, he noted how the living conditions and the houses worsened as he got closer. Clearing his throat, he glanced over at her, pretending not to notice. But how could he not? "You okay? Still cold? I think we’re almost there..."

[katarina--vorshevsky]

Aaron’s 29th Birthday

[katarina--vorshevsky]

Oh please, that’s enough of the flattery.

Come to think of it, next weekend would be perfect. Is that too short of a notice? See, the thing is, I’m currently gathering ideas for a brand new venture. It’s not a hotel, I promise. But I think a weekend in a different environment might help stoke the flames. If that isn’t enough time, I understand. I know you have to make sure there’s enough mint under the pillow, and all that.

[vpetrovsky]

Next weekend is perfect for me. A new venture? That’s exciting. With your touch, I’m sure it’ll be nothing short of perfect. 

But that’s enough of the business talk. We’re at a party, and it’s time we started acting like it. What can I get you to drink? 

[sofia-plushenko]

Aaron’s Birthday (Flashback)

[sofia-plushenko]

I’m glad to hear it. And thank you, again, for being so helpful and doing all that you have for this event. It means the world to me, and I know it does to those at the hospital, as well. I’m hoping it will be such a success that we’ll be able to make it an Annual event, but- well, I guess we’ll have to wait until after it happens to see, won’t we?

He’s wonderful. I can’t believe he’s almost seven months old. He’s holding his head up on his own now, he’s so attentive and happy. He laughs and giggles just about all the time… I’ll bring him by the Palace when I come this week with the decorator, if that’s alright?

How are things with you, Mister Petrovsky? It seems you’ve been quite the busy bee lately, as is usual for you, I suppose.

[vpetrovsky]

I should be the one thanking you. You’re going to make the Palace look even more exquisite than she already is. Thank you, Sofia.

He’s a good lookin’ kid. He gets it all from you. Go ahead, bring the kid on by. I’m sure I can find something to keep him entertained with. I don’t know much about kids, but something tells me he’s not a difficult one to look after. 

You can call me Viktor, Sofia. Things are excellent. Better than ever, actually. I don’t think business has ever done so well before. What about you? Any other big surprises in store for the night?

[katarina--vorshevsky]

Aaron’s 29th Birthday

[katarina--vorshevsky]

Wonderful. That sounds like an exciting weekend. A massage, high-end dining, an appearance by Viktor Petrovsky, and a weekend at The Palace; which makes me what, a Queen? What more could i ask for?

[vpetrovsky]

Only the very best of the best for a Vorshevsky. 

Just let me know when you’re available, and I’ll make sure everything is settled by the time you arrive. 

[littlefrejalaine-blog]

Freja nodded, grateful for that. “Thank you, Mr. Petrovsky.” She offered a tiny smile. Though the coffee was awful, she kept drinking it, letting it warm her up. She’d learned not to turn down food or drink, even if it wasn’t particular tasteful. She watched as he checked his phone, knowing he was busy and was likely needed somewhere much more important than talking to her.

She nodded, “Of course.” She promised. She watched as he set the bill down, too much for the coffee but she didn’t comment on that. She walked with him out of the shop, the rain cold but she smiled, pulling her jacket up more, letting it keep her warm though it would soon be soaked. “I’ll see you again, have a great day Mr. Petrovsky. Thank you, for the coffee and for listening.” She added, turning and heading the opposite direction.

She stopped a few feet away and pulled one heel off, then the other, holding herself up against the wall of the coffee shop. She knew she could get sick but walking in wobbly heels for another half hour to the apartments didn’t seem like a good plan. She shivered, already so wet and cold. She held the heels in her hand, walking gingerly, trying to avoid getting her feet all torn up. 

[vpetrovsky]

Viktor was in such a rush to get back to work, that he didn’t even stop and think about Freja and how she might be getting home. He walked towards his car quickly, not having an umbrella. “Thank you, John,” he told the driver, before the man got out and into another car. As he started to drive away, he saw Freja taking her heels off. He had an umbrella in the backseat...

No. That was a dick move. He pulled over to the curb, rolling the window down. “Freja? Freja!” He called again, leaning towards the passenger’s seat window. “Come on, I’ll give you a ride home. It’s raining too hard,” he spoke loudly, over the rain smacking down on the sidewalk. “You’ll get sick,” he insisted, unlocking the side door.

[katarina--vorshevsky]

Aaron’s 29th Birthday

[katarina--vorshevsky]

You know, it’s been awhile since I’ve had a nice massage. Maybe I will take you up on your offer. Does this offer include an appearance by Mr. Petrovsky himself?

[vpetrovsky]

I’m sure I could find time out of my very busy schedule to make an appearance, why not?

[littlefrejalaine-blog]

Freja was surprised. Most people accepted that she was fine and moved on, but he seemed genuinely interested in whether or not she was. She nodded, “I didn’t know her name.” She looked down at the coffee. Not knowing her name had bothered her most. That girl meant something to someone, and it was likely they’d never know what had happened to her. It upset her. And though she was never close to her parents, and she doubted they cared, she would want them to know what had happened to her. 

“It..I just..I wish I knew her name…it bothers me.” She admitted, glancing up at him again. She lifted the coffee to her lips, sipping at it. It wasn’t bad, and it was warming her, but she knew she couldn’t stay too long. She had to walk back to the apartment, and it was cold, and starting to rain outside. “I’m sorry, Mr. Petrovsky, I’m sure you’re busy..I..I could take my coffee with me, if you’d like. Thank you..for buying it for me.”

[vpetrovsky]

Viktor could tell that she was bothered by not knowing the woman’s name. He didn’t understand it. But just because he didn’t understand it, didn’t mean it wasn’t important. “I have a friend in the police department. He owes me a favor. I’ll find out a name for you, okay?” 

He left it at that. Viktor took a sip of the coffee - which tasted awful - and set it down on the table. He glanced down at his watch, then his phone. Six missed calls. He texted an employee, asking them to bring his car to the coffee shop quickly. He was needed at work. “It’s really no problem,” he said, laying a bill down on the table as he stood to his feet. “You’ll get home okay?” 

[katarina--vorshevsky]

Aaron’s 29th Birthday

[katarina--vorshevsky]

I’ll see what I can do. I can’t make any promises, though. But tell me, what does The Palace have to offer that would make not doing so a bad idea? 

[vpetrovsky]

You mean aside from the presidential suite, the high end dining, and the massages? Well, I don’t know.

[littlefrejalaine-blog]

Freja watched him as he got up and went to place their orders. She took the time to take a deep breath, to scratch at her arm, and try to calm herself. She felt so guilty. She felt so helpless. People she cared about, and people she barely knew, they were dying, and she didn’t know how to cope with it anymore. She was tired of losing people. 

She glanced up as he sat down again, across from her. She was glad he’d done that much, at least. She wasn’t sure she could handle trying to keep her personal space at the moment. She listened to his question, but it took a moment. She wasn’t fine. She wasn’t fine at all. She hadn’t been for a long time. She wasn’t sure if she could be honest with him or not. She shrugged. “I’m fine.” She answered, deciding against the truth. What could he do about it anyway? 

[vpetrovsky]

Viktor looked at her for several moments, trying to decipher whether or not she was telling the truth. More times than not, he didn’t bother trying to figure it out. It didn’t benefit him any, so why bother? He cleared his throat, thanking the young woman that set their coffee down on the table. He grabbed his, holding the mug in his hand as he waited for it to cool off.

“Are you sure?” He asked, stirring his coffee with a spoon. “I didn’t really think about it, but I guess it’s tough. For you to see that. With your... profession and all,” he mumbled awkwardly. “I don’t mean to offend. I just... I didn’t think,” he said plainly, taking a sip of his coffee to avoid any awkwardness.

[sofia-plushenko]

It’s time! (Plushenko’s Surprise!)

[aaron-plushenko]

I’m sure she would be pleased to know that you took care of that part of the party for her, just keep the list pretty and clean.

If I’m still walking and talking properly by the time that happens, we are definitely doing it.

[vpetrovsky]

Dude. Who gives a shit if you can’t walk or talk? The partying doesn’t stop just because you’re drooling and falling all over the place.

[katarina--vorshevsky]

Aaron’s 29th Birthday

[katarina--vorshevsky]

We? You’re right, though. It’s not a good look.

That’s good to hear. I guess people have come to recognize that The Palace is far superior to the other hotels in the city. It’s why I refer my out-of-town colleagues there when they come to town for meetings with me.

[vpetrovsky]

Wow, Katarina - thank you so much. You know the Palace's doors are always open for you. Take any weekend off, and come stay at the Palace. It’ll be worth it. I guarantee it.