Page 17 of Mysterious Teacher : Arrival
He let out an amused laugh. “That castle,” he said with a shake of his head. “Everyone wants to know about that castle. It seems to have captivated the world’s imagination. But you know there are many other beautiful and worthwhile castles. Hohenzollern Castle is spectacular, and Heidelberg Palace is a very special place.”
April nodded. “I’ll have to read up on those.” She took a bite of her meal and looked thoughtfully at him. “My father has been to Europe many times, and he’s always told me such fascinating stories and facts. Not having the chance to visit that castle has been one of his major regrets.”
“And where is your father?”Boris said, suddenly wondering if the man was somewhere in the large home.
“He’s in Europe right now. I’m uncertain whether he is still in Switzerland or if he’s already in Italy. But I don’t believe he’s ever been to Germany. Perhaps the Summer Palace of Russia.I hear it is truly marvelous.How Catherine the Great had decorated it.”
Boris looked at the young woman with keen interest. The more she spoke about Europe, Russia, and Germany, the more he wondered where her sympathies lied.He would have to find a way to learn her true feelings about these countries.Perhaps she would be a strong candidate for recruitment.After all, the Communist party of Russia gained momentum going after the youths promising freedom and diversity, but later was about conformity and no individualism.Boris shook his head.What was wrong with him?Perhaps it was the American air?
The doorbell rang.
“Again?”Sonya said as she set her napkin on the table beside her plate and stood. “I’ll be right back.”
April waited until Sonya was gone then looked at Boris. “I hope it’s not another lost traveler.”
“Well,” Boris said, realizing that he’d completely forgotten about Igor. “I...you see...there has been...” He looked to her for a bit of sympathy as he searched for the proper words. “To tell you the truth, I was just so tired and so hungry...all I’ve eaten all day were some nasty peaches...and I forgot all about...”
“Enjoying yourself, Boris?”Igor said as he entered the dining room with Sonya.
“Ah,” Sonya said. “So, you two know each other.”
April looked at Boris, waiting for an explanation, while Igor glared at him, his eyes filled with seething rage.
“Oh, mybruder,” Boris said as he reluctantly got to his feet. “I was so hungry and the food here smell so good, I forgot all about you.”
“Well,” April said, forever cheery. “The more the merrier. We have plenty to go around. Please, do join us.”
Igor, still fuming, hesitated.
“Bitte,” April added as she stood up and gestured to the empty chair across the table from her. “Please. I’ll go get another place setting.”
Igor’s brow rose at the simple German word. He shot a curious glance at Boris as he sat down beside him.
“Here you go,” April said as she returned with a plate and silverware. “You must be famished.” She served him a thick slice of roast beef with a large dollop of mashed potatoes. “I am sorry, but we’re out of string beans.”
“This is very good,” Igor said. “Danke.”
“Wie heiBt du?”April said as she resumed her seat. “I mean, we just learned through you that his name is Boris, right?” She pointed to Boris.
Both men nodded.
“And you?Wie heiBt du?”
Stunned Igor stared at her for a long moment.
“Isn’t it splendid?”Boris said. “The young woman is fascinated with Germany and even speaks the language.”
Igor looked at April with new interest. “My name is Igor,” he said, finally answering her question.
“Well, it’s very nice to meet you Igor. You know, I know that we’re here in sunny California, but the nights can sometimes get chilly here. I’m glad you came in for a nice hot meal.”
“Danke,” Igor said.
“You’re very welcome.”
“When did you boys leave Germany?”Sonya said.
The men looked at one another.
