“Spasebo,” Mike said, nodding at him and turning to the woman who had gotten her outer wear off to say goodbye. When he saw her, though, he froze.

The girl was no more than fifteen, probably younger, with the most beautiful face he had ever seen in his life coupled with those startling blue eyes and fiery red hair that peeked out from under her babushka scarf. He found himself mesmerized by her appearance for a moment until he physically shook himself.

“I hope you stay well,” Mike said, stumbling over the Russian phrases and his lolling tongue. “Thank you for helping me.”

“Spasebo,” the girl replied, looking down suddenly. “Was far walk.”

“You’re welcome,” Mike said, turning back to the man who was watching the two of them angrily. “I am sorry bother you. I go Alerrso. Thank you for directions.”

“Good night,” the man said, gesturing at the door.

Mike made his way out of the house and to the car in a daze, still entranced by the girl’s looks. He had met many women in his travels but none as lovely as that girl. She was just exquisite. And he’d never meet her again.

* * *

“What did he say to you?” Eugenius said, grabbing Katrina by the arm and shaking her as the door closed. “What did you do?”

“Nothing!” Katrina said, lowering her eyes and shaking her head. “I was on the road. He nearly ran me down in the snow. It was very far; I didn’t expect the snow so soon. I could tell he was lost, nobody like that with that car would come here. He asked me if I would ride with him and I knew if I didn’t I might not make it home. I’m sorry, Father, but I would have died if I hadn’t ridden with him.”

“You are a disgrace,” Eugenius said, shaking his head. “I should send you to town.”

“She could have done nothing,” Lena said, laying a hand on his arm. “Look at her; she was frozen when she came in. Nothing happened.”