The Russian Billionaire

I throw myself on my bed and switch on the small TV in my room so she will not come in. I stare at the screen without really taking any of it in. All I am thinking of is how I can undo what I have done, to Konstantin, to Mom, and to Maddy. I want to cry, but I won’t let myself.

Until a piece of news catches my attention and pulls me out of my misery. I sit up and immediately increase the volume.

It is a breaking story about the mysterious stabbing of a Russian man believed to be a computer hacker in a hotel room in Italy. A Russian billionaire living in the States is being questioned in connection with this death, but they are not releasing more details at the present moment.

The newscaster moves on to the next story and I slump back on the bed. Suddenly, my phone rings. I jump to it. It is an unknown number. I click accept.

“Hello,” I say cautiously.

“Hello, my dear. This is Helena Barrington. We met at the Iserby’s party.”

I feel a cold, cold hand clutch at my belly.

“I was wondering if you’d like to have some tea with me. My driver will pick you up in about an hour.”

I’m too surprised to even answer her, but she carries on as if I have agreed.

“Good. I’ll see you when you get here.”

Then the line goes dead. I stare at my phone. Then I jump up and begin to pace my bedroom floor. How did she get my number and what does she want with me? I remember Konstantin telling me that I will not help him and that I had no idea what I had got myself into. Is this what he meant? Was she going to ask for my help?

I consider calling her and telling her I won’t be coming, but something stops me. Not going will not help me or anyone else. I should go to meet the woman I am sure is the enemy so that I know what she is planning. Perhaps she will reveal something that I could use to help Konstantin.

First I take the chicken out the freezer then I get into the shower. It feels wonderful to let the water pour down my head and body. As I stand under the warm cascade, my mind starts to clear. I’m determined to do everything in my power to undo the damage I have caused.

By the time I get out of the shower I am no longer tense and jittery. Instead, I feel unusually calm and collected. She won’t beat me. I won’t underestimate her, but I won’t let her trick me. For sure, this is a trick. Konstantin thinks I betrayed him, that I can be bought and I will be bought by her, but I won’t.

I’m smart, and I’ve always been good at finding solutions.

As I pass the living room, Maddy is staring at her cell phone and smiling. The blue light of the screen makes her appear almost unreal. The sight makes me frown. It reminds me of the way Konstantin had spoken of the AI and the way it would take over the human consciousness.

As soon as she gets better I will make sure that she goes out and has a life instead of living through her digital avatar.

Going to my room, I quickly dry my hair so it falls in a straight shiny curtain down my back which I then put into a ponytail on my head. Then I change into one of the beautiful silk blouses Jane had chosen for me in London. I team it with a gorgeous Hermes scarf and a burnt orange skirt. Then I step into an expensive pair of court shoes with thick classy heels, the kind that she would appreciate.

My phone pings. I look at it.

I am your driver and I am waiting outside for you.

I put my cell phone and credit cards into my brand-new designer purse and go into the living room. Maddy looks up from her screen. Her eyes widen.

“Wow! You look fabulous. Are you off to see the billionaire?” she teases.

“No, I’m off to see one of Konstantin’s friends. I’ll be back in time to make the dinner.”

“Okay. Have fun.”

“Thanks.” Then I go downstairs to meet my fate.

Raine

With artificial intelligence we are summoning the demon. You know all those stories where there’s the guy with the pentagram and the holy water and he’s like… yeah he’s sure he can control the demon… doesn’t work out.

—Elon Musk

Helena Barrington’s home is in Manhattan, facing the southern end of Central Park. From what I can see as I am led to meet her by a man with large sad eyes, it appears to be set on at least four floors. In terms of décor it is the opposite of what Konstantin’s apartment looks like. Konstantin’s apartment is modern and minimal and hers is like a French palace. There are antiques, statues, and old paintings, masterpieces I would guess, hanging on the walls.