AN: Yes, it's been a very long time since I've last updated this story, but at least now, I've finally been able to write a new chapter! I've been dreadfully preoccupied with my thesis for uni, and haven't had time to spare on writing for my own pleasure/amusement. Anyway, here is the latest update! Let me know what you all think!

Chapter Fourteen:

The shrill ringing tune of a waltz by Handel drew her attention away from the man bound to the chair in front of her.

Why is it that every time I start torturing someone that my phone rings? Irina grumbled mostly to herself.

The man, sweating profusely, breathed a sigh of relief at the postponement of his imminent suffering. Irina threw a sharp glance at the man who immediately returned to his previously cowering state.

She picked up the phone, she said irritably into the receiver.

Now what kind of greeting is that for you favourite older sister? came a heavily accented smokey voice.

Irina let out a breath of frustration. What do you want now?

My dear Irushka, must I always have some ulterior motive? Can't I just call my baby sister and see how she's doing? Katya spoke smoothly, attempting, but failing, to hide the taunting note in her voice.

When there was no response for several moments, Katya continued, Okay, fine, I do have a more specific reason for calling--you have a large packet that arrived in the mail today.

And that couldn't wait? Irina asked skeptically.

No, it couldn't. It's from America...Los Angeles to be exact.

Los Angeles... Irina thought to herself.

From a Mr. Jonathan D. Bristow,' her sister continued. Now why on earth does that name sound familiar...

Irina interrupted the other woman, You know damn well that it's from Jack.

Oh yes, Jack. The oh-so-fabulous American; the only one in the world who can melt the heart of The Man?' teased Katya.

Don't you dare lay a finger on that package, growled Irina menacingly.
Katya laughed sharply. Or what?

Or else.

Now that has me trembling.

Irina whined.

A smile crept across her sister's face. Despite the many years that had passed, the torture she had endured, the continual reverberations of her one and only heartbreak, Irina always managed to remind Katya of the little girl in pigtails who constantly followed her two older sisters around.

I'll only take a little peek; I promise, she said.

shrieked Irina, Don't touch it!

Katya smirked as she tore open the envelope, Oh, look at this--letters!

wondered Irina, No...he couldn't have...could he?

Love letters from your beloved husband?! Oooh! What say we read on?

Please Katya...Ekaterina...please don't.

Katya noticed the saddened, pleading voice of her sister and put down the letters. she relented, I'll give you twenty minutes to get here, then I'm opening them, and with that, she hung up the phone.

Katya? Hello? Irina angrily turned off her phone. Infuriating no-good sister of mine! she cursed quietly.

Remembering the man who sat cowering in his chair, she cursed her sister once more. Irina addressed the man, I'm going to be merciful and leave you with only a warning. She took the knife she had been using prior to Katya's call and swiftly drove it through his hand with a sickening crunch.

Pavel bit his lip so as to deny Irina the pleasure of hearing his moans of pain, and succeeded only in drawing blood.

Irina watched the man and shook her head in amusement. She cut his bonds and added, Next time, you even consider betraying me, remember, this was only the beginning.

With that, she turned and exited the warehouse, the rapid clicking of her stilettos the only sign of her haste.

Exactly twenty-one minutes later, Irina stormed up the front steps and cursed the snow for causing the gridlock that caused her to be late. The weather in St. Petersburg never seemed to favor her, from her childhood to now.

She unlocked the door and began scouring the house in search of her older sister.

Irina growled, Come out here this very instance!

She waited, and hearing nothing, chucked a rock she'd picked up outside and hefted it towards a vase of flowers.

Katya looked up from the tape cassette she'd been listening to and paused it, slipping off her headphones. She held her breath and soon heard the sounds of Irina's rage downstairs. Katya laughed; Those two really are the other's perfect match, she thought, standing up and opening the door.

Irina, your sweetiepie' had quite a few things to say to you! she shouted.

Instantly, Irina barreled up the stairs and held Katya against the wall by her neck. Don't you dare do this to me again! she said in a deadly whisper.

Katya just smirked and easily broke Irina's grip, Good to see you too sister, she murmured and wrapped her arms around her younger sister in a tight embrace. Releasing her, she continued, Everything's lying in your room...and I only started to listen to the tape; I didn't touch anything else.

Irina just nodded and dashed off to her room.

Irina sat with her husband's last letter in her hand, staring blankly at it and its attached folder. Idly, she touched her cheek, surprised by the wetness she found there. Brushing off the stray tears on her face, she reached for the phone.

TBC