Heart to Heart (Chapter Five)

The lady, obviously very distraught, fell into the open arms of Dr. Larry Wolek. Being a calm and collected person, he proceeded to attempt to soothe her ruffled feathers.

“Whoa, it’s okay. Hold on to me. We can help you.”

“There’s . . . there’s a man out on my balcony! I think he’s been in my bedroom. Please help me.”

Clint entered the suite of rooms and gave a cursory examination of the living room. It was a rather large suite and extended further than the Buchanans.’ Walking lightly, but quickly, he crossed over to the door he thought must lead to the bedroom. The door was open, but there were no lights on. Outside the living area was the terrace which was similar to but larger than most.

“Viki,” Clint called out, “stay with the woman and ask Larry to monitor this room and the terrace while I check out the bedroom.”

Larry was still encouraging the distressed woman, but made his way into the bedroom upon hearing Clint’s request. Viki stayed with her and noticed that she was much calmer than before.

After Clint’s return, he announced that no one was still in any part of the suite. Larry ushered the two women into the living area and suggested they sit down.

“We should call the police or, at least, house security,” decided Clint.

As he was picking up the phone, the woman shrieked, “No, no police! And do not inform the hotel of this incident, please.”

“But why? You were lucky to have seen him. He might decide to come back,” asked Viki.

“No, I will be all right.” The woman began to shake again and tears started rolling down her face.

“What’s your name? Mrs. . . ?”

“My name is Monique Chatterly. I cannot thank you all enough for what you have done. I will be fine. If you will only stay a few more minutes, I think I can compose myself.”

“I really do think you should report this, Mrs. Chatterly,” insisted Clint. “Someone else may be victimized, as well. Maybe they have a chance of catching this intruder, if we tell them now.”

“No, I really couldn’t do that. There are reasons, complicated reasons, why I must maintain my privacy.”

“Well, flying out that door and screaming like a banshee won’t allow you any privacy. We thought you’d been shot!” said Clint.

Larry had been quiet, but then agreed with Monique. “I think you’ll be fine. If you think you can sleep, though, is another matter.”

“By the way,” asked Viki curiously, “was anything taken?”

“Well, I wouldn’t know. I looked around, but nothing looked disturbed. Mrs. Chatterly, perhaps you should go in the bedroom and verify that nothing has been stolen,” Clint suggested.

“My jewels! Oh, my goodness, I forgot about my jewels. I got them from the hotel safe this afternoon.” Monique jumped up from the settee and was followed by the other three into the bedroom. Monique, going straight to the bathroom, let out a huge sigh of relief. “I can’t believe they’re all here! What a relief! This is wonderful news.”

“Why, yes, it is,” agreed Viki.

Clint pulled Larry aside and told him he was suspicious of the woman’s behavior. “Don’t you think it’s a bit odd that she wouldn’t let us contact the police?”

“I guess so, but she explained that she needed her privacy. Still. . . it does make me wonder.”

“Did you happen to notice what room this is? It’s 673, the room adjoining where I think Karen is.”

“Clint, do you think she’s really in there?”

“Well, I’d bet my last tuxedo she is or was. If Ivan got onto us, she could be anywhere by now. Why don’t we see what we can find out from this side?”

“You mean try to break through from the adjoining room?”

“Or maybe the terrace. That’s probably how this intruder got in. Follow my cue, I’ll try to buy us time.”

“Viki, honey, why don’t you order some coffee from room service? Larry and I will check again on the terrace for clues.”

“That’s a good idea. Except I think hot tea would be more in order for Mrs. Chatterly,” called Viki from the bedroom.

“This is an old trick I learned when I was a kid. You know I left home as a teenager. Times sure got tough once in a while, so I would break in some place to crash for the night. Got kinda good at it, too. I never really broke anything, though. I prided myself in leaving everything just the way I’d found it. If there was any work I could do, like raking up hay or picking up trash, I’d do it, just to try to repay the folks.” Clint worked on the lock of the adjoining door, but it was slow in giving.

Larry walked out onto the terrace. After sizing up the gap between him and the next-door terrace, he started hoping that Clint would be successful with the door. It was a good 25 feet. He didn’t think they could master that without a rope or a cable. Six floors was a little too far to fall, in his opinion. Not seeing any other choice, he went back to Clint’s side and was thrilled when he heard the “click” of the lock opening. Both men looked up and stared at one another. Had someone on the other side heard the “click”? They waited. They were anxious, but they didn’t want Mrs. Chatterly to come out into the living room and see what they’d done. Turning the handle ever so quietly, Clint pushed open the door a tiny crack. It was dark inside the room. He pushed the door farther. The hinges made a creak and both men jumped slightly. Stillness, darkness. He pushed some more. More darkness. Ready to charge, they each took different sides and leaped into the room. Still no noise, no alarm from the occupants. Their eyes adjusting to the dimness, Clint noticed that moonlight was streaming in from the terrace doors. No other lights were on.

“Dare we turn on some lights?” asked Clint.

“Yes, of course. Karen could be tied up and gagged.”

They systematically searched the suite of rooms and found nothing! Not a single shred of evidence existed that anyone had been there. Larry, frustrated, ran to the hallway door of the suite, yanked it open and sunk into despair when he saw the “671” on it.

“I guess they’ve moved her, Larry. Sorry.”

“Hey, fellows, what are you doing?” asked Viki, in her normal tone.

Clint stifled the urge to shush her, realizing there was no reason for whispering. “Oh, nothing, we were just looking. Thought maybe the intruder came from in here.”

“Well, did he?”

“I rather doubt it, Viki. There doesn’t seem to be any sign of breaking and entering here, either.”

Larry walked back into Mrs. Chatterly’s bedroom to check on her. “Mrs. Chatterly, don’t forget, I’m a doctor. If you think you need something for sleep, please call me. You’ve had a serious upset and I would hate to see you miss your rest.”

“Please, call me Monique. Thank you, Larry, but under the circumstances, I don’t think I want to sleep too soundly. I will probably hear every little noise, but that will keep me alert.”

“These hotel rooms are not as secure as they should be. Clint and I have made the rounds and locked all the locks. I don’t think anyone will try anything tonight. If you need me, call my room.”

“You have all been so gracious. Someday I must share my problems with you. But I don’t think that would be very fair, considering all you done for me.”

After everyone said their good nights, Larry and the Buchanans went back to their perspective rooms to get some rest. Mark had arranged to pick them up the next morning at nine for the breakfast meeting.

Viki said, as she was changing, “I told you would get into some kind of trouble tonight!”

“And I said you’d be there and you were. But that’s OK, I needed you there.” Clint watched admiringly as Viki pulled her negligee from the antique dresser.

“Are you going to wear that?” asked Clint.

“Well, I don’t know. I guess that all depends on you. Don’t you like it? It’s peach.”

“Peaches are a favorite of mine. Peach fruit, peach skin, peach nighties. Yeah, I like peach a whole lot.”

“So do you want me to wear it or not?” She was standing there holding it up to her body.

“Sure, for now, anyway. Why don’t you put it on and I’ll take it off?”

Viki grinned and pulled the negligee over her head. Clint came over to her, took her in his arms and hugged her tightly. “I love you, Viki.”

“I love you, too, Clint.”

“Really? You’re not just saying that?”

“Why, yes, I am saying that. I love you with all my heart. Just like always, only more.”

“More than yesterday?”

“Yes, more than yesterday and even more tomorrow.”

“I don’t think I deserve you, Viki.”

“Why would you say that? You love me and I love you. We have children together. We laugh together. We always think of each other first. That’s what love is. If you don’t deserve me, then I really don’t deserve you. You’ve always had to lift me up, carry me across, help me through, do all those things I couldn’t do by myself.”

“It just seems incredible to me that you should love me.”

“Oh, Clint, who wouldn’t love you? You’re the perfect man, a perfect husband, father and all around gentleman.” With this, Viki’s eyes welled up with tears and one giant teardrop rolled down her beautiful face.

“Oh, no, I made you cry. I’m so sorry, honey. Don’t cry.”

“Clint, these are tears of joy. Whenever I think about you, I just feel so grateful that I fill up inside with even more love for you. You’re all I’ll ever need!”

Clint was holding her tightly now, fearing that if he let her go, she’d slip through his hands. He looked into her luminous eyes and kissed away the tears that she claimed were tears of joy. He prayed that nothing would ever come between them again. They had come so far to get here, they would never give it up.

Once again, the bed became their banquet table of love. Their feasting was so passionate that they exploded in rapture. Feeling suspended in time, each sizzling moment accelerated until they realized their desire was truly insatiable. Their love would last forever, it would never die.

“I’m hungry.”

“Me, too.”

“Is there anything to eat around here?”

“Clint, not this time of night, you’ll have bad dreams.”

“OK. Are you sure there isn’t anything to eat?”

“Let’s see. I have some sugar substitute in my purse. I think there’s a mint from the restaurant. Nope, I guess not.”

“What about that stuff you bought the other day?”

“The picnic stuff? I don’t think anything’s left. The wine, maybe. Oh, there’s some honey in that tote bag.”

“That sounds good. Anything to put it on?”

Viki just looked at him and finally said, “Not unless you count me.”

“Is that an invitation?”

“Let’s just say that if you can find the honey, you’ve found something to put it on.”

The next morning, Viki awoke and turned over to lean on her elbow. Looking up at Clint, she saw a sweet smile on his handsome, sexy face. Being alone with him in the morning was one of her favorite pastimes. Just watching him sleep was so incredibly nice. She was so happy, it was all she could do to keep from touching him. His hair was a little tousled so she couldn’t resist running her fingers through it. His eyelids squinched up and he smiled an even bigger smile.

“Who’s that here in my bed?”

“You mean who’s here in your “sticky” bed? The woman who let you pour honey all over her, that’s who.”

“Help me, I can’t open my eyes!”

“Hmm, they must be stuck. Let me kiss them open.” Viki reached up and gently kissed his eyelids, then his nose and then his mouth.

“You do taste good, sweetheart. I always liked calling you ‘Honey.’ Just seems to fit your personality. Sweet, golden, perfect. Honey is one of the most perfect foods.”

“And sticky, sticky, sticky. I’m going to get up or rather scrape myself out of this bed and jump in the shower.”

“OK, I’ll bring the honey and come with you.”

“Not on your life, cowboy. The honey gets saved for another day. But you can share the shower.”

“I think you need help reaching some of those sticky spots, too.” Clint kissed the tip of her nose and crawled out of the bed. Picking up the peach negligee, he said, “At least your peach nightie isn’t sticky!”

Ivan had everything arranged in his suite for the group to have breakfast. There were 6 place settings, one each for Ivan, Mark, Viki, Clint and Larry. As the group entered, they each took a seat, all of them noticing the empty place. “Dr. Wolek, I’ve reviewed your list and have approved most of them for invitation. Right after breakfast, you can begin contacting them and arranging their itineraries. I have changed the time table so that we should all expect to be in Brazil in 2 weeks. Contacting them might take two days, maybe less, if you’re efficient. Mrs. Buchanan, I’m sure you’d be available for Dr. Wolek’s assistance?”

“Why, yes, I suppose so, Larry, if you need me.”

“Thanks, Viki, I might need someone to make notes and such, maybe locate some people. Look here, Kipling, when are you going to let us see Karen? What have you done with her?”

“She’s fine. Why must I keep repeating myself? In fact, as a little incentive, I’ve planned a little surprise for you. You must be wondering why there is an extra setting for breakfast. It’s because I’ve arranged for Karen to join us this morning.”

A collective gasp was heard around the table. Mark said, “Should I go after her, Ivan?”

“No, thank you, Mark, she is on her way now.”

Mark stood up and walked to the door, opened it and looked straight into the face of Karen Wolek. He stammered, “Good Morning, Mrs. Wolek.”

The woman was quiet. Her hair was long and light brown, with frosted highlights. She was medium height and had an average build.

“Karen, is it really you?” Larry was the first among her old friends to break the silence. Rushing over to her, he hugged her tightly. She didn’t respond, but was still and silent.

Viki rushed over, too, anxious to see if Karen was indeed alright. Karen didn’t push her away, but she didn’t react like someone greeting an old friend.

Clint stood back, nodded to Karen and watched Kipling, who was enjoying the little reunion. The gleam in his eyes was unmistakable. He was pleased with himself and was looking forward to the charade he had planned. Clint saw this and wondered if Karen had been drugged. Karen had never been this sedate.

“Why don’t we all sit and enjoy our breakfast?” mandated Kipling.

Embarrassed by Karen’s lack of enthusiasm and a desire to not create more tension, Viki, Clint and Larry sat down and began to eat. No one spoke — a pall had fallen over the table. Karen, in her zombie-like trance, was eating and sometimes smiling, but was not communicative.

After breakfast, Ivan sent them back to their assigned places. Viki, Clint and Larry went to the Buchanan suite again. Karen was escorted separately to an undisclosed location. Mark tried to accompany Karen and her guard, but was rebuffed by Ivan. Later, he slipped away from Ivan and vowed to find her.

“This is incredible. I feel sure that Karen is being drugged. She would never react to us that way!” steamed Larry.

“But Larry, maybe that’s good. Maybe she won’t cause any trouble for herself. I just hope they haven’t hurt her.”

“Viki, if I find out that they have, I will kill them all!”

“Really, she does look good. She’s not bruised up or anything.”

“We’ve got to get on with the project and get her out of his clutches,” Clint interjected. “Larry, you and Viki start contacting the doctors on your list. I think I’m going to call my good friend who’s a travel agent and see if I can’t get a group rate, etc., on taking these guys to Brazil.”

“Couldn’t we take the Buchanan jet, darling?” asked Viki.

“I hate to tie it up. We may need it here to get away or something. I’ll discuss it with Sid and see what we can do. Do you think space for 30 will do it?”

“I don’t have a clue, Clint. If 15 doctors will agree to come and bring one assistant or nurse, then we’ll be very fortunate.”

“What if you promise them airfare, accommodations, meals?”

“It will have to be more than that. They have to leave their practice, the chance to make more money.”

“So what if we offer them $5000 for the week? Would that do?”

“Clint, that’s awfully generous. We might get by on $2000, depending on their moods. I’ll just have to see. I notice Ivan wants 3 plastic surgeons, 3 internists, 2 orthopedists, 2 neurologists, 3 anesthesiologists, 1 dermatologist and 1 allergist.”

“That sounds a little strange, doesn’t it? I mean, why would Nazi criminals need those kind of doctors?”

“I guess to raise their quality of life. They must be exiled, having no medical attention at all.”

After spending most of the day in the suite, planning strategies and making calls, Viki and Larry took a late afternoon break. Ivan had left them alone, sending lunch through room service and only one message: “Dinner tonight at eight. My place.”

“Oh, no, not again. Larry, I can’t stand to be around the man! He’s vile and loathsome. I don’t believe he’s ever had a shred of compassion.”

“Or decency. Need I remind you that he tried to kill me? He’s despicable. I have a hard time reconciling myself to the fact that I’m actually helping this bastard!”

“It’s for a good cause, though, Larry. I mean, Karen’s life is worth anything.”

“Of course it is, Viki. But down deep inside, I’m still skeptical that I’m helping. It’s all so complicated.”

“It’ll be over soon, I hope. I hate watching this tear you apart. We’ve been friends almost all our lives so what hurts you, hurts me. I want to see you happy and healthy. Larry, why haven’t you gotten serious about anyone since Laurel?”

“I’ve tried, but it just doesn’t work. I throw myself into medicine, I try to live a good life. But I still love Karen. Now I’ve admitted it. You pulled it out of me.” For the first time that day, Larry smiled a little smile. He was thinking of all the wonderful times he and Karen had. But they’d had their share of problems, even more than most.

“There must be lots of nurses that would love to date you, Larry. Aren’t you interested?”

“I really am, but not enough to pursue it. Oh, I ‘ve dated, but somehow I always end up talking about Karen, the divorce, etc. I think I bored most of them to death. When they didn’t seem interested, I buried myself in my work again.”

“I had always hoped that you and Renee would become a couple. She’s such a lovely person, smart, sensitive and really beautiful.”

“Renee? Are you kidding? Really?”

“Of course Renee. And why not?”

“Viki, she’s never been interested in me! Not in a country mile. She’s always been hung up on Asa, you know that.”

“Asa doesn’t know what he wants. Even if Renee would have him, which I doubt, Asa is so bull-headed. I do think Renee could make you happy.”

“I admire Renee. She’s a great businesswoman, a really good friend to have when you’re in trouble and she’s a fabulously generous person. She’s given great sums of money to the hospital.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“Viki! I just told you I was in love with Karen. Didn’t you hear me?”

“But what if it doesn’t work out? For all you know, she could be in love with someone that we don’t know about. You can’t keep waiting for her.”

“Yes, I can until she says otherwise. I have to give it a chance. We did it before, and I’m willing to try again.”

“OK, I hope it works out. By the way, have you heard from Monique?”

“No, and you know what? There’s no Monique Chatterly registered at this hotel! I called just a few moments ago while you were in the ladies’ room.”

“What do you make of that?” asked Viki.

“I don’t know what to think. Perhaps she registered under a fake name and left in a hurry. I thought it was strange she didn’t let us know, but then she doesn’t really owe us any explanations. Hopefully, she’s safe. That’s all we can do.”

“What do you think her big secret was?”

“I have a suspicion, Viki, that she was hiding from her husband. Once, she said that her husband would be really mad if he caught her in Monte Carlo. Maybe she’s a battered wife. Something was definitely wrong.”

“Well, I just wish her good luck.”

“I wonder how Clint’s doing.”

“I think the business center is keeping him fairly busy, sending and getting faxes and schedules from the airlines. He’ll call or come up when he’s finished.”

Mark was determined to find Karen. He was convinced that she knew something about Ivan’s operation. He didn’t know how long Ivan had been in touch with Karen before he snatched her, but he could have told her something.

Following Ivan had been tricky. Ivan was used to being extremely careful. He took several flights of stairs down to the casino and disappeared into the large crowd. Lots of people were in the casino this afternoon because a carnival celebration was just getting underway. All of Monte Carlo was partying, and the Pink Giraffe was no exception. People were milling about, drinking and talking loudly. Most were dressed in costumes. The party-goers wore garish garb, strange get-ups, like playing cards and animals. It was like the whole casino was one hallucinatory game. It further frustrated Mark that he had lost Ivan in the crowd. He was sure Ivan hadn’t caught on that he was following him. But then Ivan had a sixth sense for that sort of thing. Maybe he did know Mark was following him, after all.

“Honey, I’m home!” laughed Clint. He had come up to the suite after a full day of arranging things with phone calls to travel agents, bankers and transportation drivers.

“How’d you make out, Larry?”

“Pretty well, I think. I was able to talk 12 doctors into coming. And of course, I couldn’t have done it without your wife. She is one slick manipulator!”

“Boy, don’t I know it,” replied Clint.

“You guys stop it. I didn’t do anything.”

“That was a great idea you had for working with the Hospital Auxiliary. Many of the volunteers are doctors’ wives. Once we had the wives hooked, the husbands followed. Great piece of persuasion.”

“I knew she could do it,” said Clint. “Is Ivan going to be satisfied with just the 12?”

“Probably not, but that’s all we have. I truthfully hope that we don’t have to do this tomorrow. My stomach’s in knots. I feel like I’ve betrayed the whole medical community.”

“Not so, Larry,” argued Clint. “No matter what we think of these people, or patients, they deserve medical treatment, right? You wouldn’t deny one of them treatment if they showed up at Llanview Hospital, would you?”

“Of course not. But I don’t know, I have a bad feeling about it. Thanks, though, for trying to cheer me up. I appreciate the thought.”

Dinner at Ivan’s wasn’t exactly what anyone wanted, even Mark. But Larry was excited about the possibility of seeing Karen again. As luck would have it, Karen wasn’t there. And neither was Ivan. Eating in his suite, with Mark playing host, was an excruciating experience. Every sound made someone jump. Each was expecting Ivan to bust through the door, holding Karen by the hair, demanding some unreasonable course of action from them.

“Did Ivan tell you why he wouldn’t be eating with us tonight?”

“No, Viki, he didn’t. Just that he was unavoidably detained and for me to entertain, as usual. Funny, I don’t seem to be doing too great a job. Guess I’m just a failure at making you guys feel comfortable.”

“Speaking of uncomfortable, Mark, or is it Jean-Claude, or maybe it’s even Tim Ryan. . .When are you going to start telling us the truth?” asked Clint.

“Uh oh, how long have you known?”

“I found your wallet on the couch in our room,” explained Viki.

“Seriously? I didn’t even know it was missing!”

“Easy to lose track of identities when you have so many, huh?” asked Clint.

“I can explain. But let me save some of the facts for another time. What I told you was basically correct, except I no longer work as a government agent. I quit the U.S. Treasury Department to pursue this case. My superiors wouldn’t support me and I had a personal interest in learning more about Ivan Kipling. I can’t tell you any more. I am on your side, though. I think Ivan is a terrible man, especially learning what I have about him since we met. I want to see the job finished. Who knows? Maybe I can even get my job back after all this is over.”

“You can see why we feel betrayed, can’t you?” asked Larry.

“Certainly, Larry, but there’s nothing I can do about it. Not yet. All will be revealed, I assure you. Just let me work it out and everyone will be safe.”

Larry asked, “Did you ever find Karen. Do you think she’s okay?”

“Yes, I think she’s OK. No, I didn’t find her. I’m not giving up. You’ll see.”

“Do we have to stay here?” Clint was beginning to push back his chair.

“I don’t see why you should. Ivan won’t be back this evening. Either go back to your plans or enjoy yourselves in the casino. Tonight is the beginning of Carnival. There should be plenty of partying. I’ll come for you in the morning, if Ivan instructs me to.”

Viki and Clint rose from the table and left the room. “Let’s go change before we go downstairs, Clint. It’ll only take a minute.”

“Okay, I guess it’s back to the Purple Peacock after that.”

“Not again! How many times in one week can you eat Cajun food?” Viki smiled as she went into the bathroom to change and put on more perfume.

“As many times as I can get it. I think I’ll sit down and shut my eyes. Just for a minute.”

“Oh, you poor darling. You can shut them, but don’t go to sleep. I’ll be right out.”

That was the last thing Clint remembered Viki saying to him. He awoke suddenly, his chin falling from his upturned hand. How long had it been, he wondered. The night was dark, the stars illuminated against the velvety sky. The moon winked at him, just like it knew what Clint was thinking. No Viki on the terrace, nor in the bathroom or bedroom. Where was she? He picked up the phone and called Larry’s room, but he didn’t answer. Trying not to panic, Clint thought perhaps she just went out for a soda or a snack. He must have fallen asleep and didn’t hear her leave. Glancing at his watch, he saw that it was 10:30! How could he have slept that long? Why would Viki have let him when she told him not to fall asleep?

The phone rang and jangled his nerves. Racing to it, he said, “Viki!”

But it wasn’t Viki. It was a man’s voice.

“Oh, so you have noticed that she’s not in the suite? Tell me, how long did you sleep, Mr. Buchanan?”

“Ivan, this isn’t funny. What have you done with her? Where is she? If you hurt her, you’re dead!”

“Whether she remains unharmed is up to you. I have devised a method by which you can ‘win’ back your precious Viki. But you will have to do as I say. You know that I am very short of funds for this project. I thought we could wager a bet to make it interesting. I will win the money for the plans I have from you, Clint.”

“Why are you doing this? You are a madman. I should have never agreed to play ball with you. You are a disgusting cretin.”

“Now, now, Clint, calling me names is not going to result in either one of us getting what we want. Pay attention closely now.”

“I’m listening. I hate it when you say that!”

“Go to the 13th floor casino. There is a ‘Big Wheel’ game going on there. You know the game. There are denominations of bills on the squares of the table and some numbers, too. Several of the squares have been changed. The stakes are high, Mr. Buchanan. Perhaps higher than you’ve ever risked before.”

“You bastard! Don’t mess with me, I’m telling you. If you don’t release Viki right now, you will have hell to pay!”

“Don’t try to beat me at my own game, Clint, I’m too good at it. See you upstairs.”

Clint grabbed his cell phone and wished he still had the gun Mark had allowed Viki to snatch. Thoughts, bad thoughts, were running through his head. Would he be able to save Viki? Where was she? Getting onto the elevator, he noticed there was no 13th floor! Thinking quickly, he went to the 14th floor and headed for the stairwell. Many hotels do not label the 13th floor as such. His only thought was that this hotel must have a 13th floor which was not used for guest accommodation and was, therefore a safe haven for the few who knew of its existence. Taking the stairs two at a time, he came upon two sets of double doors. He listened intently, but heard very little except a buzzing sound. Silently opening the fire doors, he entered into a dimly lit ballroom. The atmosphere was macabre and eerie. There was music and people were dancing. Everyone was in costume, as in the downstairs casino. How strange! He walked through the dance floor and saw some gaming tables toward the center of the room. There was blackjack, poker and baccarat. Toward the far side, though, was a big wheel. And there, strapped by her ankles and wrists on the spinning wheel was Viki! Ivan was using her as the center of the revolving game!