Out of the Shadows: Coming Home

By Nancy Deswik MacCreery

If he can rescue his long-lost daughter, General Nicolai Hewzenko thinks he’ll have everything he’s wanted. But for someone used to giving orders, relating to a twelve-year-old who was raised to fear him is a challenge. And the psychologist he hires intrigues him, but Giselle had a dark past of her own. When troubles arise, both his life’s work and the safety of his new family is threatened.
​Can they help each other find happiness?

A tale of kidnapping, rescue, and finding love -- with quirky characters and a bit of humor.

This is book 4 of the Scoops and Schemes Series and can be enjoyed either in order or by itself.

What reviewers say:
*****
I have really enjoyed the books by Nancy Deswik MacCreery. Her characters are relatable--people I wish I knew in real life. The plots always have adventure, but it's not too outlandish; there is humor in unexpected places; a bit of romance, but realistic outcomes (I'm not a fan of happily ever afters that could never really happen!). Out of the Shadows returns the reader to a character and location from the first book. It was good to catch up with people I liked from the first read. But don't worry if you haven't read the other books. The story line is explained without a bunch of repetition that isn't necessary. This was a great book for a holiday weekend read! -- @linehanla Book Bub review

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nancy Deswik MacCreery
• Release date: Jun 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215167885

Nancy Deswik MacCreery

Nancy MacCreery writes for people who enjoy action mysteries. Her books feature complex characters with a propensity for jumping into action in situations (often serendipitously stumbled upon) where little is known but evil must be uncovered and corrected for good.If you are intrigued by the challenges of our complex geopolitical world yet enjoy a touch of irreverent humor, romance and the antics of a group of intelligent, caring, sometimes fumbling and fun-loving cast of characters, Nancy’s books will offer you a great escape into a world of intrigue, trade-offs, and the crusade against evil.The Scoops and Schemes series includes Book 1 - The Essence, Book 2 - Unexpected Impact, and Book 3 - Cinnamon Bourbon and Deception. Book 4 is in progress!Nancy can often be found hiking, swimming, obsessing over her garden, reading and studying the political landscape, or dreaming up intricately woven plots while drifting on a boat at Jordan Lake, North Carolina while her husband fishes for that elusive “big one”.

Book preview

Prologue

In the novel The Essence, Sophia Smith, an American magazine reporter is sent to interview Nicolai Hewzenko, the mysterious leader of the remote former Soviet Satellite country of Huwzackistan; their relationship turns into more of an adventure than either of them expected.

Then Unexpected Impact (the second book in the Series,) Sophia stumbles upon a girl who has a remarkable resemblance to Nicolai and could be the daughter he has been missing for ten years. She relays the information to him, and our story begins.

The One Pass

General Nicolai Hewzenko looked out into the sea of eminent faces. He was nearing the end of his presentation and had one last point to make. The map of his small country was displayed on the huge screen, then the map faded and a picture of a weathered old woman straining under the burden of two heavy buckets appeared.

In this remote mountain village, Hajira has carried water every day of her life. The next slide showed a picture of her with other villagers smiling and clapping. But now water and electricity flow right to her home. The villagers wrote me a letter about how thankful they are, they celebrate every day. We may be a small country, but we have plenty of sunshine – and for our remote villages, solar power is the answer.

He surveyed the audience and made eye contact with the leaders from several neighboring countries. They were nodding, which was encouraging. I’d like to thank our host and all of you who participated in this conference -- I urge you to sign the UTG pact and use technology for the betterment of our people.

The audience broke into enthusiastic applause; Nicolai smiled as he yielded the podium to the conference organizer for the concluding remarks. Over the last few days, he’d made successful connections with leaders and tech companies who could help attain his country’s goals, but now he had pressing business to attend to. His aide and bodyguards whisked him backstage and through a narrow passageway. Their boots set up a drumbeat as they strode up the metal stairs to the roof where his helicopter was waiting.

Once inside, he settled into his seat and adjusted his headset. Glancing out the window at the receding ground, his thoughts turned to the mission.

While he had been talking, his men were preparing for the most risky, yet personally important, operation in his thirty years of military leadership – sending a handpicked special force across the border into China. They’d be landing without permission which could have serious repercussions. He was doing this because of a tip he’d received. A picture and map coordinates from Sophia, a woman who wasn’t even a trained agent.

He could still call it off. Nicolai leaned his head back against the headrest, visualizing a two-year-old girl laughing. It was a gamble -- but if his daughter Silvia was there, he couldn’t pass up the chance to rescue her.

Part of him longed to lead the mission himself, but as the military leader of Huwzackistan, he’d learned to delegate to those best suited to get the job done.

His assistant silently handed him the briefing folder. Opening it, Nicolai was pleased to see the map he requested was with the latest update paper. He opened it and traced the line that delineated the western border. He would never do this on just a tip. Sophia was smart and her loyalty could be trusted, but what reassured him was the map. There was only one pass on the border his country shared with China. The only way to reach it was via a steep, rugged road that was closed in the winter when it was less strictly guarded. That could have been how Silvia’s grandmother spirited her out of his reach. That settled it – one pass, one chance to find her.

The General closed his eyes for a moment; he could still see the map. He did not consider himself a religious man but had found himself praying on many occasions – for wounded soldiers to live, for widows to recover from their loss, and for orphans to find families that would care for them. This was one of them. As he didn’t think it fair to ask God for victory or for success, he silently prayed for the safety of the men he was sending on the mission.

His headset buzzed. It was Boris, one of the General’s favorite private guards. All the men are ready, all preparations are in place, Sir. Nicolai detected a lilt of excitement in the young soldier’s voice and he recalled how Boris had been the first to volunteer for the mission. Everyone has been prepped. We find her and leave no trace. No one will know of our involvement. We are just waiting for your order.

Very good. You have things to make her comfortable?

Yes, sir, soft blankets and pillows. I understand the mission.

Nicolai felt a bit of his tension lift for a minute, knowing Silvia would be in good hands. I appreciate your taking this risk. You have three daughters, so have a perspective the others may not, though they are all excellent soldiers. Take care, Boris, and make sure you return safe and sound. Many years from now, you can look forward to telling your grandchildren about this mission.

And I have the special package, sir. Are they what my nose thinks they are?

Nicolai smiled into his headset. Yes, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cookies. I had the cook bake them special. There should be enough for Silvia and all of the crew… as long as they don’t get in the way.

Space is tight, but those cookies never could be in the way. I believe we can squeeze them in. Boris explained, his tone softer. Thank you, sir. I am looking forward to meeting your daughter.

As am I. His thoughts went back to the chubby toddler with bright eyes and an infectious laugh. Her grandmother took her ten years ago, it will be like meeting a new person. I wonder if she’ll remember me?

The Roar

Silvia felt them before she heard it – strange vibrations and sounds that increased in intensity. She opened her eyes. Could it be happening?

Ever since she saw the brown-eyed woman from America touring the factory with a group of men, Silvia had daydreamed that she’d come back to rescue her from this factory. It had been unusual for a woman to tour the factory, so Silvia had watched her closely. Her manner had been different – she seemed so alert, intently looking at all the working girls with such kind eyes. Then Silvia had made a dumb mistake and ruined the tiny part she was working on. Silvia swore softly in her native language. The woman hadn’t said anything, but her eyes registered that she understood; so Silvia had thought of writing a note. Then she dropped it, a risky move if she had been caught – but the woman reached down and picked it up without the men noticing.

That gave her hope. Seeing that woman was like a ray of sunshine on the drab grey monotony of Silvia’s days, endless hours of leaning over a machine and peering into a magnifier to work on tiny circuits without an end in sight. She didn’t want to wind up like May-May, her quiet friend who had gotten so sad she killed herself. She’d dove headfirst off the stairs, and the image of May-May’s body with her neck turned at that impossible angle was etched into her mind. It hurt to think of her. But now even that option was taken away; the management had responded by fencing off the stairs with gray nets.

Oh, please be her, she prayed silently, squeezing her hands together in the position she thought was proper for praying. She’d recited the few prayers she’d learned, asked forgiveness for every time she had disobeyed her grandmother, and even apologized to God for her grandmother’s lack of belief.

A boom rocked her bed; it sounded like the factory walls exploded.

Silvia sniffed – smoke! Vardo, Pliers wake up!

A small, slight girl almost toppled off the bunk above Silvia. There was a dim flicker of light as an emergency light struggled to turn on.

Quick, we have to get out of here! Vardo announced. The older girl rolled out of her bunk and started moving toward the doorway.

Pliers, come on! Silvia pulled on the smaller girl’s thin arm. Pliers resisted, reaching under the bed for something.

She heard heavy boots and a man’s voice calling Silvia, Silvia Vasiliev from inside the building.

Are they calling for you, Silvia? Vardo said. Is that your last name?

Silvia froze, confused. These were men. Where was the lady?

Vardo was stronger and taller than either of the other girls and started pulling them towards the men. The smoke was intensifying, and they could barely see where they were going. Silvia pulled her shirt over her nose. Let’s get outside.

She’s here, over here! Vardo called as they neared the exit.

No! Silvia said. Don’t stop, get outside!

Too late. One of the men ran over to them. Which one of you is Silvia? He spoke Silvia’s grandmother’s language and his voice was surprisingly gentle, which was unexpected coming from someone so large and fierce looking. He wore a dark uniform and a helmet with a light. He also carried a flashlight, which he turned on Vardo.

Vardo nodded and pointed to Silvia. Silvia tried to shrink behind her.

We’ve come to rescue you.

Silvia held on to Pliers and Vardo. I’m not going without them!

Another man joined the first, quickly sizing up the girls. She wants to bring others? He gestured over his shoulder. They’re small, we’ll take all of them, let’s go.

The men scooped up Silvia and Pliers and sprinted through the door to the outside yard with Vardo running close behind. A hole had been cut in the barbed wire fence; they ducked through and ran toward the field behind the factory, where they could hear a tremendous whine from helicopters landing.

Spy birds, her grandmother called them, telling her to hide so she didn’t get caught in the machine’s shadow. They sounded like they were chopping up the air. Were we really going inside a spy bird? Silvia didn’t have a chance to wonder as they were quickly handed up and strapped into a bench-type seat.

Then more noise, followed by the oddest sensation of being pulled upwards -- like climbing a mountain, but without the effort. They were going up in the air! Silvia thought Vardo’s eyes were going to pop out; looking at her helped take her mind off her own terror. Pliers, who had wanted to be by the window, grinned and patted Silvia’s hand.

Don’t be scared, you are perfectly safe, I ride in these all the time. The soldier who had carried Silvia explained. My name is Boris and we are going to a good place. Silvia had never seen a soldier smile like that before. Not a mean smile, but an encouraging one. She wondered what type of trick this was and stiffened as he covered the three girl’s legs with a blanket. Then he offered them each a round brown cookie.

Silvia was suspicious, but Vardo took a bite and grinned. If you don’t want yours, I’ll take it. It’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted!

She was right and the cookie was gone too soon. Boris handed her a pillow, which she tucked behind her head and tried to share with the others before settling back into it.

Silvia, ask him where we are going, Vardo whispered.

He said to a good place. I think it was where that lady was from – the one I told you about.

If the food is like those cookies, it's going to be great. Vardo smiled and closed her eyes. Pliers, who had wanted to sit by the window, was staring into the darkness.

Even though the sensations were odd, the warmth and steady hum of the machine almost lulled Silvia to sleep.

She was jerked into alertness as she felt them falling. Were they crashing? Was she going to die?

No, we aren’t falling, we are going to land, Boris reassured her. It’s actually a nice feeling – I enjoy the takeoff, but landing means you are home safe.

Silvia passed this information along to her friends. Pliers cupped her hands around her face as she tried to peer out the dark window.

There was a bump and then it felt like they stopped moving.

Come on, there is someone important who wants to meet you, Boris explained gently to Silvia.

Silvia blinked and stumbled slightly in the glare of spotlights. Boris offered his arm to steady her, but she leaned away. She blinked several more times to get adjusted, then carefully followed him out of the helicopter, down the stairs and across the landing pad where she could see a group of people waiting. She glanced back, reassured that Pliers was following her closely.

Silvia grabbed Plier’s hand and together they stepped forward toward the people. In the center of the group, a man in a dark soldier’s uniform stepped forward and opened his arms. Welcome home, Silvia. Do you remember me?

Silvia’s eyes opened in shock. This was a trick. It was not the American Woman. Instead, it was the very man her grandmother had warned her about. The monster – was he going to strangle her?

Morning Run

Well, how did your daughter look? Arina asked, penetrating Nicolai's peaceful contemplation of the rhythmic plop of his footsteps and the smell of fresh spring air. As the military leader of a small former Soviet satellite country, he felt it important to set an example of fitness; his morning workout helped him to stay in fighting shape. He didn’t much feel like it this morning; after Silvia was safely in her room, he’d gone over to congratulate and celebrate with the men who had rescued her.

Then Arina showed up. She didn’t normally run – she was young, beautiful, and had a naturally perfect figure. They’d been dating for just four months, but lately she had been making more inroads into his life. Joining him on his morning run was this week’s project.

She fainted when she saw me.

That’s too bad, that must have been totally awkward.

Awkward? He’d felt devastated when he saw the terror in his daughter’s eyes, eyes that were mirrors of his own but filled with the opposite emotion. It was like he had the ground pulled out from under him. Perhaps that was the problem with dating a woman that was too young, Nicolai thought as he continued down the path, she didn’t understand.

I don't know what I expected, he explained, I was so happy to have found her. And even without a DNA test, I believe she has to be Silvia -- the resemblance is so strong.

They jogged around a turn and down a path that wound between towering trees, new spring leaves glowing green in the early morning sun. When she emerged from the helicopter, so thin and pale, I just wanted to cradle her in my arms. All I said was 'Welcome Home' and she crumpled into a ball on the ground.

Perhaps the rescue, though the best thing for her, was too much of a shock.

Arina slowed down when she talked. He figured she’d be exhausted after the first two miles. Nicolai appreciated her effort, but he missed running with Kemal, his much-loved mountain hound. But his old loyal dog had gotten a little lame in one leg and now preferred walking instead of a morning run.

Speaking of a shock, why didn’t you tell me earlier that you had a daughter?

He let the question hand in the air as they followed another turn in the path, one that followed a ridge that revealed a view of the capital city below. He slowed his steps so she could catch up. It gave him a chance to admire the dark solar panel walls on the two high-rise office buildings recently constructed in the capital city – a testament to his latest initiative, converting to renewable energy. He was proud of it, and in his eighteen years of ruling the country, he had much to be proud of.

As his companion’s plodding steps neared, he answered, I’d given up on finding her … it hurt to talk about it. It's been ten years since she disappeared; the trail had gone cold. Nicolai had met Arina at a time when he seriously needed companionship and she seemed perfect –- cultured and adoring –- but he hadn’t been inclined to share everything in his past with her yet.

Arina nodded. That must have been hard.

And somehow I was still expecting the chubby affectionate toddler that I remembered. She was so adorable then.

May I ask …what happened to Silvia's mother? She said, curious. Why did she take her?

Nicolai thought she must be very curious or getting better at running – today she was staying closer to his side. That is a logical question someone in your shoes would ask. I wouldn’t want you to believe the old stories.

As Arina caught up to him, he caught a glimpse of her perfectly formed brown eyebrows – they were raised as high as he’d ever seen them. Nicolai wished he hadn't mentioned it; remembering too late that Arina would have been away at school in England when it happened.

Just rumors. It’s a long story.

It’s a long run. Tell me.

It’s only three miles today.

Only? Like I said, long run.

Nicolai gave up, knowing she’d keep haranguing him until he did, something he did not consider attractive. "Silvia's mother was the linguistic genius that invented our new language. At the time, we had stabilized the country, but it was bitterly divided -- we had over three languages with several dialects each, and ethnic tension was sky-high.

Farzana’s thought was if people could communicate, it would break down barriers and help unite the country. Her logic was that it is easier to hate someone you don’t understand but harder to hate those you speak with face to face. She researched and proposed combining the most intuitive, easy-to-spell words from our three native tongues with a simple verb structure. Then she sprinkled in common science and technology terms from English, French, and German, and our common language was born.

That was Silvia’s mother? Arina was beginning to sound short of breath.

Yes, and It worked brilliantly; it helped to unite the country and is key to holding us together.

I think you hold us all together. She said with an effort. You are our General.

People often referred to Nicolai as The General, a title he’d earned leading the revolution. It seemed like she was pandering to him again so he dismissed her comment and gazed out into the trees lining the path as if they could take him back in time. I was entranced with Farzana Vasiliev’s ideas and passion; that attraction spread to her as a woman. We were only together about two months before our two strong personalities collided and split us apart. She had already left when she found out she was pregnant. I tried to get her back, I wanted to marry her for the child's sake.

I love … that soft spot… you have for children. She said, trying to breathe in between phrases. I think I fell in love with you the first time we visited the orphanage together, Arina cooed. Nicolai didn’t need to look; he could tell she was using her adoring gaze that had started to accompany statements like that.

They'd come to another fork in the path and Nicolai steered them to the right, ignoring her comment and continuing his story. But she had an annoying independent streak and held out for a sharing arrangement, acknowledging me as the father.

It sounded like Arina snorted in disgust at the idea. Nicolai was well aware that she would jump at the chance to marry him. Recently the word love had crept into her speech with increasing frequency. He wished he were certain she was sincere and that he could return the feeling. But he didn’t want to think about that now.

He continued the story quietly. That worked for a while because I didn't have much spare time, the government was new and seemed to be in a state of continual crises that needed my attention. But I enjoyed Silvia's visits and made sure I was always available to spend time with her. Then her mother, a hellcat on wheels, met with a fatal car accident. I'd warned her about driving fast, but she was on her way up a mountain road on a slippery rainy night and slid right off the road. The car burst into flames on impact; I hope she didn't suffer long.

So sad! Arina grunted.

Silvia's grandmother was the legal guardian, and we continued our arrangement for a few months. But she blamed me for the accident and leading her daughter astray. One day before Silvia's third birthday, we were playing; Silvia fell and scraped both of her knees. It was a normal thing for a child to do, she didn’t seem too upset by it. But her grandmother was livid when she came to pick her up; she didn't speak a word to me when she whisked the child away. I thought she was just taking her home. I didn't realize it was the last I'd see them. She just vanished, taking Silvia with her.

Arina nodded. She was panting loudly while she was plodded along, leaning forward as if that might help propel her forward.

Her grandmother must have had the power of invisibility. I had people looking all over, very carefully, as I didn't want to drive her to do anything that might hurt the child. And that is one reason I built the orphanages -- if something happened to her grandmother, I wanted Silvia to have a safe place to go, along with all the other orphans in the country.

Arina gave up and slowed down to a walk; Nicolai reluctantly slowed as well.

What are you going to do now?

I've asked Dr. Giselle Czlewski, one of our best pediatric psychotherapists, to attend her -- disguised as a teacher. I also have a full-time nurse who will be helping with their physical health. Giselle assured me that I'd be called as soon as she felt Silvia was ready to see me, but right now she's sleeping, I hope peacefully now that she's home.

Waking up

Silvia smelled flowers. Her hand moved over the smooth fabric of the sheet. She was comfortably warm, with a blanket covering her that was so light she could barely feel it. Slowly running her fingers over the edge of the blanket, she thought it felt silky, reminding her of the blue hair ribbon she'd once treasured. That ribbon had been her prized possession for several years, one that was easily transported from place to place. 

She stretched out her arms but never felt the edge of the bed. Where does it end? She stretched a little more -- it must be huge as well as soft -- was she on a cloud? Had she died and gone to heaven, or was she just dreaming? Either way, it was so comfortable that she happily drifted back into sleep.

A man sitting on a chair in the corner stood up and walked toward her, smiling.  I have some hot soup for you. He looked like the man that had taken her to the factory.

 She’d been so cold and hungry after her grandmother died. She’d walked into town and ran into a man who said he was looking for girls to work at a fine new factory. He promised she would have a warm bed, meals to eat and money to send back to her family.

Don’t have any family? The factory gong vibrated through her head and the man’s head morphed into a mangy wolf with sharp yellow teeth smoking a cigarette. She tried to tell him her grandmother would come back, but no sound came out of her mouth.

She shivered and pulled the blanket over her head for protection. She just wanted to sleep.

The mean guard from the factory appeared. No more sleeping. Would you care for some water? he asked, dangling a tin cup of water in front of her.

  She was parched. Just as she reached for the cup, he pulled it out of reach. You'll get water when you finish your work.  He said coldly, pushing her toward a workbench.

This time, Silvia woke in a cold sweat, her hands clenched. She took a breath, then slowly opened her eyes and gazed at the ceiling. It was amazingly tall and there were crystals hanging around the light fixture. Yet she could hear birds chirping outside. Where was she? She glanced around, relieved that no factory guards appeared.  It seemed like it was inside a building, but it was almost as light as day. 

Silvia rolled over to find the edge of the bed and further examined the room. It could have held at least six beds and the light was coming from large windows that lined one of the walls. Through the windows, she could see the tops of dark green trees and a blue sky decorated with clouds. She rubbed her eyes, trying to think if they would have trees in heaven. She didn't remember anyone telling her that.

Then Silvia saw the woman. She was sitting very still in a chair across the room. The eyes behind her thick glasses had a worried expression. Her eyes were amazing blue and her hair wasn’t brown or black, it was almost yellow. Who was she?

How do you feel? I let you sleep as long as I could, but it looked like you were having a nightmare, so I opened the drapes. Her voice was soft. Maybe she was an angel. You've had a shock, just relax and let your eyes adjust.

The woman's voice reminded Silvia of her grandmother on one of her rare gentle days. Who are you? She asked, still wary but curious.

I'm Giselle. I’m here to help you. Are you hungry? Thirsty? You've slept for at least 15 hours, so let me know.

Silvia stared at the woman, wondering if she