By Janus’s reckoning, it was another one or two hours before their method of transit changed again. Whatever vehicle they were in stopped, and once again the crate was moved.

The occupants of the crate heard creaking as their prison was finally opened. They heard voices speaking in harsh, Russian accents. Both were male, one was reprimanding and the other slavish.

Janus and Lauren were lead out of the crate on their wobbly legs. Still blindfolded, they felt the rush of cold air across their skin.

Finally, the time has come Janus thought nervously. Similar thoughts were going through Lauren’s mind.

“Finally!” the reprimanding voice said. “Welcome, I have been expecting you.”

“See, the cargo was delivered as promised, fully intact, was you trip hee pleasant? hee.” The slavish voice eagerly inquired.

Janus and Lauren felt their hands become untied and their blindfolds lifted and they saw…