Boris Stepurin: I really have nothing to say, and I don’t understand what you think I can tell you about the Pollitt family.

Garcia: Are you familiar with the story? Your English is fantastic, by the way.

Boris: I read the news article links you sent me.

Garcia: I want to talk to you because this father is accused of murdering the woman who got them their child because there was a crime being committed between the families. And since your biological son’s adoption was the foundation of the friendship, I wanted to talk to you.

Boris: I cannot tell you anything of interest.

Garcia: I went through the paperwork, which is public record. You are listed as the birth father of Grant Pollitt, who was born in Russia as Alexander Stepurin.

Boris: I have nothing to say. I am a happily married man with children.

Garcia: But you are his biological father.

Boris: Yes. There was a brief friendship with his mother during a separation from my wife, while I was living in Paris and Anya was modeling there. A mistake.

Garcia: Anna Averina is his biological mother, yes? She is listed on the adoption form. Are you in touch with her?

Boris: No. Not since she decided to give up the baby. We parted. It seemed the best decision for all.

Garcia: The Pollitts came to see you in Russia when they were adopting your biological son. Is that true? I have their adoption consultant’s notes here; her company shared them with me. Her name was Danielle Roberts and she’s the murder victim.

Boris: Yes, so I read in what you sent me.

Garcia: She advised the Pollitts not to meet with you.

Boris: If you say so. I would not know.

Garcia: But later that week, according to her notes, she met with you. Why? She didn’t need to. You had made no claim on the child. Custody had already been awarded to the Pollitts. They hadn’t left Russia yet, but she came to see you. Without them.

Boris: I do not remember meeting any Danielle Roberts. I’m sorry. I must go now. I cannot help you, and please do not call again.

Garcia: How do I reach Anna Averina?

Boris: I have no idea. Look, she gave up a child before. I would think she does not want to be found by the children she gave up. Can you not respect that? What business is it of yours?

Garcia: Do you have any desire to see your son?

Boris: He is their son now. I wish him well. Goodbye.

Garcia: Why did Danielle meet with you again before leaving Russia? Sir? Sir?

62

From Iris Pollitt’s “From Russia with Love” Adoption Journal

2002

Home with our son. And our beautiful daughter.

Ready to build our lives together.

Waiting for the sword to fall.