“She’s my aunt, my father’s sister!” I was so frightened that a minute passed before I could speak. “Man, save her!” I let out at last. “Yell at them! She’s your aunt!” Serov looked at me as if I were insane. “Are you mad?” he cried. “How could that help? I’d only get myself into trouble. Do you realize who you’re dealing with?” I was indignant. “After all,” I shouted nervously, “you’re a front-line soldier, decorated for valor. Tell them, or I’ll do so myself!” People began staring at us. Serov laid a heavy hand on my shoulder. “For God’s sake, Fred,” he said, “shut up, unless you want to
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