dangerous_agent
Cadet
this is really good. Can you PM when you update?
Thanks.
Post more soon
Thanks.
Post more soon
Welcome to the Madhouse
- Thread starter AllTheBest
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Archangel_dj
Cadet
Another really great chapter
thanks for the PM
thanks for the PM
AllTheBest
Cadet
Professor Robert Clarkson stood in the front of the lecture hall when Irina slunk into the room. He turned towards her. "Ahh. You must be Miss Ivanov." Irina nodded. "And you must be Professor Clarkson." He nodded. Irina listened to her own voice. Her Russian accent was still incredibely strong. She would have to try and remember to keep that in check. Professor Clarkson gestured to a seat in the front row. "You'll sit there during class, Miss Ivanov. After class, students will be permitted to come and ask you questions. I'll give you a moment at the beginning of class to inform them of your office hours. Has the university given you an office number yet?" Irina nodded. "Number 329," she said. "Good," Clarkson said. "You'll inform them of the hours when you'll be in that office." Irina nodded. The door opened as students began to file in. Clarkson looked at her. "You'll see me at the end of the class for a list of subjects to be covered." Irina nodded, taking the seat that Clarkson had shown her earlier.
Irina had all but forgotten the classes she had taken in Russia. After four months of training and living in America, they had been pushed to the back of her mind. But sitting in that classroom, all of her memories came back. She was mesmerized by the students sitting there, watching the professor talk about ancient literature. Irina had taken a class in Russia, but could barely remember the class. Of course, Professor Clarkson thought she had degrees in literature, that she knew what she would be teaching. All she knew was the little she had learned from her college course and what Tkachev and her tutor had been teaching her for the past few months. Now she would have to teach others what she didn't know.
At the end of class, several students came up to introduce themselves to Irina. She still hadn't become accustomed to being referred to as Laura or Miss Ivanov. She knew she wouldn't remember any of the names of the people that came up to her, but she smiled and made small talk, as she was expected to. When they left, she went up to Professor Clarkson, and took the class schedule that he handed her. He also gave her copies of the books they would be studying and his personal notes. He also gave her copies of the midterm and the final to help her prepare students. Irina nodded, taking the papers and agreeing to review them.
After the class, Irina went to her new office. She looked at the small, windowless room. She set the files down on the desk and turned on the lamp. She would have to bring in some books to fill up the bookcase, maybe some photos to make it look more personal.
Irina had all but forgotten the classes she had taken in Russia. After four months of training and living in America, they had been pushed to the back of her mind. But sitting in that classroom, all of her memories came back. She was mesmerized by the students sitting there, watching the professor talk about ancient literature. Irina had taken a class in Russia, but could barely remember the class. Of course, Professor Clarkson thought she had degrees in literature, that she knew what she would be teaching. All she knew was the little she had learned from her college course and what Tkachev and her tutor had been teaching her for the past few months. Now she would have to teach others what she didn't know.
At the end of class, several students came up to introduce themselves to Irina. She still hadn't become accustomed to being referred to as Laura or Miss Ivanov. She knew she wouldn't remember any of the names of the people that came up to her, but she smiled and made small talk, as she was expected to. When they left, she went up to Professor Clarkson, and took the class schedule that he handed her. He also gave her copies of the books they would be studying and his personal notes. He also gave her copies of the midterm and the final to help her prepare students. Irina nodded, taking the papers and agreeing to review them.
After the class, Irina went to her new office. She looked at the small, windowless room. She set the files down on the desk and turned on the lamp. She would have to bring in some books to fill up the bookcase, maybe some photos to make it look more personal.
IrinaDerevko
Cadet
That was good. Thanks for the PM.
Sarahmañana
Cadet
great chapters!! thanks for the pm!
Archangel_dj
Cadet
That was good
I like the little details you put in eg Irina's accent its very believable
I like the little details you put in eg Irina's accent its very believable
AllTheBest
Cadet
Okay. I'm going to try and post a lot today because I'm bored and have nothing else to do. I'd really appreciate any comments or questions or suggestions that you might have! Thanks for reading!
Tkachev came up upon Irina as she was sitting at her desk in the apartment, devouring Professor Clarkson's notes. "How was your first day, Irina?" Irina turned around. "These Americans, their English is so fast." Tkachev laughed quietly. "Don't worry. You'll get used to it." Irina nodded. "I'm trying," she said, turning back to her notes. Tkachev stood behind her as she read for a few moments, then left, seeming frustrated. "I'm going to the office for a while," he said and stormed out of the office.
Irina sat at the desk for several hours, reading the papers over and over, trying to commit to memory the facts Professor Clarkson had written down. She read the novels, pausing to look up words in a Russian-English dictionary. When Tkachev returned, she was still pouring over the novels. He pulled a chair up next to her and handed her an invitation. She looked at it, reading the fancy script.
"You are cordially invited to the twenty-third annual Corporate Ball, to be held on the twenty-sixth of May, this year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-four."
After reading, Irina looked at Tkachev. "Why am I being invited to a corporate ball?" she asked. "Arvin Sloane will be there," Tkachev said. "That's the night you'll meet him, which means who have about a month to prepare." Irina nodded. "Will you be going with me?" Irina asked. "I'll be there as your brother," Tkachev said. Then he walked away.
Irina was actually excited about the ball. She had never gotten to go to parties in Russia. This would be the first time she would get to buy a nice dress and get ready. She felt like a little girl again, despite the fact that she would be undercover.
It took a lot of concentration for Irina to return to studying. She was excited, but it was her job to study. Tkachev was still having her work on her physical training as she tried to maintain her English studies.
I'll try to post more later today or tomorrow! Please give me any suggestions of what you think should happen. I have a vague idea of what will go on, but it's flexible, so I'd be grateful for anything you have! Thanks so much!
I'd really appreciate any comments or questions or suggestions that you might have! Thanks for reading!Tkachev came up upon Irina as she was sitting at her desk in the apartment, devouring Professor Clarkson's notes. "How was your first day, Irina?" Irina turned around. "These Americans, their English is so fast." Tkachev laughed quietly. "Don't worry. You'll get used to it." Irina nodded. "I'm trying," she said, turning back to her notes. Tkachev stood behind her as she read for a few moments, then left, seeming frustrated. "I'm going to the office for a while," he said and stormed out of the office.
Irina sat at the desk for several hours, reading the papers over and over, trying to commit to memory the facts Professor Clarkson had written down. She read the novels, pausing to look up words in a Russian-English dictionary. When Tkachev returned, she was still pouring over the novels. He pulled a chair up next to her and handed her an invitation. She looked at it, reading the fancy script.
"You are cordially invited to the twenty-third annual Corporate Ball, to be held on the twenty-sixth of May, this year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-four."
After reading, Irina looked at Tkachev. "Why am I being invited to a corporate ball?" she asked. "Arvin Sloane will be there," Tkachev said. "That's the night you'll meet him, which means who have about a month to prepare." Irina nodded. "Will you be going with me?" Irina asked. "I'll be there as your brother," Tkachev said. Then he walked away.
Irina was actually excited about the ball. She had never gotten to go to parties in Russia. This would be the first time she would get to buy a nice dress and get ready. She felt like a little girl again, despite the fact that she would be undercover.
It took a lot of concentration for Irina to return to studying. She was excited, but it was her job to study. Tkachev was still having her work on her physical training as she tried to maintain her English studies.
I'll try to post more later today or tomorrow! Please give me any suggestions of what you think should happen. I have a vague idea of what will go on, but it's flexible, so I'd be grateful for anything you have! Thanks so much!
AllTheBest
Cadet
It was the morning of May 26th. Irina sat on the single bed in her bedroom at their apartment. Her dress for the evening was hanging on the open closet door. She reached her arm out, brushing the black silk of the long evening gown. Since she had begun training, Irina had slimmed down, and she knew she would look stunning in the dress. As she sat on the bed, Irina brushed her thick brown hair and pulled it into a loose bun at the nape of her neck. She pulled on black pants and a grey t-shirt, then began her morning exercise routine. A rigorous set of stretches, sit-ups, push-ups, and free weights were completed, then Irina left the apartment for a quick three mile jog. When she returned, she jumped in the shower, then dressed in a tan skirt and a light sweater for her 10:30 class.
After two classes, Irina returned to the apartment around 4:00. She had three hours to get ready before they left for the party. She had a hair appointment at 4:30 down the street, so she had just enough time for a quick shower. Irina arrived back at the apartment around 6 to hear Tkachev in the shower. She sat in front of her mirror and applied a subtle coverage of makeup, especially to accentuate her eyes. With her hair and makeup done, Irina slid into her lovely black dress and slid her stockinged feet into a pair of four-inch heels. The KGB had given Irina a necklace and a pair of earring fitted with a microphone and listening device. Tkachev had also given her a practically-invisible earpiece that would allow her to communicate with both her and the KGB's LA headquarters.
As Irina was finishing her final primping, Tkachev knocked and then entered the room. "My dear, you look stunning," he said, smiling at her in the mirror. Irina smiled back. Tkachev didn't look bad either. He seemed right at home in his classy tux. "It's almost 7, Irina. The car should be waiting downstairs." Irina stood up, picking up a black evening clutch. Tkachev took her hand, guiding her out of the apartment and down the stairs, into the waiting car. Irina was definitely begining to appreciate this part of the job.
Tkachev looked over and smiled at Irina, then began to speak. "The driver's a KGB agent. We can talk." Irina nodded. "So I'm supposed to flirt with Arvin Sloane?" Tkachev nodded. "He might be there with his girlfriend, Emily. If she's there, I'll distract her. KGB headquarters will be monitoring your conversation. You'll have to give Sloane your number. We want him to contact you later." Irina nodded as they were pulling up to the banquet hall. The driver pulled over behind another luxury car. Tkachev slid out of the car, then helped Irina out. "Let's go, Laura," he whispered. The walked up the steps to the entrance, photographers flashing cameras as they passed.
At the door, the guard asked there names. Tkachev responded for Irina. "Andrew and Laura Ivanov." The guard nodded and allowed them to enter. As they walked in, Irina stared around in awe. Never had she seen a room so beautiful, or so many happy people all together. Couples were dancing to the music of a forty-piece orchestra. Irina checked her bag and they entered the ballroom. Irina scanned the room, then spotted Arvin Sloane standing with a group of men, talking and laughing.
I'll add more later!
After two classes, Irina returned to the apartment around 4:00. She had three hours to get ready before they left for the party. She had a hair appointment at 4:30 down the street, so she had just enough time for a quick shower. Irina arrived back at the apartment around 6 to hear Tkachev in the shower. She sat in front of her mirror and applied a subtle coverage of makeup, especially to accentuate her eyes. With her hair and makeup done, Irina slid into her lovely black dress and slid her stockinged feet into a pair of four-inch heels. The KGB had given Irina a necklace and a pair of earring fitted with a microphone and listening device. Tkachev had also given her a practically-invisible earpiece that would allow her to communicate with both her and the KGB's LA headquarters.
As Irina was finishing her final primping, Tkachev knocked and then entered the room. "My dear, you look stunning," he said, smiling at her in the mirror. Irina smiled back. Tkachev didn't look bad either. He seemed right at home in his classy tux. "It's almost 7, Irina. The car should be waiting downstairs." Irina stood up, picking up a black evening clutch. Tkachev took her hand, guiding her out of the apartment and down the stairs, into the waiting car. Irina was definitely begining to appreciate this part of the job.
Tkachev looked over and smiled at Irina, then began to speak. "The driver's a KGB agent. We can talk." Irina nodded. "So I'm supposed to flirt with Arvin Sloane?" Tkachev nodded. "He might be there with his girlfriend, Emily. If she's there, I'll distract her. KGB headquarters will be monitoring your conversation. You'll have to give Sloane your number. We want him to contact you later." Irina nodded as they were pulling up to the banquet hall. The driver pulled over behind another luxury car. Tkachev slid out of the car, then helped Irina out. "Let's go, Laura," he whispered. The walked up the steps to the entrance, photographers flashing cameras as they passed.
At the door, the guard asked there names. Tkachev responded for Irina. "Andrew and Laura Ivanov." The guard nodded and allowed them to enter. As they walked in, Irina stared around in awe. Never had she seen a room so beautiful, or so many happy people all together. Couples were dancing to the music of a forty-piece orchestra. Irina checked her bag and they entered the ballroom. Irina scanned the room, then spotted Arvin Sloane standing with a group of men, talking and laughing.
I'll add more later!
Sarahmañana
Cadet
good chapter! very intersting...i can't wait to find out how the ball goes.
thanks for the pm! post more soon!
thanks for the pm! post more soon!
AllTheBest
Cadet
Ok. Here goes!
As Tkachev led Irina into the room, the two were met with quick glances, being two newcomers into this group of debutantes. Earlier, Tkachev had told her they were here as friends of the influential Adam Harbin, a California businessman whose mother had immigrated from Russia. The story was that Laura and Andrew Ivanov's mother had been close friends with Harbin's mother in the old country. In truth, Harbin was a KGB agent infiltrating the American business front.
Irina spotted Harbin immediately, recognizing him from the photographs that Tkachev had shown her. His startlingly clear green eyes caught her attention. He looked only slightly Russian, but Irina had been told that this was the result of countless operations, trying to disguise his previously harsh features. The eyes, however, had not been changed.
Harbin made his way over to Irina and Tkachev as they stood barely inside the room. "Hello, Laura," he said, touching his lips to Irina's gloved hand. "You're looking lovely tonight." He was charming, Irina had to admit. She smiled, blushing. Harbin turned to Tkachev. "Andrew," he said in a different tone, nodding slightly. "Adam," Tkachev replied, with the same slight nod. Harbin turned back to Irina. "My dear, let me introduce you to some of my lovely friends. I'm sure they will be thrilled to meet you." Irina nodded, beaming, but she was a little nervous about leaving Tkachev behind. What if she forgot the story she was supposed to tell? What if she let something slip? Of course, she knew she wouldn't. She had been working too hard to let something go now.
Tkachev watched as Harbin led Irina away, then turned towards another group of Harbin's friends, who also happened to be a few of his coworkers. They were also supposedly friends from the old country. Tkachev watched intently as Irina followed Harbin from group to group. She looked incredibly natural in her surroundings. She fit in with the other over-dressed women. He watched as she tossed her head and laughed at the jokes that Harbin told, and his heart filled with longing.
Irina followed Harbin from group to group, lightly shaking hands with the women and having her gloved hand kissed by the men. She recognized many of the attendees as prominent businessmen and their wives, but a few seemed to just be prominent figures around the town. The last group Harbin took her to included Arvin Sloane. Irina smiled as Harbin presented her. To the group he said, "This, my friends, is my dear child-hood companion Laura Ivanov. She just moved her from the old country four months ago, and reaquainted herself with me." Harbin then introduced the three men and two women in the group as Harvey Greene, Jack Bristow, Arvin Sloane, Emily Dessan, and Alyce Sanbold. Each took her hand, and Irina looked into their eyes, trying to be as charming as possible.
After the introductions, Harbin politely excused himself, leaving Irina alone with the small group. She felt their eyes turn on her, seeking to find who she was and how she had become such good friends with Harbin. Finally, Jack Bristow spoke. "Laura, was it?" Irina nodded, smiling. "Where in Russia did you live?" Irina was about to say Moscow, her true home, but then remembered that she was no longer Irina Derevko. She was now Laura Ivanov, and her home had been in St. Petersburg. "St. Petersburg," she said with yet another smile. "Lovely place," Arvin Sloane said. Irina turned to him. "You've been there?" she asked inquisitively. "Yes. A few times," Sloane said with a wistful smile. "Never in winter, though," he added. "I prefer a warmer climate." Irina nodded, laughing under her breath. "Oh, the winters aren't that bad." Sloane laughed. "Maybe for you. I've become used to these warm California winters myself." The rest of the group nodded their agreeance.
Suddenly, Irina heard Tkachev's voice in her ear. She caught herself before she turned around to see if he was standing behind her. "Laura. Don't move. We've activated the communication device." Irina hesitated, wanting to nod, but knowing that she couldn't show a reaction. Around her, the group had begun to discuss the lovely climate of southern California. She listened to them with one ear, while listening to Tkachev in the other. "We've been listening to you, but we will now have the opportunity to communicate with you. You've been doing fine so far." Irina smiled, then caught herself. Fortunetly, the rest of the group was smiling too.
Sorry. That's all I have right now. I'll try and add more later!
As Tkachev led Irina into the room, the two were met with quick glances, being two newcomers into this group of debutantes. Earlier, Tkachev had told her they were here as friends of the influential Adam Harbin, a California businessman whose mother had immigrated from Russia. The story was that Laura and Andrew Ivanov's mother had been close friends with Harbin's mother in the old country. In truth, Harbin was a KGB agent infiltrating the American business front.
Irina spotted Harbin immediately, recognizing him from the photographs that Tkachev had shown her. His startlingly clear green eyes caught her attention. He looked only slightly Russian, but Irina had been told that this was the result of countless operations, trying to disguise his previously harsh features. The eyes, however, had not been changed.
Harbin made his way over to Irina and Tkachev as they stood barely inside the room. "Hello, Laura," he said, touching his lips to Irina's gloved hand. "You're looking lovely tonight." He was charming, Irina had to admit. She smiled, blushing. Harbin turned to Tkachev. "Andrew," he said in a different tone, nodding slightly. "Adam," Tkachev replied, with the same slight nod. Harbin turned back to Irina. "My dear, let me introduce you to some of my lovely friends. I'm sure they will be thrilled to meet you." Irina nodded, beaming, but she was a little nervous about leaving Tkachev behind. What if she forgot the story she was supposed to tell? What if she let something slip? Of course, she knew she wouldn't. She had been working too hard to let something go now.
Tkachev watched as Harbin led Irina away, then turned towards another group of Harbin's friends, who also happened to be a few of his coworkers. They were also supposedly friends from the old country. Tkachev watched intently as Irina followed Harbin from group to group. She looked incredibly natural in her surroundings. She fit in with the other over-dressed women. He watched as she tossed her head and laughed at the jokes that Harbin told, and his heart filled with longing.
Irina followed Harbin from group to group, lightly shaking hands with the women and having her gloved hand kissed by the men. She recognized many of the attendees as prominent businessmen and their wives, but a few seemed to just be prominent figures around the town. The last group Harbin took her to included Arvin Sloane. Irina smiled as Harbin presented her. To the group he said, "This, my friends, is my dear child-hood companion Laura Ivanov. She just moved her from the old country four months ago, and reaquainted herself with me." Harbin then introduced the three men and two women in the group as Harvey Greene, Jack Bristow, Arvin Sloane, Emily Dessan, and Alyce Sanbold. Each took her hand, and Irina looked into their eyes, trying to be as charming as possible.
After the introductions, Harbin politely excused himself, leaving Irina alone with the small group. She felt their eyes turn on her, seeking to find who she was and how she had become such good friends with Harbin. Finally, Jack Bristow spoke. "Laura, was it?" Irina nodded, smiling. "Where in Russia did you live?" Irina was about to say Moscow, her true home, but then remembered that she was no longer Irina Derevko. She was now Laura Ivanov, and her home had been in St. Petersburg. "St. Petersburg," she said with yet another smile. "Lovely place," Arvin Sloane said. Irina turned to him. "You've been there?" she asked inquisitively. "Yes. A few times," Sloane said with a wistful smile. "Never in winter, though," he added. "I prefer a warmer climate." Irina nodded, laughing under her breath. "Oh, the winters aren't that bad." Sloane laughed. "Maybe for you. I've become used to these warm California winters myself." The rest of the group nodded their agreeance.
Suddenly, Irina heard Tkachev's voice in her ear. She caught herself before she turned around to see if he was standing behind her. "Laura. Don't move. We've activated the communication device." Irina hesitated, wanting to nod, but knowing that she couldn't show a reaction. Around her, the group had begun to discuss the lovely climate of southern California. She listened to them with one ear, while listening to Tkachev in the other. "We've been listening to you, but we will now have the opportunity to communicate with you. You've been doing fine so far." Irina smiled, then caught herself. Fortunetly, the rest of the group was smiling too.
Sorry. That's all I have right now. I'll try and add more later!
LightTraveller
Cadet
great job, keep writing, i probably wont be here all the time but keep pm-ing me
AllTheBest
Cadet
Okay. Here's the deal. I'm trying to figure out how this should go, and I have some questions that I would really really like you guys to answer if you get a chance!
First of all, what do you think should happen between Irina and Sloane? I have a general idea (which I won't say now so I don't spoil it), but I would love some other opinions!
Should Jack be suspicious of Irina? Just wondering whether he should suspect anything since she just appears out of nowhere.
Should Irina be attracted to Jack? Or should she just be focused on her duty to her country?
Also...should something happen between Irina and Tkachev? I know it seems like something is going on (atleast for Tkachev), but I want to know whether I should have anything else happen.
If you have ANY other suggestions AT ALL, please let me know!!! Thanks so much!
First of all, what do you think should happen between Irina and Sloane? I have a general idea (which I won't say now so I don't spoil it), but I would love some other opinions!
Should Jack be suspicious of Irina? Just wondering whether he should suspect anything since she just appears out of nowhere.
Should Irina be attracted to Jack? Or should she just be focused on her duty to her country?
Also...should something happen between Irina and Tkachev? I know it seems like something is going on (atleast for Tkachev), but I want to know whether I should have anything else happen.
If you have ANY other suggestions AT ALL, please let me know!!! Thanks so much!
AllTheBest
Cadet
Well, I wasn't going to update again today, but I've been bored out of my mind all day, and I still have nothing to do! So, you crazy people who actually read this get to "enjoy" yet another update! Anyhow, here goes!!!
Irina mingled with Sloane and his cohorts for another half hour until dinner was announced. Tkachev had arranged for the two to be seated next to Sloane, at the same table as Harbin. Sloane apparently already knew this, because when dinner was announced he offered his hand to Irina. "Dinner, my dear?" he asked, then led her to an excellently decorated table. The woman who had been introduced as Emily followed behind them, seemingly frustrated with Sloane's display.
Irina allowed Sloane to pull out her chair. She sat down, and he seated himself next to her. From out of nowhere, Tkachev appeared beside her. Sloane looked at him, then at Irina. Irina could see the conclusion being drawn. "Ohh, Mr. Sloane, this is my brother, Andrew Ivanov." Sloane looked remarkably relaxed. "Good evening, Andrew," Sloane said, his face grim. Tkachev nodded his agreement. "Yes. It is lovely, isn't it?"
As dinner was served, Arvin Sloane struck up a conversation with Irina, much to Emily's dismay. In between courses, she not-so-quietly excused herself to use the ladies' room. Sloane appeared unphased. Irina made sure to keep up her end of the conversation. She hadn't thought Arvin Sloane would be enamored this easily. Tkachev had prepared her for harder. When Emily had not returned almost twenty minutes later, Sloane appeared to finally realize she was gone. He politely excused himself from the table and went off in search of her. Ten minutes later he returned alone.
"I'm sorry, my dear," Arvin said as he sat back down. "A little misunderstanding." He smiled. Irina began to speak, but was greeted by a waiter with a tray of desserts. Irina smiled at the plate of cheesecake and chocolate-covered strawberries. She had never been served such delicacies in Russia, and was grateful for them now.
After dinner, couples began moving from the tables onto the dance floor. Sloane offered his hand to Irina. "Would you join me for a dance, my dear?" Irina wondered what had happened to Emily, but decided that it wasn't her place, as her job was to seduct Arvin Sloane. "Of course," she said, smiling and accepting her hand. "I would love to." They stood and Sloane guided her onto the dance floor. Irina felt as if she were floating as Arvin Sloane wrapped his arm around her. "My dear, you are lovely." Irina flashed him a quick smile.
At the end of the night, Irina felt that she had succeeded in getting to Arvin Sloane. She was ensured of this truth when Sloane kissed her cheek and asked for her number. She listened as Tkachev's voice whispered in her ear. She looked Arvin Sloane in the eyes. "I think you'll find that Mr. Harbin has that information." She smiled at him one last time, then turned to find Tkachev standing behind her. "Good evening, Mr. Sloane," she said, echoed by Tkachev. "Good evening," Sloane said. Irina could feel his eyes on her as she was escorted by Tkachev down the stairs and into the waiting car. Once they were in, Tkachev smiled at her. "You did good, Irina." Irina smiled. "Thank you."
So, you crazy people who actually read this get to "enjoy" yet another update! Anyhow, here goes!!!Irina mingled with Sloane and his cohorts for another half hour until dinner was announced. Tkachev had arranged for the two to be seated next to Sloane, at the same table as Harbin. Sloane apparently already knew this, because when dinner was announced he offered his hand to Irina. "Dinner, my dear?" he asked, then led her to an excellently decorated table. The woman who had been introduced as Emily followed behind them, seemingly frustrated with Sloane's display.
Irina allowed Sloane to pull out her chair. She sat down, and he seated himself next to her. From out of nowhere, Tkachev appeared beside her. Sloane looked at him, then at Irina. Irina could see the conclusion being drawn. "Ohh, Mr. Sloane, this is my brother, Andrew Ivanov." Sloane looked remarkably relaxed. "Good evening, Andrew," Sloane said, his face grim. Tkachev nodded his agreement. "Yes. It is lovely, isn't it?"
As dinner was served, Arvin Sloane struck up a conversation with Irina, much to Emily's dismay. In between courses, she not-so-quietly excused herself to use the ladies' room. Sloane appeared unphased. Irina made sure to keep up her end of the conversation. She hadn't thought Arvin Sloane would be enamored this easily. Tkachev had prepared her for harder. When Emily had not returned almost twenty minutes later, Sloane appeared to finally realize she was gone. He politely excused himself from the table and went off in search of her. Ten minutes later he returned alone.
"I'm sorry, my dear," Arvin said as he sat back down. "A little misunderstanding." He smiled. Irina began to speak, but was greeted by a waiter with a tray of desserts. Irina smiled at the plate of cheesecake and chocolate-covered strawberries. She had never been served such delicacies in Russia, and was grateful for them now.
After dinner, couples began moving from the tables onto the dance floor. Sloane offered his hand to Irina. "Would you join me for a dance, my dear?" Irina wondered what had happened to Emily, but decided that it wasn't her place, as her job was to seduct Arvin Sloane. "Of course," she said, smiling and accepting her hand. "I would love to." They stood and Sloane guided her onto the dance floor. Irina felt as if she were floating as Arvin Sloane wrapped his arm around her. "My dear, you are lovely." Irina flashed him a quick smile.
At the end of the night, Irina felt that she had succeeded in getting to Arvin Sloane. She was ensured of this truth when Sloane kissed her cheek and asked for her number. She listened as Tkachev's voice whispered in her ear. She looked Arvin Sloane in the eyes. "I think you'll find that Mr. Harbin has that information." She smiled at him one last time, then turned to find Tkachev standing behind her. "Good evening, Mr. Sloane," she said, echoed by Tkachev. "Good evening," Sloane said. Irina could feel his eyes on her as she was escorted by Tkachev down the stairs and into the waiting car. Once they were in, Tkachev smiled at her. "You did good, Irina." Irina smiled. "Thank you."
Archangel_dj
Cadet
If youre still interested in the questions here are my opnionsAllTheBest said:
I think the original target should be Sloane, but maybe the plan gets changed by the KGB to Jack (because of project christmas or something)
Jack notices Irina from afar but doesn't make a move because she seems interested in Sloane
Irina notices Jack and is attracted to him but she is eager to do her job and concentrates on Sloane
Tkachev could keep hinting and maybe tries to tell her (really angsty),
but because she is loyal to the KGB she tells someone further up and he is transferred
Anyway just my thoughts I dont know if you had any of it in mind already
PS: Great work
AllTheBest
Cadet
It had been three days since Irina had attended the dinner. So far Sloane hadn't contacted her. Had she done something wrong? Maybe Harbin had been given the wrong number. It had been hard for Irina to focus at work lately. She kept hoping Sloane would call. She wanted to do right by her country.
Finally, when she was sitting in her room reviewing papers that students had written, the phone rang. Irina waited the necessary three rings so that the KGB could record the call.
"Hello?" she answered, trying hard to focus.
"Laura?" the voice on the other end questioned.
"This is she," Irina said. "May I ask who is calling?"
"Laura, this is Arvin Sloane."
"Oh, hello, Mr. Sloane."
"Please call me Arvin."
Irina smiled to herself. "Of course....Arvin."
"Laura, I truly enjoyed myself at the party the other night. I was wondering if I could see you again." Arvin Sloane paused. "I would really love to see you again."
Irina was thrilled. She had wondered whether Sloane would want to see her again. She wanted to ask him whether his girlfriend would mind, but she knew that wasn't her business. "I would love to see you again too, Mr., I mean Arvin."
"How about dinner? Tomorrow?"
Wow. Irina was surprised. She hadn't expected anything this soon. "That sounds lovely, Arvin."
"I'll pick you up at eight, Laura. Do you like Italian?"
Irina wasn't really sure. She hadn't been exposed to much Italian food. "I love Italian."
"Great. I'll see you at eight then. Our mutual friend Mr. Harbin gave me your address."
"Fantastic," said Irina. "I'll see you at eight." She hung up the phone, and went running through the apartment searching for Tkachev. When she found him, she was beaming.
"He called!" she screamed. "He called me!"
"Great, Irina," Tkachev said. He didn't seem too happy.
"We're going to dinner tomorrow night at eight. He's taking me out for Italian." Irina was thrilled, but Tkachev didn't seem that happy. She wondered what was wrong with him. She was doing what she was supposed to do.
"That's great. I suppose you'll have to go and buy another dress." Tkachev looked up at her.
"I suppose so," she said. "Do you think the agency can set up another necklace and pair of earrings by tomorrow night?"
"I would think they can." He paused. "How about tomorrow after you class we go and find you a new dress. After that we'll find you some jewelry and drop it off at the L.A. office so they can set it up for listening and communication."
"All right," Irina said. She looked at Tkachev. "You okay?" she asked.
"Fine," he said. "I just have a lot of work to do."
"Okay," she said. "I'll go back to grading those papers."
"Fine," he said. Irina couldn't help but think that something else was going on.
The next morning, Irina woke up excited. She honestly couldn't wait for her date that night. She knew she was only going out with Arvin Sloane because it was her job, but she was honestly starting to like him. She dressed and got ready for work, not knowing how she would make it through the day.
After three hours of classes, Irina was more than ready to return home and wait for Arvin Sloane to arrive. She returned home to the apartment to find Tkachev waiting for her. "You ready to go again?" he asked her.
"Just give me a second," she said. "I need to drop off my books and the papers that just got turned in today." She went into her bedroom and set her supplies down on the desk. She put on a fresh coat of lipstick and grabbed her handbag and a light sweater. She returned to living room. "Ready," she said.
"Fine," Tkachev replied, and opened the front door. "Let's go." Irina followed him, wondering why on earth he was so moody.
The two returned to the apartment around six o'clock. She had a stunning dress and a lovely necklace to wear for her date that evening. When they entered the living room, Irina turned to Tkachev. "I think this weekend I'll have to go shopping for some nice outfits if I'm planning to see Arvin, I mean Mr. Sloane, more often."
"Yes," Tkachev said. "I suppose that would be necessary, wouldn't it?"
Irina nodded, looking at him quizzicly. "Tkachev, what's going on? You've been acting wierd lately."
Tkachev spun around. "Wierd? I've been acting wierd. Let me tell you something, Miss Derevko. I'm not the one who's been acting wierd. You're the one who has become enamored with Arvin Sloane."
Irina's jaw dropped. "Enamored? I am not "enamored" with Arvin Sloane. I am simply doing my job."
"You're job, Miss Derevko, does not involve liking the man. I should report you to the higher authorities."
Irina couldn't believe him. "You wouldn't dare!"
Tkachev looked at her. "Oh, I wouldn't, would I?"
"Tkachev, what is going on?"
"How can you be so stupid, Irina? I never would have thought someone so smart could be so naive."
"So now I'm naive?" Irina was now glaring at him.
"Yes, Irina. You are incredibly naive. If you weren't so childish you could see that I am falling in love with you."
Irina couldn't believe her ears. "But...but, Tkachev, you're my handler."
"Do you think I'm stupid, Irina? I know that I'm your handler. I know that I'm forbidden from having feelings from you. That doesn't stop it from happening, though!" Tkachev had now started pacing all over the living room.
"Why are you telling me this?" Irina practically screamed. "You shouldn't be telling me this!"
"What? You hadn't figured that out yet?" Tkachev's eyes had gone wild.
"Why would I even suspect that? You're my handler! Why would you fall in love with me?" Irina was fuming. She had trusted Tkachev. Then she looked at the clock. 6:15. "I...I have to get ready."
Tkachev nodded. "Have fun on your date," he said, sarcastically.
"I will," Irina said, still fuming. She stormed into her bedroom, ready for a long, hot shower. She started the water flowing, then felt warm water streaming down her own face. How could Tkachev spring it on her like that? Tonight was supposed to be one of the most important nights of her life, and he was springing that on her? How dare he?!
She stepped into the warm shower, letting the hot water roll down her back. She took her time washing her hair, then used the special lavender soap she had bought to use before the dinner party. Finally, thirty minutes later, she stepped out of the shower, refreshed and relaxed. She wrapped herself in a towel and stood before the mirror. Then she grabbed the blow dryer and began drying her hair. At 7:15, she had finished her hair and was pulling on a pair of stockings. She slipped on the sleeveless, purple dress that she pulled out of the storage bag the store had given her. She had also bought a gorgeous purple sweater. Once she had on her dress she slipped on pair of white strappy sandals. She sat down and applied her makeup. Finally, at 7:45, she fastened the necklace and put on the earrings. She was ready.
Irina sat in her room waiting until the doorbell rang promptly at 8:00. She went to open the front door, but found Tkachev already standing in front of an open door. She walked up behind them. "Hello, Arvin. You remember my brother Andrew?"
"Of course," Sloane said. "Nice to see you again, Andrew." He tried to pass, but Tkachev wouldn't budge. Irina placed her hand on Tkachev's shoulder. "Andrew," she whispered. Finally, Tkachev moved. Irina grabbed her purse. "You ready?" she said to Sloane.
"Of course. Let's go." He took her hand and escorted her from the apartment.
Do you think Irina seems a little too innocent or naive? Does Sloane seem just too nice? Please let me know!
Finally, when she was sitting in her room reviewing papers that students had written, the phone rang. Irina waited the necessary three rings so that the KGB could record the call.
"Hello?" she answered, trying hard to focus.
"Laura?" the voice on the other end questioned.
"This is she," Irina said. "May I ask who is calling?"
"Laura, this is Arvin Sloane."
"Oh, hello, Mr. Sloane."
"Please call me Arvin."
Irina smiled to herself. "Of course....Arvin."
"Laura, I truly enjoyed myself at the party the other night. I was wondering if I could see you again." Arvin Sloane paused. "I would really love to see you again."
Irina was thrilled. She had wondered whether Sloane would want to see her again. She wanted to ask him whether his girlfriend would mind, but she knew that wasn't her business. "I would love to see you again too, Mr., I mean Arvin."
"How about dinner? Tomorrow?"
Wow. Irina was surprised. She hadn't expected anything this soon. "That sounds lovely, Arvin."
"I'll pick you up at eight, Laura. Do you like Italian?"
Irina wasn't really sure. She hadn't been exposed to much Italian food. "I love Italian."
"Great. I'll see you at eight then. Our mutual friend Mr. Harbin gave me your address."
"Fantastic," said Irina. "I'll see you at eight." She hung up the phone, and went running through the apartment searching for Tkachev. When she found him, she was beaming.
"He called!" she screamed. "He called me!"
"Great, Irina," Tkachev said. He didn't seem too happy.
"We're going to dinner tomorrow night at eight. He's taking me out for Italian." Irina was thrilled, but Tkachev didn't seem that happy. She wondered what was wrong with him. She was doing what she was supposed to do.
"That's great. I suppose you'll have to go and buy another dress." Tkachev looked up at her.
"I suppose so," she said. "Do you think the agency can set up another necklace and pair of earrings by tomorrow night?"
"I would think they can." He paused. "How about tomorrow after you class we go and find you a new dress. After that we'll find you some jewelry and drop it off at the L.A. office so they can set it up for listening and communication."
"All right," Irina said. She looked at Tkachev. "You okay?" she asked.
"Fine," he said. "I just have a lot of work to do."
"Okay," she said. "I'll go back to grading those papers."
"Fine," he said. Irina couldn't help but think that something else was going on.
The next morning, Irina woke up excited. She honestly couldn't wait for her date that night. She knew she was only going out with Arvin Sloane because it was her job, but she was honestly starting to like him. She dressed and got ready for work, not knowing how she would make it through the day.
After three hours of classes, Irina was more than ready to return home and wait for Arvin Sloane to arrive. She returned home to the apartment to find Tkachev waiting for her. "You ready to go again?" he asked her.
"Just give me a second," she said. "I need to drop off my books and the papers that just got turned in today." She went into her bedroom and set her supplies down on the desk. She put on a fresh coat of lipstick and grabbed her handbag and a light sweater. She returned to living room. "Ready," she said.
"Fine," Tkachev replied, and opened the front door. "Let's go." Irina followed him, wondering why on earth he was so moody.
The two returned to the apartment around six o'clock. She had a stunning dress and a lovely necklace to wear for her date that evening. When they entered the living room, Irina turned to Tkachev. "I think this weekend I'll have to go shopping for some nice outfits if I'm planning to see Arvin, I mean Mr. Sloane, more often."
"Yes," Tkachev said. "I suppose that would be necessary, wouldn't it?"
Irina nodded, looking at him quizzicly. "Tkachev, what's going on? You've been acting wierd lately."
Tkachev spun around. "Wierd? I've been acting wierd. Let me tell you something, Miss Derevko. I'm not the one who's been acting wierd. You're the one who has become enamored with Arvin Sloane."
Irina's jaw dropped. "Enamored? I am not "enamored" with Arvin Sloane. I am simply doing my job."
"You're job, Miss Derevko, does not involve liking the man. I should report you to the higher authorities."
Irina couldn't believe him. "You wouldn't dare!"
Tkachev looked at her. "Oh, I wouldn't, would I?"
"Tkachev, what is going on?"
"How can you be so stupid, Irina? I never would have thought someone so smart could be so naive."
"So now I'm naive?" Irina was now glaring at him.
"Yes, Irina. You are incredibly naive. If you weren't so childish you could see that I am falling in love with you."
Irina couldn't believe her ears. "But...but, Tkachev, you're my handler."
"Do you think I'm stupid, Irina? I know that I'm your handler. I know that I'm forbidden from having feelings from you. That doesn't stop it from happening, though!" Tkachev had now started pacing all over the living room.
"Why are you telling me this?" Irina practically screamed. "You shouldn't be telling me this!"
"What? You hadn't figured that out yet?" Tkachev's eyes had gone wild.
"Why would I even suspect that? You're my handler! Why would you fall in love with me?" Irina was fuming. She had trusted Tkachev. Then she looked at the clock. 6:15. "I...I have to get ready."
Tkachev nodded. "Have fun on your date," he said, sarcastically.
"I will," Irina said, still fuming. She stormed into her bedroom, ready for a long, hot shower. She started the water flowing, then felt warm water streaming down her own face. How could Tkachev spring it on her like that? Tonight was supposed to be one of the most important nights of her life, and he was springing that on her? How dare he?!
She stepped into the warm shower, letting the hot water roll down her back. She took her time washing her hair, then used the special lavender soap she had bought to use before the dinner party. Finally, thirty minutes later, she stepped out of the shower, refreshed and relaxed. She wrapped herself in a towel and stood before the mirror. Then she grabbed the blow dryer and began drying her hair. At 7:15, she had finished her hair and was pulling on a pair of stockings. She slipped on the sleeveless, purple dress that she pulled out of the storage bag the store had given her. She had also bought a gorgeous purple sweater. Once she had on her dress she slipped on pair of white strappy sandals. She sat down and applied her makeup. Finally, at 7:45, she fastened the necklace and put on the earrings. She was ready.
Irina sat in her room waiting until the doorbell rang promptly at 8:00. She went to open the front door, but found Tkachev already standing in front of an open door. She walked up behind them. "Hello, Arvin. You remember my brother Andrew?"
"Of course," Sloane said. "Nice to see you again, Andrew." He tried to pass, but Tkachev wouldn't budge. Irina placed her hand on Tkachev's shoulder. "Andrew," she whispered. Finally, Tkachev moved. Irina grabbed her purse. "You ready?" she said to Sloane.
"Of course. Let's go." He took her hand and escorted her from the apartment.
Do you think Irina seems a little too innocent or naive? Does Sloane seem just too nice? Please let me know!
Sarahmañana
Cadet
great chapters!!! hmnnn as for your questions...sloane does seem to be a little too nice...but then again this is a younger sloane....
as for irina...i don't think she seems too inocent or naive...b/c she is young and this is all new expierences for her.
as for irina...i don't think she seems too inocent or naive...b/c she is young and this is all new expierences for her.
AllTheBest
Cadet
Okay. I had almost finished this update when my computer crashed. c :angry: So, I had to start all over again. I liked it better the first time, but oh well. Yes, Sloane comes off as a little too nice, but I do have a reason for that. The issue of his evil-ness and bad attitude will come up later.
Sloane took Irina's hand and guided out of the apartment and down the stairs to where a car was waiting. Sloane helped her in, then got in on his own side. He spoke to the driver, then took her hand.
"My darling, I must tell you, you look absolutely beautiful tonight. I didn't think you could look more stunning than you did at the dinner, but you do."
Irina smiled, and batted her eyelashes, a trick she had seen countless American women use on television. "Well, thank you," she whispered. Suddenly, Arvin Sloane reached a hand into his coat pocket, removing a blue box from his pocket.
"This, my dear, is for you. Something lovely for the loveliest lady I've ever met." Irina smile bashfully as Sloane opened the box. She gasped.
"It's gorgeous, Arvin," she stammered. Inside the box was a stunning diamond bracelet. "You, you shouldn't have..." she whispered as he fastened it onto her wrist.
"I hope you like it," he said as he finished fastening the clasp.
"I love it," she said, admiring her newly adorned wrist. At that moment they pulled up to an empty restaurant.
"This, Laura, is Patroni's, the best Italian restaurant in Los Angeles." Sloane looked very proud.
Irina looked at the empty parking lot. "Are you sure it's open?" she said. Sloane laughed.
"Oh, it's open, my dear. Don't you worry." He got out of the car, then helped Irina out. As they walked up to the door, a young waiter in a tuxedo opened the door for them.
"Good evening, Mr. Sloane. Good evening, Miss Ivanov," he said as he pulled open the door. Sloane nodded to the waiter.
"Thank you, Francisco," Sloane said, leading Irina through the door.
Irina looked at Sloane, then whispered, "How does he know my name?"
Sloane smirked, then gestured towards the empty restaurant. "They've been expecting us," he whispered to Irina.
The dining room had been cleared to a single table for two in the center. The room was covered with red roses, and a string quartet was sitting in the corner. As Irina and Sloane entered the room, they struck up a tune.
Sloane pulled out a chair for Irina and let her sit down. He then sat down across from her. Irina smiled, then said, "Arvin, this is too much. You shouldn't have done all of this."
Sloane took her hand across the pristine white tablecloth. "Nothing is too much for you, my dear Laura." Irina had to wonder. How could he seem to be so in love with her after only meeting her once? But that wasn't Irina's concern. Sloane was her target, and she had him.
Shortly after they sat down, a waiter came by to serve them wine, then an appetizer came. Irina enjoyed the food and the music, but she found herself also enjoying Arvin Sloane's company. She found herself laughing naturally at his small jokes and enjoying his compliments. She was relieved that Tkachev's voice never appeared in her ear.
As their entrees were served, Sloane smiled at Irina over his glass of wine. "I'm glad you joined me tonight, Laura," he said, offering his glass in a toast. Irina raised her glass, clinking them together.
"I'm glad I did too," she said, and it was the truth.
After dinner, Sloane took her hand and they danced to the music of the string quartet. Finally, around midnight, they left the restaurant, and Sloane walked Irina back to her apartment. At the door, he kissed her quickly, and they made plans to go out again in two days. Irina snuck into the apartment and into her room.
"How was it?" Irina spun around. Tkachev was sitting in the living room, a bottle of vodka next to him. His speech was slurred. Irina just started at him.
"Tkachev, you're drunk," she said, then turned to go to her room. Tkachev pushed himself off the couch, staggering after her.
"I'm not drunk, Irina. I was just thirsty." He reached after Irina.
"Tkachev, stop it!" Irina yelled. She slapped Tkachev, and saw the rage burning in his eyes. He grabbed her wrist, and suddenly saw the bracelet. Irina pulled her wrist to her side.
"What's that?!?!" Tkachev screamed. "Did he give that to you?!?!? What else did he give you??!?"
Irina felt tears welling in her eyes. "He gave me a bracelet, Tkachev. Calm down! I'm just doing my job!"
Tkachev punched her. "This is not your job! You're not supposed to like him!"
Irina felt the pain in her side from where Tkachev's fist had made contact. The tears spilled out of her eyes. Suddenly, Tkachev came after her again, slapping her across the face. He grabbed her wrist, trying to undo the clasp of the bracelet. Frustrated, he just yanked it off, twisting Irina's wrist in the process.
"Tkachev! Stop it! You're hurting me!" Finally, Irina gave up talking and starting slapping him, but in his drunken stupor Tkachev didn't respond to the pain. "Tkachev, you're drunk! Go to bed. We'll talk about it in the morning!" Tkachev looked at her like he had forgotten what they were talking about. "Tkachev! Let go of me!" Finally, Tkachev let go. He walked out of the room, muttering to himself. Irina fell back on the bed, relaxed, but in pain. The tears poured out of her eyes harder and harder.
Finally, she sat up and went over to her desk. She searched through her files for the number of her KGB contact. Finally, she found it and dialed the phone. When the other side answered she whispered what had happened. "Agent 41-A-67398," she said first.
"All right, Agent Derevko. We've got your records. What happened?"
"He...he attacked me," she whispered, tears trickling down her cheeks.
The voice on the other end paused. "Who, Agent Derevko? Who attacked you?"
Irina struggled to find her voice. "Tkachev. He yelled at me. He hit me."
"Hold on, Agent Derevko. Let me get someone else," the voice on the other end said.
Finally, another voice came on. "Agent Derevko, this is the L.A. director. What's the matter?"
"It's .... it's Tkachev," she whispered. "He .... he said he loved me. Then tonight he attacked me, yelling at me."
"All right, Agent Derevko. This is what we're going to do. We'll send a team to your apartment. They'll speak to you and Agent Tkachev. We'll determine a course of action from there."
"Okay," Irina whispered. "Okay." She hung up the phone and went back to the bed where she collapsed.
:angry: So, I had to start all over again. I liked it better the first time, but oh well. Yes, Sloane comes off as a little too nice, but I do have a reason for that. The issue of his evil-ness and bad attitude will come up later.Sloane took Irina's hand and guided out of the apartment and down the stairs to where a car was waiting. Sloane helped her in, then got in on his own side. He spoke to the driver, then took her hand.
"My darling, I must tell you, you look absolutely beautiful tonight. I didn't think you could look more stunning than you did at the dinner, but you do."
Irina smiled, and batted her eyelashes, a trick she had seen countless American women use on television. "Well, thank you," she whispered. Suddenly, Arvin Sloane reached a hand into his coat pocket, removing a blue box from his pocket.
"This, my dear, is for you. Something lovely for the loveliest lady I've ever met." Irina smile bashfully as Sloane opened the box. She gasped.
"It's gorgeous, Arvin," she stammered. Inside the box was a stunning diamond bracelet. "You, you shouldn't have..." she whispered as he fastened it onto her wrist.
"I hope you like it," he said as he finished fastening the clasp.
"I love it," she said, admiring her newly adorned wrist. At that moment they pulled up to an empty restaurant.
"This, Laura, is Patroni's, the best Italian restaurant in Los Angeles." Sloane looked very proud.
Irina looked at the empty parking lot. "Are you sure it's open?" she said. Sloane laughed.
"Oh, it's open, my dear. Don't you worry." He got out of the car, then helped Irina out. As they walked up to the door, a young waiter in a tuxedo opened the door for them.
"Good evening, Mr. Sloane. Good evening, Miss Ivanov," he said as he pulled open the door. Sloane nodded to the waiter.
"Thank you, Francisco," Sloane said, leading Irina through the door.
Irina looked at Sloane, then whispered, "How does he know my name?"
Sloane smirked, then gestured towards the empty restaurant. "They've been expecting us," he whispered to Irina.
The dining room had been cleared to a single table for two in the center. The room was covered with red roses, and a string quartet was sitting in the corner. As Irina and Sloane entered the room, they struck up a tune.
Sloane pulled out a chair for Irina and let her sit down. He then sat down across from her. Irina smiled, then said, "Arvin, this is too much. You shouldn't have done all of this."
Sloane took her hand across the pristine white tablecloth. "Nothing is too much for you, my dear Laura." Irina had to wonder. How could he seem to be so in love with her after only meeting her once? But that wasn't Irina's concern. Sloane was her target, and she had him.
Shortly after they sat down, a waiter came by to serve them wine, then an appetizer came. Irina enjoyed the food and the music, but she found herself also enjoying Arvin Sloane's company. She found herself laughing naturally at his small jokes and enjoying his compliments. She was relieved that Tkachev's voice never appeared in her ear.
As their entrees were served, Sloane smiled at Irina over his glass of wine. "I'm glad you joined me tonight, Laura," he said, offering his glass in a toast. Irina raised her glass, clinking them together.
"I'm glad I did too," she said, and it was the truth.
After dinner, Sloane took her hand and they danced to the music of the string quartet. Finally, around midnight, they left the restaurant, and Sloane walked Irina back to her apartment. At the door, he kissed her quickly, and they made plans to go out again in two days. Irina snuck into the apartment and into her room.
"How was it?" Irina spun around. Tkachev was sitting in the living room, a bottle of vodka next to him. His speech was slurred. Irina just started at him.
"Tkachev, you're drunk," she said, then turned to go to her room. Tkachev pushed himself off the couch, staggering after her.
"I'm not drunk, Irina. I was just thirsty." He reached after Irina.
"Tkachev, stop it!" Irina yelled. She slapped Tkachev, and saw the rage burning in his eyes. He grabbed her wrist, and suddenly saw the bracelet. Irina pulled her wrist to her side.
"What's that?!?!" Tkachev screamed. "Did he give that to you?!?!? What else did he give you??!?"
Irina felt tears welling in her eyes. "He gave me a bracelet, Tkachev. Calm down! I'm just doing my job!"
Tkachev punched her. "This is not your job! You're not supposed to like him!"
Irina felt the pain in her side from where Tkachev's fist had made contact. The tears spilled out of her eyes. Suddenly, Tkachev came after her again, slapping her across the face. He grabbed her wrist, trying to undo the clasp of the bracelet. Frustrated, he just yanked it off, twisting Irina's wrist in the process.
"Tkachev! Stop it! You're hurting me!" Finally, Irina gave up talking and starting slapping him, but in his drunken stupor Tkachev didn't respond to the pain. "Tkachev, you're drunk! Go to bed. We'll talk about it in the morning!" Tkachev looked at her like he had forgotten what they were talking about. "Tkachev! Let go of me!" Finally, Tkachev let go. He walked out of the room, muttering to himself. Irina fell back on the bed, relaxed, but in pain. The tears poured out of her eyes harder and harder.
Finally, she sat up and went over to her desk. She searched through her files for the number of her KGB contact. Finally, she found it and dialed the phone. When the other side answered she whispered what had happened. "Agent 41-A-67398," she said first.
"All right, Agent Derevko. We've got your records. What happened?"
"He...he attacked me," she whispered, tears trickling down her cheeks.
The voice on the other end paused. "Who, Agent Derevko? Who attacked you?"
Irina struggled to find her voice. "Tkachev. He yelled at me. He hit me."
"Hold on, Agent Derevko. Let me get someone else," the voice on the other end said.
Finally, another voice came on. "Agent Derevko, this is the L.A. director. What's the matter?"
"It's .... it's Tkachev," she whispered. "He .... he said he loved me. Then tonight he attacked me, yelling at me."
"All right, Agent Derevko. This is what we're going to do. We'll send a team to your apartment. They'll speak to you and Agent Tkachev. We'll determine a course of action from there."
"Okay," Irina whispered. "Okay." She hung up the phone and went back to the bed where she collapsed.