June 8th, 1963

"What in God's name are you blathering on about?"

"Don't play dumb, Ivan," Alfred growled, "You know what I'm talking about."

The nation of the United States had backed the Soviet Union up against a wall, the aggressive glower decorating his face unnerving the Russian slightly, as it wasn't every day that Alfred discarded his trademark "hero" grin.

"Ah, I see," Ivan replied coolly, "you're speaking of your boss's murder, yes? And just what exactly are you accusing me of?"

"Didn't I just tell you not to play dumb? John was murdered by a communist! A man who'd lived in the Soviet Union! Don't tell me you had nothing to do with this!"

"I had nothing to do with this."

Burning fury shone in Alfred's eyes as he stared into the icy depths of the Russian's. Ivan's face remained serene, an expression that could win him any poker game. With shaking hands he grabbed his silk scarf, yanking Ivan just a half an inch down so that their eyes met on equal plane.

"Let me repeat myself," Alfred's face was twitching, his body shook with rage, "the man who killed John F. Kennedy was a communist and once lived in your home. Don't lie to me. You had something to do with this."

"And let me repeat myself, Alfred," Ivan hissed his name, gripping tightly Alfred's hands and forcing them off of his scarf, "as I tell you once again, I had nothing to-"

"Don't lie to me, you commie bastard!"

Ivan swiveled his head aside, just a tad, to avoid the punch Alfred had thrown. He took hold of his suspended fist, squeezing it tightly enough to cause him pain. He stared into the other man's eyes.

"Alfred Jones," he began, his voice cool once more, "I will say this only once more; I had nothing to do with your president's assassination. Accusing me will get neither you nor your investigation anywhere."

Alfred pulled away from Ivan in a single, violent motion. Taking a few steps back, his glower had softened but the hatred in his eyes had only ignited hotter.

"I'm watching you, Ivan Braginski! No matter what you're planning, I'm watching! Never forget that!"

And he took off running.