Alexander Waverly thoughtfully puffed at his pipe. The two agents waited, patiently. Then, he observed his men. They wouldn't like it. Alexander Waverly himself didn't like it. But he had no choice. Consequently... they hadn't, either. They would obey, and he knew that he wouldn't have to argue. Well. Not too much... But this mission, this affair... it wasn't really an Uncle affair.
Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin looked at him. He could read them. Curiosity ... Impatience, quite ... gluttony. He wouldn't disappoint them... Confidence, too. That...
The Old Man was bothered. Clearly bothered. He liked to create a stir, of course. So, he usually took time to speak. Not so much time... It was amazing. At least, Waverly didn't look troubled, worried. Just, bothered. The two agents exchanged glances, inquiringly.
-Young men...
Faint sight of relief...
-Young men, I know... that your last mission... has taken a heavy toll... among both of you.
Napoleon Solo looked offended. Illya Kuryakin dumbfounded.
-This assignment...
He grabbed two files, and held them. The two men automatically stretched their hands, at the same time. And at the same time, they reluctantly broke off. Alexander Waverly sighed.
-This assignment is quite... safe.
Both of them looked now offended. Even... disgusted. Suddenly, Alexander Waverly relaxed. Napoleon Solo, the CEA, and his partner, Illya Kuryakin, no matter how efficient and brilliant they were, needed to be taught a lesson... That might be fun.
-Sometimes, young men, you have to save the world. Sometimes, you have to save one innocent life. This time...
Alexander Waverly was... grinning.
-This time, you'll have to ensure the safety of ... a very important person.
Napoleon Solo frowned. Illya Kuryakin pouted. Body guards ? Alexander Waverly would use this name. But it was just ... babysitting ! Napoleon Solo grimly asked.
-And... Who is the important person, sir ?
And the Old Man grinned again. That sent shivers down their spines.
-The important lady, Mr Solo, is... a lady. A young, charming and very clever lady.
Oh, no... The Russian sighed and his partner doubtfully raised an eyebrow.
-Young ? How... young, sir ?
Luckily, the « lady » would be... a kid. The naughty, capricious daughter of ... someone.
-Don't worry, Mr Solo. She... isn't a child.
The Old Man opened a file.
-She is ... a strawberry blond, with... golden green eyes. She is really beautiful.
Illya Kuryakin didn't look dumbfounded : he was. That... that wasn't Waverly. And, of, course, his partner was like the cat who was going to eat the canary. A strawberry blond with golden green eyes...
-One of you will be her bodyguard. He won't leave her, for one minute. The other will have to ensure the safety of different places.
The Old Man puffed again at his pipe.
-Mr Solo, you'll see at this. Mr Kuryakin, you'll be the lady's escort.
The Russian gulped.
-But... Sir... It's... it's not really my field... Napoleon... is more qualified ...
Alexander Waverly raised his eyebrows, and Illya Kuryakin knew better than to go on arguing.
The young lady...
A strawberry blonde with golden green eyes. At least, Napoleon's face was a great consolation... Illya Kuryakin, resigned to his fate, asked.
-Whta's her name, sir ?
-Oh, of course, you are right, Mr Kuryakin. The young lady is... Miss Cleopatra. She is used to ... speak English ( not American, Mr Solo...) and Russian. You are, by the way, the most qualified, Mr Kuryakin.
Now, he would dismissed them... If he made up his mind to give them the files... But, no.
-Mr Kuryakin... Miss Cleopatra is really a beautiful, charming and clever young lady. However... you have to know that she happens to have ... character.
-Tststs, Illya, my friend ! You'll have to be careful... she might bite you, or... scratch you ...
Napoleon Solo chuckled... until he noticed Waverly's face.
-I... I was joking, sir. Miss Cleopatra is a very respectable lady.
-She is, Mr Solo. That's for you... Mr Kuryakin, we have to talk. Then, you'll meet miss Cleopatra.
Napoleon Solo was dismissed. Politely, but clearly. He made the best of it, smiled and got up, whispering at his partner's ear.
-Remember the poor Marcus Antonius...
Alexander Waverly waited. He hesitated.
-Mr Kuryakin... you'll probably don't like it. Here... here is Miss Cleopatra's file.
A poker-face, Waverly thought. The Russian studied the files, staring at the photo. No grimace ? No comment ? He looked at Waverly.
-As this... isn't a trick, sir, I guess that ...Miss Cleopatra is really a very important lady..
-She is the keeper of a lethal secret, Mr Kuryakin. You'll have to protect her for one week. Everyday. Round the clock.