As the doors to Waverly's office swished closed behind the three, Napoleon, Bibi and Illya converged just beyond the secretary's desk. Illya maintained a cool demeanor, his usual one, as Napoleon attempted to charm the Baroness into a nightcap at one of his favorite clubs.
"You are very persuasive, my dear Napoleon. However, it's much too late for me and, I believe we are expected to start early tomorrow in our scheme to unravel this THRUSH plot.'
Bibi turned to face Illya, her eyes softening at the sight of him. This was not the Illya she had known while talking after tennis lessons or lingering over lemonade in the garden.
"Illya, do you have any notion of where we go next?"
The blond caught the expression on Napoleon's face at that question, and felt a little self-conscious that Bibi should ask him rather than his partner, who would be in charge of this mission.
"Bibi, I believe we would do well to inquire of Napoleon as to his plans for this affair. Although I realize you know him only socially, if I recall correctly."
That last was accompanied by a barely discernable smirk. Illya remembered only too well how deflated Mark had been when Napoleon showed up to escort Bibi to lunch. He wondered if there might still be some affection harbored by his British friend.
Napoleon returned the smirk, although Bibi missed it entirely. It wasn't his fault if he had as much luck with women as he enjoyed in the field. Bibi certainly hadn't complained. Social indeed…
"Yes, well if I recall, we were humming the tune to Getting To Know You by the end of lunch."
Napoleon winked at Bibi, who responded with her perfect smile. Inwardly she sighed, the prospect of working with these two men was enough to launch her dreams tonight.
"Do either of you know if Mark is in town? I would so like to see him again."
Napoleon almost grimaced at that, while Illya maintained the same expression he donned for almost every circumstance.
"I believe he is out of the country, Bibi. Perhaps Napoleon knows for how long."
Napoleon did know for how long, and he considered, for a second or two, that Mark's return could be delayed just a few days.
"He will be back day after tomorrow, if everything goes as planned. He and April have been in Vienna, and are finishing the final details of their mission there. I don't suppose you've met April Dancer, his partner."
Bibi had heard about her during the time she had spent with Mark, and knew that the two were friends and partners, nothing more. Still, meeting her would tell her all she needed to know.
The trio had begun walking towards the elevator and Illya pushed the down button now, causing a pause in the conversation. While they waited, Napoleon posed one more question to Bibi.
"Bibi, what exactly do you foresee as your role, now that the diamond has been stolen? Are you willing to continue to mix socially with Fitzsimmons? I assume he has no suspicions about your connection to UNCLE."
Bibi thought about it briefly, she had assumed things would remain as they had been, especially since she had been the one to identify the Lord Fitzsimmons as the THRUSH lackey he was.
"Napoleon, is there any reason why I shouldn't continue? I think it is probably up to me to now introduce you and Illya into this social set. At least that was my thinking. Illya, what do you think?"
Once again the Russian had to wonder at her delivering these questions to him. Perhaps it was because of their previous experience together in the field.
"I don't suppose we shall be able to crash into this group without you, Bibi. I, for one, am ill prepared to be cast as a member of the elite. Napoleon might pass, I suppose."
He said that with a smile on his face, and Bibi grinned in agreement. Napoleon loved playing those parts, and would no doubt be eager to share the stage with the Baroness.
"All right, that's something we can discuss tomorrow. Bibi, may we give you a ride home. Oh, where are you staying?"
The car opened and the three stepped into the grey corridor, headed towards the reception area and presented their badges.
"I believe I have a car waiting, Napoleon, but you're a dear for offering. Perhaps you and Illya will come and have breakfast with me in the morning. I'm at the Waldorf. Ah, the secret entrance…"
Illya opened the door for them, allowing Bibi and then Napoleon to lead the way through Del Floria's.
"Illya, does breakfast with our Baroness sound enticing enough for your appetite?"
Illya rolled his eyes at that.
"I shall be delighted, of course. Is nine o'clock acceptable, Bibi?"
There was a car waiting for her, a long white sedan with a uniformed driver. He tipped his cap to the two UNCLE agents as he opened the door for Bibi, something he had apparently done often.
"Nine o'clock is perfect, Illya. Until then… Messieurs, bonne nuit."
Bibi disappeared into the back seat, her gown following her in with the distinct rustle of silk. Napoleon stood back as the chauffeur, who remained nameless, finished his duties and reclaimed his place behind the wheel of the luxurious vehicle.
The two men were left standing at the curb, the effects of the Baroness a lingering presence until the car was out of sight.
"So, I guess we'll see what comes of this new partnership, eh tovarisch."
"Partnership? With Bibi? She is … I wonder why Mr. Waverly didn't tell us about her involvement sooner?"
Illya's eyes were dark, the earlier glints of ice blue now a somber shade of grey as he puzzled over this evening's disclosures.
"I don't have a clue, Illya. Surprises are always part of the equation, I suppose. And I have a feeling there are a few more in store for us."
Illya supposed that his partner was correct.
