Zittau, Wisconsin

"Napoleon, I don't think this is right. I mean there only three buildings and a cheese factory in the whole town," Illya complained as he looked around.

"I did read his file, and this is where he was born. Zittau, Wisconsin, on a little farm down the road right there," he pointed to the interaction that went between the two building on Highway II. The men turned onto Wolf River Road which ended with Gibson family farm.

As they pulled up to the driveway guns out, Gibson came out of the house with a smile. "I see you made it. Come in. My Gran has a country meal all set up for you."

The confused look on the agents' face had the renounced Thrush agent laughing. "Come in, and I'll explain."

Walking in careful, they found a table loaded with food. "Wash your hands, then sit." An old lady commanded.

"Napoleon, Illya this is my Gran Martha. The only family I have in the world. I decided to give up my position in the firm to keep her company for her last years. She needs someone to run the farm, and I always enjoyed working the earth." Gibson explained.

Soon Gran Martha ordered them to a chair before starting to pass around the dishes. Fresh corn on the cob, string beans and tomatoes, and mashed potatoes didn't pass Illya without spoons of them disappearing. Fried chicken and homemade biscuits came next. In the center of the table difference slices of cheese and sausage were set out.

"The cheese comes from our families' factory at the intersection of II and our road. My uncle owns it, and the cheese is made daily. All the rest comes from our farm." Gibson said, "And Gran is still the best cook in the area."

"Silly boy. There are only about fifty people in Zittau," she said kissing him on the cheek.

"I do not know about the other forty-nine people but madam, but you have my vote for the best cook around," Illya was thinking of his babushka and the feast she used to make.

The small woman blushed, "Du bist ein wunderschönes Kind. Deine Großmutter muss so stolz auf dich sein." *

"Vielen Dank. Sie war sehr stolz auf mich." ** He answered in perfect German.

After everyone was sure they couldn't eat another bite, Gran Martha brought out three pies, cherry, apple, and strawberry rhubarb. "Eat, eat," she ordered, and they did.

Once she started dishes insisting the men go outside and enjoy the warm breeze, Napoleon asked the question they all knew was coming. "Why?"

"I knew Thrush would be after me. The men on the list needed to be warned, and I couldn't be sure who could be trusted. So, I went to each place to warn them in person. You being around helped keep Rodimus out of my hair as I knew he hated you and would attempt to capture you first. I'm sorry Napoleon, but I couldn't leave those men around the world die."

"I guess I understand that but why all the cities here?" Illya asked.

"They were all places that I had favorite memories of, and I figured if I could see them one more time before I die it would be enough. Didn't you enjoy the food, sites, and history?" Gibson smiled at them. "Besides, I wanted to have a little fun with UNCLE's best."

"You do know that Rodimus has been taken into custody," I figured he would be sooner or later. I hope his obsession with my list would be his downfall," Gibson pulled out a list and handed it to Illya. "All the men on the list have been warned. What they make of the warning, I hope it kept them safe."

Looking over the list, Illya agreed. "They are all still alive. But as for fun, why not give us the list and let UNCLE deal with their safety?"

"You have a traitor in your New York office, and I couldn't chance that they might get ahold of the information," Gibson informed them.

"Do you know who it is and do you have proof?" Napoleon asked.

Handing the men a file, "I knew you would want proof, so I put together what I could. That's how they caught on to me."

"So just working on the farm and keeping your Gran's company?" Napoleon was curious.

With a sly grin, "There's a little girl in Fremont, that I've loved for since high school Going to marry her and have a few little ones running around here soon. She said yes, yesterday. This land has been in our family for generations. I'd like to keep the tradition going."

"We need to get back to New York immediately with this information," the men stood heading for the car.

As they began to pull out, Gran Martha came out with a basket for them. "One second thank you for bringing my boy back to me. He doesn't know that I know what he was involved in. Hopefully, the land will give him peace and satisfaction."

Gibson came and stood by his Gran, "Expect an invitation. If you're in the area, drop by anytime."

As they headed back to Highway 10, Napoleon asked. "Do I turn north or south up ahead to the nearest airport?"

Illya grinned, "The best way to finish is often to go back to the beginning."

Giving Illya a questioning look, a moan escaped, "No you can't be serious."

"Yes, it is in Appleton."

*You are a beautiful child. Your grandmother must be so proud of you.

** Thank you. She was very proud of me.