I hopped in the vehicle. The guards stood distantly as they watched me leave. I turned the engine on then rolled off. Not far from the safe house, I took a call by the phone that Reyes provided. The phone rang.
"Meet me outside the compound. I have something to tell you. Don't get noticed."
As soon as I ended my call, I took the alternate route, purposely, for any tailing. The roads were clear but I knew that the guards already radioed in for my unauthorized leave. Expectedly, my phone rang.
"Ilinova!" the voice rushed in. "Where are you?!"
"I know the guards called you-"
"You're too reckless! Get back at the safe house, NOW! The-"
I dropped my phone. I lost control of the steering wheel and the car wiggled along the empty road. Surprised, I quickly held the steering wheel back and finally got it controlled; I took a look at the rear view mirror. I was followed, but not by the CIA. The vehicle bumped again, trying to hover me on the shoulder.
My body shook as it took every assault; my chest was beating hard. Stepping harder on the gas, thinking there was no time. They wanted to kill me. I reached for my gun but then another vehicle intersected bumping at my car's side. Again, I lost control of the steering wheel and the car was pushed to the shoulder. The tires rolled over the graveled surface with the friction stopping the tires. The things happened so fast that when I opened my eyes, my head was bleeding. With blood flowing down on my face, I tremblingly unbuckled from my seat and reached again for the gun. Covering, it took me a while to get it. The men tried to shoot me as they neared. Another push then finally, I held the gun. I kicked the door open then crawled out.
Another shot, then another, bullets came flying everywhere and I couldn't have another chance to shoot back. My hand was shaking uncontrollably as I lost blood. I tried to calm and think of a plan but I was bleeding profusely. I lied down on the ground, letting the shadow of the car cover my figure. I waited attentively as the footsteps neared- thinking, breathing harder at the threat.
----------
48 hours earlier. I was sitting inside the conference room, waiting for the others. The day before had just concluded speculations as Gregory Ivanov was interrogated. I tried to analyze the paper works on my desk when Liun and the others arrived.
"Congratulations. You're mission yesterday was successful. We would like to acknowledge everyone for their effort," the director greeted warmly. People looked at each other at the relief of seeing everyone alive. "Ivanov's interrogation started yesterday and just ended two hours ago. We confirmed that he was sent to reactivate the lab's systems under Lhuzikov's orders. Any other attempt would be ceased at once. We would like to ask if any of you had gathered any leads when you entered the area."
Liun glanced at me secretly. I knew that he what he meant was the database.
"The infiltration in the area yesterday went well," Jack spoke awkwardly. "But for reasonable causes, I assure that things went wrong in the process so I suggest for further investigation."
"Dad, you don't need to say that," Sydney whispered as she glanced shyly. It is offending to know that the person you saved didn't even know how to say he appreciated and that in someway, he was actually referring to you.
"The heads of the department already suggested for further investigation, Jack," the director announced, as he looked puzzled at the scene. "All you have to do now is to stand by again. Jack and Reyes, I'll see you in my office. As for the others, you may now leave."
"I'm still working on with the database," Liun secretly informed me as we went out of the conference room. "But it won't be too long before I'll get it decrypted. Have you informed anyone yet?"
"No. We might be able to use it better than they could."
"I wonder if we can-"
"Ilinova," Sydney approached cutting Liun's sentence. "I'm sorry if I interrupted you. Can you come with me?"
----------
Sydney was walking ahead of me. The dim hall lined with empty cells and grills. My heart pounded as I realized whom we were going to visit. Sydney halted; the last grill went up and cleared the hall. She glanced at me then continued to walk. Finally, we came to the cell.
"We now have Gregory Ivanov," Sydney informed her mother politely. "I requested to have you informed and they agreed believing you can help."
"Thank you, Sydney. I appreciate that you had me acquainted. You don't know how you've helped me," Irina smiled gratefully as I stayed unnoticed. As she glanced, the smile faded. I couldn't predict how she was going to react; she was staring still- either in surprise or in disappointment.
"They agreed to have you debriefed about this," she continued, "but they wanted Ilinova to be the one to interrogate you."
Irina and I both looked at Sydney; we were both surprised. I opened my mouth to speak.
"Syd, you should have told me be-"
"What are they up to?" Irina asked suspiciously.
"I don't know. But I think they wanted to test Ilinova's sincerity," she explained nearly whispering. "And dad told me not to tell you anything about this but this is the only excuse I knew. Sooner or later he will surely go to the superiors to oppose me with this decision, so I did not hesitate to accept their offer. I hope you both understand."
I thought for a while. I never thought that she would do that for her mother- even if it means disobeying her father; but we had no time.
"I cannot promise you that I can give the results that you need..." I told her looking away, "specially with your father in pursuit to interfere."
"I know. It'll be all right. Thank you Ilinova," Sydney said softer. She quickly handed me the papers. "You can start your brainstorming today. There will be no problem, I assure. I'll cover up for you- from dad. Besides, he, himself, had done this before."
She turned away. Irina and I were left at the hall. I was hardly lifting a finger at all when I realized the possibility that the meeting could be incompletely authorized. I quickly grabbed for words.
"It was two days ago when I turned in," I informed her in Russian knowing she'll ask. I started to flip on the pages of the documents. "I'm with one of our American assets, Agent Liun. Here, read this."
Irina reached for the papers at the opening. She reluctantly began to read. I couldn't help my self examine how she was- the place where she sleeps, the system on how she lives. I was stricken with agony to see her in a place like that after such disappearance. I looked back at her and she finished the document.
"Your tactics are going well," she said unemotionally. Her voice and her eyes suddenly reflected a sense of superiority. "Except that I know they're using our own satellite to bug on our files."
"The choice was not ours. When I turned in, they already had the device analyzed," I explained hard trying to make her understand that I did my best to protect our agency. Our conversation began to become unintentional. "I know you're not pleased to see me in this place that you even wish that I was abducted with the others. But you must understand, I was taken after my cover was messed up. They had me blackmailed. Now they're entrusting me to involve concerning these matters that I couldn't waste. The KGB needs help."
The hall stirred with my voice. Irina stood unmoved, seemingly discontented. She took a step closer then slid the papers back to me, looking back then crossing her arms at her front. I was annoyed by her childishness. I picked up the documents.
"I guess you're not in the mood…" I continued.
"Give me more time," she answered in English. "I don't want you to think that I'm not cooperating."
"I-I'll inform Sydney," I concluded turning back. Then suddenly, I remembered something; I turned again to tell her. "But at least you must know. Someone is arranging your papers for your trial. We'll get you out. Excuse me, I must leave."
"Ilinova," Irina called back. "How are you doing?"
"Fine," I nodded. Irina smiled so I smiled back.
----------
Lines appeared on Sydney's forehead as I told her what had happened. I told her that the idea did not seem helpful and I suggested that I get replaced. But she was determined on her plan; she suggested giving her mother time.
"And before I forget," Sydney leaned closer. "Dad has been-"
"Ilinova," the voice echoed over the others. He hurried towards us. "Excuse us, Sydney. I need to talk to her."
"Dad, if you want to discuss this with someone, it's me."
"No, Sydney," Jack insisted to her daughter. "Please, excuse us."
I nodded at Sydney. She reluctantly turned away then left while Jack started to confront me.
"I expected that I needn't to warn you anymore but I see that you lack a sense of sensitivity," he initiated. "I don't appreciate your collaboration with Sydney's silly plans."
"What exactly is it that you want?"
"I want to remind you that I am your superior and if you want to stay in this agreement, you should learn to follow only and what I say. Obedience is what I demand, Ilinova. I don't suggest that you see Sydney anymore," he demanded. As soon as he finished, he started to walk away. Insulted of being measured, I ran up to follow him.
"Is that all that the CIA can do? Blackmail us?"
"This is not about the CIA. This is about your spoiled attitudes concerning your usage of your given authorities. Tolerating your smart-brained ideas will only give further complications to problems we already have."
"What are you so mad at me about?" I broke out. "Getting my job contaminated with personal issues is not my style Agent Bristow… or is it yours?"
"The situation here is about you, don't try to reverse it. The idea of adopting you and your companion in this agency did not even seem to me as a responsible decision. If ever I discover any act of betrayal, I assure you, you will never last in this agency for a second or worse, you'll find yourself spending the rest of your life with your mentor in the cells."
Jack stopped. He couldn't help himself from revealing what he truly meant. The door remained opened as he stood still; I pushed his shoulder so to face me.
"So this is what it's all about…" my voice lowered. Jack watched carefully. I tossed to him the papers that Sydney gave me for Irina's interrogation. "I promise you. Irina can get herself out. She'll be proven innocent from the charges against her and that will prove that you have been wrong all along."
I walked past him out of the door. Hurrying down the dark hall, I can feel him standing still on the door, watching me walk away. I thought if he even felt guilty about his words or was he even proud to make me walk out.
"Ilinova!" a voice shouted. I looked back. I wished it was Jack but it was the most impossible thing to think about on that situation. Reyes was standing next to Jack, as if she had just given him an earful. She ran down to join me in my walk. "Come on. I'll drive you home."
The vehicle finally arrived at the safe house. Reyes glanced at me from her seat then smiled.
"Don't pressure yourself with Jack," she amused. "I know how it feels to be condemned and criticized, specially by him. It's just, the CIA really is demanding when it comes to superiority."
"I know!" I exclaimed, finally smiling. "Ironic, isn't he? He's so ignorant when it comes to others but on the other hand, too obvious when it hits him or his daughter. He really has changed."
"I see. Irina has been telling you her personal life," she concluded. I glanced at her. Somewhere in my mind I wanted to tell her that she's right but it seems she knows already. Sometimes, I think she can read my mind. "But maybe you shouldn't judge Jack either."
"Yes," I told her. "Reyes, how is Irina's case going? Do you think that Sydney's idea will affect the case?"
"It's fine. I am using some help from the FSB. Don't worry."
"If there's something else that I can do, just let me know," I told her. Again, I thought she read my mind. "Reyes, if I must say, at times, I think of you as someone extraordinary. You know, people that are special."
"Like I can read your mind?" she asked. More undying thoughts swam in my mind. She wasn't suggesting that she can but it didn't seem either that she couldn't. There was silence for some time. "Hey, I forgot. I need to give you this."
"Thanks," I told her as she handed me the box. I opened it and was surprised. "Did you buy this yourself?"
"I can't get one from the agency."
"Thank you. I don't think Jack will be pleased to know that I now have a phone. He'll be mad."
"He sure will," she assured. I finally got off the car. "Good night."
----------
I slept early that night. I didn't want to think about problems concerning my alliance with the CIA or of the pursuit of retrieving the KGB losses. Still drowsy, my phone rang.
"Yes?"
"It's me, Liun," the voice informed. "Listen, I need you to do something."
"What is it?" I asked, quite irritated. "Where did you get my number?"
"From Reyes. I was with her when she purchased your phone," his voice transmitted. His tone suddenly changed. "I need to tell you that I now have the database decrypted."
I was alerted. I didn't know if I should be glad or be hesitant. Liun told me that he'd be sending to me the database. I secretly sneaked in a laptop from the guards into my room.
"I'm in," I informed him as I registered. He instructed that I register in the KGB site so he could track which device was that I'm using. Using the KGB satellite, he navigated.
"Okay, I see you," he informed. Suddenly, Liun's voice went unclear. "Listen, I'm using a phone here in the compound and it won't be safe to talk with you any longer. You'll receive it soon. I'm going."
The call ended. I impatiently waited as I covered for the taken laptop. I placed the computer on my bed and sat on the floor. Finally, I received the database and with no hesitation, downloaded it in the guard's laptop. Minutes later, the downloading was successful.
There was another and another. The database contained every KGB information and secret files that any counter agency would be dying to have. I've never entered that one before and I was surprised to see all other intels and reports concerning highly protected projects and issues in the agency. And then, at the bottom, it struck me. The Cold War- the one and only report of those agents that were sent decades ago to spy in America because of the deadlock- all died, including my parents. Present agents in the KGB like me were given direct orders not to try opening this file. But then, I felt an urge to disobey. It was not that I knew that there must be something in there that can help me save the KGB; I knew it was personal. I opened the link. And there it was.
Profiles, accounts and personal information of agents that died during the process- all were listed in the site. I scanned the monitor, then finally, I saw what I was looking for: the name of my parents. At first, I wondered if I really must have been researching the faces and files of this traitors- the very people who made me and maybe, loved me. All I knew about them is that they were killed before the agency knew they were traitors- no pictures, no backgrounds. The reason why is what I didn't know and what I wanted to know. Then I decided, I had enough of disobeying. I was about to close the site when another intel got my attention, the list of survivors of the Cold War. I knew there was only one- Irina, but I wanted to see her full account. I opened it and saw every detail and story that she had told me before. Nothing she omitted, except one. There is a hidden file in Irina's account that was registered under Lhuzikov's name. I knew that Irina went under Lhuzikov before but why hide something? Again, opening it, I discovered the most kept secrets of the KGB. One of them was Project Christmas, an adaptation of the American project of developing special agents. I was once involved in it but Irina refused to have me involved any longer. But if it was under Lhuzikov, I thought, could it be that Irina is col-
There was a knock on the door; I hid the laptop under my bed.
"Agent linova, we have received a phone call that the director wants you in the agency before midday."
"I'll be ready in a minute," I told them, quite nervous that they can discover that I stole a laptop.
I went back to the files. I scanned the monitor quickly, suspecting that Irina has been truly in collaboration with Lhuzikov from the start, the reason why she didn't want cooperate. It was then that I started to suspect my own knowledge about the situation. I reached the bottom and there was a short telegram written in different codes. I tried to decode it and in my own surprise, I was shot by terror. There it was written:
'As agreed, Agents Ilinov and Ilinova are now dismissed. I'll be sending their bodies by midnight. I expect that you fulfill yours.
THE MAN'
My body trembled. At that moment, I concluded that Irina has been communicating with Lhuzikov long before she was charged of treason. She has been responsible for so many things, especially my parent's death. I stood, and then with fury again burning in me, I thought of leaving the safe house unaccompanied.
"I'm leaving alone. Don't you even try to follow me," I shouted on the guards then rolled off.
I groped for my phone and called Liun to meet me outside the compound. As soon as I ended my call, my phone rang.
"Ilinova!" Reyes' voice rushed in. "Where are you?!"
"I know the guards called you-"
"You're too reckless! Get back at the safe house, NOW! The-"
A vehicle bumped the tail of my car and I dropped my phone. I tried to hold on to the steering wheel but they kept on bumping my tail and with another car intersecting and bumping at my side, I was hovered at the shoulder, stopping the tires and my head bleeding. I pushed out of the car with my gun trembling in my hand. Exhausted and losing blood, I lied on the ground and glanced below my car. I sited the gas chamber of their car and tried to shoot on it and successfully, the car exploded. I covered my face from shrapnel and when I opened my eyes, guns were already pointed at me. They picked me up and pinned me against the body of the other car as they cuffed my hands. They were speaking in Russian, confirming that Lhuzikov sent them, but I couldn't understand anything; I was losing more blood. And just as I was about to collapse, another vehicle came shooting on the remaining men. A woman got off from the car and wrapped my arm around her shoulder then led me to the car. Our vehicle was soon out of sight.