A/N: based on a couple of scenes from " Will the Real Adolf Please Stand Up", from the point of view of Christina.

Leading Lady

She takes a deep breath, stops her car on the highway;

Positioned precisely; to block, to impede.

Then, as per instructions, disables ignition

And waits for assistance; a traveller's good deed.

~0~

Experience does not dispel apprehension;

She has to convince with her tale of distress,

Her performance alone has to prove irresistible,

For this mission to have any hope of success.

~0~

As headlights approach, she composes her features;

A tentative smile, rueful words; in return,

An offer of help from the target intended;

No hint of suspicion, just gallant concern

~0~

Declining the option of staff car as shelter;

Her casual suggestion; a cafe nearby.

Perhaps they could stroll to the tavern together?

Act One is complete with the hoped-for reply.

~0~

Polite conversation, impeccable manners;

They enter the bar; and Act Two can begin;

One single, bespectacled, commonplace patron;

Two waiters who usher the customers in.

~0~

They are seated, drinks ordered, the staff fuss around them;

Case stored? No objection. Coat moved? A firm "No."

It's clear where the papers are hidden for safety;

So, on with the Act; the next scene in the show.

~0~

Her role is to fully engage his attention;

Allowing the others to manage the rest.

A smart new arrival, a uniformed captain.

Ensemble distraction is what they do best.

~0~

Cognac and Schnapps and mistaken identity.

A chair for the captain, a beer is supplied.

The bar staff are ready, the papers are photographed,

Once coats are switched round, one moved deftly aside.

~0~

The captain stands up, bids good night to fair company;

Eyes lock, a surprisingly intimate glance.

Where secrets are kept, she's heard whispers and rumours;

This isn't the time or the place for romance.

~0~

He leaves, they remain; one more Schnapps, one more Cognac;

She tries to relax, to avoid undue haste.

Though three have her back, all delays add to danger;

With head counts and roll calls; there's no time to waste.

~0~

At last, her host rises, the bar staff attend him;

His case is returned, and his coat is slipped on;

Then back to the road, where his driver is waiting;

Smiled thanks for his service, and then she is gone.

~0~

The following night, she is back on the highway;

Her role isn't over, there's still work to do.

Her contact is waiting, no longer bespectacled;

Both risking it all as they see the play through.

~0~