Chapter 16, of introductions and handguns

Later that night, whilst Alex was exploring the manor (it contained a large amount of locked doors that left Alex curious), a woman appeared and begun speaking in Russian to him. Feeling a little inadequate, Alex shook his head and shrugged to signify he didn't speak Russian. The lady smiled and abruptly switched to unaccented English.

"My apologies, I usually speak to Ivana in either Russian or Swahili."

Feeling a little dazed, Alex inquired further.

"Swahili?"

Still smiling, the woman nodded.

"Yes, now if you'll follow me, I'll take you to dinner. My name's Laura by the way. In Russian, I would say: да, Суахили. теперь следуйте за мной на обед. мое название - Лаура между прочим." The language poured out of Laura's mouth smoothly and easily. Blinking amusedly, Alex followed. They came to a large dining room where Yassen and another man already sat.

"Alex, sit down, the food will be served shortly."

Yassen's voice was much lighter then usual and Alex felt less on edge. Deciding to keep his end of the conversation up, Alex remarked,

"Being home seems to bring out the best in you."

The man down from Yassen laughed at this. Startled, Alex glanced at him. For some reason, he hadn't expected the man to know English. Yassen smiled at Alex's surprise and made the appropriate introductions.

"This is Jason Bellini, one of my contacts. He doesn't think I have a best."

Jason inclined his head.

"I'm very informal, just call me Jase please."

From the very first syllable, the man's Italian accent was unmistakable. Before Alex could reply, their food was served and Ivana entered the room wearing jeans and a grey T-shirt. She looked happier then before, Alex suspected having less glass and metal in her arm had something to do with it. Sitting across from Alex, she greeted Jason.

"Hello Jase, you haven't been here in awhile."

Jason nodded and answered.

"I've been busy with lots of things. I'm going to be around for awhile now, Yassen has things planned soon."

Just then, Alex noticed that everyone, including Ivana, had some sort of sidearm.

"I notice you have the same gun as two years ago." Alex said to Yassen. Pulling the weapon in question out, the Russian slid his Grach down the table to Alex. He carefully picked it up and had a look at the gun.

"Why not? It's a good weapon, not too heavy or light." Yassen shrugged.

Alex slid the weapon back and stretched.

"When do I get one?"

Smiling, Jason tossed something to him. Startled, he caught it instinctively. In his hands was a silenced Glock handgun. Turning it over, Alex nodded.

"Thanks."

Jason gestured to Yassen.

"Thank Mr. Gregorovich here, he told me to get it."

Ivana glanced at Alex's weapon thoughtfully while eating. Looking up, she spoke to Yassen.

"Is there anything planned for tomorrow?"

Yassen raised an eyebrow.

"No, did you really expect to be doing anything?"

Ivana shrugged and resumed eating. Distractedly, Alex noticed that Yassen and Ivana ate sparingly whilst he and Jason were more inclined towards larger meals. After awhile, Yassen fell into conversation with Jason, so Alex talked to Ivana.

"Where do I sleep tonight?" He asked curiously.

"Outside in the cold." Ivana answered promptly. A little annoyed by her answer, Alex shook his head.

"Seriously, where?"

Sighing grumpily, Ivana replied,

"Fine, I'll ask Laura to show you."

Alex remembered the petite woman with an unaccented voice.

"Who is Laura anyway? A servant?"

Ivana snorted at that.

"I wouldn't say that to her face. No she's not a servant! She works for Yassen and is a…helper…of mine."

Alex noted the odd emphasis on the word 'helper' and decided Ivana wasn't telling him the entire truth. Searching for another topic, Alex glanced at Ivana's bandaged arms and shoulder.

"Dupont took awhile getting all that shrapnel out. I guess it must have hurt a lot."

Suddenly, Ivana didn't look so amused anymore. She put her fork and knife down and faced Alex. Her gaze bored into him like two blue icicles.

"I'm trained to ignore pain. Anyway, I am not a weakling who winces at a little stinging. A few shrapnel wounds are hardly severe injuries."

With these words, she stood and stalked out of the room. Very confused, Alex glanced over at the other two. Jason was sipping from his glass and avoiding everyone's eye. Yassen had barely reacted to Ivana's abrupt departure, yet Alex got the feeling he wasn't impressed at all. Noticing Alex's incredulous expression, Jason attempted a few words of reassurance.

"Don't take it personally, Ivana's just…"

For a few moments, he struggled. With his English or otherwise, Alex wasn't sure. Eventually, Jason threw a sidelong glance at Yassen; referring the matter to him.

"The girl is as emotional as it is safe to be in this job. Also, she's got a temper to match." Yassen finished for him. "However, Ivana will not be sleeping. Knowing her, she'll be in the gym."

Severely tempted to go ask Ivana what her deal was, Alex started when Jason spoke.

"I would not annoy her tonight. The first time I did, Ivana threatened to stick a bullet where it'd hurt."

Flinching, but very amused, Alex asked,

"And did she?"

Smiling faintly, Jason yawned.

"Actually, I must say goodnight. I have things to do."

The man rose and disappeared out a side door.