The Body Guard

He did report Nick's arrival to center, a couple of weeks ago and now he shall have to report Nicole once more against his own will. He loved her so much. God how he loved her, he thought depressed. But what could he do, he had to. If he won't he will be digging his own grave.

Two or more sources were feeding Center with the same information, he had no doubt about it. The Gordins whom he hardly has seen since his arrival to this city; but he recorded all their phone conversations with Nicole, for eight months already; that pair too must have a direct line to Center, just as he has. He saw Harry just once, in the elevator, which he hardly uses.

On that single time in which he had to ride with him a few seconds, he guessed right away who he was and what was his background. Even if he would have a single glance at him or anyone else with the mutual background, anywhere, any place; he would have reached the same conclusion.

Harry is a veteran of the Spanish civil war, just as he himself is and there he was no doubt recruited to the cause. That's why he shall have to report Nicole again, because the Gordins have surely reported her... If he would abstain, he would be reckoned by Center as her accomplice.

In any case their net is doomed, never before did he hear of similar situation, in which half or third of a net members lived with their head under the same roof. There were some half a dozen or more agents, who are under Nicole's responsibility between Halifax and Vancouver.

He did not know it, he was quite sure that her nets were not limited to Quebec and Ontario, or to the Canadain eastern states alone. Nevertheless, the fact she lives with some of her agents together in the same house, is in itself outrageous.

Canada might be a safe haven, completely different from other places all over the globe. Although the "Igor Goezenko" affaire that must have shook the country in 1948 at that time no doubt; but those who are responsible for the country's internal security, seem to be in deep slumber.

In any case, even with such convenient circumstances, they can not afford running an espionage net like a bunch of amateurs! With a decisive move he switched off the desk lamp and in complete darkness that fitted his mood, he led his way quite safely to the door. Crossing the wide corridor along the wide living room, he went on tiptoe, although Nicole's bedroom is on the other end of the apartment.

They must be too busy right now, they can't hear me walk by. Even if I would have passed at their bedside, they wouldnt hear me...

He needed a drastic change of atmosphere and a few drinks, Andrei told himself as he shut the door behind him quietly. Although he had to stay on in the apartment when Nicole was home, these after all were his strict instructions straight from Center.

'Fuck the rules!' He swore under his breath furiously. Using that rude term for the first time in his life, he always preferred to use his mother's tongue in similar circumstances.

Anyhow, nothing would force me to stay and listen to theirlovemaking, they must have their second or third round right now...! I shall have to report her, should I return and do it? The Gordins are on the air by now, no doubt that pair of Jews! No, I can't do it yet, I must have a drink first, a bottle of rye, or I'd better have a few shots of bourbon. He told himself, excusing his hesitations and his laxity.

Does he envy that young punk? He asked himself, as he was strolling aimlessly on the wide sidewalk. Of course he does, he had Nicole all for himself in Paris, for some five weeks, but it summed up in several meals together and some polite conversations, nothing more. I did follow her day after day watching her gorgeous figure and that punk is having her right now...!

Well, I'm a pro after all and I must overcome my weaknesses, I must! He told himself after several shots of bourbon, watching all that while the little stage in that bar and the stark naked striptease performer on its floor, who moved her exposed limbs on it rather slowly, fascinating her small audience, but him... He did look at her direction just as anyone else did, but Nicole's image reigned in his mind. I'm going to do it! He told himself on his way back to his room, at her apartment.

He could have passed that certain night in some obnoxious joint, in the arms of some night bird; but no, no other female could satisfy him on that night and he had to do it, report them to Center, although she won't be just reprimanded... They might bump her off!!! He panicked suddenly. But that's unavoidable already, it's not my doings, I'm just saving my own skin. He reminded himself again and again.

Haim Kadman 1989 © All rights reserved