Go looking for trouble

Krueger comes out to meet the two of them the next day. I have a good view of the encounter through my sights. Luckily, he’s alone and the meeting appears to go smoothly and without bloodshed.

After the meeting, I’m told that Krueger passed off the heightened security around the bridge as the actions of a paranoid superior. Apparently, he defended himself well, but we decide to move forward with our plan anyways.

Later in the day, I dress and prepare myself. I conceal the listening device and the chloroform, but do not bring a weapon. We decide it would be too risky, far too easy to discover. I have protection as far as the edge of the town, but proceed alone.

I take a deep breath when I open the door to the bar and step through. Everybody looks at me again, but this time, I see Krueger’s blonde head at the bar. He turns to me, a look of surprise on his face, and quickly straightens his uniform.

Without looking at Krueger, I casually approach the bar and take my place on a stool a few spots away from him. I pretend not to notice him.

“Good evening, Tatyana.” Krueger says, sliding over next to me.

“I’m sorry.” I say to him. “Who are you?”

“You don’t remember me?” He asks, with pain in his voice.

I squint at him, and pretend to be deep in thought. “Wait, I think I might.” I tell him. “You bought me a drink. Franz, right?”

“No, Fritz.” He corrects me. “And I’ll buy you another drink, on one condition.”

“What condition?”

“You stay and talk with me this time.”

“Okay.” I agree cutely.

“You know, even though we only met the one time, I’ve thought about you.” Krueger tells me.

“That’s cute.” I tell him. “What did you think about?”

“You know…” Krueger explains. “Showering you with gifts, taking you on fancy dates, bringing you home with me...”

I look at him quietly.

“Would you ever date someone… like me?” Krueger asks nervously.

I remain silent.

“Look, I know that you probably hate us, and you have good reason to, but I’m not like the rest of them, I promise.” Krueger pleads.

“Okay.” I say. “Maybe. I’ll give you a chance.”

“A chance is all that I ask for.” Krueger tells me, kissing my hand. “You won’t regret it.”

“Bartender!” Krueger calls out, joy on his face. “One vodka and one beer!”

“You remembered my order.” I tell him, pretending to be flattered.

“Of course, Tatyana. You are a memorable girl.” Krueger says. “Besides, you Russians are easy. You all drink the same thing.”

“At least we have real drinks.” I tease him. “You Germans always just drink beer. That’s a soft drink around here.”

“It’s not a soft drink.” He argues.

“It’s a soft drink for soft men. Look at you, with your pretty hair and your fancy uniform. I bet you couldn’t handle vodka.”

“I most definitely can!” Krueger argues. “I’m not soft and I’ll prove it! Bartender!”

“I’ll have your beer in just a second.” The bartender tells him.

“Forget the beer.” Krueger tells him. “I want vodka.”

“You like to tease me, don’t you?” Krueger asks me. I can’t help but smile.

“Here.” The bartender says, placing our shots down in front of us. I don’t waste a second before I pick mine up and throw it down. Krueger quickly follows suit, trying his best to impress me.

“Not too bad!” He tells me. “And I could see your face when you drank. You think that you can tease me?”

“Yes I can.” I tease him back. “You will never outdrink a real Russian.”

“Is that a challenge?” He asks.

“Maybe.”

“Leave the bottle.” Krueger orders the bartender.

“It looks like we’re in for a fun first date.” I tell Krueger with a smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that I roll you over to your side when you pass out.”

“That would be very kind of you.” Krueger tells me, pouring the next round. “But it won’t be necessary, because I’m going to drink you under the table.”