Prepare to go into town.

The allies and I gather around Lyudmila’s kitchen table.

“So, who is guy you talk about?” I ask.

“His name is Friedrich Krueger.” Clarke explains. “Right now, he’s an officer in the nearby garrison. Pretty sure he’s involved in ‘anti-partisan’ operations.”

“Ironic.” Hobbs comments.

“I thought so too. If we can establish a line of communication with him, the information we could get would be invaluable to not only this mission, but to the whole war effort.” Clarke adds.

“So, how you meet him?” I ask Clarke.

“He was able to get a message out that he spends three evenings a week at a particular bar.”

“Do you know what he look like?” I ask.

“No.”

“Then how you know what one he is?”

“A pass phrase.” He explains. “You and I are going to go into town tonight, and meet him.”

“Me?” I ask.

“Of course. Out of everybody here, we trust you the most. Besides, you’re the only other person who could understand us.”

I give him a nod of understanding. “What you need me do with you?” I ask.

“We’re going to go in there, but I want you to separate from me. I don’t want him to meet you. Go somewhere off to the side, and observe. Watch my back. Make sure nobody is watching us, following, or listening in. And remember, I don’t want him to know who you are, that we’re together. You just watch. Eavesdrop if you can get close enough, but don’t draw any attention to yourself, and definitely don’t talk to him. If we leave the bar, follow us, but hang back and don’t get spotted.”

“That a lot to remember.”

“You’ll do great, I promise. Now go talk to Lyudmila and try to get a dress, and a coat. One you can hide a gun under.”

I nod and stand up.

“Ma’am,” I begin, approaching Lyudmila.

“Relax.” She says. “Call me Luda. What is it that you need?”

“I need to go into town with the American.” I explain. “I was wondering if I could borrow some clothes from you.”

“Of course, come with me.” She says. “I might have something old that could fit you.”

She takes me to her closet and shuffles through it, until she finds a blue dress.

“Here.” She says, holding it up. “This might fit you.”

“Thank you.”

“Please. I couldn’t wear that anyways. My body simply isn’t what it used to be.”

“Oh come on! Don’t sell yourself short.” I tell her. “I bet you were stunning. You still look good!”

“I’m flattered, but come on. I never looked like you.” She says. “You could make anybody jealous.”

“I appreciate the compliment.” I tell her. “I get a lot of compliments, but they mean more coming from somebody like you.”

“Somebody who isn’t just trying to fuck you.” She jokes.

“Exactly.”

“Oh, I know what it’s like. Men will be men.” She says. “Would you like to borrow a coat?”

“Yes, and he said I need one that I can hide a gun in.”

“This one has a pocket on the inside.” She says, pulling one and passing it to me. “You’re very brave, you know. It’s inspiring to me.”

“Thank you.” Is all I can manage.

“I’m going to let you change.” She tells me, stepping through the door. “Good luck.”